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Erie, PA 16505
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The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced today a list of local individuals who will be honored at the Otters Champions for Education Dinner being held on Sunday, August 27th at the Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center.

The Dinner kicks off the Otters Champions for Education Weekend which concludes on Monday, August 28th with the Champions for Education Golf Tournament being held at the Chautauqua Golf Club. The team opens it's weeklong Training Camp later that evening at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena.

This year's honorees include:

• Excellence in Education - Dr. Frank Pogue, President, Edinboro University
• Distinguished Educational Service - Judy van Rheenen, Adult Enrollment Advisor, Gannon University
• Coach of the Year - Jim Wells, General McLane Head Football Coach
• Coach of the Year - Joe Lunger, Villa Maria Baseball Head Coach
• Coach of the Year - Sheila Bancroft, Maplewood Boys and Girls Volleyball Coach
• Adopt-a-School Teacher of ther Year - Elaine Shaddock, Northwestern School District
• Erie Youth Hockey Association Coach of the Year - Nick Surkala

The Champions for Education Weekend provides the Otters organization with an opportunity to honor individuals from around the Erie community that have made a positive impact on the advancement of education and athletics. In addition, the Weekend offers a chance to support local charities as well as the Erie Otters Education Fund, which sponsors The Erie Otters Brad Boyes Scholarship and the educational needs of former Otters, who don't go on to play professional hockey, as they continue their education after their OHL careers.