NTHF
$12 for 12 Campaign
The three iconic black granite "books" on the Emporia State University campus currently bear the names of 189 heroes. Today, there are 12 additional educators—teachers, administrators, and staff—whose names are awaiting their rightful place in this solemn tribute.
At the National Teachers Hall of Fame, we believe that every educator who makes the ultimate sacrifice deserves a permanent place of honor. However, we have reached a critical turning point: The National Memorial to Fallen Educators is officially at capacity.
To ensure these legacies are permanently etched into history, we are proud to announce the launch of our "$12 for 12" community campaign, running from March 3rd to April 3rd.
We are asking you to take a stand for those who gave their all. You can participate in three ways:
Honor One: Make a one-time donation of $12 to honor one educator.
Honor All (Monthly): Make a donation of $12 each month for 12 months to honor all 12 educators.
Honor All (Today): Make a one-time donation of $144 to honor all 12 educators immediately.
Our Moral Obligation
Our immediate goal is to raise $25,000 toward the total $50,000+ cost of a fourth granite "book". This new monument will ensure that the following 12 heroes are never forgotten:
Annie Louise Keller (IL), 25: Died saving students from a tornado (1927).
Diane Peterson (CA), 26: English teacher killed at school (1978).
Christopher J. Trakimas (PA), 61: Boiler mechanic killed in a workplace explosion (2016).
Nohema Graber (IA), 66: Spanish teacher killed by students (2021).
Dan Marburger (IA), 56: Principal killed during a school shooting (2024).
Ryan Lantz (WV), 52: Journalism teacher killed in a parking lot accident (2024).
Kevin Garrison (NE), 56: Maintenance supervisor killed in a construction incident (2024).
Richard Aspinwall (GA), 39: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
Cristina Irimie (GA), 52: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
Leah Seneng (CA), 60: Art teacher who died from a rabid bat bite sustained on campus (2024).
Erin M. West (WI), 42: Teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
Carol Mendiola Mooers (AK), 48: School counselor killed in a plane crash while traveling with students (2025).
Last Chance for GREAT Summit Rates!!!
This is your final opportunity to secure exclusive, sponsor-backed rates for the National Teachers Hall of Fame Education Summit 2026 at Walt Disney World’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. From June 29 to July 1, join a community of educators to celebrate the profession and "Inspire our Future."
Registration slots are limited and these special codes are available only through March 15, 2026. Use these private codes before they expire!
Registration + 3-Night Hotel Stay ($499): Use code JOIN2026.
Summit Registration Only ($299): Use code HALLVIP (for those not needing a room).
Your registration includes all presentation sessions, all meals in the program agenda, and a VIP reception at EPCOT featuring a private viewing of "Luminous: The Symphony of Us."
Share the Opportunity!
Do you know a teacher leader who deserves to be part of this gathering? We encourage you to share these codes with colleagues who would appreciate the chance to collaborate with Hall of Fame inductees and reimagining the future of education.
