A longtime Knox High School teacher and farmer is the 2014 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Henry F. Schricker Award winner. The honor is given annually to a resident who embodies the former governor’s credo of “service before self.” Frank Skronski moved to North Judson from Chicago with his family as a young man. He joined the Navy, which is where he met his wife of 51 years, Evelyn Leppelt. After leaving the service he attended Elmhurst College and earned a degree from Northern Illinois University.
Skronski taught biology for 33 years in Knox and continued to farm. He also put his skills as a barber to use by frequently giving haircuts to the homeless. In the 10 years since he’s been retired from teaching Skronski has been active in numerous organizations, including Starke County Community Services, the Northwest Indiana Services, SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and many other organizations. One of his most notable contributions is helping to found the St. Vincent DePaul organization in North Judson and recently helping to establish a second chapter in Knox. The organization focuses on helping those in need by providing services ranging from financial aid to furniture and rides to distribution of Christmas gifts.
Skronski will be honored on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Starke County Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center. Contact the Chamber at 574-772-5548 to make reservations for the dinner.
