Batiuk

Tom Batiuk, Creater of “Funky Winkerbean”
MHS Class of 1965

Nominated by Joe Filipiak

Tom Batiuk spent several years as a high school teacher before creating Funky Winkerbean, the celebrated comic strip distributed by King Features Syndicate to more than 400 newspapers nationwide.
Since the strip’s inception, Batiuk has pioneered new directions in comic art by dealing with serious social issues like teen pregnancy, dyslexia, suicide, guns, terrorism, racial discrimination, abuse, and cancer.
Batiuk has created other strips as well. In 1979, he launched into syndication "John Darling," the adventures of a fictional talk-show host featuring celebrity caricatures. Batiuk created his third comic strip, "Crankshaft," in 1987. Based on the irascible school-bus driver in "Funky Winkerbean," it appears in nearly 300 newspapers.
"Lisa's Story" an inspiration book created in partnership with the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, is published (2000)
University Hospitals establishes the “Lisa’s Legacy Fund” for cancer research
Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2008
"Friend of Education" Award from the Ohaio Education Association (2002), which recognizes a person or organization whose leadership, acts and support have contributed to the improvement of public education on a statewide or national level
Ohioana Citation in the Field of Art by the Ohioana Library Association (2001), which recognizes individuals for their distinguished service and accomplishments in a specific field or area in the arts and humanities.
“Jonquil” award from the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center (1999) an award presented to distinguished individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in the fight against breast cancer.
Ohio Governor's Award (1996)
Media Citation Award from the Journalism in Education Association (1995)
Honorary member of several state music educators associations through creation of Harry L. Dinkle, “The World’s Greatest Band Director”
Music Educators National Council (1986).
“Harry L. Dinkle” was honored as spokescharacter for MENC's public awareness campaign, as well as for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation's WalkAmerica event and the Child Welfare League of America's "Showing You Care" two-year awareness campaign. In addition, in 1988, Batiuk received the Band Directors of America Medal of Honor.
In 1989, the "Funky" characters became the first comic-strip stars to march in the most spectacular parade of them all: the 100th Rose Bowl Parade.
In 1991 the California Teachers Association gave Batiuk its highest media honor for his contribution to the public's understanding of education issues. And Batiuk's "Funky Winkerbean Wild ... About Reading" campaign won first place in the American Library Association's 1991 Best of Show contest.

Tom Batiuk, Class of 1965