CLOSE UP HALL OF FAME
For over 45 years, Close Up has partnered with teachers and administrators from across the nation to deliver impactful and powerful civic programming to middle and high school youth. The Hall of Fame honors educators who have gone above and beyond, helping Close Up better fulfill its mission to inform, inspire, and empower young people to engage in the democratic process. Whether by expanding Close Up to schools throughout their state or helping launch a locally-based program, these individuals embody the spirit and passion for civics we strive to impart in youth.
2015
Patrick Collins, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
For 40 consecutive years, Patrick Collins has partnered with the Close Up Foundation to encourage thousands of young men from Belen Jesuit Preparatory to become active and engaged citizens. No teacher in the history of Close Up has partnered longer or with greater distinction than Pat. His commitment, passion, and dedication to civic education is unparalleled and truly inspirational.
2016
Sally Farr, Katy ISD
For nearly 30 years, Sally Farr has committed herself to providing Katy ISD students the opportunity to experience Close Up. As a teacher and district coordinator, Sally helped impact over 2,500 students and teachers through Close Up. Close Up’s first custom program – Founding of a Nation – came about as a result of Sally’s vision and leadership. Sally’s continued dedication to observing and evaluating both teacher and student programs has been instrumental in helping Close Up constantly improve and innovate our programming.
Ty Vignone, Newton North High School
A true champion of the Close Up mission for over 30 years. Ty established one of the first Close Up classes in the country, made the Washington program a rite of passage for Newton high school students, and inspired the program at other Boston area schools. Ty truly embodies the Close Up mission to inform, inspire, and empower young people to be active participants in the political process.
2017
Jon Gloer, Starr’s Mill High School
For 30 years, Jon Gloer has sponsored the Close Up program at four different high schools in Fayette County, Georgia. His efforts have changed over 1,100 student’s lives and earned him the nickname “Mr. Georgia Close Up.” Jon’s support of and passion for Close Up is contagious, and he has helped dozens of schools discover and implement their own program. His love for teaching and civic involvement is unequaled. Jon truly embodies the Foundation’s mission!
Rosy Ugalde, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Through Close Up’s Program for New Americans and the creation of Rally to Tally Programs, Rosy Ugalde has impacted thousands of middle and high school students and educators throughout the state of Florida. Her advocacy, passion and dedication to serving immigrant students not only makes her a champion for civic education, but a real visionary. She is an inspiration to the Foundation and truly exemplifies our mission to reach and empower all young people within our democracy.
2018
Dave Michaelson, Dickinson High School
Dave Michaelson has created a lasting impact on his community by leading the Close Up program at Dickinson High School in North Dakota for over 30 years. Hundreds of students and adults from the Dickinson community have Dave to thank for their Close Up experience. He is a strong advocate for Close Up and has given his free time to mentor many schools and teachers who are new to the program. Dave is a prime example of what it means to be a Close Up teacher and a leader in civic education.
"Close Up had a very meaningful impact in my life. I thank Mr. Collins for his vision, guidance and motivation to involve Belen students in a program that allowed many of us to visit famous sites in Washington, DC, meet with government officials and learn how our federal government works."
