Wimberley Resident, School Board Member Named Patriot Of The Year
*This article has been corrected. In a previous version, it identified Ken Strange as a former State Representative, which was incorrect. Our managing editor apologizes for her error and any confusion it may have caused.*
On Wednesday, September 11, Ken Strange was honored at the Wimberley Patriot Day Ceremony as the Patriot of the Year at the Veterans Memorial Plaza on the grounds of the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens.
Strange is well-known in the Wimberley Valley for his humble personality, calm demeanor and love of country and community, according to Wimberley Independent School District.
Flanked by his loving family, Strange took a moment to address the gathering of first responders, Wimberley ISD students, Veterans and community members.
“This is very humbling. I’m so honored to be a part of this community where everyone has a part in making it a safe and a great place to live. So, thank you to all of you for this honor, and our family appreciates all of you for what you do to serve this beautiful Valley we all call home,” said Strange.
Strange joins other Patriot of the Year recipients with a paver bearing his name at the Veterans Memorial flagpole. The ceremony included a salute to all local first responders and members of all branches of the military and their loved ones.
Strange has served on the Wimberley ISD school Board since 2008. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and in 1989 made a decision that would forever change the course of his life; he joined the Wimberley Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1991, Strange joined Wimberley EMS as a volunteer and was hired as a full-time paramedic in 1996 and ascended to director in 2004.
Strange and his wife, Yvette have two children, Kennedy and Hallie, both Wimberley High School students.
“Wimberley ISD joins the community in never forgetting the tragic attack on our country on 9/11, and all of the team is especially honored to congratulate Ken Strange, a dedicated WISD trustee, whose diligent service has had a very positive impact on education in the Wimberley Valley,” said Dwain York, Wimberley ISD Superintendent of Schools.
Ken Strange was never a state representative.