Bio: Hopfensperger, Esther -‘You Inspire Us!’ Award (2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hopfensperger, Laschen, Nikolai, Curtis, Reuter

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/20/2022

Hopfensperger Honored With ‘You Inspire Us:’ Award (2022)

Hopfensperger Honored With ‘You Inspire us’ Award

(Place photo of group here)

Longtime Loyal special education teacher Ester Hopfensperger (front l) received the “You Inspire Us!” award from Tractors for Autism and Disabilities. She is shown with various people she worked with over the years, including (front r) Elizabeth Nikolai, (back) Mary Laschen, Laurie Curtis, Junitta Nikolai and Marilyn Reuter.
Valorie Brecht/Clark County Press

By Valorie Brecht

Esther Hopfensperger of Spencer has received an award in recognition of all the lives she touched during her approximately 39-year tenure as a junior/senior high special education teacher at the Loyal School District.

Hopfensperger, known to her students as simply “Mrs. H,” was given the “You Inspire Us!” award by Loyal nonprofit organization Tractors for Autism and Disabilities (TFAD) during a surprise ceremony at the House of Mercy in Loyal April 16.

The award is often given to an individual with a disability who has achieved great things despite their disability, and inspired others in the process. This time though, it was given to someone who has helped countless individuals with disabilities reach their full potential.

Mary Laschen, TFAD member and former coworker of Hopfensperger’s, invited Hopfensperger to the House of Mercy under the ruse of having her sign some paperwork for TFAD.

But when Hopfensperger arrived and saw former coworkers and students gathered around, “I knew there was something going on that didn’t have to do with paperwork,” she said, smiling.

More than one person got teary-eyed when talking about the impact Hopfensperger made on her students and everyone around her.

“I looked up the word ‘inspire’ and it means to ‘fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.’ You’ve inspired all of us, With your positive outlook, you made your students feel like they could do whatever they needed to do,” Laschen said.

Laschen pointed to Hopfensperger’s… caring heart shown through things like purchasing clothes for kids that needed something nice to wear for graduation and always having on hand whatever items her students might need. Laschen and former teacher Laurie Curtis worked closely with Hopfensperger as part of the special ed. Department, and both said she provided a lot of support and encouragement, especially on the tough days.

“If anyone inspired us, it was you,” said Laschen.

“Well, you inspired me. If you guys hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did,” Hopfensperger was quick to reply.

A couple of parents at the ceremony also offered their appreciation.

“As a coworker of yours and as a parent, I just want to say you were amazing to our family. I miss working with you,” said Junitta Nikolai.

Elizabeth Nikolai also worked with Hopfensperger for a time and thanked her for being patient with her. She also has a son that Hopfensperger taught and said it made a big difference.

“My son wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren’t for you,” she told Hopfensperger.

Hopfensperger felt honored to be recognized in this way. She said she had always wanted to work in special ed. By all accounts, she poured herself into her job.

“I enjoyed the kids. They were the greatest. I still really miss them,” she said.

Although she retired in 2016, she continues to stay in touch with many of her students. She has also substitute taught and helped with the TFAD afterschool tutoring program.

In being named a “You Inspire Us!” awardee, Hopfensperger joins past award recipients Anna Moore, Krysten Hefko (awarded posthumously), Jacob Lobner, Erika Morrow (awarded posthumously), Mindi Frenette and Chelsey Schlough.