BUHLER, Kan. — Ad Astra Radio is proud to announce Buhler Grade School First Grade teacher Dianne Freeman as this month’s recipient of the Classroom Hero Award presented by Heartland Credit Union.
Each month, Ad Astra Radio honors a different educator, selected from community nominations, to receive the Classroom Hero Award, along with a “hero” gift basket, courtesy of community partners Heartland Credit Union, Midway Motors of Hutchinson, Stutzman’s Greenhouse, Hutch Putt and The Foto Cowboy.
Freeman is a Hutchinson native and has been teaching for 16 years. This is her third year teaching at Buhler Grade School.
Freeman graduated from Buhler High School and studied at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. Her first teaching job was as a Kindergarten teacher in Washington state.
Over the years Freeman has been a teacher in Sterling, Hutchinson and in Missouri. She has taught everything from preschool through third grade and also taught special education for several years.
Teaching is something Freeman always knew she wanted to do.
“I just have always loved children and the joy they bring to all of us,” Freeman said. “They’re full of energy and funny things to say and I just love being around them.”
Freeman said that her students bring her a lot of joy and bless her every day.
“This is the best place to be,” Freeman said. “Right here in the classroom with these kiddos.”
A community member who nominated Freeman for the Classroom Hero Award described her as someone who shows up to work every day with heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to her students.
The nominator added that Freeman is a good role model to her students, showing them patience, compassion and perseverance.
“She doesn’t just teach lessons — she builds confidence, creates safety, and makes kids feel seen,” the nominator said. “Dianne meets students exactly where they are, whether they need academic support, emotional encouragement, or simply someone who believes in them when they don’t believe in themselves yet.”
Freeman is said to go above and beyond, putting in extra time and energy to make her classroom a place for growth, understanding and kindness.
“What truly sets Dianne apart is her ability to inspire. She plants seeds of confidence and curiosity that will stay with her students long after they leave her classroom,” the nominator stated. “That impact is powerful — and that’s exactly what makes her a Classroom Hero.”
The Classroom Hero Award seeks to highlight the hard work and dedication of those on the front lines of our local schools. Nominations can be submitted at https://www.adastraradio.com/classroomhero/.
Ad Astra Radio has been locally owned and operated since 1986 and is proud to be your hometown radio station.
