WAL-MART TEACHER OF THE YEAR
By Denise O'Dea
On Thursday, January 15, Mrs. Sharon Van Horn, Title 1 reading instructor at Wellsville Elementary School was honored by Wal-mart as their 2008 Teacher of the Year recipient in a surprise assembly at the elementary school. Her award from Wal-Mart includes a $100.00 Wal-Mart gift certificate and a $1,000.00 donation to Wellsville Elementary School which will be spent on instructional materials selected by Mrs. Van Horn.
Sharon received her Bachelors degree from KSU and Masters Degree from Mid-America University. She has been employed by USD 289 since August 1987, so she is starting her 22nd year at WES. Mrs. Van Horn has taught third and first grades and is now serving as the reading instructor and Title 1 Coordinator.
Sharon has also been involved with numerous other activities, in addition to teaching. During this period of time she was involved as a sponsor for the Wellsville Middle School cheerleaders and the Wellsville High School cheerleaders and as her kids were active in the middle and high school sports, she would lead many booster club activities for the various events. She also was instrumental in many aspects of the Booster Club, especially the After Prom activities.
She holds the position of President of the local WEA and Ad Board member for the Prairie Fire Uniserv. She has helped to write several grants for the district through the years. This fall she secured the funding for our Literacy Night and field trip for the fourth grade through a grant from American Eagle for over $3,000.00.
Current projects include developing a school newspaper for WES with the help of STUCO members. Mrs. Van Horn loves to keep busy and is always looking for ways to make WES a better place.
Congratulations Mrs. Van Horn on this wonderful honor!
