 Betsy Pech
Betsy Pech, an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Hartsburg-Emden
High School for 30 years, is a recent recipient of the Illinois
Agricultural Education "Excellence in Teaching" award.
Pech was nominated by a fellow teacher. The Hartem principal,
Terry Wisniewski, in turn filled out an application with the
Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, or IAVAT.
Pech went on to become the Section 14 nominee for the award and then
the District 3 nominee. At that point, Pech became one of only five
potential award-winners.
The recipients had to submit five letters of support from outside
sources. Pech submitted letters from Kent Leesman, a former student
who now works for FBFM and farms with his family; Lisa Wrage, a
parent; Don Batterton, from Tri Ag Inc.; Robert Jeckel, of
Lincoln/Logan Insurance; and Don Helm, former Hartem superintendent.
On Aug. 14, the district winners were interviewed by a committee.
Pech was announced as the winner at a special luncheon that day.
Pech commented on her award, saying: "This is an extreme honor. I
am very humbled, because I had to be judged by my peers. I had to go
through an interview, and the other four candidates were just as
qualified as myself."
Pech also said she is not done yet, as there is still a lot of
work to do before she retires in two years.
"Agriculture is my passion," she said.
Pech's dedication to her work is reflected in the attitude of her
students.
Board member Chuck Ruben was present at the state fair, and he
watched the FFA students shovel manure out of barns. Ruben recounted
this story:
During a break in the work, a student and his girlfriend asked
Pech if they could take a moment to go get something to drink. Pech
said yes, and as they turned to leave, the student stopped and asked
if he could get Pech anything to drink as well.
"For high school kids, that is a big sign of respect, that they
care for somebody," said Ruben.
[to top of second column] |
 Dan Tackett
Dan Tackett, who is retiring as the editor for the Lincoln
Courier, was the second award recipient of the night. He was
recognized for his years of work and his role in the media, acting
as a watchdog of government -- "even to the occasional ire of
elected officials," he added.
Tackett first joined The Courier in 1968. He later served in the
U.S. Army until 1971, then returned to The Courier and worked there
ever since. Tackett was named managing editor in 2007, a title he
has held until this month.
On receiving his award and the work he has done, Tackett had this
to say:
"It's really been a joy serving Lincoln and Logan County. I've
worked with you (the board). I've enjoyed that. We (the media) take
our role as watchdog pretty seriously. I might have offended you
through the years -- I won't apologize for it; that's the way it is.
But I'm humbled by this award, and I thank you very much."
The board thanked Tackett for his many years of service as a
local journalist and editor, and they wished him well in his
retirement.
[By DEREK HURLEY] |
