Arriving at Lakota East High School at 6:00 a.m., Ellen Bowmann gets ready for a lively, unpredictable day. This routine is nothing new to Bowmann, as she has worked in Lakota for 20 years, seven of those years being at East. Even though each day can be a bit chaotic, Bowmann’s co-workers can expect her love for what she does to shine through every day, even on the tough ones.

“I work with students with disabilities,” Bowmann told Spark. “I am also the department chair for the specialized classrooms for autistic students in the classroom with those with multiple disabilities.”

Bowmann said that nothing is more important to her than the kids in her classroom. She goes out of her way to provide them with the best experience possible.

“I’m here for the kids,” said Bowmann. “But that is really all there is to it.”

Kathie Guckenberger, an intervention specialist who has worked with Bowmann for seven years, described Bowmann’s teaching style as having a personal touch.

“She goes above and beyond for the students she works with. She gets to know them and their likes. She knows their families. She shows a true love for what she does,” Guckenberger told Spark. “It is a pleasure to work with and know Ellen.”

According to Bowmann, it is essential to have good communication with a student’s family. She is able to not only share vital information but also create personal relationships with her students and their families. Her coworkers remark that the way she cares makes the school experience that much better for her students.

In February 2024, Bowmann played a large role in planning a celebration for a student for which Guckenberger was an attendant. She set up a graduation ceremony for him, keeping it a surprise from the parents and inviting staff from East. Bowmann provided the student the opportunity to walk across a stage in a cap and gown, which he otherwise would not have the chance to do.

“The thing that sets her [Bowmann] apart is her ability to connect with her students and their families,” said Guckenberger. “She communicates and shares things about the student’s days which is important since some of our students communicate differently and aren’t able to share all that happens through the day.”

The care she shows to students does not go unnoticed as Bowmann received the Educator of Excellence award in 2023.

“Fellow staff and parents nominated her for all she has done for them and her students,” said Guckenberger.

From the Northern Cincinnati Foundation, Bowmann won Lakota Educator of Excellence award. This award is what prompted Ford’s Garage to dedicate a burger to Bowmann.

“When a Ford’s Garage opens in an area, they research influential people in the area and choose some to dedicate a burger to,” said Guckenberger.

Bowmann’s name is featured right below the American Standard.

Ford’s Garage Waitress, Wonita, describes the burger as, “The classic American burger. Nothing fancy, very popular. I usually sell 15 to 20 in one shift.”

Bowmann and other staff from East went to Ford’s Garage on their professional development day. They tried the American Standard and talked to the manager.

“The manager said he is from Liberty Township. He loves [the community], you know, he’s had kids go through Lakota. He has researched people who give back or who do [good things] for the community. And somehow, in his research, he found me,” said Bowmann.

Before this, Bowmann had not even heard about Ford’s Garage. She had never been before and found out she had a burger named after her through a coworker. She decided to make her first visit to the resteraunt to see the burger with her own eyes.

“I’ve only been there once, to be honest with you, but everybody who goes takes a picture of the Ellen burger, the Bowmann burger, and sends it to me,” said Bowmann.

The American Standard is truly as simple as it gets, with only cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and dill pickle, it is the epitome of classic.

Bowmann does not like fancy burgers. She does not even like cheese on her burgers. So, considering other burgers featured on the menu including items like a red onion marmalade, Bowmann and her burger are a perfect match: reliable and original.