PENNS VALLEY — Penns Valley High School officials formally renamed the school’s gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 30, in honor of longtime educator, coach and community leader Joe Hammaker during a ceremony held between the Rams’ boys’ and girls’ basketball games. Former Penns Valley School Board President Allen Miller addressed the crowd, highlighting Hammaker’s lasting impact on the district as a student-athlete, coach, teacher and administrator.
“Joe’s influence extended far beyond the gym. For 33 years, he served Penns Valley as a teacher, department chair, advisor and eventually associate principal,” Miller said. “He was consistently recognized by students as “Teacher of the Year” and was admired for his kindness, integrity and genuine care for every student. As Joe himself once said, ‘Gratification comes from seeing a student achieve success and knowing that you had a part in helping him.’”
Hammaker, a former standout wrestler and Lock Haven University All-American, became Penns Valley’s head wrestling coach in 1961 and helped build one of the region’s most respected programs, guiding teams to undefeated seasons, state championships and historic victories. Beyond athletics, he spent 33 years serving the district as a teacher, department chair, advisor and associate principal, earning repeated recognition from students for his dedication, integrity and care.
The gymnasium naming honors not only Hammaker’s accomplishments, but the standard of character and service he set for generations of Penns Valley students.
