Don Osman, who served for 40 years in Harford County Public Schools and was a member of the Harford County Board of Education, was inducted Monday night into the Harford County Public Schools Educator Hall of Fame as its 166th member.
A large crowd was there to see the longtime Havre de Grace resident honored for his achievement. Osman was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, that included Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty, as he was called to the front of the room.
Board of Education president Leonard Wheeler described Osman as a "good friend" and "fine human being" during the recognition ceremony.
County Councilman Richard Slutzky, who moved to Havre de Grace near Osman 40 years ago, said the educator was "already a legend in Harford County" that early in his career.
To show Osman the magnitude of his impact on the community, Superintendent Robert Tomback asked for those in attendance whose life "had been touched by this man" to stand up. At least one-third of the completely full room did.
Osman's teaching career in Harford began in 1965 at Oakington Elementary School, now Roye-Williams Elementary.
He taught there until 1967, moving to Havre de Grace Middle and teaching there until 1973 before going to Havre de Grace High School, where he taught until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, Osman served one term on the school board.
While teaching, Osman also coached JV wrestling and softball and served as assistant coach with the varsity wrestling team.
He's also well known for founding and sponsoring SMILES (Service Makes Individual Lives Extra Special), which he still volunteers with. The student community group holds events throughout the year, including the well-received Thanksgiving dinner.
Osman has been honored many times during his tenure for his achievements, including being named a Harford County Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year. He was also a "Maryland You Are Beautiful" honoree, won the Harford Council of Community Services Unsung Hero award and was named a HCPS Service Learning Star.
Osman thanked his former colleagues at Havre de Grace High School and the "thousands of students who have passed through my classroom." He recognized the school's English department for sharing their failures, successes, as well as friendships over the years
He also thanked "those who have made me part of their family," Mayor Dougherty and Havre de Grace businesses who have helped with the SMILES group, which he called "the highlight" of his career.
"Tonight, I have to be one of the luckiest people in the world," Osman said.