Hall of Fame

The Education Foundation of Yuma County annually inducts individuals connected to education into its Yuma County Education Hall of Fame. The categories within the Hall of Fame and criteria for nomination are listed below. Nominations for the 2025 Hall of Fame Awards are due by December 15, 2024.

  • Professional Educator Award: For this award, eligibility begins three years after completion of service as a professional educator in Yuma County. The award is meant to honor the historical significance of the individual’s contribution in teaching. Consideration is given to the lasting impact or contribution of the individual.
  • Frances Woodard Award: This award is meant to honor an individual educated in the Yuma County school system, who has made a significant impact on the citizens of Yuma County.
  • Estelle Dingus Award: This award is meant to honor an individual educated in the Yuma County school system, who has made a significant impact outside of Yuma County. The nominee must be present to receive the award at the Teacher of the Year Banquet.
  • Outstanding Organization Contributing to Yuma County: This award is meant for an organization that has made quality contributions to the educational environment in Yuma County. Documentation of service is necessary. Areas of consideration include the years over which the service was given and the quality of educational contribution made to Yuma County.
  • Special Achievement Award: This award is meant for a non-certified employee of Yuma County schools who clearly stands out among colleagues and has a long-term commitment to education. Areas of consideration include a strong, positive work ethic; an influential personality making a difference in a school system.
  • Founders' Award: This award is the newest award established by the Education Foundation  It is meant to honor a non-educator who was NOT educated in the Yuma County school system but who has made a significant impact on education in  Yuma County.

Submit a Nomination

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Professional Educator Awards: Dorothy Green, Faith Klostreich, Coach Don Klostreich, John Blabe, and      Deb DeCesare
  • Frances Woodard Award:  Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson
  • Estelle Dingus Award:  James "Jim" Shay
  • Outstanding Organization Contributing to Yuma County:  no nominee this year
  • Founders' Award:  no nominee this year
  • Special Achievement Award: Kathy Hernandez

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