Mr. Rick Hildebrand Recognized
by Ashley Waterman
Every year the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas recognizes an outstanding Kansan who has “demonstrated exceptional desire and dedication in overcoming the difficulties caused by physical or neurological disabilities.” This year CPRF honored Mr. Rick Hildebrand with this most deserved award.
Mr. Hildebrand was one of only four recipients in the state to receive this distinction. He was nominated by the high school principal, Mr. Mike Savage for epitomizing the characteristics of the award winners. Mr. Savage commented, “Mr. Hildebrand is an outstanding person and an outstanding teacher, and we are very fortunate to have him here.”
Mr. Hildebrand has been the art instructor at Linn High School for the past 22 years. In November of 2003, Mr. Hildebrand was involved in a serious car accident which left him severely paralyzed. After months of rehabilitation and recovery, he arrived back at school where he had many struggles to get through. One such challenge has been teaching himself how to deal with his handicap in a classroom, another was learning how to draw again.
He worked through many difficulties, but it didn’t stop him from being a wonderful art instructor. Every year his art students do very well at art shows often earning top honors. After receiving this award Mr. Hildebrand commented, “It’s nice to be recognized for something you truly love to do and for me, it’s a second chance at teaching art. I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing, hanging out with young people and creating art. It’s just awesome!”
