WELLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL WALL OF FAME INDUCTION
by Kris Kehl
Wellsville USD #289 will hold induction ceremonies for the newest members to the Wellsville Wall of Fame on May 17, 2008 at 5:00pm. Inductees for 2008 are Jackie Rush and Robert Cramer.
Jackie Rush came to Wellsville Elementary School in 1964, having taught in two other school districts for a combined five years. Her tenure at WES would span another 25 years, where she mostly taught sixth grade.
First and foremost, Jackie encouraged her students to dream; secondly, she helped them to understand that dreams could be turned into real life, attainable goals. To accomplish this, Jackie sometimes “colored outside of the lines” in her teaching philosophy and style. Although the three R’s were important, she also emphasized art and culture. Very much a hands-on teacher, Jackie took her students places they otherwise might never have experienced – camping in Colorado, dinners at ethnic restaurants, museums in Chicago and Kansas City, and to art projects that showcased Indian and early human cultural artifacts. Much of this was done at her own expense.
Jackie was also a firm believer that physical activity and sports could inspire real life learning. To reach this end, she organized girl’s sports activities, including Wellsville’s first girls basketball team, which competed in Canada, and coached softball teams. In addition, Jackie started a track program for Wellsville Junior High boys and girls, and also an annual track and field day for sixth graders. This later was expanded to include all elementary students, and is aptly named Jackie Rush Field Day.
However, what most students will remember about Mrs. Rush is her robust personality, which was often displayed in her loud voice, heavy gait, strong laugh and up front communication. Even though she was quick to discipline, she loved in return, and her students felt that love.
Regardless of Jackie Rush’s methods and techniques, her legacy is that Wellsville students left her classroom with the knowledge that they could achieve their dreams through education.
Robert Cramer has a wealth of educational and community experiences. After his WHS graduation in 1953, Robert attended Ottawa University, where he also played football, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. Graduate degrees were conferred to him from Purdue University for chemistry, and Kansas University for education. He also did graduate work at Marquette, Stanford and Wisconsin-Oshkosh Universities.
Robert taught science and math at Wellsville High School in 1961-62. The next year he was employed by the Shawnee Mission School District. During his tenure there, he taught chemistry, served as Science Coordinator, and finally was Director of Research and Evaluation. The Cramer family spent 1971-73 in Australia as part of the Teacher Exchange Program. Robert retired in 1994.
As early as 1961, Robert was involved in community service. That year he assisted the committee to plan Wellsville’s participation in the Kansas Centennial Celebration. Robert was a USD 289 School Board member from 1962-1967. In addition, he served as the mayor of Wellsville from 1977-87. As a life-long member of the Wellsville Baptist Church, Robert has taught Sunday school, sung in the choir and participated on the Deacon Board, as well as a myriad of other activities. All have greatly benefited from his involvement.
Lately, Robert has incorporated his love of military history into a new venture – writing books. To date, he has published two volumes of short stories.
If a contest were held to find a person symbolic of “small town America”, Robert Cramer could well be chosen the winner, as the values of family, education, work ethic and faith are woven into his life. He is a product of the community of Wellsville, yet he has given back to it more than he has taken away.
The Wellsville Wall of Fame Committee hopes you will be able to attend the ceremony and to share in this event with our newest members and their families. Plaques commemorating Jackie Rush and Robert Cramer will be purchased and displayed on the Wall of Fame board at Wellsville High School. The family of Jackie Rush and Robert Cramer will also receive plaques. The Wellsville Wall of Fame Committee would appreciate any donation for the purchase of these plaques. Donations can be sent to Wellsville High School, in care of Kris Kehl, or we will be accepting donations the day of the ceremony.
