ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominees for the 2027 class of inductees. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who are either Ellsworth alumni, work in Ellsworth or were/are a part of the Ellsworth community.

Ellsworth High School alumna Maggie Pechacek created the Hall of Fame as a service learning project to honor Ellsworth alumni, students and community boosters who have made positive contributions to the community, or the greater world. 

Nominations can be completed digitally or on paper and are due to the selection committee by Nov. 30, 2026. 

“If you know someone who you think would make a great addition, please nominate them,” said Advisor Anne Pechacek. “It is an easy process and a great way to recognize the amazing people in our community. I would love to see us get some nominations of people out in the world doing some cool things.”

Categories include: 

• Distinguished Ellsworth Alumni (must be out of high school at least 10 years)
• Distinguished ECSD Staff (retired or deceased)
• Distinguished Ellsworth Area Community Member

EHS junior Ani Whelan and sophomore Emmie Pechacek are overseeing the Hall of Fame ceremony and banquet as part of their service learning projects. Maggie Pechacek, who has graduated, brought Whelan on board last year.

“I think it’s really important to reward people and highlight their contributions to the community because it makes other people look up to them and want to do the same things,” Whelan said.

Emmie Pechacek grew up watching her mom and sister work on the project and is a natural fit.

“I know a lot of people that were nominated and I’ve seen a lot of things that they’ve done,” she said. “My mom and dad have been close to some of those inducted and it’s fun to watch that happen.”

Once nominations are received, the committee will review them and make selections. Anne Pechacek said multiple people nominating the same person can add some weight to someone’s consideration. This year, two to four members will be chosen.

“I’ve gotten to learn more about the community and the things people do in it,” Whelan said. “I didn’t necessarily know some of them on a personal level but I learned the impact they had on people.”

Emmie Pechacek worked at the Hall of Fame ceremony the past two years, which she enjoyed.

“It was cool to hear things about each individual,” she said of Jack Hines’ talking about each person. “To see the impact and what they meant to people.”

“It’s a really beautiful event and a cool thing to watch, to see all the speeches,” Whelan added.

The induction ceremony and banquet will be held on March 20, 2027 at Ellsworth High School.

Past recipients include:

2025: Kirby Symes, Dr. Eugene Jonas, Dr. Frederick Klaas, Lonnie Feuerhelm, Tascha Schuh, Julie Graber, Jack Hines

2026: Milt Helmer, Judi Murphy Helmer, William “Cubby” Huber

More information and nomination forms can be found at ellsworth.k12.wi.us under the community tab.