Greensburg teacher surprised with Rotary Educator of the Year honor

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – A Greensburg teacher and football coach got a big surprise after practice on Thursday! 

Andrew Ruble walked into the cafeteria and was shocked to find family, friends and colleagues all cheering for him. 

Ruble was the last person in the room to find out that he was chosen for the Rotary Educator of the Year award. 

The prestigious award has been given to teachers in Decatur County every year since 1988. 

For those who know Andrew, it should come as no surprise that he was nominated for the award. 

The special education teacher has made a significant impact on students for the past 16 years. 

“Andrew is just exactly what this world needs more of. He does what he does to give his students their best possible shot at success in a world that is increasingly hard to live in,” said Greensburg Rotary Club President Mike Sefton. 

He previously worked at Greensburg Junior High before transitioning to the high school this year. 

Ruble was nominated by Micah Lohrum while several current and former colleagues gave speeches congratulating Ruble on the award. 

Those who gave offered remarks were Lohrum, Greensburg Superintendent Tom Hunter, Greensburg High School Principal Mike Myers, Greensburg Junior High Principal Matt Clifford, Greensburg football coach Isaac Sliger and Rushville Assistant Superintendent Grant Peters.

One former student took the podium to thank Ruble for volunteering to teach him after he had been expelled several years ago.

“To be able to look at a child at their worst moments and see the possibilities and the potential for that student, that is who Andrew Ruble is, and he does it every single day,” said Greensburg Junior High Principal Matt Clifford. 

Ruble was honored by the award and thanked those who were involved in the nomination process. 

“I just want all educators to know that what they do is a huge deal in the lives of students. Don’t give up on students and really get to know them and care for them and their interests,” Ruble said. 

In addition to teaching and coaching high school football, Ruble is also heavily-involved in the Greensburg Youth Football program.