The School District of Washington’s WINGS Educational Foundation inducted its 15^th class into the Hall of Honor on Saturday, September 28, at the Washington Elks Hall. 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 2024 honorees were Gael Wood, Alumni Award; Jennifer Giesike, Community Contributor Award; and Diane Schwab, Educator Award.

Additionally, Clearview Elementary first-grade teacher Keli Schneider was recognized as the WINGS teacher of the year.

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Alumni Award was Gael Wood.

Gael Wood was born in 1947 in Washington. Some of his fondest high school memories are of his classmates who became lifelong friends and excellent teachers, including Mr. Alt, Mr. Kehner, Mrs. Shotwell, and Coach Perry. Gael graduated from Washington High School in 1965 as the Valedictorian. He went on to study at the University of Missouri and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. In 1975, Gael earned a Juris Doctorate, with distinction, from the University of Missouri.

Wood’s esteemed professional career began in 1975, as an associate at the law firm Jenny, Cole & Eckelkamp, and was also admitted to the Missouri Bar. In 1982, he became a partner of the firm, and worked tirelessly for his clients the next 18 years. Gael was appointed judge to the Washington Municipal Court in 1982, and has held various roles, including special prosecutor for the City of Washington, the City of Sullivan, the City of Pacific and the City of Union. In 2001, he was elected Presiding Judge, 20^th Judicial Circuit Count (Franklin, Gasconade and Osage Counties) where he served until his retirement in 2017. Judge Wood received a special appointment to the Missouri Supreme Court in October of 2007.

Judge Wood has been described as a man who “always has been and continues to be a strong advocate for advancing the honor and dignity of the legal profession.”

Gael’s talents extended beyond the courtroom, as he has been involved in numerous organizations in the community. Past membership includes the United Fund, Franklin County Child Protection Team, Washington Public Library Committee, Board of Trustees for East Central College, Franklin County Republican Central Committee, Past President of the Washington Rotary Club, Past President of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer, Washington Foundation for Educational Excellence, Advisory Committee to G.H. Tool & Mold/Four Rivers Vocational Technical School and Past CEO of the Emmaus Board of Directors. Gael is currently a member of the Washington Rotary Club, the Washington 353 Redevelopment Corporation, the Washington Ambassadors and the Emmaus Board of Directors.

Gael and his wife, Mary Wood, have a daughter, Samantha.

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Community Contributor Award was Jennifer Giesike.

Born and raised in Washington, Jennifer Giesike graduated from Washington High School in 1996. An avid athlete, Jennifer played volleyball and basketball for four years and competed in track for three years. She was involved with FFA and was a member of the National Honor Society. Some of her favorite high school memories are beating Borgia in volleyball at the Herman Tournament during her senior year, and driving her tractor to school for FFA Week Tractor Day.

Jennifer attended East Central College and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree, and from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. In 2000, Jennifer became the Fair Coordinator for the Washington Town & Country Fair. The next 12 years, Jennifer worked tirelessly on the Fair, overseeing day to day operations, coordinating volunteers and organizations that work at the Fair. She leads a 24-member Fair board, developing long-term goals, assists with the budget and key stakeholders, along with other duties. The Washington Town and Country Fair (and all fairs) are a great passion of Jennifer’s.

In 2008, Jennifer became a Certified IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expos) Fair Executive. She went on to become a graduate of the IAFE Institute of Fair Management, a Co-Chair of the IAFE Young Professionals Initiative, and in 2010, won the IAFE Rising Star Award.  She was awarded the US Army Recruiting Command Award 2009-2013 and was named a Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Professional in 2014. Most recently in 2023, Jennifer was named the Board Chair of the IAFE, a prestigious honor. The one- year position required extensive travel, and gave Jennifer many opportunities and experiences.

Since 2012, Jennifer has been the President/CEO and Fair Manager for the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce.  Jennifer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Chamber, Fair and Tourism. She manages the finances, including budgeting, forecasting and fostering economic development. She is an advocate for Chamber members, working to oversee programs, services and events that add value to their membership. She lends her talents to the Washington community in many other ways, including coaching volleyball, Campbellton Parent Teacher Committee, Washington FFA Alumni, and the United Mutual Board.

Jennifer and her husband, Chad Giesike, have a daughter, Hallie.

This year’s recipient for the WINGS Excellence in Education Award was Diane Schwab.

Diane was raised on a farm near Breese, Illinois. Her early education took place at a small grade school and high school in Breese. Her activities centered around school, church and the 4-H Club. She enjoyed learning to cook, sew and play the piano. Diane attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Eden Theological University and a Master’s in Teaching from Webster University.

Diane was hired by Don Northington to work for the Washington School District in 1976, where she taught for 35 years. She has held various roles including classroom teacher, reading specialist, Literacy Coordinator and was head of the Elementary Reading Department. Diane has made a difference in countless ways during her tenure with the District. She has mentored teachers, modeled lessons, provided resources to teachers as well as worked in collaboration with teachers for Communication Arts Quarterly Assessments and analyzed test results to improve instruction.

Outside of the Washington School District, Diane has worked for other educational institutions, lending her talents towards their success. She served as the Director and Teacher for Grace Church Preschool of O’Fallon, Mo. Beginning in 1994, she worked for over 13 years as an instructor at Central Methodist University where she taught world religions as well as many education courses.

Diane retired from the District in 2011, but her love of reading as well as her extensive teaching experience led her to the Coordinator Position for the YMCA Adult Literacy program. During the last 12 years, Diane has been responsible for many tasks, including coordinating tutors and attracting students to participate in the program. The program matches tutors to students to help students with a variety of different skills, including learning English as a Second Language, improving their reading skills to help them complete their GED and to improve reading and writing English skills.

Diane says, “I feel good about being a teacher. Passing information on to others is very meaningful to me. As a remedial teacher, I could help children become better students. As a college instructor, I could “pass the baton” on to the next generation of teachers by sharing my knowledge and experience. Now as coordinator of the Y literacy program, I can give back to our community by connecting tutors with adult students who want to improve their literacy skills.”

Diane and her husband, William, have two children, Jeff and Jennifer.