The WINGS Educational Foundation, supporting the School District of Washington, inducted its 16^th class into the Hall of Honor. The WINGS Hall of Honor was initiated in 2009 to recognize alumni, former district educators, and community contributors who have shown exceptional personal, community or professional achievement. 

The 2025 honorees were Don Hahne, Alumni Award; Wynn Scheer, Educator Award; and Pat “OD” O’Donnell, Community Contributor Award.

The honorees were presented with their awards at the annual WINGS Hall of Honor Dinner on Saturday, September 27, at the Washington Elks Hall.

Additionally, the School District of Washington and WINGS Teacher of the Year, Julia Young from Augusta Elementary, was recognized.

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Alumni Award is Don Hahne.

Born and raised in Washington, Don is a proud Blue Jay who graduated with the class of 1949. During his time in school, he was a member of the WHS Band, played basketball and was a member of the boys glee club.

A talented trumpet player, Don has been involved with music from a young age. Along with the high school band, he was a high school member of the Elks Concert Band, which later established the Washington Brass Band, and where he later served as Director. Don has shared his musical talent at many area Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day services. He has had the honor of playing TAPS at countless local military funerals, VFW events, and is an honorary member of the American Legion Post 218.

Don has been an active volunteer for the Washington Fire Department for more than 71 years. He has been called the “patriarch” of the department. He received a Life Member certificate in 2022, and has served on numerous committees, holding various leadership positions, including 15 years as Chief. His service has extended statewide as a member and past president of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, and he is a recipient of its prestigious Phil Sayers Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, The Missourian honored him with the Washingtonian Award for extraordinary service to the fire department and other community efforts.

Don’s passion for the Fire Department is exemplified by his membership of Firetiques, an organization of firefighters who maintain historic fire equipment for preservation and community viewing. 

Professionally, Don worked at the Bank of Washington for 36 years. Beyond firefighting, he has served as Washington’s City Treasurer and has been active in many civic organizations, including the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Washington Historical Society, and Lions Club, where he served as president and earned the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He also is an active member of St. Francis Borgia Church.

Don and his wife Joan have four children: Michael Hahne (deceased), Judy (John) Stewart, Susie (Alan) Elsenrath and Dale (Kristi) Hahne. He has six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

 

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Excellence in Education Award is Wynn Scheer. 

Born and raised in Washington, Wynn graduated from Washington High School in 1971, where she was active in band, cheerleading, school plays and enthusiastically supported the basketball and football teams. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Central Missouri State University in 1974 and later achieved a Master of Education in Information Science and Learning Technologies in 2008.

Throughout her career, Wynn brought her passion for teaching to a wide range of institutions. She served at Cornerstone Christian Academy (1982–1987), Heritage Christian School (1987–1989), and the School District of Washington (1990–2012). She also shared her expertise with higher education institutions, including Central Methodist University (2009–2017), East Central College (2013–2014), and St. Louis Community College (2011–2016). Her work has left a lasting mark on students of all ages and on the educational community as a whole.

Wynn’s excellence has been recognized throughout her career. She is a past recipient of the Rotary Outstanding Educator Award (1998–1999 and 2006–2007), the 2007 Missourian In Education Teacher of the Year, and the 2009 WINGS Outstanding Teacher of the Year. These honors reflect not only her skill as an educator, but also her deep care for the personal and academic growth of her students.

Beyond the classroom, Wynn is an active volunteer with the Washington Historical Society’s education committee, helping preserve and share the region’s history. She enjoys playing the zither, traveling, and shopping for antiques, passions that reflect her love of culture and lifelong learning.

Her life has also been marked by remarkable courage and compassion. When her son Jordan was diagnosed with cancer, and later passed away, Scheer faced the tragedy with strength and grace, becoming a source of inspiration for many. In 2005, the leadership class at Washington High School founded the Jordan Scheer Memorial Children’s Relay for Life. For more than 20 years, the leadership classes, and WHS student councils, along with the Scheer family and many volunteers, have facilitated the annual event. It has raised vital funds for cancer research, turning personal loss into lasting hope for others.

Wynn and her husband, Ron, have four children: Sarah (David) Delleart, Elizabeth (Todd) Wyman, Jordan Scheer, and Marcus Scheer – six grandchildren: Tad, Colin, Deanna, Bree, Graham and Morgan.

 

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Community Contributor Award is Pat “OD” O’Donnell.

Born and raised in Jefferson City, Pat graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1965. Music has been a part of Pat’s life from an early age. In high school, he was part of the marching band for four years, and lead as Drum Major his senior year. He was a member of the school Art Club, and played baseball and basketball. One of his favorite high school memories was leading the band at the World’s Fair in New York City.

With an art scholarship in hand, Pat attended Central Missouri State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations in 1969. During his time in college, he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, worked at the Plaza Cream, and on weekends, he played in a local band. After serving as a journalist in the U.S. Coast Guard, he began a career in medical supplies and equipment in 1974.

Since moving to Washington in 2000, Pat has been very active in the local music community. In 2007, he turned his birthday celebration into a charitable event, asking guests to enjoy live music and bring non-perishable food donations for local food pantries. This idea became Foodstock. By 2012, in partnership with Downtown Washington Inc., Foodstock found a permanent home at the Farmers’ Market. The annual event features local musicians who donate their talent, with proceeds and food donations going to help local families. Since its inception, Foodstock has raised more than $96,000 and collected over 29,600 cans of food. 

Pat serves on the Board of Directors for the Wash MO Blues Society and is an active member of St. Peter’s UCC. He and his wife, Terry, have a daughter, Shannon O’Donnell; a stepdaughter, Lori VanLeer; a stepson, Jason Kell; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

 

Hall of Honor Inductees

The 2025 WINGS Hall of Honor inductees, from left, were Don Hahne, Alumni Award; Wynn Scheer, Educator Award; and Pat “OD” O’Donnell, Community Contributor Award.

 

Hall of Honor Members

The 2025 WINGS Hall of Honor inductees are pictured with past inductees. Seated, from left, are Diane Schwab, Don Hahne, Wynn Scheer, Pat “OD” O’Donnell and Ruth Wood. Standing, from left, are Terry Buddemeyer, Doris Jones, Doug Hagedorn and Mark Wessels.

 

Inductees and WINGS Board

The 2025 WINGS Hall of Honor inductees are pictured with WINGS board members. Seated, from left, are 2025 inductees Don Hahne, Wynn Scheer, Pat “OD” O’Donnell. Standing, from left, are WINGS board members Susan Harms, Lauren Storie, Linda Sentivany, Bailey Kitchell, Ruth Ann Smith, Doris Jones, School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and Dawn Kitchell.

 

Pictured is 2025 Hall of Honor inductee Don Hahne with family members.

 

Pictured is 2025 Hall of Honor inductee Wynn Scheer with family members.

 

Pictured is 2025 Hall of Honor inductee Pat “OD” O’Donnell with family members.

 

WINGS, SDOW Teacher of the Year

WINGS and School District of Washington Teacher of the Year – Julia Young, third-grade teacher at Augusta Elementary – pictured with her family.