Pioneer of the Year
Lake Wales History Museum Announces Sharon Kurschner Named 2025 Pioneer of the Year
Lake Wales, September 24, 2025 – The Lake Wales History Museum has named Sharon Horton Kurschner the 2025 Pioneer of the Year, recognizing her decades of service and extensive civic involvement. A lifelong resident and key figure in the community, Mrs. Kurschner, who was married to the late Jurgen Kurschner, has one son, Bo Boyte, and is a proud grandmother to two granddaughters, Kamryn and Taylor.
Born on September 30, 1946, at Lake Wales Hospital, she is the daughter of Jean Fordham Horton and 1992 Pioneer of the Year, Lee Roy Horton. A second-generation Lake Walean whose grandparents arrived in 1920, Mrs. Kurschner has deep roots in the community that shaped her lifelong commitment to Lake Wales.
A graduate of Lake Wales High School's class of 1964, Mrs. Kurschner’s professional journey began with a strong educational foundation, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Emory at Oxford, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stetson University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of South Florida. She dedicated more than three decades to Polk County Public Schools, beginning her career as an English teacher at Frostproof High School. After five years, she returned to Lake Wales to teach seventh grade English at Lake Wales Junior High, followed by ten years at Lake Wales High School teaching tenth grade English. Her leadership journey continued at Lake Wales High School as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum for 14 years. In 2001, she became the Principal of McLaughlin Middle School, where she inspired and led until her retirement in 2007.
According to a colleague from her teaching days, Mrs. Kurschner was known for her calm demeanor and exceptional leadership. "She had a remarkable ability to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism," the colleague stated. "I remember a time when she was able to defuse a tense confrontation just by calmly listening, which showed her incredible skill in managing challenging situations."
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Kurschner has been a cornerstone of the Lake Wales community. Her civic contributions include active involvement with the Rotary Club of Lake Wales, the Lake Wales Depot Commission, the Historic Lake Wales Society, and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She has also served on both the Lake Wales Chamber Leadership II committee and the Chamber's education committee, and has been a longstanding member and Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church.
“Sharon has touched the lives of so many people in Lake Wales, as a teacher, a leader, and a neighbor,” said Brandon Alvarado, President of the Lake Wales History Museum Board of Directors. “Her dedication to our schools and her love for this community makes her a shining example of what it means to be a true pioneer. We are proud to celebrate her story and honor her legacy.”
With her deep-rooted history, lifelong commitment to the city’s youth, and unwavering civic dedication, Mrs. Kurschner truly embodies the spirit of a pioneer and is a most deserving recipient of this honor. The Pioneer of the Year award will be presented to Mrs. Sharon Kurschner at the 49th Annual Pioneer Days Festival during Pioneer Hour on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This beloved community tradition celebrates the rich heritage and history of Lake Wales, and the public is warmly invited to attend and honor her as she receives this recognition. The Lake Wales History Museum is honored to recognize Mrs. Kurschner for her lasting contributions to our community.
Celebrating Our Pioneers: Past and Present
The Lake Wales History Museum proudly opens nominations for the 2026 Pioneer of the Year Award, a prestigious honor celebrating the unsung heroes of Lake Wales. This award acknowledges individuals who have dedicated over fifty years to enhancing our community through their service, passion, and commitment. We invite residents to nominate those whose contributions have profoundly shaped Lake Wales, making it a better place for all. Join us in recognizing and celebrating these remarkable community members at the Pioneer Days Festival, where their lifelong contributions will be honored.
Past Recipients
Since 1978, the Pioneer of the Year award has been bestowed upon individuals whose efforts and engagements have significantly influenced the growth and development of Lake Wales. Selected through a highly confidential process, each recipient is celebrated for their enduring impact and commitment to civic pursuits that have helped shape our community. This honor rolls out a lineage of pioneers who have not only witnessed but actively contributed to the transformation of Lake Wales into the vibrant community it is today.
1978: Morris Jones
1979: Janyce Ahl
1980: Bessie Snyder
1981: R.L. Johnson
1982: W.D. Crews
1983: Kenneth Rhodes
1984: Sam Keen
1985: Henry F. and Douglas Bullard
1986: Myra Curtis Chandley
1987: Marie Kirch
1988: Mr. and Mrs. H.G. McClendon
1989: Juanita Wetmore
1990: Mada Fraser Babcock
1991: Jeresa Austin
1992: Lee Roy Horton
1993: Margaret Smith
1994: Tom Campbell
1995: Thalia Johnson and Stapleton Gooch
1996: Mildred Kingsbury
1997: Roger Cain
1998: Mary L. Zipprer
1999: Ola Belle Tillman
2000: Robert E. Lasseter, Jr.
2001: Constance Van Hook
2002: Vita Hinshaw
2003: George Whitehurst and Martha White
2004: George Edwin Albritton & Mollie Albritton
Cooper
2005: Frank Hunt
2006: Hazel Mary Grace Alexander
2007: Horace Herndon
2008: Joe Martin
2009: William M. Hardman
2010: The Jahna Family
2011: G. Ellis Hunt
2012: Edwin Friedlander
2013: Clinton Horne
2014: Jim Maggard
2015: Linda Kimbrough
2016: Mimi Reid Hardman
2017: Marilyn Newell
2018: William “Bill” Johnson
2019: Milford Myhre
2020: No Festival due to COVID-19
2021: Gladys Howell
2022: Victor B. Story, Jr.
2023: Bill Redmon
2024: Richard "Dick" Howell
2025: Sharon Horton Kurschner
Pioneer of the Year Nomination
To nominate a deserving individual for the Pioneer of the Year award, please complete the nomination form in the link below. For additional clarity and guidance on the nomination process, pleasw view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. Here, you'll find answers to common queries regarding eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, and the selection process, ensuring your nomination is as impactful as possible. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary people who have shaped our community’s legacy.
FAQ
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In order to be nominated as a Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year the nominee must:
Be a person residing in Lake Wales for more than 50 years;
Made significant contributions to Lake Wales; and,
Whose service to the quality of life and community of Lake Wales is outstanding.
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Anyone with familiarity and personal knowledge of the potential nominee’s pioneering contributions may submit a nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted. The following materials are required:
Nomination Form
Nomination Narrative (see specific outline and guidance below); and,
At least three high high-resolution images of the nominee.
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The narrative should be up to 500 words and must be submitted in a specific format containing four sections. Narratives not conforming to the format will not be considered.
Specific Pioneering Contributions to Lake Wales
Career Highlights
Biographical Information
Significant Recognition and Awards
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Specific Pioneering Contributions to Lake Wales
This section must make the case for why the nominee's career and contribution merit being considered as a Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year. This is the key section of the nomination. It must provide a clear and detailed picture of the nominee’s pioneering contributions and their results.
Career Highlights
Provide an overview description of the nominee’s positions held and other accomplishments not mentioned in their Pioneering Contributions to Lake Wales. Include information about the type of organization (e.g., public, voluntary, for-profit), work setting, field of practice (e.g., education, professional business, community organization), and scope (e.g., local, state, national, international) of the positions held.
Biographical Information
Provide information (to the extent known) such as birth date and place, family, formal education, religion (if relevant), military service (if relevant) and other pertinent information, including human interest details if known that round out a picture of the nominee.
Significant Recognition and Awards
Describe any public/professional recognition and awards the nominee has received.
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Yes, please provide at least three high-resolution photographs (formal or informal) of the nominee. If selected, the picture are used for the Pioneer’s press release and all relevant marketing materials.
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The deadline for submission is Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM. Only complete nominations will be considered.
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The recipient of the 2026 Pioneer of the Year award will be announced in early October.
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The recipient will be presented with the award during the 50th Annual Pioneer Days at the Pioneer Hour ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
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Lake Wales, October 14, 2024 – The Lake Wales History Museum is proud to announce that Richard "Dick" Dane Howell has been named the 2024 Pioneer of the Year. Mr. Howell’s exceptional dedication to the Lake Wales community and his remarkable achievements truly define him as a pioneer and a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.
Richard “Dick” Dane Howell was born on December 20, 1947, at Lake Wales Hospital in Lake Wales, Florida, to parents James “Johnny” Oliver Howell and Elsie Learn Howell. His paternal grandparents originally settled in Babson Park, Florida, in 1921, establishing deep roots in the area.
Mr. Howell graduated from Lake Wales Senior High School in 1965 and embarked on a diverse and successful career that spanned military service, education, business leadership, and significant community involvement. His first professional role was as a draftsman for the Florida Department of Transportation from 1965 to 1967 and again from 1969 to 1972. In between, he served as a Company Clerk (SP5 ES) in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, stationed in Hohenfels, West Germany.
Mr. Howell married Jean C. Howell in July 1971 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Together, they raised three children: Benjamin C. Howell, Lucas Oliver Howell, and Elise Christa Howell Tanner. They are proud grandparents to Ellis and Jane Howell, Emma and Leila Howell, and Henry and John Tanner.
Mr. Howell’s educational achievements include an Associate's Degree from Polk Community College in 1973, a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Florida in 1975, and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Michigan State University in 1979. He also completed 60 quarter hours of post-graduate doctoral work at Michigan State University.
Mr. Howell enjoyed a successful professional career as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Human Kinetics Publishers in Champaign, Illinois, from 1979 to 1989. In 1989, he transitioned to become the Owner and President of Ridge Glass and Mirror, Inc., in Lake Wales, Florida, where he worked until his retirement in 2014.
Throughout his life, Mr. Howell has been deeply involved in community service and local organizations. He served as a City Commissioner for Lake Wales from 1995 to 1999 and has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales, holding positions on the Board of Trustees and serving in various committees over the years.
A passionate supporter of local education and sports, Mr. Howell served as the President of the Highlander Boosters for Lake Wales High School from 1994 to 1999 and was a member until 2010. He was the public address announcer or “Voice of the Highlanders” for Lake Wales High School football, basketball, and baseball teams from the 1990s through 2017, and held the same role for Webber International University's football team from 2002 to 2010. Mr. Howell was also the voice behind Lake Wales High School graduation ceremonies from 2003 to 2015.
In recognition of his service, Mr. Howell was named "Mr. Highlander" by Lake Wales High School in 2005 and was honored by the Polk County School Board as the Lake Wales High School Volunteer of the Year in 2009. In 2010, the press box at Legion Field was renamed in his honor. His contributions also extended to the Lake Wales Little League, where he served as a board member, team manager, sponsor, and umpire.
Mr. Howell has been a member of the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary since 1990, serving as President from 2001 to 2002, and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow distinction. He was twice named Rotarian of the Year: first in 1992-93 and again in 2000-01. He also played an integral role in organizing cherished local events such as the "Lights of Love" on Lake Wales Lake and the annual Halloween parties for local children at the Lake Wales YMCA. He served on the boards of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Wales YMCA, the Lake Wales Amphitheater, and other community organizations.
Now retired, Mr. Howell continues to be an active member of his community, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to family and local causes.
The Pioneer of the Year award will be presented to Mr. Dick Howell at the 48th Annual Pioneer Days Festival during Pioneer Hour on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM, a beloved event that celebrates the heritage and history of Lake Wales. The community is invited to attend and celebrate the contributions of Mr. Howell, whose dedication to our community has left a lasting impact.