BY-LAWS

Nomination form

2022-2023 Betty Lou (Weigandt) Porter Betty Lou (Weigandt) Porter Betty Porter was born May 15, 1943 in Hobart, OK, to Herman and Viola Weigandt. She grew up and attended Gotebo Schools, graduating from Gotebo High School in 1961. Betty always considered herself a Gotebo girl, then later as “Mrs. Porter” to her students and “Beep” around town. She married Carroll Porter in 1965 and they celebrated 54 years of marriage before her passing. She attended college at Oklahoma State University, getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Her two sons, Brett and Brandon, both still live with their families in Hobart. Most of her working life was as a home economics teacher to high school students. Betty taught in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma—with 2 years in Mountain View and then 15 in Hobart. She loved her Hobart Bearcats and her OSU Cowboys! Her students loved her humor in the classroom and her matter-offact teaching style. She was awarded District Teacher of the Year in 1999, before her retirement after 30 years in the classroom. Mrs. Porter taught traditional cooking and sewing skills, but also added quilting, cake decorating, budgeting, and child care to the classroom. The students also learned nutrition and family living from Betty. She was very active in the Future Homemakers of America organization, and took many students on trips and to competitions over her years as a home economics teacher. Students and teachers alike felt the warmth and energy that Mrs. Porter had for everyone she encountered, which made her the amazing teacher she was! Betty passed in September of 2019, but her legacy continues through Hobart’s FHA chapter and home economics classroom. Beep’s oldest three grandchildren are currently taking Family and Consumer Science classes in the same classroom she taught in. A quote by Betty in a news article about her in 1999 said, “I want these kids to live life to the fullest and, hopefully; some of the things they’ve picked up in my class will help them have a happy life.”

2021-2022 June Knight  Dr. June Knight began her teaching career at Hobart Public Schools as a second grade teacher at Francis Williard in 1972. She taught second grade until 1976. She then moved to Eugene Field and taught Title I Reading & Math until 1980 when she became principal at Eugene Field. In 1985, Dr. Knight became principal at Hobart Middle School then in January 1988, she was named superintendent of Hobart Public Schools. Dr. Knight served as superintendent for eight years. She was the first woman to be named superintendent in Hobart Schools and also one of the longest tenured superintendents in our district’s history. Dr. Knight always maintained the same high standards for her students and staff that she held for herself during her entire career in education. All throughout her career, she chose to continue her own education. While teaching second grade, Dr. Knight earned her master’s degree and obtained credentials to become a principal. During her tenure as superintendent, she continued her education and received her doctorate in education. Dr. Knight was a leader and an encourager. Dr. Knight has devoted her life to education and has influenced hundreds of students, as well as fellow educators. She raised her family in Hobart, with both of her children graduating from Hobart High School. Dr. Knight served on several committees in the community and was involved in her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Dr. Knight’s husband, Donnie, owned and operated Knight’s Transmission Service in Hobart from 1968-2018, 50 years.  Dr. Knight’s nomination was prepared by one of her former students, and current educator, Tammy (Coakley) McCollom. Debra Marsh and Karlinda Hess also wrote letters of support. 2019-2020 Opal (Remmert) Williams Opal Mae (Hudsen) (Remmert) Williams was born in Carnegie, Oklahoma and Graduated High School in Frederick, Oklahoma. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree In Elementary Education of Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1963. Mrs. Williams began teaching in Burns Flat prior to teaching in Hobart, Where she taught first and second graders for 29 years. Bess Smith nominated Mrs. Williams for the Hobart Educational Hall of Fame, with many letters of support. In Mrs. Williams for her inspiration to become a teacher. She recalled having her as a first grade teacher and how Mrs. Williams "modeled the behavior she expected from her students. She was compassionate, caring and kind.....She taught with her heart."

2017-2018 Karen Funkhouser Karen grew up in Carnegie, Oklahoma. One of seven children, she graduated from Carnegie High School and attended SWOSU for four years. She continued to work toward her Master's degree and received a certificate  in Early Childhood Education. Two days after graduation, Karen married Billy Funkouser. They have been married for 55 years. They have four children Shane, Shannon, Cory, and Brandon. Their 3 sons live in Hobart and their daughter lives in Keller, Texas. They also have nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In 1992-93, Karen was Frances Willard's Teacher of the year, and in 1997-98 she was elected Elementary Teacher of the year because Frances Willard and Eugene Field became one school. She was named District Teacher of the Year and was elected Wal-Mart Teacher of the year in 1998 and 2002. All Mrs.Funkhouser's 28 years of teaching were in Hobart Public Schools

2016-17 Marguerite Ledbetter

2015-16 Joe Woodruff

2014-15 Kenneth O'Neal

2013-14 Allie Marie Hobbs

2012-13 Wanda Greb & Deanna Wattenbarger

2011-12 Flavious Richardson

2014-15 - The recipient of the 2015 Hobart Public Schools’ Educator Hall of Fame was raised right here in Hobart, and graduated from HHS in 1965.  In high school, he was a standout athlete which is evident by his being named Top Athlete of the Year . 

He was awarded a scholarship to OSU in baseball and was scouted to go pro!  He was drafted into the Marine Corp and served his country for six years.   He returned to SWOSU and received his Bachelors and Masters in Education. 

Beginning his teaching career in 1975, he taught social studies and coached baseball, football, and in 1983 took his Lady Bearcat basketball team all the way to state, earning State Runner-Up after three overtimes.  FDTW Faith, Dedication, Team Work…..it was an honor to play for him.

Becoming the principal of Hobart Middle School,he served many students in this capacity until his retirement.   During this time, he also served this community as a Deacon and pastor to Emanuel Calvary Baptist Church.  He passed away on March 14, 2009 following a lengthy illness.    

He and his wife, Dorothy, lived in Hobart and raised daughter, Tia. (Who I know for a fact was the light of his life!) He also had a son, Lorenzo (Batman) Scallion, and the late Kelly Elix. 

Student comments included that he was always encouraging them.  He helped them to believe in themselves, and he showed God’s love.  He walked the walk and talked the talk.  He was often heard saying, “Hey, hey, you know the rules!”

Teachers considered him to be a mentor, boss, servant, and friend- all with a capital letter.  Many said that he made them a better teacher!  They say he demanded much, but gave more.

His legacy lives in the lives of students, teachers and the community he loved.  It is also visible every day in having both a local street and the middle school bear his name.

2013-14 - Allie Marie Hobbs

The recipient of the 2014 Hobart Public Schools’ Educator Hall of Fame is Allie Marie Hobbs.  Mrs. Hobbs was born in 1904 in Paris, Arkansas.  She attended college at Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas and later at OSU.   She married H.E. Hobbs in 1927 and they had two daughters, Susie and Mary.  She had six grandchildren and eight great grand children. 

 She began her teaching career at Hobart Public Schools in 1945.  She is best known for teaching Latin and Spanish at HHS and also Kiowa Co. Jr. College.  She moved to Jr. High for a few yrs teaching science and health- even coaching girls’ basketball at one time.  She moved back to the high school for good in 1959, and was there until she retired in 1970. 

Mrs. Hobbs was nominated by Edgar L. Frost, and I would like to share a few of his remarks, as well as those from other former students. 

• She was an excellent, devoted teacher.  She had a firm teaching hand with a hidden little twinkle of a smile.  Mrs. Hobbs cared about the students and we learned!!
• Even though a small town, Hobart students were fortunate to have the opportunity to study both Latin and Spanish.
• Several former students remembered her preparing “an authentic Mexican meal”  or “Latin supper at the end of the year where students wrapped sheets as togas and sat on the floor while the menu was written in Latin on a small scroll.
• Mrs. Hobbs’ classes were not easy.  You had to work in them and it taught perseverance and discipline.  She was serious and kept order, and if you survived, you learned!
• She wasn’t all work and no play- Mr. Frost referred to his “working up a World Series “pot”” that she participated in (a dime a square) but Mrs. Hobbs, figuring the school board would not approve, put in her money and instructed that she be listed as “Sally Corntassle” on the board!!   She also allowed him to hide the poster board behind the radiator in her home room!
• She was a smart, devoted lady and avid Bearcat supporter!!  She was very proud of the plaque given to her in honor of her attendance at HHS football games for 45 years!!
• If a student liked sports, she “talked sports”, if one was interested in art, she would lend or give one of the art books from her library. 
• One former student’s remark, “Latin- I hated the class, but loved her!” 
• And one final comment:  “Hola Profesora Hobbs; como esta usted? Muy bien, gracias; y tu?  Como se llama? Me llamo Ramon…..   the full extent of his Spanish knowledge.

She retired in 1970 and passed away in 1995 at the age of 91. 

2012-13- Wanda Greb & Deanna Wattenbarger

2011-12-Congratulations to Flavious Richardson for being selected as the first recipient of the Hobart Public Schools Educator Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Hobart Educational Enrichment Foundation (HEEF).  Flavious Richardson will be recognized with this prestigious honor at the Hobart Public Schools Honor’s Banquet on April 18 at the Western Technology Center in Hobart.

 Flavious Richardson was born in Trousdale, Oklahoma on January 13, 1933.  He graduated from Meeker High School in 1951.  Flavious Richardson received an Associate in Arts Degree at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California in 1953.  He received a Bachelors Degree in Education at Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1959 and a Masters Degree in Business Education at Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma in 1963.  Flavious Richardson also served in the United States Army for three years with eighteen months of service in Korea.

 Flavious Richardson’s teaching career consisted of 28 years with Hobart Public Schools, from February 1959 through January 1987 before retiring.  He taught mathematics and business classes at Hobart High School.  While continuing to teach, Flavious Richardson became the Director of Federal Programs from 1965-1987.  During his tenure, Flavious Richardson received many honors for the district, including the Migrant Program for being selected as one of two outstanding programs in the nation.  He started the Future Teachers of America Club in Hobart Public Schools in 1963 and sponsored the club until he retired.  Many of the members of Future Teachers of America Club in Hobart held State offices and their yearly scrapbook won first place in the State on several occasions.  Flavious Richardson was Kiowa County Teacher of the Year in 1967.  He also served as the District Treasurer for seven years.

 Since retiring from education in 1987, Flavious Richardson has been active in Kiowa County Retired Educators, holding offices and serving on many committees.  He started a yearly auction of “white elephants” and is the auctioneer for the fundraiser, which has enabled the program to provide scholarships for high school students.  He also has served on the Board for the Great Plains Youth and Family Services for 17 years.  In addition, Flavious Richardson has served on the Board for the Hobart Shortgrass Playhouse and has devoted countless hours to volunteering for Relay for Life, the Kiowa County Museum, and tutoring high school and college students in mathematics.  Flavious Richardson is an active member of the First Baptist Church in Hobart, Oklahoma and has served on many committees and positions.    

 Flavious Richardson was nominated by Dorothy Snodgrass Cox.  On the nomination form, Dorothy Snodgrass Cox wrote, “Mr. Richardson walked into the classroom with a confidence in knowing his subject and a zest that made math fun.  He was well dressed, would work with any student after hours, or before school with a math problem.  He was able to control his class by us respecting him, and I recall no class rules.  He was on time and prepared to teach.” In a letter of support, James Thayer, M.D. wrote, “As a student sitting in his entire high school math classes, I was impressed by many traits he displayed to his students.  He was always prepared for class.  He was always punctual and used the entire math period for learning.  He was always available to his students before class, at noon, or after class.  He was always respectful to everyone, especially his students, referring to us as Mr. or Ms.  He let us know what he expected from us as students…..no surprises.  We were on the Honor System for homework, grading, and tests.  He taught us to think and organize and not memorize.  He was always fair in his decisions.  What a great role model influencing the lives of young students by example.”    

Updated by Carley Threadgill

9-21-22