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Schools

Student Inspires A Former Teacher's Hall of Fame Induction

Former teacher Ert Jones-Hermerding was inducted into the Cooper High School Hall of Fame, thanks to sophomore Stephanie Sikkila.

After a year of planning, sophomore Stephanie Sikkila welcomed 100 people to an event she had poured countless hours into. Sikkila, a student at , was the driving force behind the Hall of Fame induction ceremony for former teacher and coach Ert Jones-Hermerding.

“I really wanted to give back to Cooper,” Sikkila said. “I never met Ert, but even though I never met him, I have heard so much about him and wanted to recognize all of his hard work.”

Ert Jones-Hermerding, known as “Herm” to many, died in a motorcycle accident several years ago. He had dedicated 34 years of his life to the Robbinsdale School District as a football coach and theater director.

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In honor of Jones-Hermerding, students performed musical pieces and a snip-it of the upcoming school play on Saturday afternoon. The performances were followed by the unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaque.

“This is just such an honor for our family,” Pat Jones-Hermerding, Ert’s wife, said. “It’s amazing to me that a student who didn’t even know Ert put so much time and energy into this. It just goes to show the ripple effect of Ert’s legacy.”

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Sikkila, who tackled this project as part of her International Baccalaureate program, was pleased with the turn out.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I’ve done something that will leave a lasting mark on my school,” Sikkila said. “I’ve accomplished something greater than I ever thought possible.”

Jones-Hermerding joins 33 others in the Cooper High School Hall of Fame, all of which have plaques mounted above the school’s auditorium.

Be sure to check out our of Saturday’s induction.

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