COMMUNITY
Text and photos courtesy of Rogers Public Education Foundation
Rogers Public Education Foundation Names 2024 Honorees
The 12th annual Wall of Distinction luncheon recognizes new inductees and a Legacy Award recipient
The Rogers Public Education Foundation has chosen two honorees to be added to its Wall of Distinction. The community is invited to honor these individuals at a luncheon fundraiser April 25 at the Rogers Convention Center. The RPEF will also present its 2024 Legacy Award.
Wall of Distinction Honorees:
Diana Kolman
Diana Kolman spent 21 years leading students as they produced the award-winning Mountaineer yearbook and the Mountie Spectrum newspaper. She is beloved by her students and respected by her peers. Kolman was named a Rogers High School Teacher of the Year and a Walter J. Lemke Award winner for exemplary service to scholastic journalism in Arkansas. She retired in 2011 and immersed herself in community service.
Gunnery Sgt. Fermin E. Sandoval
Gunnery Sgt. Fermin E. Sandoval is a Rogers High School graduate. After returning from deployment to Afghanistan with U.S. Marine Aircraft Group-Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he served as a non-commissioned officer in charge in the Department of Safety and Standardization and as a White House Liaison Officer, including service with HMX-1 (Marine One). His awards include two Bronze Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, and the Presidential Service Badge.
Legacy Award Recipient:
Heather Grosze
Heather Grosze joined Rogers Public Schools in 2002 and taught at Elmwood Junior High, RHS Sophomore Campus and Heritage High School. Grosze was a former Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the Bessie B. Moore Award for Excellence in Teaching Economics. Additionally, she served on the board of Economics Arkansas. Grosze’s life was a balance between her passion for teaching and her devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through her impact on students and her enduring love for her family.
Proceeds from this year’s banquet will help the foundation continue its mission to promote and enhance the quality of education in the community by raising funds and distributing grants to teachers for additional materials or special classroom needs. The Rogers Public Education Foundation invites the community to nominate other distinguished alumni, former staff and school supporters for consideration next year. Reservations for the banquet are $1,500 for a reserved table, $100 for individual tickets and $75 for employees and retirees of Rogers Public Schools.
For more information, visit www.rogerspef.org.
