Estherville Lincoln Central health and family and consumer sciences instructor Sharla Ries was aptly honored Tuesday night as the annual Champion of Education by the ELC Foundation.
Former students Chris Fuhrman and Molly Duitsman Struve had the honors of honoring Ries.
"She teaches the most important courses in school - health, food and sex education," Fuhrman said. "Mrs. Ries taught us about health and food but more about life."
Most importantly, Fuhrman said Ries had taught him how to live life in a positive way. "Whether they (students) were conscious of it or not, she had a positive effect on their day. I can't think of a better person to receive this award than Mrs. Ries."
"There were a handful of teachers that have made an impact on my education and my life and Mrs. Ries was one of them," Struve said. "I decided I wanted to be just like Mrs. Ries. I wanted to be a health education teacher.
"I love talking to her. She always makes it a point to focus on you. I can't believe you didn't receive this earlier," Struve said, turning to Ries to hand her the award.
Ries thanked her friends, family and, most of all, ELC students, for selecting her.
The evening concluded with Mike and Edith Clarken conducting a dessert auction with proceeds going to the ELC Foundation. Proceeds from the dinner and auction go to Key Grants and scholarships.
