2017 Issue Alexandria Alumni Magazine

Healthy Women, Healthy World Eric Heegaard MD ‘82 2017 Issue Alexandria Alumni Magazine

Inside...

Legacy Business Henry’s Foods

Bright Stars, Bright Futures

Home Grown Leaders

Teacher Innovation Grants

INSIDE Published by Alexandria Public Schools with financial support from the Alexandria Public Schools Education Foundation

2017 Issue

3 Class of 2017 Legacy Students Legacy Families

ALEXANDRIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Dean Anderson Dave Anderson ‘72 Pam Carlson Bob Cunniff Angie (Benham, ‘88) Krebs Sandy Susag Alan E. Zeithamer ‘72 SUPERINTENDENT Julie Critz EDITOR Jill Johnson Communications & Marketing Supervisor Alexandria Public Schools

CONTENTS Alumni Faculty Heather (Olsen) Pfeffer ‘92

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Sly Rachel Barduson Rachel (Mattson, ‘02) Capistrant COVER PHOTO Jennifer Guenther Photography ‘91 Alexandria, Minnesota www.jenniferguentherphotography.com 320-815-8174 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Guenther Photography ‘91 Select Digital Memories Echo Press

Alumni Feature Dr. Eric Heegaard MD ‘82

11

ART DIRECTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Lynn Barton Kerry (Olson, ‘88) Browen

SUBSCRIPTIONS Alexandria Alumni Magazine is a complimentary annual publication of Alexandria Public Schools with financial support from the Alexandria Education Foundation. Donations to help offset the costs of the magazine are welcome and can be sent to: Alexandria Education Foundation, P.O. Box 308, Alexandria, MN 56308.

3 Legacy Families 10 Alumni Faculty Profile/ Retiring Staff 11 Alumni Feature Story 14 Bright Stars, Bright Futures 16 Home Grown Leaders 18 Legacy Business Spotlight 19 Class Notes 20 Education Foundation News 22 Alumni Marketplace 24 Homecoming Connections

KEEP IN TOUCH

PROJECT ASSISTANCE Carol Gaffaney

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Please direct questions or comments to Jill Johnson at jjohnson@alexandria.k12.mn.us.

The Alexandria Alumni Magazine is an annual publication that seeks to connect graduates of Alexandria High School (AHS), Central High School (CHS), Jefferson High School (JHS), Alexandria Area High School (AAHS), non-graduates who attended these schools for at least one year, and all present and former members of the faculty, administration and school board.

Legacy Business Henry’s Foods

2 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

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Let us know where you are and what you are doing so we can connect you to your classmates through the Alexandria Alumni Magazine.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance in our efforts to reach out to alumni by making them aware of this magazine. Additional copies are available at the District Welcome Center, 1410 South McKay Avenue, Alexandria, and online at www.alexandria.k12.mn.us.

To request a copy by mail, email your current contact information to jjohnson@alexandria.k12.mn.us or call (320) 762-2141 ext. 4202. ©2017 Alexandria Public Schools ISD 206.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without obtaining written permission.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Alexandria Public Schools P.O. Box 308 Alexandria, MN 56308

Legacy Families This year we honor these graduates of the Class of 2017 as legacy students. Their mothers and/or fathers, and in many cases their grandparents and/or great-grandparents, graduated from one of our high schools (Alexandria, Central and Jefferson).

‘76

‘86

‘66 ‘44

‘36

ANDERSON LEGACY

BERNING LEGACY

Jack Anderson (2017) Father Tom Anderson (‘76) Grandparents Paul (‘36) & LaVonne (Johnson, ‘44) Anderson

Derek Berning (2017) Mother Jodi (Rost, ‘86) Berning Grandmother Judi (Thoennes, ‘66) Rost

‘92

‘80

‘65

‘85

‘85

BLANK LEGACY

BURGAU LEGACY

BUSSE LEGACY

Shelby Blank (2017) Mother Kelly (Jahraus, ‘92) Eddy Grandfather Dan (‘65) Blank

Brady Burgau (2017) Parents Ryan (‘80) & Shelley (Nelson, ‘85) Burgau

Connor Busse (2017) Mother Becky (Anderson, ‘85) Busse

‘94

‘96

‘91

‘64

‘66

CARVER LEGACY

COVEL LEGACY

Amber Carver (2017) Mikayla Carver (2017) Mother Jennifer (Ellwanger, ‘91) Carver

Mason Covel (2017) Father Mike (‘94) Covel, Mother Tonya (Thoennes, ‘96) Barrett Grandparents Jerry (‘64) & Bee (Geris, ‘66) Covel 2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 3

Legacy Families ‘92

‘86

‘96

‘63

‘69

DANIELSON LEGACY DILLON LEGACY

GAY LEGACY

McKinley Marie Danielson (2017) Mother Nikki (Beeler, ‘96) Danielson

Madisson Gay (2017) Mother Lisa (Schultz, ‘86) Randt Grandfather Tom (‘63) Schultz

Kaden Dillon (2017) Mother Kim (Weber, ‘92) Dillon Grandparents Leo (‘69) & Mary (Mastellar, ‘69) Weber – no pic available for Leo Weber

‘85

‘80

‘88

GREENE LEGACY

GREENGO LEGACY

Felicia Greene (2017) Parents Jeffrey (‘85) & Elizabeth (Crane, ‘88) Greene

Gavin Greengo (2017) Father Jack (‘80) Greengo

‘93

‘95

‘52

‘87

‘72

‘76

‘53

‘52

HOLTHUSEN LEGACY

JARVI LEGACY

Andrew Holthusen (2017) Mother Carol (Hull, ‘87) Holthusen Grandmother Helen (Patrick, ‘52) Holthusen

Dawson Jarvi (2017) Parents William (‘93) & Shannon (Anderson, ‘95) Jarvi Grandmother Kari (Diekman, ‘76) Anderson Grandmother Collette (Heid, ‘72) Jarvi Great-grandparents Gordon (‘52) & Elaine (Urness, ‘53) Diekman

4 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Legacy Families ‘93

‘93

‘87

‘95

KLIMEK LEGACY

LAMB LEGACY

LARSON LEGACY

Nicholas Klimek (2017) Father Jim (‘87) Klimek (d. 2008)

Jordyn Lamb (2017) Parents Jim (‘93) & Jennifer (Flemming, ‘95) Lamb

Ann Larson (2017) Father Jamie (‘93) Larson

‘88

‘88

‘85

‘87

‘90

LARSON LEGACY MCLAUGHLIN LEGACY MEYERS LEGACY Emily Larson (2017) Father Barry (‘85) Larson

Chase McLaughlin (2017) Parents Scott (‘88) & Jamie (Lee, ‘90) McLaughlin

‘85

Kimberly Meyers (2017) Parents Lee (‘88) & Joyce (Yttrie, ‘87) Meyers

‘88

‘63

‘20

‘45

MILLER LEGACY

MILLER LEGACY

Hannah Miller (2017) Mother Stacey (Withers, ‘85) Miller Grandmother DiAnn (Brezina, ‘63) Pankratz

JeAnna Miller (2017) Mother Julie (Johnson, ‘88) Miller Grandmother Lois (Nelson,‘45) Johnson Great-grandmother Alvina (Anderson, ‘20) Nelson 2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 5

Legacy Families ‘89

‘97

‘59

‘75

‘74 ‘57

NELSON LEGACY

NEUMANN LEGACY

Josephine Nelson (2017) Mother Linda (Perry, ‘89) Nelson Grandparents Michael (‘57) & JoAnn (Schneiderhan, ‘59) Perry

Callaway Neumann (2017) Mother Jacqueline (Anderson, ‘97) Yavarow Grandparents Jed (‘74) & Terese (Hammitt, ‘75) Anderson

‘94

‘85

‘69

‘53

‘93

‘71

OBERG LEGACY

OBERG LEGACY

Ashten Oberg (2017) Father Jeff (‘85) Oberg Grandfather Donovan (‘53) Oberg

Daniel Oberg (2017) Mother Stephanie (Olson, ‘94) & Stepfather Mickey (‘93) Larson Grandparents Daniel (‘69) & Dawn (Severson, ‘71) Olson

‘91

‘88

‘92

‘72

ODLAND LEGACY

PARKER LEGACY

PETERSON LEGACY

Will Odland (2017) Mother Jennifer (Nodland, ‘91) Odland Grandfather Richard (‘72) Nodland

Alanna Parker (2017) Mother Anne (Sheehan, ‘88) Parker

Kaitlynne Peterson (2017) Mother Mary (Goracke, ‘92) Peterson

6 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Legacy Families ‘91

‘96

‘83

‘96 ‘60

REESE LEGACY

SANDMEIER LEGACY

SCHMIDT LEGACY

Amanda Reese (2017) Father Daniel (‘83) Reese

Julia Sandmeier (2017) Mother Christine (Rensink, ‘91) Sandmeier Grandfather Thomas (‘60) Rensink

Chloe Schmidt (2017) Parents Jason (‘96) & Suzanne (Jakusz, ‘96) Schmidt

‘88 ‘91

‘73

‘00

‘68

SERIE LEGACY

SCOTT LEGACY

Zachary Serie (2017) Mother Kayla (Hansen, ‘00) Serie

Tyler Scott (2017) Mother Paula Baas ‘88, Father Milo Scott ‘91 Grandmother Barbara Scott ‘73 Grandmother Marie Collins ‘68

‘95

‘96

‘79

‘63

‘76

SMITH LEGACY

STEIDL LEGACY

McKenna Smith (2017) Wade Smith (2017) Father Brad (‘79) Smith

Jazmin Steidl (2017) Parents Justin (‘95) & Cilicia (Hartfield, ‘96) Steidl Grandparents Karl (‘63) & Paulette (Steidl, ‘76) Grosenick 2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 7

Legacy Families

‘84

‘98

‘88

‘50

TELANDER LEGACY THOMSON LEGACY TIMM LEGACY Aaron Telander (2017) Father Alan (‘84) Telander

Kara Thomson (2017) Mother Alicia (‘98) VanderMartin

‘90

Laura Timm (2017) Father Brent (‘88) Timm Grandmother Elizabeth “Betty” (Wodtke, ‘50) Timm

‘86

‘83 ‘70

‘68

TOFT LEGACY

VONDERHARR LEGACY

Ashton Toft (2017) Mother Jody (Faber, ‘90) Toft Grandparents Fred (‘68) & Judy (Kalina, ‘70) Faber

Melissa Vonderharr (2017) Parents Kevin (‘86) & Valerie (Elsner, ‘83) Vonderharr

‘85

‘94

‘87

‘94

WARD LEGACY

WEGNER LEGACY

Adam Ward (2017) Parents Kyle (‘85) & Danita (Schmidt, ‘87) Ward

Mariah Wegner (2017) Parents David (‘94) & Angela (Larson, ‘94) Wegner

8 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Legacy Families ‘82

‘90

‘85

‘88

WIEBERDINK LEGACY

YOUNG LEGACY

Jack Wieberdink (2017) Parents Wayne (‘82) & Christie (Maday, ‘85) Wieberdink

Devon Young (2017) Parents Jesse (‘90) & Becky (Cave, ‘88) Young

‘88

‘92

‘47

‘93

ZWIERS LEGACY

BLOEDORN LEGACY

Jered Zwiers (2017) Mother Jodi (O’Brien, ‘88) Zwiers Grandfather Jack (‘47) O’Brien

Blake Bloedorn (2017) Parents Brett (‘92) & Catherine (Weidenbach, ‘93) Bloedorn

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 9

Alumni Faculty

Heather (Olsen) Pfeffer ‘92 Class of 1992 yearbook photo

1st Grade Teacher Lincoln Elementary School

What were the highlights of your own K-12 experience in Alexandria Public Schools?

I have wonderful memories of my elementary years at Lincoln. I remember the connections I had to all of my teachers, Mr. Othoudt/Mr. Strand, and the office staff. I have fond memories of each year. Such as, getting pink-eye on the last day of kindergarten and sobbing that I had to leave Miss Enemark, learning German in first grade, Mrs. Polman’s great stories she read, Miss O’Toole’s (Mrs. Serum) awesome shoes and high energy, winning a day of fishing with Mr. Ras and Mr. Christopherson’s guitar playing sing-a-longs. During my time at Central and Jefferson, my highlights involve anything that included friends. For example, Junior high golf, Hockey cheerleading, Valleyfair for physics, school clubs, open lunch, and school dances just to name a few.

What/who sparked your interest in becoming an elementary teacher?

Growing up, I always loved children. I babysat constantly, starting in the 4th grade and taught Sunday School while in high school. I knew being a teacher was one of my strong interests. Certain teachers and staff members throughout my K-12 experience had a huge impact on me and were pivotal in my development. I wanted to be like them and make a difference in children’s lives, like they had done for me.

What did it mean when you were raising your children and bringing them through the same educational system that you were part of?

It has been a neat experience, especially having them go through the same elementary school that I went to. My elementary years were such a memorable experience for me and our three boys have had a similar experience. They’ve made great connections with their teachers and have developed a love of learning.

What is the best part of working for Alexandria Public Schools?

Being able to teach in my old elementary school is really neat. It was a hope of mine when I was hired to be able to experience that, at some point, in my career. I started at Miltona Science Magnet School, which also meant a lot to me, as that is where my mom grew up and went to school. Some of the staff, at the time, had been friends with my grandma. They shared some neat stories with me about her, which meant a lot. Teaching in a small school, meant knowing most of the families and community members. That was a special and unique experience for me. When I transferred to Lincoln, it did shock me a bit, because the number of students was so much greater. That being said, Lincoln has a small school feel and a sense of community within the school. I was quick to adapt and the staff made it easy to transition.

My favorite part of working within the school district is the connections that I get to make with the students and their families, as well as former and current staff members. I feel fortunate to have deep roots within a strong educational system.

THANK YOU! Vicki Berglin​​.................................. 26 years Paraprofessional Chris Biegner................................ ​​37 years Social Studies Teacher Vanessa Bruggeman...................... ​24 years Physical Education Teacher Val Christopherson........................ ​31 years Elementary Teacher Tami Curry​​..................................... 33 years Special Education Teacher Jeanne Frederick​........................... 28 years Social Worker Connie Good.................................. ​​32 years Early Education Teacher

The following teachers and staff members are retiring during this school year. Please join us in thanking them for their service and dedication to the students and families of Alexandria Public Schools.

Elaine Hollis​​.................................. 32 years Bus Driver John Hughes................................... ​​5 years Custodian Joyce Hunstiger............................... ​​2 years Adult Basic Education Teacher Kelly Lewis​​.................................... 37 years Physical Education Teacher Ron Lindley​​................................... 36 years English Teacher Karen Marthaler............................. ​23 years Secretary Bill Putnam................................... ​​28 years Custodian

10 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Dottie Rajdl​​................................... 32 years Business Services Karen Schofield​​............................. 40 years Elementary Teacher Paul Stier...................................... ​​36 years Mechanic Rita Vanderwerf​............................. 33 years Elementary Teacher Peggy Werk................................... ​​25 years Bus Driver Colleen Zimny​​............................... 23 years Special Education Teacher

“To me, [Alexandria is] like a little oasis in the world. I learned a sense of respect for everybody no matter what they did or where they were in their life, and that has really been a real gift to me as I went out into the world because I felt like I could talk to anybody.”

Healthy women, healthy world

By Jessica Sly Photography by Jennifer Guenther Photography

Class of ’82 yearbook photo

Alumni Profile Eric Heegaard, MD ‘82 Eric Heegaard is devoted to creating a healthy world.

How? By using his expertise as an OBGYN to make sure every woman is as healthy as she can be by crafting a safe society in which women can talk openly and freely about their health.

But his great respect for all people, no matter their differences, and appreciation of a shared community stem from more than his medical degree. They started in his childhood here in Alexandria, in a little farmhouse on a hill.

A SHARED COMMUNITY Eric’s parents, Bill and Josie Heegaard, weren’t planning to stay in Alexandria. Bill completed his medical internship in Baltimore during the Korean War. Afterward, he planned to go to the Twin Cities to specialize, but they moved to Alexandria shortly before Eric was born and never left.

“They loved it here,” Eric said. “They met good friends. They had a wonderful, wonderful life here. I don’t think they really looked back.”

Eric and his siblings – Jeff, Roger and Jenny – were raised in a home overlooking Lake Winona. In the winter, Eric recalls venturing across the frozen lake to attend Lincoln Elementary School and then later riding his bike to Central Junior High School. But sometimes the elements got in the way.

“I don’t think you can really imagine, but the snow … we used to get snow,” he said, shaking his head in awe. “It used to go up to

where the roof is now. There were a couple times when they would carve from Broadway, carve little paths to the stores. I haven’t seen snow like that for years.”

He would also ride his bike to Cowing Robards for a new gadget, skate on the lake and visit friends on their farms.

“It was about as ideal a childhood as you could have,” he said.

“I would just disappear for hours, go play with friends or go wander around. There was so much stuff to do. I was just supposed to get back in time for dinner.”

Throughout childhood, Eric witnessed a community of differences come together. Originally housing a Catholic and non-Catholic hospital, Alexandria couldn’t support two such facilities, so Eric’s dad helped lead the creation of a new hospital, which became Douglas County Hospital, with a nun named Sister Patrice.

“Sometime in the process, my dad and Sister Patrice hit it off,” Eric said. “My parents invited them over here. Before I knew it, they got to be friends. We just have this lovely relationship, and that relationship has existed up until now. … We are protestants that were raised my nuns.”

SPREADING HIS WINGS Though he was president of the student council and a good student, Eric’s school pride lies in his wrestling career.

“I was on fire. I just mowed through them,” he said in a rush,

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 11

but he soon met his match in a boy a year younger but in the same weight class. “I could not beat this guy, so he became the varsity wrestler and I was JV, but I was OK with that.” He laughed. “We all need something to sort of temper our ego.”

Eric stretched his pool of talents by working as one of the original pizza makers at Godfather’s Pizza, quickly moving from the back to the front counter, but not because of a promotion.

“I used to sing in the back,” he said. “I made so much noise, so they decided to move me up to the front thinking I could make less noise if I was up in the front.” He snickered. “Didn’t work.”

Though he said Jefferson High School provided him a top-notch education, Eric was excited for the opportunity to spread his wings and see what the world had to offer.

The year 1982 brought graduation in a class of about 300 and a chance for Eric to do just that.

He embarked on a college career studying economics at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, intent on becoming a banker.

But during his junior year, a fateful accident opened up a brand-new path.

CHANGING PERSPECTIVES “I remember, I was walking down the street, and there was a car accident in front of me,” he recalled.

A car lay in the middle of the street. The driver’s side door opened to reveal a woman. Eric approached her and discovered a leg bone sticking out of her skin, a compound fracture of the fibula.

“I remember kind of looking at it and trying to calm her down.

Paramedics got there, and I remember after that thinking, ‘That was pretty cool. I could kind of see myself doing this.’ It kind of changed my whole perspective on things.”

At that point, he was almost finished with college and wasn’t too keen on changing his major. Not only that, but he and his friends wanted to travel to California and start a band.

After graduating, they did exactly that, buying a 1973 Dodge longbed van, finding a dive apartment on Bush Street in San Francisco and living the band life. When he wasn’t providing vocals or guitar riffs, Eric was out selling shoes for Eddie Bauer’s and collecting rent.

Finally, Eric realized that the band life wasn’t going to happen. He moved to Seattle and got a job at a nursing home, then enrolled at the University of Washington for pre-med and medical school.

“I remembered that my dad loved obstetrics. He loved primary care,” Eric said. “Then when I was in medical school, I found that I enjoyed the same things. In medicine, there’s only one area where you can deliver babies, do surgery and do primary care, and that’s obstetrics and gynecology. Obstetrics deals with pregnancy and delivery, while gynecology is women’s health.”

So Eric decided to go into OBGYN and was matched to a program at the University of Minnesota.

FINDING A PASSION

12 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Four years of college, four years of medical school, four years of residency and two extra years of prerequisites later, Eric was a full-blown OBGYN. In 2004, he returned home to Minnesota and went into private practice at OBGYN West in the Twin Cities.

A large part of his practice is infertility, pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, but he’s developed a passion for treating endometriosis, an inflammatory condition of the pelvis that causes pain and infertility.

It affects about 10 percent of women. Eric describes it as a “hidden, devastating condition.”

As a go-to for complex endometriosis surgery, Eric estimates he likely performs more endometriosis surgeries than anyone else in the state.

“I have people coming to see me from as far away as Kansas and have had lots of people from the Dakotas and Wisconsin, Iowa and Montana because there aren’t many people who do that surgery.”

Speaking of surgery, Eric and his partners at OBGYN West have been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery since 2008 and continue to lead the way. “The real advantage of it,” Eric said, “is that it gives surgeons the ability to zoom in and achieve better precision.”

A few years later, inspiration struck.

“Once patients get to know you, they will talk to you about anything,” Eric said. “So I had this idea, wouldn’t it be great if you could get a radio show where people could call up and ask these questions in anonymity?”

In 2009, Eric’s idea came to fruition, and he started “The Gyno Show” on myTalk 107.1 in Minneapolis on Sunday nights.

“The Gyno Show” is a call-in radio show where people can ask Eric anything regarding women’s health, from politics to sports to international rights. Nothing is off the table.

“And people talk. Oftentimes, it’s very funny. Sometimes, it’s really sad,” he said. “It’s fun to be in a position where I can do my clinical work and surgery, but I really enjoy teaching and helping people understand what’s going on with their bodies and understand these conditions better.”

In April 2017, Eric decided to change it up a bit, switching “The Gyno Show” from a radio program to a podcast. He encourages people to check out the Facebook page, simply called “The Gyno Show,” if they want more information.

One of Dr. Heegaard’s passion projects is “The Gyno Show”, a call-in radio show on myTalk 107.1 in Minneapolis where women can ask him anything regarding women’s health.

HIS OWN OASIS Though he has thousands of surgeries and deliveries under his belt, as well as being voted a Top Doctor for Women by Minnesota Monthly in 2009, he still sees “The Gyno Show” as one of his greatest achievements.

Even after all of his accomplishments and traveling the country, however, Eric describes the feeling of returning to Alexandria as “coming home.”

“To me, it’s like a little oasis in the world,” he said. “I learned a sense of respect for everybody no matter what they did or where they were in their life, and that has really been a real gift to me as I went out into the world because I felt like I could talk to anybody.”

Eric has two children. Elena, 21, attends Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, and 18-year-old Ian will graduate from St. Paul Central in the spring. Despite his family being so spread out, he always plans to come home to Alexandria.

And above all else, spreading the word about endometriosis and reaching people through “The Gyno Show” will remain his greatest passions.

“Pain is not normal. You can’t have a healthy world without healthy women. Healthy women make healthy families, which make healthy communities, which make a healthy country and a healthy world,” he said. “Medicine allows you that privilege. People invite you into their lives at their most vulnerable points and/or their most joyful moments, and to be a part of that is almost indescribable.”

High school created many fond memories of extra-curricular activities (top to bottom: Spring Play, Wrestling, and American Field Service) and lifelong friendships.

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 13

Bright Stars, Bright Futures!

Alumni Marketplace

The Alexandria Area High School DECA Club had 13 students qualify and attend the International DECA Conference in Anaheim, California.

The Alexandria Area High School theatre department’s fall musical, Footloose, earned the highest award from the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program.

Meet ten seniors from the Class of 2017 full of promise and hope – ready to make their mark on the world!

Emma Ziegler Ben Bogart • Girls’ Soccer/Girls’ • 2017 National Merit Basketball/Softball Scholarship Commended • Team Captain Girls’ Student Soccer/Softball • Team Captain Wrestling/ • All-Conference Girls’ Soccer All-Conference/All-State • All-State Academic Girls’ Academic Basketball • Most Valuable Wrestler/ • College Board AP Scholar Most Dedicated Wrestler • Student Council President • 2-time State Qualifier/ • ‘A’ Club President 4th place State Wrestling • ExCEL Award Nominee Tournament (2016) • DECA 2nd place State • National Honor Society Competition, Sports & • Attending Concordia Entertainment Operations College (Moorhead)/ Research Concordia College Cobbers • Attending University of Wrestling Team Notre Dame; Political Science

McKenzie Revering • T eam Captain Girls’ Soccer/ Girl’s Hockey/Girls’ Softball • All-State Hockey • Class A State All-Tournament Hockey Team • 2017 Hobey Baker Character Award Nominee • National Honor Society • ‘A’ Club President • Attending University of Minnesota-Duluth Recipient of Athletic Scholarship

14 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Jaran Roste • Football/Basketball/Track & Field • All-State Football/Mr. Football Finalist • All-Conference Football/Basketball/ Track & Field • Mr. Football Finalist • Set a new MSHSL single-game touchdown record • 1,000 point Basketball Career • Mock Trial Team • DECA Vice President of Finance • DECA 2nd place State Competition, Sports & Entertainment Operations Research • ‘A’ Club President • Attending U of M-Twin Cities – Will Play College Football; Political Science Major

Abigail Eck • College Board AP Scholar with Honor • All-State Orchestra • Rainbow Strings • Girls’ Swimming & Diving • Art Club • Speech • National Honor Society • Attending Augsburg College on full Music Scholarship

Bright Stars, Bright Futures!

The Alexandria Area High School Math League team finished in first place, earning a trip to state.

The Alexandria Area High School theatre department’s One-Act Play, Icarus, took first place at section competition, and earned a star rating at state.

The Alexandria Girls’ Hockey Team clinched the State Class A Consolation Championship and also earned Gold state academic achievement honors.

Class of 2017 Motto “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

Jack Wieberdink • 2017 National Merit Scholarship Finalist • CLC All-Conference Choir Bass • Concert Choir Officer/ Adjudicator • Carolers/Silhouettes • Student Council • Academy Ambassador • National Honor Society • Attending U of M-Twin Cities, Neuroscience Recipient of Presidential Scholarship

Kendall Kohler • Team Captain Girls’ Soccer/ Girls’ Basketball • All-Conference Soccer & Basketball • 1,000 point Basketball Career • All-State Basketball/All Tournament Team/All Star Game • All-State Academic Basketball • Track & Field Manager • National Honor Society/ DECA/SLAM • Freshman Mentorship Program • Academy Ambassador • Attending Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD; Biology Major

Henri Santelman • ExCEL Award Nominee • Concert Choir President/ CLC All-Conference Choir Bass • Student Director Carolers/Silhouettes • Superior rating at Vocal Solo & Ensemble Competition • Sinfonia Orchestra • Team Captain Boy’s Swimming & Diving • State Qualifier Diving (2015) • Co-wrote & directed student produced musical (Noted) • Team Captain AAHS Improv/Theater Officer • Attending Gustavus Adolphus College, Music Theory & Composition Recipient of Presidential Scholarship

Josie Nelson • Fall Musical/State One Act Star Performer • Recording Artist & Composer • Concert Choir Alto Section Leader/Carolers • National Honor Society President • Student Council Vice President • Girls’ Tennis • Mock Trial Team • Academy Ambassador • Attending Concordia College (Moorhead); Biology & Spanish

Will Odland • AAA Award Nominee • Team Captain Football/AllConference/All-Section Football • Academic All-State Football • Boys’ Golf/All-Conference/ Academic All-State Golf • Math Team/Mock Trial Team • National Honor Society • Wind Ensemble/Section Leader Clarinet/All-Conference Band • Attending North Dakota State University, Civil Engineering Recipient of Presidential Honors Scholarship

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 15

Home Grown Leaders

By Rachel (Mattson,‘02 ) Capistrant Inspiration can be a critical part of learning and growing as a person. Many of us reflect on our days in school and recall a teacher, a class or a project that sparked our imaginations, ignited a passion, or identified a career path. We asked six home grown leaders to share their stories about how they found inspiration as a student in Alexandria Public Schools.

Becky (Nelson) Zwilling ‘88 Human Resources Director, H. Boyd Nelson

Becky and her husband Craig both graduated from high school in Alexandria. After graduation, Becky attended the College of St. Benedict, earning a bachelor’s degree in management and a minor

in psychology. She worked for Carlson Companies in Minnetonka for 10 years following college, primarily in the role of human resources consultant.

When she left her job to work as a stay-at-home parent, Becky and her husband considered moving. They wanted to raise their children in a smaller, yet welcoming community with an outstanding school district.

An opportunity arose in Alexandria, and they were happy to return home.

Becky currently works part time as the human resources director at H. Boyd Nelson in town. Her son Grant attends the University of St. Thomas and her daughter Anna is a freshman at Alexandria Area High School.

Becky’s parents Rodger and Carol Nelson reside in the community. Rodger is an Alexandria alumnus.

In her spare time, Becky enjoys serving on the board for United Way of Pope and Douglas County. She was previously a board member for Alexandria Education Foundation. She also volunteers for her children’s activities.

She advises current students to be active and try new things. “Be kind,” she adds. “No act of kindness is ever wasted.”

Josh Tatge ‘93 Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial

building. Luckily for Josh, his plans came to fruition.

Josh worked for Tatge Brothers’ Lawn Service throughout his junior high and high school summers, mowing lawns in the Alexandria area. He also worked for Bradley’s Shoes. Because he knew early in life that he wanted to work in finance, Josh pursued a degree in business at St. Cloud State University.

When a financial advisor position became available with Ameriprise Financial Services in Alexandria, Josh jumped at the opportunity. Josh continues to work as a partner with Ameriprise today.

Katie (Reif) Sansted ‘95 Business Owner, KT Design

Katie double majored in elementary education and psychology at the University of St. Thomas. She earned a master’s degree in education from Hamline University. The early part of her career was spent teaching second grade in Wayzata.

Katie and her husband Rick were married in 2000 and welcomed twin boys named Peter and Myles in 2003. Katie started her career as a stay-at-home mom and began sewing during her children’s naptime. This quickly turned into a business selling oilcloth totes and accessories. During this time they added

Even as a child, Josh had the goal of returning to Alexandria as an adult to establish a career and raise a family.

He even predicted to his sister Kellie that he would someday work in what is now the Ameriprise financial services

Katie has observed that, although the world is vast, people oftentimes seem to have a connection back to Alexandria. Her advice to current students is to be kind, work hard, and have grit.

16 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Josh and his wife Chelsie have two daughters, Regan and Lili. His sister Kellie resides in Alexandria with her family. Josh’s parents Pat and Doug also live in Alexandria, while his twin brothers Brock and Carter live in the Twin Cities.

to their family with Ellen in 2007 and Teddy in 2008. The business grew into what is now KT Design.

The Sansted family made their way back to Alexandria in 2015, when Katie’s husband accepted the job of assistant superintendent for Alexandria Public Schools. When Katie isn’t driving her children to activities or cheering on their sports teams, she enjoys spending time on Lake Darling, shopping and exercising. She enjoys the balanced pace of life that Alexandria offers, and welcomes the opportunity to spend time with friends, both old and new.

Home Grown Leaders

Russ Hinrichs ‘95 Special Education Teacher, Alexandria Public Schools

For the last 17 years, Russ has been employed as a special education teacher, been the head baseball coach, a varsity assistant in the football program, and the president of Education Minnesota Alexandria.

Maureen (Anderson) Winger ‘81 Neuropsychologist, St. Cloud VA

Maureen is no stranger to hard work.

Her first job in Alexandria was as an aid for swimming lessons at the pool in Central High School when she was 12 years old. She earned fifty cents per hour. She eventually worked her way

Even in college Russ knew he wanted to find his way back to his hometown.

While attending St. Cloud State, where he earned a degree in special education, Russ served as volunteer assistant coach to the Alexandria football team. He attributes this to the generosity and mentorship of football coaches Dennis Kalpin and Mike Quist.

After college, Russ worked as a special education teacher in Lakeville, Minnesota, before accepting his job with Alexandria Public Schools.

Russ and his wife Patti have two sons, Thomas (9) and David (7) who attend Lincoln Elementary School.

Russ’s parents, Rick and Barb Hinrichs, also reside in Alexandria. Russ and his family enjoy spending their free time cheering on the Vikings and the Cardinals.

Russ advises Alexandria students to take the time to thank instrumental people in their lives, and to make an effort to be kind to everyone. It’s possible the next person you meet is a future colleague, a future best friend, or even a future spouse. Making each encounter matter is the best way to ensure success.

up to teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding in both high school and college.

Maureen earned her bachelor’s, master’s and PhD from the University of North Dakota. After living in Kansas City, Missouri, Maureen and her husband Randy (also an Alexandria native) accepted job offers in central Minnesota. Maureen served as a neuropsychologist at St. Cloud hospital, commuting to work for five years before accepting a general psychologist position at Douglas County Hospital.

Ten years later, Maureen felt a pull toward her passion of neuropsychology.

She now commutes to join the staff at

the St. Cloud VA, working with Veterans and mentoring younger psychologists.

Children Gage and Madalyn are away at college, and Maureen and Randy are becoming reintroduced to the concept of leisure time. When they’re not tackling a home improvement project, they are enjoying the lake or volunteering at local high school swim meets.

Maureen encourages students to take advantage of challenging opportunities available to them while in school. In her work, she often hears from Veterans both young and old: “I wish I would have tried harder in school.”

Brenda Higgins. These educators helped students develop the ability to look at challenges from a number of directions, and to stick with something and make it a success.”

After graduating from North Dakota State University with degrees in Pat Kalina ‘00 business administration and music, Training & Pat and his wife, Haley, returned to the Continuous Alexandria community. He earned his Improvement Mgr., MBA from Southwest Minnesota State LGC Douglas Scientific University in 2010, while working for the It was difficult for Pat to choose just Alexandria Area Economic Development one or two significant teachers from his Commission as their marketing and time as a student in Alexandria Public communication coordinator. In 2012, Schools. “I had a lot of outstanding Pat joined the team at LGC Douglas teachers throughout my years…and it’s Scientific and currently serves as hard to choose a favorite, though two their training & continuous that stand out were Dennis Melby and improvement manager.

Pat is excited to have both of his children, Sam (9) and Millie (6), attending Alexandria Public Schools.

His parents, Darrel and Margaret, both live in the area, as well as his brother, Frank. Pat’s younger sister, Rachel, resides in North Dakota.

What Pat most appreciates in the Alexandria community is the people who live here. Pat is honored to work alongside friends and colleagues who are passionate about making this community the best place possible.

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 17

Legacy Business Henry’s 1940s trucks.

Henry’s Foods is a true American business story

Above: Founder Henry Eidsvold (center), with sons Harold (left) and Lyman.

Compiled by Rachel Barduson and Kellie Janssen Henry Eidsvold was employed as a salesman for the Armour Creamery Company of Minneapolis in 1929 when a candy maker asked him to fill his Cole Eight touring car with candy bars to sell while on his creamery route. After a few successful selling trips, Henry quit his job at the creamery and set up shop in the basement of his home and called his new enterprise Henry’s Candy Company. Following World War II, when sugar and chocolate became more readily available and Americans devoured nickel and dime candy bars in record numbers, Henry opened Henry’s Candy Co. in Morris, Minnesota.

With growth satellite warehouses were added around the state.

From the very beginning, the company was a family endeavor.

While Henry focused on sales, his wife Maude checked in the freight and managed the basement warehouse. Their daughter Mildred kept the books until her untimely death in 1934. Sons, Harold and Lyman, joined the business full-time in the ‘30s after they finished college. Harold and Lyman each had a son, Tom Eidsvold and Jim Eidsvold, who took interest in the business and became the third generation team to take on Henry’s Candy, later evolving it to Henry’s Foods Inc. Today the fourth generation, Brian Eidsvold CEO, and fifth generation, Andrew and Jackson Eidsvold, continue the business that began in 1929.

In 1990, the company made its largest of many acquisitions when it purchased the grocery wholesaler Ludke & Company and Henry’s moved into that firm’s offices and warehouse in Alexandria where the company remains today. That same year, the business changed its name from Henry’s Candy Company to Henry’s Foods, Inc.

18 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Tom Eidsvold and Jim Eidsvold became the 3rd generation team to lead Henry’s Foods, with Brian Eidsvold, CEO representing the 4th generation.

Henry’s Foods has diversified from distributing candy and tobacco products to include the distribution of broad line food service, paper, hardware, and wholesale groceries throughout Minnesota, eastern North and South Dakota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. The company has grown from one route to covering a five-state region since its inception and from the trunk of a car basement operation to over 200,000 square feet of warehouse. The product line has grown from a few candy bars to over 13,000 items.

With a staff of more than 205 people, the company remains family owned including third generation, fourth generation, and fifth generation onboard. Andrew and Jackson (5th generation) are college students but find themselves working in the warehouse during the summer months. They graduated from Alexandria Area High School in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Tom, Jim, and Brian have developed a complete succession plan to keep the business in the family for multiple generations to come. Kellie (Erickson) Janssen, 1994 JHS graduate, serves as the current President. Kellie is actively involved in the business and the Alexandria community representing Henry’s in many ways. From community service to business development, Kellie is driven to keep the strength of the company going so the torch can be passed to future generations, continuing a dream that began in 1929.

Class Notes The Class Notes section features information provided directly by alumni as well as news gathered from a variety of public sources.

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1970’s ––––––––––––––––

The Jefferson High School Class of 1972 will be having a 45-year reunion on September 16, 2017. This is in conjunction with this year’s Homecoming festivities. The plan is to attend the parade at 11:00 a.m. and watch the football game at 2:00 p.m. for those interested. After the game, a tour of the new high school is being worked on. The main gathering will be at the Shooting Range Park, south and east of Alex just off Hwy 29 South. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. A cash bar will be available. There have been rooms blocked at the Holiday Inn. Also, there are a number of camping spots at the Shooting Range for those with campers. This is also the same weekend for the Grape Stomp at Carlos Creek Winery. This is a big event for the weekend, so hotel rooms will possibly go fast.

More details will follow. If you have questions ask on the Class of 1972 – Jefferson High School, Alexandria, MN Facebook page.

The Jefferson High School Class of 1977 will be having a reunion this fall in conjunction with Homecoming weekend. Activities planned include: • Friday, September 15: Jeans & Jewels Fundraiser hosted by the Alexandria Education Foundation. Cost is $10 at the door.

Event is held at Broadway Ballroom, 115 30th Ave E, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

• Saturday, September 16: Homecoming Parade, 11:00 a.m. start. Meet in front of the old Police Station, 7th & Broadway. Tailgate party at Alexandria Area High School after the parade.

Grilled items and beverages for sale

by Alexandria Cardinal Athletic Foundation.

No alcohol allowed. Homecoming football game kick-off is 2:00 p.m. vs. Brainerd.

Possible tour of the new high school after the game, @ 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday, September 16: Main Event, Elks Lodge, 6:00 p.m. $10/per person (hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cash bar.)

Questions: Contact Lynn Norton Thoennes at lint@gctel.net, (320) 808-0403, or check out the Facebook page: Class of 1977 – Jefferson High School.

Optional things to do: Friday, September 15, gather at Angelina’s, 7:00 p.m.; Carlos Creek Grape Stomp, September 15 & 16, visit: www.ccwgrapestomp.com for details.

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1980’s ––––––––––––––––

Rod Jasmer, Jefferson High School, 1980 alum, has recently written a book. In short, it was not yet 3:00 a.m. when Rod Jasmer was woke by his wife’s gasps for air in their remote hut in ancient Tikal, Guatemala. What happened for the next twenty-four hours in the faraway jungle rocked his world and changed many lives forever, and no travel book or past adventures could prepare him. Without Explanation: A True Story of Love and Loss in the Jungle (March 21, 2017) is by geologist, adventurer and Minnesota father of three, who shares his story about what it means to tragically lose the love of your life in the most unimaginable of circumstances. The story is chilling and inspiring. Learn more about Jasmer and Without Explanation at www.rodjasmer.com.

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1990’s ––––––––––––––––

Joanna Bursch (‘94) and Jonathan Hawthorne were united in marriage on September 24, 2016, at Castello di Modanella in Tuscany, Italy.

Joanna is the daughter of Fred and Claudia Bursch of Alexandria, and Jonathan is the son of John Hawthorne and Kathy Strange of Henley on Thames, England. Joanna is a 1994 graduate of Jefferson High School in Alexandria and graduated from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, with a marketing major.

She is currently employed as a global marketing solutions manager at Facebook in London, England. Jonathan was an electronics major in Henley College in Henley on Thames, England.

He is the owner of a photography business, JDH Bespoke Photography. The couple currently resides in London, England.

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2000’s ––––––––––––––––

Jordan Lee (‘11) and Landon Dybdal (‘09) announce their engagement. Jordan is the daughter of Tammy and Chris Lee of Parkers Prairie.

She is a 2011 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2017 graduate of Bellevue University, with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. Landon is the son of Shari and Mark Dybdal of Alexandria. He is a 2009 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2015 graduate of Saint Louis University, with a master’s degree in health care administration.

A May 27, 2017, wedding is planned.

Jen DeCock (‘11) and Ted Kohorst were married on October 23, 2015 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Jen is the daughter of Wayne and Kathy DeCock of Nelson. She is a 2011 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2015 graduate of North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, North Dakota, with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She currently works as a school nurse for West Fargo Public Schools in West Fargo, North Dakota. Ted in a 2014 graduate of NDSU, with a bachelor’s degree in science education and biology.

The couple resides in Fargo.

Caitlin Freier (‘08) and Ben Christopherson announce their engagement. Caitlin is the daughter of Todd and Julie Freier of Alexandria. She is a 2008 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2012 graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She works for Essentia Health in Fargo as a physician and provider recruiter.

Ben is a 2011 graduate of the University of Minnesota Crookston, with a bachelor’s degree in ag business. He works for Kragnes Farmers Elevator in Dilworth as an agronomy manager.

A June 16, 2017, wedding is planned at The Vintage Garden in Barnesville, Minnesota.

Kirsten Lusty (‘11) and Stephen Gertken announce their engagement. Kirsten is the daughter of Bob and Rochelle Lusty of Alexandria. She is a 2011 graduate of Jefferson High School in Alexandria and a 2015 graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead. She works for BAC/TRI Global Enterprises as an e-commerce content writer/copy editor. Stephen is a 2012 graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead.

He works for First International Bank and Trust in Staples as a commercial and ag loan officer.

An August 26, 2017, wedding is planned.

Send Class Notes Share your story! We are proud of our alumni and your accomplishments.

Please send your class notes including promotions, the birth of a child, move back to the Alexandria Area, and engagement or marriage announcements to jjohnson@alexandria.k12.mn.us with “Class Notes” in the subject line.

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 19

Education Foundation News Alumni Marketplace Your Support Impacts Classrooms The Alexandria Education Foundation supports creativity in the classroom through our Teacher Innovation Grants. Since 2009 and through the generosity of our donors, we have awarded over $207,000 in grants to teachers in Alexandria Public Schools.

This year, AEF awarded $44,342 in Teacher Grants to fund sixteen projects that will impact over 6,300 students across all buildings and grade levels PreK-12. AEF Teacher Grants help our teachers bring more creativity, innovation, and inspiration into classrooms.

Congratulations to our 2017-18 Teacher Grant Recipients!

Virtual Reality Headsets School: Discovery Middle School Teacher: Katie Dummer Amount Awarded: $525

Technology to Promote Writing School: Garfield Elementary Teacher: Joe Hurlbut Amount Awarded: $120

Outdoor Exploration School: Lincoln Elementary Teacher: Barb Walswick Amount Awarded: $1,900

Quick Talker Freestyle School: Early Education Center Teacher: Stacy Denny Amount Awarded: $3,495

Making Music in the 21st Century & Beyond School: All Elementary Schools Teachers: Elementary Music Teachers Amount Awarded: $5,301

Makerspace School: Lincoln Elementary Teacher: Susan Nienaber Amount Awarded: $1,200

Creating Virtual Tours School: Miltona Magnet Elementary Teacher: Chad Gilbertson Amount Awarded: $1,022 Sensory Regulation Toolkits School: Woodland Elementary Teachers: Mikayla Genereux Amount Awarded: $1,750

LEGO WeDo 2.0 School: Voyager Elementary Teacher: Ben Kettler Amount Awarded: $1,814 Makerspace School: Discovery Middle School Teacher: Haley Kalina Amount Awarded: $5,000

Makerspace School: Alexandria Area High School Teacher: Kim Froemming Amount Awarded: $6,000

Kids Collaborating, Coding & Computing School: Woodland Elementary Teacher: Alicia Wagner Amount Awarded: $5,000

Science in the Ag Program School: Alexandria Area High School Teacher: Andrew Steiner Amount Awarded: $6,290

Virtual Reality Headsets School: Discovery Middle School Teacher: Lukas Gotto Amount Awarded: $525

Science and Music Connection School: Early Education Center Teacher: Connie Good Amount Awarded: $3,000

Exploration – Mini Makerspace School: Voyager Elementary Teacher: Elizabeth Billberg Amount Awarded: $1,400

Funding for the AEF Teacher Grant Program is made possible by donor contributions to the Alexandria Education Foundation. Donations can be made online at www.alexeducationfoundation.org, or by mail to AEF, P.O. Box 308, Alexandria, MN 56308.

20 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

Education Foundation News

Helping students attain college degrees

2017 Hall of Fame inductees announced

The Foundation has built a financial cornerstone for investing in students and teachers in Alexandria Public Schools. One of the ways they do that is by helping students attain college degrees.

Through a competitive scholarship process, the Foundation financially supports students in the transition from high school to 2 and 4-year colleges.

Since 2009, AEF has awarded nearly $25,000 in scholarships in support of 28 students.

The Seeds for Future Learning Scholarship provides for two $400 scholarships to students who have an interest in pursuing a college degree in business, education, manufacturing, or agriculture.

The Alexandria Education Foundation is pleased to announce that the following individuals will be inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame this fall:

Captain Thomas G. Halvorson, Class of ‘84, United States Navy (USN), Commanding Officer of USS John McCain & USS Mobile Bay; Michael Tisserand, Class of ‘82, critically acclaimed professional writer/book author; and Patty Wicken, Class of ‘67, radio personality and talk show host.

The Class of 1988 Scholarship fund was created through a donation from a 1988 Jefferson High School graduate.

Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each are awarded to one male and one female who plan to pursue a degree in education, health care, or the arts.

Michael Helgeson – 2016 Class of 1988 Scholarship Winner “I appreciate being a student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Thanks to the scholarship awarded through the Alexandria Education Foundation my loans are reduced and I feel the support of a community that I have grown up in. I have adjusted well to the study schedule of being a Kinesiology major and an avid Gopher fan. Thank you!”

The Alumni Hall of Fame was created in 2007 as a means to honor graduates, or any staff or faculty member who has earned distinction or achievement in their professional field.

The Hall of Fame recipients will be inducted at the Hall of Fame luncheon on Friday, September 15, 2017, and they will be invited to be grand marshals during the Homecoming Community Parade as part of homecoming festivities on Saturday, September 16.

“There are many unique and outstanding accomplishments by the Hall of Fame recipients in this Hall of Fame class,” said Christine Reilly, Foundation board chair. “We look forward to honoring them this fall and recognizing their successes and contributions.”

Full biographical information on the honorees and luncheon event details will be announced in July and available on the Education Foundation’s website at www.alexeducationfoundation.org.

Capt. Thomas G. Halvorson ‘84

Patty Wicken ‘67

Michael Tisserand ‘82 Photo credit: Cecilia Tisserand

9

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will be this year’s Jeans & Jewels Gala theme. This event is a thank you to all foundation contributors and a fundraiser open to the public. The event will be held at the Broadway Ballroom from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15. Jewelry drawings, special event prizes, appetizers and a silent auction make this a fun event you don’t want to miss!

For Jeans & Jewels ticket information contact Judy Backhaus, foundation board member, at (320) 815-8253.

2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 21

Alumni Marketplace Welcome to the Alumni Marketplace!

We greatly appreciate the advertising support of these Alexandria alumni affiliated businesses that help make this publication possible. If you are interested in advertising opportunities in the 2018 issue for your Alexandria alum business, please contact Jill Johnson at jjohnson@alexandria.k12.mn.us.

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22 | Alexandria Public Schools • www.alexandria.k12.mn.us

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2017 • Alexandria Alumni Magazine | 23

HOMECOMING Alexandria Cardinals

2017

September 15-16

Friday, September 15 • 11th Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon, Broadway Ballroom, 12:00 p.m., honoring Captain Thomas G. Halvorson, USN; Michael Tisserand; and Patty Wicken.

• 9th Annual Jeans & Jewels Gala, Broadway Ballroom, 6:30-9:30 p.m. This special evening serves as an appreciation event for all Alexandria Education Foundation contributors, an opportunity for potential members to learn more about the Foundation, as well as a fundraiser open to the public.

• Both events are sponsored by the Alexandria Education Foundation. Visit www.alexeducationfoundation.org for details.

Saturday, September 16 • Community Parade, downtown Alexandria, 11:00 p.m.

• Pre-game Tailgate party at AAHS football field following parade • Football Game, Alexandria Cardinals vs. Brainerd, 2:00 p.m. kick-off

Join Us for Homecoming Connections Weekend!