We are asking for signatures only.  Please do not donate. 

Wayne “Hank” Hansen, a much beloved teacher at Ames High School for over three decades, passed away in September 2020. Hank, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, taught classes in English, speech, and drama while developing and overseeing the AHS theater arts program. His students remember him fondly as a passionate, kind, and caring educator with a unique and contagious sense of humor. He was known for a booming laugh that echoed through the auditorium, and his uniform of pinstriped overalls, a sheriff’s badge, and straw hat was legendary.

Hank’s leadership in the theater was also long lasting, as he positively shaped and touched the lives of so many student actors and crew members throughout his long career. He not only taught us the skills and strong work ethic needed to succeed on stage, backstage, and in his classes, but he also demonstrated that he cared deeply about who we were and how we were doing. He took time to get to know his students well, and for many was a source of positive support and a true lifeline during our high school years.

Hank leaves an outstanding legacy of former students who not only remember him with love, but also carry what we learned from him in our own lives. Many who went into teaching, art, and theater professions count Hank as their biggest inspiration. Others who took different career and life paths still think back on his caring influence and are better people for having known him.

While Hank’s passing is met with great sadness, we are committed to seeing his passion for the theater, and most of all for all the students he guided and influenced with so much care within that space, continue on. This is the perfect opportunity to honor Hank as the new Ames High School building is nearing completion. 

We respectfully request that the new auditorium and theater space be named after Wayne “Hank” Hansen to celebrate his legacy of excellence in theater arts and in teaching, and to establish a lasting connection between his past theater students and the future students who will discover the magic, which began with Hank, of the AHS theater arts program. Thank you for your kind consideration.