Waukon High School graduate honored as Gold Star Teacher ...

Rich Strike, a 1979 graduate of Waukon High School and the son of Marvin "Bud" and Marge Strike of Waukon (with whom he is pictured), was recently honored with a Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching. Rich Strike is currently a mathematics teacher at Cedar Falls High School, continuing a 33-year tenure down that career path that follows in the footsteps of his father, who was a long-time mathematics teacher at Waukon High School. The younger Strike was one of 10 teachers from Black Hawk County to be recognized with the Gold Star Award this year, emerging from a list of more than 1,300 nominations made by students, parents, community members and colleagues. He and his wife, Jane, live in Cedar Falls. They have two children, a son, Paul, and a daughter, Cara.

Within his biography feature for the award, Rich Strike shared, "The things I like most about teaching are the relationships that are built between both fellow teachers and students. The thing that I find most challenging about teaching is not being able to 'reach' all students and build the relationships I want due to barriers that exist. To be recognized by another, whether it is a colleague, parent or student, is the most cherished compliment a teacher can receive. This award is truly humbling considering all of the tremendous teachers in the metro area who push forward each day to provide the best for their students."

Developed in 1989 by the R.J. McElroy Trust and KWWL-TV, the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching recognizes teachers for their achievements in many different aspects in the classroom. The program grew out of an idea from the McElroy Trust to improve education in northeast Iowa by encouraging outstanding teachers. In addition to a $1,000 award, the McElroy Trust also awards each Gold Star teacher $500 to improve their classroom. A special program honoring this year's Gold Star Award winners was held Tuesday, May 24 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Submitted photo.