Hall of Fame inductees “epitomize what it is to be a Blue Devil educator”
Published 3:39 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2026
QUINCY — The latest class of the Quincy High School Educator Hall of Fame features seven people who made a difference.
“We look for QHS staff members who epitomize what it is to be a Blue Devil educator,” QHS Principal Jody Steinke said. “It’s an impressive list of people and educators who served as mentors, role models, sounding boards and friends.”
Math teacher Bob Dittmer, Spanish and German teacher Kay Dyer, custodian Phil Goehl, English teacher Terry Sherer and the late auto tech teacher Dan Buckley, student support family liaison Max Mosley and athletic secretary Patti Kelly were recognized Tuesday during the school’s end-of-year staff lunch.
“What makes it so meaningful is it’s about everyday things,” Dyer said. “The wonderful and frightening thing about working for a school is you have so many small interactions every day and so many opportunities to make a meaningful difference. You don’t always get a whole lot of feedback on that.”
But the honorees heard from colleagues and former students, who all emphasized the impact they have on others.
“Dan would want to encourage you, each and every one of you, to continue working in this difficult job that you do. You don’t have a clue to how much difference you make in the lives of your students, but it will come back to you at some point,” said Buckley’s wife Beth.
Sherer pointed to colleagues who helped hone his own philosophy that education needs to be fun, creative and interesting – and offered some advice to all the educators in the room.
“Be kind. Be intentional and help us with convincing young people that this a joyous profession that has benefits beyond anyone’s imagination,” he said.
The Educator Hall of Fame Committee chose this year’s inductees from more than 75 nominations from former students, the community and staff.
“Thank you to the committee for thinking I was worthy of this,” Goehl said.
Inductees must have worked at QHS in any capacity for a minimum of 10 years and are eligible for the Hall of Fame one year after their final year at QHS
“The Hall of Fame is open to anybody who comes into contact with kids at QHS,” Steinke said. “All are educators. All impact students’ lives.”
Nathan Mosley had a “front row seat” to his dad’s dedication, compassion and selflessness for his students, and when he’d ask why, he got a simple answer. “We are Mosleys. That’s what we do. I continue to live my life in that fashion wherever I go,” he said.
Kim Dinkheller had a similar example in her mom, who dedicated years of service to Quincy Public Schools, with her years in the QHS athletics department among her most memorable.
“She wasn’t someone who sought recognition but gave her whole heart to everything she did,” Dinkheller said. “She believed in showing up, believed in helping others and just always looking for a way to make things a little easier for everyone around her.”
The Hall of Fame began in 2023.
Previous inductees were John Baird, Tom Burnett, Margy Donald, Jeanetta Green, Peg Klauser, Paul Koscielski, Nona Long, Richard Moore, Signe Oakley, Daniel Sherman and Beth Young in the inaugural year, Charles Hutchens, Milt Lewis, Gladys Smay, Terry Ellerman and Gene Willimann in 2024 and Kathi Dooley, Les Fonza, George Nelson, Joyce Sanders and Ann Soebbing in 2025.
Nominations are open for the Class of 2027 and will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2027. A nomination form is available online at qps.org/schools/qhs/qhs-educator-hall-of-fame/.
