ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame will induct three new members posthumously at this year’s second annual banquet, set for March 21. These individuals represent the …
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ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame will induct three new members posthumously at this year’s second annual banquet, set for March 21. These individuals represent the best of Ellsworth and the public is invited to help celebrate them.
The inductees include:
The Ellsworth Hall of Fame project has been undertaken as a service project by EHS senior Maggie Pechacek, sophomore Ani Whelan and a team of 10 community members who have served on the selection committee.
“We chose this service project because it is a great way to acknowledge all the great people who have either come from or positively impacted Ellsworth,” Pechacek and Whelan said. “It is a great way to focus on the positive and good in our community.”
The inductees were chosen through a nomination process, in which the nominator stated what they have done that impacts our community or the greater world. Once the committee receives all the nominations, it votes on who they believe should be inducted into the Hall of Fame in three categories: Distinguished ECSD Alumni, Distinguished ECSD Former Staff Member, Distinguished ECSD Community Member.
Pechacek and Whelan said getting the word out to the community and making sure everything is documented and presented accurately are challenging.
“We work with the families and nominators to get photos, biographies and help them spread the word so we can have a great turn out to celebrate the inductees and what they have done in Ellsworth and beyond,” they said.
Planning for the event is also rewarding, they added, because they get to see the recipients and/or their families' excitement.
“Families of posthumous recipients are especially grateful, as it is a great way to honor them and pay tribute to their accomplishments,” the girls said. “It brings family and friends together to share stories and show appreciation for the inductees.”
Pechacek said she remembers Judi well because she worked with her mother (Anne Pechacek) at EHS and made a lasting impression.
“As a senior, I am so glad to see her get into the Hall of Fame because I know she made a big impact on lots of students over the years,” Pechacek said. “There are a lot of things that happen quietly behind the scenes in our community. This is a chance to hear some good news in our community and really recognize people who have made our community special.”
While the project is not currently seeking sponsors, they may in the future. They received an Empower Ellsworth grant (from the Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation) and plan to reapply for it this year.
“That money has allowed us to pay for decorations and the award that goes home to families, as well as cover the cost of the dinner,” they said.
People can purchase tickets online through GoFan (the same as sporting event passes) at https://gofan.co/event/5809431?schoolId=WI19699 The event will kick off with a social hour from 5:45-6:30 p.m. in the EHS cafetorium, followed by dinner and a program to honor the inductees. Family, former students, coworkers and friends of the inductees are all invited to celebrate Judi Helmer, “Cubby” Huber and Milt Helmer for their work in the community.
