Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor
The Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor was established to commemorate the high ideals that characterized Sam Andrews' life. It serves as a means to recognize and celebrate individuals whose lives and careers have exemplified the standard set by this distinguished educator.
The Oakwood Board of Education established the Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor in 1980, on behalf of countless people in the community whose lives Sam Andrews influenced with his dedicated service as a teacher, coach and friend from 1944 to his death in 1977.
The Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor was established to commemorate the high ideals that characterized Sam Andrews’ life. It serves as a means to recognize and celebrate individuals whose lives and careers have exemplified the standard set by this distinguished educator.
During Andrews' career, he won the love and devotion of many students whose lives he touched as teacher and coach, the esteem and respect of countless more who knew him in their capacity as parents or patron of the school district, and unqualified admiration of the teachers with whom he worked. But, more importantly than all of these attributes, he was a friend to all with whom he came in contact.
As an educational leader, Andrews had an innate capacity to challenge the best from all those who worked with him and for him. He disciplined himself and all who would join him with seemingly limitless energy in the pursuit of excellence, not only in the classroom but also in numerous school activities.
Oakwood Schools and the community are genuinely indebted to Sam Andrews for the legacy of distinguished service both to the boys and girls and to the men and women whose lives he helped to shape.
Samuel E. Andrews:
- Bowerton H.S. 1934 to 1936 – Teacher and Coach
- Magnolia H.S. 1936 to 1939 – Teacher and Coach
- Strasburgh H.S. 1939 to 1941 – Teacher and Coach
- Wilbur Wright H.S. 1941 to 1943 – Teacher and Coach
- Oakwood H.S. 1943 to 1977 – Teacher and Coach
- 42 years of teaching in Ohio
- 34 years at Oakwood High School
2026 Nomination Information
Nominations for the 2026 Sam Andrews Educational Hall of Honor are now open through February 28, 2026.
To be eligible for this award:
- The nominee may be living or deceased.
- The nominee should be retired from employment or voluntary service with the Oakwood school system for three years.
- The nominee should have stimulated students to seek excellence in all of their endeavors.
- The nominee should have displayed personal qualities of leadership.
- The nominee should have inspired students to continue education, community interest, and public service throughout their lives.
Contact Information
Chelsea Braaksma
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Oakwood Board of Education
(937) 297-5332
braaksma.chelsea@oakwoodschools.org