Our Stories

In April 2025, we continued our partnership with the Crestview PTO to host the second 5K Race and 1-mile Walk.  Despite the chilly weather, the event went off without a hitch! Although there were fewer participants, the generous sponsors ensured we raised just as much funding as before. We can't wait to do it all over again in April 2026 – mark your calendars for another thrilling race!

Tracy attributes her career path to the birth of her daughter with special needs. She obtained a Bachelor's Plus Degree from Notre Dame College as a K-12 Intervention Specialist and subsequently taught English at Brunswick High School. In 2015, she earned a Master’s degree in Neuro Education from Nova Southeastern University. In 2017, she joined the Medina County Career Center to revamp their Job Training Transition Program, aimed at supporting students with special needs.  “I look forward to proudly serving and helping drive the future of education for our shared students, families and communities.”

Tracy is also the mother to Ellie who was a 2021 Passionate Educators’ scholarship winner!

OASSA is honored to recognize Jessica Hulme Archer for her outstanding contributions to education and her tireless dedication to supporting students.  “Jessica's ability to connect with students and staff on a personal level is truly remarkable. She leads with heart, and her impact is felt throughout the entire school community."

Since 2017, Jessy has been the Associate Principal of Nordonia High School in Macedonia, OH. She graduated from Allegheny College in 2003 with a BA in English. After three years in marketing, she switched to education. Jessy started by teaching 9th grade English, coaching varsity volleyball, advising classes, and eventually becoming Student Activities Director.   She is fully committed to her role as an educator. Jessy stated, "Serving on P-E’s board would allow me to contribute differently, and I hope my perspective as a building administrator will benefit the organization." 

 Our 2024 Scholarship winner, Dalyn, began her academic journey at Mount Union last fall. Her first semester was highly successful, and she noted that all of the professors were helpful and caring. As part of her Intro to Education class, she observed teachers at local schools, visiting Alliance Primary School, Alliance High School, and Alliance Early Learning School. She greatly appreciated the early field experience, remarking, "It reinforced my teaching goals. I enjoyed observing teachers who truly love their profession."

In conjunction with the Crestview PTO, we held our first 5K Race in April 2024.  We had over 400 registrants between the 5K, the 1-mile walk, and the Kids' Dash.  Despite the slightly cool weather, the abundant sunshine added to the positive atmosphere.  A special shout-out to our generous sponsors, dedicated participants, and hardworking volunteers who made this event possible. Your support is invaluable in creating a brighter future for students and educators alike! 

We held our first Dining for Donations event at Panini's in Brunswick.  The food was excellent and it was great fun seeing so many of our supporters.  Thanks to everyone who joined us for lunch, dinner -- or both!  We hope to schedule several more throughout the year, so stay tuned!

What an amazing and successful first fundraising event for Passionate Educators.  We were overwhelmed at the incredible community of people who came out to support our cause. 

We had a total of 114 registered to attend with 22 sponsorships. Bobby Ray and Night Train provided lively musical entertainment. Between the ball drop game and the 50/50 raffle, we gave away $600 along with a cooler full of liquor and 13 gift baskets. Our profit of almost $7000 moves us closer to our near-term goal of providing a renewal scholarship program.

Thank you to Bunker Hill Golf Course for hosting.

Thank you to those who attended, participated in the golf ball drop, or helped us spread the word. 

Thank you to our sponsors, as well as those who generously donated gift baskets. 

And lastly, a big thank you to our volunteers for their dedication, passion, enthusiasm, and hard work. 

Here’s to many more successes in supporting current and future generations of extraordinary educators . 

Debbie Hopkins was a dedicated and admired teacher for over 30 years; most of those years was in the Brunswick City School District at Crestview Elementary.

She was active in sports, coached cheerleading, was an advisor for extracurricular student clubs and community service activities and organized many special school events. She created a student-centered learning environment that was not only warm and loving but focused on valuable life lessons. Debbie’s heart was committed to her students, their growth, and success. Former students often said she touched their lives and/or was their favorite teacher.

Debbie passed away in June 2020. Debbie’s husband, Dale, created Passionate Educators, Inc. to honor the legacy of his late wife and to continue making positive impacts on other current and future extraordinary educators.