Hastings College awarded its first-annual High School Teacher of the Year Award to Dr. John Roebke, Kent, Ohio, at its 125th Commencement ceremony held on May 21.

Graduating senior Kyle Kalail, Atwater, Ohio, nominated Dr. Roebke from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. Kyle wrote:
“Not only does he [Roebke] represent the qualities of an outstanding teacher: being prepared, being knowledgeable, and, most importantly, possessing a welcoming and caring personality, but for me personally, he is, without a doubt, the most important factor for my attending Hastings College. He taught me, both through his actions and words, that it is important to pursue your dreams, even if it means traveling over 1000 miles to do it. He also taught me to be proud of who I am, and how to find all of the joys that life has to offer. And, he did all of this by simply being such a spectacular teacher.”

Roebke is a 1989 graduate of Hastings College in Music Education. He taught instrumental music for Hastings Public Schools from 1992 to 1998 and at Kimball Public Schools in Nebraska from 1989 to 1991. He is currently the Director of Bands and Department Chair for the grades 6–12 Music Program for Kent City Schools in Ohio. He has also been the Director of Music Ministry for University Parish/Newman Center in Kent since 2001.

The High School Teacher of the Year Award was established by Hastings College to honor the excellence of the education HC students received before they became Hastings College students. The award is given to a current high school teacher who has played a major role in inspiring a graduating Hastings College senior toward educational success.

The recipient is selected from nominations made by graduating Hastings College seniors.
Students are asked to state what qualities led them to nominate their teacher and how their teacher demonstrated excellence in teaching. The award includes a framed certificate and a financial award to the recipient and to the recipient’s school.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information, contact Dr. James Wiest at (402) 461-7346.