Educator and Coach Rick Weinheimer '78 is Honored

March 12, 2014

Rick Weinheimer, teacher and coach in Columbus, Indiana, and 1978 graduate of DePauw University, is the recipient of the 2014 Education Hall of Fame Award. 

Weinheimer has served the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation for 36 years.  He is the chair of the English department at Columbus North High School and serves as the school's cross country team, which has been ranked #1 in the nation.  An English major a DePauw, Weinheimer also is chair of the language arts department at Northside Middle School.

"Weinheimer sent out 71 resumes after he graduated from DePauw University, but he always knew he wanted to teach in Columbus," writes Michelle Sokol in the Columbus Republic.

"Rick has a gift that makes students want to please him," says John Quick, the superintendent of schools. "They don't want to let him down."

In a letter recommending Weinheimer for the award, Suzanne Diehn wrote, "Rick has woven many threads through our community's fabric. In fact, he has created an impact that is felt far beyond the classroom. Rick is a problem-solver, an innovator and dynamic member of our community. His name brings thoughts of integrity, honesty, professionalism, student advocacy and respect." She added, "He teaches his students to strive for excellence, to love reading and to respect each other."

The article in the Republic notes that "Weinheimer has won the Indiana Cross Country Coach of the Year award 10 times, the Conference Indiana Coach of the Year award 34 times and has been nominated for the National Coach of the Year four times."

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