Jami Simon

I'm an Ames High grad and for almost a year, co-sponsored a naming application to name the new Ames High Auditorium for beloved long-time drama director Wayne Hansen (aka Hank), who passed in September 2020. We collected support materials from UNI, Hampton High, and from his 33 years at AHS (including 27 summer theatre seasons). We received 160+ tributes from alums and former faculty. He was not only an excellent director and teacher, but a caring mentor. Students didn't want to disappoint him. He was the reason many stayed in school. Local alumni attended the twice-monthly School Board meetings to read these tributes. An online petition collected signatures and tributes. TV, newspapers, and websites covered the campaign. It came to a vote at the 4/10 school board meeting and was passed unanimously: the Wayne Hank Hansen Performing Arts Center! The dedication is scheduled for 8/12.