Uniting the Golden Hawks
Spring 2021, Vol. 4, Issue 1
More Inside:
Give us an Update
Thank you for your response to our update survey! We hope you enjoy seeing where Golden Hawks have landed across the States. As always, please continue to send updates to kstrickland@mphawks.org
Details. p. 16-18
Endowed Scholarships benefit MP Graduates Details about the Peiffer scholarship. p. 15
2021 Alumni Awards Announced Details. p. 4-9
A message from the Alumni President Hello Alumni & Friends! We hope your 2021 is off to an excellent start. The Alumni & Friends Association is gearing up for a summer full of recognition and fundraisers to continue supporting our outstanding group of alumni. The Alumni Award recipients will be recognized at Kalona Days this year on June 19, 2021. They will ride in the morning parade and be recognized at a ceremony on stage in the afternoon. We are looking forward to a day full of celebrating our Alumni Award recipients! The Alumni Association will again be partnering with the Mid-Prairie Foundation to co-host a 4-Person Best Shot on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Kalona Golf Course. The event will contain two shotgun starts and more information can be found in this newsletter. We hope to see as many alumni there as possible for a day of fun! We are continually looking to expand and grow the association as well as content of the newsletter. If you have suggestions or ideas for future newsletters, please reach out to your class representative or one of the board members. In addition, the next Alumni & Friends Association Board meeting will be August 2021. The date will be communicated as it gets closer. We appreciate your continued support of the Alumni & Friends Association! Thank you, Whitni Patterson President – Alumni & Friends Association
Grab your MP Corn Hole Boards Check out these great Mid-Prairie-themed corn hole boards made by an MP Alum! These were recently sold as a fundraiser, but you can still purchase a set to support Mid-Prairie and enjoy this game in your backyard this summer. Contact Melissa Rediger ‘95 for details and to get yours ordered.
2 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
MID-PRAIRIE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mid-Prairie Community School District Board Jeremy Gugel, president Denise Chittick, vice president Marianne Schlabach, member Jeremy Pickard, member Gabrielle Payne Frederick ‘98, member Mary Allred, member Jodi Meader, member Mark Schneider, superintendent Jeff Swartzentruber, secretary Mid-Prairie Foundation Board Hayley Sieren Hershberger ‘11, president Gerry Beeler, vice president Junell Swantz Duwa ‘79, treasurer Georgia Gent, secretary Jody Drozd, member Christian Swartzentruber ‘11, member Kari Hobbs Harland ‘97, member Terry Mangold ‘65, member Phyllis Casper, member Doug Slaubaugh ‘63, member Jeremy Statler ‘90, member Luann Miller, member Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association Board Claudia Shaver Bishop ‘67, member Pam Norman Green ‘68, member Chris Yotty Brenneman ‘72, member Nancy Reif Roth ‘89, member Greg Gent ‘82, member Rebecca Frantz ‘15, secretary Angie Young Goodwin ‘90, vice president Sarah Griffith Huston ‘00, member Kayla Duwa ‘09, member Whitni Patterson ‘13, president Madeline Stutzman ‘12, member Kristi Strickland, Editor & Communications
Alumni Summer Schedule All-school reunion postponed indefinitely
It was decided at the February 2021 Alumni Association meeting that the all-school reunion would be postponed indefinitely. With many unknown circumstances and the time needed to plan such an event, a final reunion year has not been set yet. However, the 2nd Annual Golf Tourney will take place on Friday, July 2nd. New this year is two sessions, 8:30 and 1:30 pm. This will again benefit both the Foundation and Alumni Association. Golf tourney business sponsorships are available and due June 11, 2021. The team entry deadline is June 25. We ask that you pay in advance this year. We’d love for you to grab a team and join the fun this year over the 4th of July weekend or participate through a sponsorship opportunity!
Reunions set Class of 1961
The 60th class reunion for the class of 1961 will be on Friday, Sept. 10, at Tin Roost in North Liberty with social hour starting at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Contact Sally Harper, sallyharper4311@gmail.com.
Class of 1966
The class of 1966 is planning a reunion over homecoming weekend which is yet to be announced once football schedules are released. Contact Jim Cuddeback.
Class of 1969
The class of 1969 will have its annual reunion on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Kalona Brewing Company.
Class of 1980
The class of 1980 is having their 41-year reunion on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021. Watch the class Facebook page for more details. Contact Bruce Spitzer, bruce.spitzer@ gmail.com, with questions.
Class of 1986 The class of 1986 is meeting on July
24th and will have a Four-Person Best Shot golf outing at 10 a.m. at Wellman Golf Course in honor of classmate, Steve Slaubaugh. For additional details contact Michele Sieren, Sieren@kctc. net or Carmen Woods or Lonnie Yoder. Dinner details following the event are yet to be confirmed.
Class of 1991
The class of 1991 is having their 30thyear reunion on July 31, 2021 with plans for a potluck meal at Jerry Zahradnek’s house. For more details, please contact Susan Forinash, sforinash2000@yahoo. com.
Class of 2006
The class of 2006 is planning a class reunion Labor Day weekend. If you were a class member, please join the Facebook group called Mid-Prairie Class of 2006 to receive an invite and get updated on all information. Please spread the word so all can receive an invite. For more information or those without Facebook, contact Amy Ihrig, aihrig88@gmail.com.
Class of 2011
Details are being finalized for a 10-year reunion over the 4th of July weekend. Contact Hayley Sieren Hershberger for details, hayley.hershberger@yahoo.com. Spring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 3
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Achievement Award
Jonathan Gingerich Class of 2002
For Jonathan Gingerich ’02, the path from school to a career wasn’t what he may have initially thought it would be, but through refocus, hard work and determination, he has gone above and beyond, serving his country honorably and finding great success. He is this year’s alumni achievement award winner. Following his graduation from Mid-Prairie, Gingerich enrolled in the University of Iowa majoring in Biology. He found himself struggling with the discipline and direction that was needed to be successful in his pursuit. With less than two years of study completed, he decided to disenroll. The next several years consisted of various jobs, trying to decide what to do next, attempting school again in the nursing field only to face some of the same issues. It was in 2006 when Gingerich decided what was next. “I decided I was ready to build a career and work towards a better future,” he said. Gingerich then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, leaving for boot camp in November of 2006 with a designation to become a nuclear propulsion plant operator. His training then led him to Charleston, South Carolina where he was assigned to the Nuclear Power Training Command and would complete a year and a half of rigorous classroom and hands-on training. However, this time was different from his previous college years. Gingerich excelled and graduated with the distinction of Honorman for his academic achievements. “I found myself thriving under the rigid structure of the military and excelled in my studies,” he said. His first assignment was a four-anda-half-year-long tour on the fast attack submarine, USS Pasadena (SSN-752), in Pearl Harbor, HI. This term included two deployments to the western Pacific Ocean and 18 months of an Engineered Overhaul Period. His hard work and success continued as he achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He qualified as a nuclear propulsion plan supervisor which led to being assigned as an instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston. Before his three-year tour was finished, he was selected to promote to the rank of Chief
4 Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News| Spring | Spring2021 2021
Petty Officer. “This is a major milestone in the career of any enlisted Navy Sailor and I was proud to have my wife, Laurellea, son, Ian, and my parents, Ryan and Lisa, affix my rank insignia to my new uniform,” Gingerich said. Gingerich’s second assignment was also in Pearl Harbor and was aboard the fast attack submarine, USS Columbus (SSN-762). This time Gingerich was the Electrical Division Leading Chief, which is the most senior Nuclear Electrician on the ship. He completed one Western Pacific deployment and then conducted an inter-fleet transfer to Norfolk, Virginia for another Engineered Overhaul Period. His time on the Columbus totaled three years before unforeseen health circumstances in November of 2019 required him to leave. His treatment required an immediate transfer of command from his operational submarine to a Submarine Learning Facility in Norfolk, Virginia, where he currently continues to serve as an instructor. While this course of action was unexpected, Gingerich reflects and would pass on to younger alumni what he has learned and that is the fact that there are always things outside of our control, but the response to those things are what can be controlled. “In life there are so many things that are beyond our control but through everything the one thing we can control is how we respond. A situation does not define us, however, our response to the situation will demonstrate our character. Our struggles can be an opportunity for growth, but that is only possible if we view them as such,” he said. Gingerich has earned several honors during his career. He has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal five times and the Navy Commendation Medal once each after specific career accomplishments, all of which he wears with pride. Perhaps the most significant to him is the achievement he felt after leaving the USS Columbus following his diagnosis. His immediate departure from his post left his position open, forcing his team and division to step up and perform without
leadership, and they did so, exceedingly. Several peers contacted him, praising his division’s outstanding accomplishments. “My greatest accomplishment was the legacy of the division I left behind--as a leader, I have experienced no greater pride,” he said. His role as a Navy Chief helping his sailors achieve success are the same principles that have motivated him and help him strive for excellence. “As a Navy Chief we are taught that our success is measured by the success of our sailors. This expectation extends to all aspects of their performance, including qualifications, maintenance, and professional development. Mentoring and helping my sailors reach their full potential motivates me to strive for my own excellence every day,” Gingerich said. When asked about keys to his success, Gingerich gives thanks and credits his family. In a demanding career, his family has been a solid foundation providing stability and support. He also sees his ability to see opportunity and growth in failure and not fearing failure as a key to success. “The fear of failing prevents many people from taking chances and if I had not faced my failures with a spirit of honesty and self-reflection, I would have missed many opportunities in life,” he said. While his path from high school to today has changed course by choice and also unforeseen circumstances, Gingerich has faced challenges head-on, focused on opportunities, led those around him well and achieved great things.
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Vocational Award Renee Schrock Thompson Class of 2004
Renee Schrock Thompson ‘04 has worked hard and has overcome obstacles to meet her goal of being an agriculture educator. Her own success has led to personal awards and nominations, but her students receiving awards and recognition brings her the most satisfaction. She is this year’s vocational alumni award winner. Thompson continues to teach at West Branch High School, where she got her start in 2010. She enjoys her career and serving both the school district and the agriculture education community around her. It didn’t take her long to fit in her role and then step up in leadership roles. Of her last 10 years, she has been on the building leadership team for eight of them. The leadership team focuses on improving practices of the school and managing rules, schedules and things that arise. The West Branch District was one of the first in the area to implement Standards-Based Grading, of which Thompson helped put in place, a project she’s been involved with for the last nine years. Their work has reached out to other districts implementing the same practices. “I enjoy helping educators who are implementing their own Standards-Based Grading practices in their classrooms in other districts,” she said Thompson’s current project is starting Instructional Framework models to “create a clear understanding among staff and students regarding rubrics as a tool for grading and learning.” While she has a lot on her plate, she also finds time to work with her alma mater, Iowa State University, and host students participating in their Early Field-Based Experience programs. Thompson’s favorite aspect of her job is the relationships made with students both in and out of the classroom. The FFA and Ag Programs allow her to take her students outside the typical
classroom setting, like livestock judging and FFA activities. “I have been fortunate to work in a school and community that are super supportive of the FFA Renee and her husband, Jim, have three children (left to right), Kamryn, 3, Carter, and Ag 10, and Kailee, 7. Programs, much like I and FFA Advisor, Elsa Schmidt, as a was used to, coming from Mid-Prairie. supportive and strong influence. She enjoys being able to see “Ultimately becoming an Ag Teachher students succeed and achieve er and FFA Advisor stemmed from the their goals. Students she has taught/ personal connection she and I shared coached have won State Proficiency both while I was in High School and Awards and she had two State STAR afterward as well,” Thompson said. Award winners for their outstanding Thompson’s advice to youngSupervised Agricultural Experience er alumni and current students is to Programs. Her State Champion Live“adapt and overcome.” She lives by stock Judging teams have even gone this daily knowing things will go wrong to National contests in both Denver and and that there will be struggles, but she Kansas City. Her students often lead in can overcome those situations knowing roles above the FFA chapter level. Not it won’t overpower her. only do her students receive awards, She learned, what is now her life but so does Thompson. She has had motto, from her own adaptations to her the honor of serving as the Southeast own path. She admits while during high District FFA Advisor recently, given school, she did enough to get by, but an Honorary Iowa FFA Degree and it wasn’t her best effort. When she got has received two nominations for the Golden Owl Award, a prestigious state- to college, it was hard, she struggled wide award recognizing top agricultural and she even thought about quitting. However, she adjusted her attitude, educators. changed her major and earned her Despite her honors, she finds sucdegree! Next up, she battled getting a cess where her students do. “A majorteaching job after interviewing, but she ity of the awards and recognition that chose to substitute-teach to gain classI have been able to be a part of were earned by the students that I teach, but room management skills and she said it worked out. “Fate played a role in the I feel most accomplished when they fact that the following year a position feel successful,” she said. opened up at West Branch, allowing Her roots to Mid-Prairie run deep me to move closer to “home.” and she credits her own ag teacher Spring Spring 2021 2021 | | Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News 5
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Service Award Doug Slaubaugh
Doug Slaubaugh ‘63 is this year’s service alumni award winner. Doug’s journey after high school began after he was approached by Royce Buckwalter, who owned Buckwalter Motors, the Chevrolet dealership Wellman, asking if he’d be interested in being his business manager. Buckwalter had talked to Doug’s bookkeeping teacher, Mrs. Fordyce, who said he was one of her best students. He took the opportunity and began working there the week after graduation. While working, he attended GM Accounting School to learn the bookkeeping system, earning several awards for timely and accurate record keeping. Doug credits Royce as being about as great an employer as anyone could ask for. During his time working at Buckwalter’s, he managed to find time to volunteer and serve his community. He was a member of the Lions Club, Wellman Ambulance, Wellman City Council and served on his church’s parish council. In 1967, Doug married Leslie Hogendorn and they were blessed with four children, Steven, Thomas, Julie and Scott. As many in the community know, Steve was born with a genetic disease called cystic fibrosis, passing away in 2015. Doug was especially thankful for his community during that time. “The outpouring of support, sympathy and love from this community after Steve’s death was overwhelming.” He and Leslie raised money for many years for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Steve and again the community was very generous to their cause. Doug worked at Buckwalter Motors for 21 years before accepting the position as Mid-Prairie Business Manager in June of 1984. He followed John McDowell who retired as the district’s business manager. Computers were beginning to make their way into the workplace and the school had bought 6 Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News| Spring | Spring2021 2021
Class of 1963
a new computer and wanted to start a new accounting system on it. McDowell did all accounting by hand and didn’t want to learn the new computer system. When Doug was hired, there were just two computers at Mid-Prairie and both were in the business office. He took on the challenge and Doug Slaubaugh and his wife Leslie. by October 1984 graduated from Mid-Prairie. Many the new system was people have told him that they moved up and running and the first employee here so their children could attend checks came off the printer. Mid-Prairie and those parents that send While some clocked in and out of their day job, Doug found ways to serve their children to Mid-Prairie from other districts tell him the school is a very the district outside of the business office. He was also the district’s Asbestos good school system. His work as business manager was Program Manager and removed or reunder four different superintendents. paired any friable asbestos throughout When the board hired Mark Schneider, the district’s buildings. He also drove a Doug told him he would be the last one special education bus to Washington for four months until a replacement was and he kept his word, retiring in 2010. Since retiring in 2010, he has had found. He jumped in on custodial work time to pursue many leisure activities and even filled in as a study hall monilike golfing, fishing, gardening and tor when needed. traveling. Even through retirement, he’s Doug speaks highly of those in working in the school district, “I worked finding ways to give back to the district and community. He finds the time to with many dedicated employees and mow the grounds at the high school school board members and I have the and has done so for the past 10 years. deepest respect for those who want to Four years after retirement he came serve the public and students of our back to help Jeff Swartzentruber get district,” he said. “My goal was to keep his start as Mid-Prairie’s new business the district in a solid financial position manager. Currently, he serves on the without burdening the public with high Mid-Prairie Foundation Board with a property taxes.” To meet those goals, dedicated group of Mid-Prairie Alumni Doug attended and graduated from the Iowa Business Managers Academy and and supporters. “I am proud of the community also went to quarterly meetings with support our district has received in acAcademy members to exchange ideas ademic, fine arts, and athletics. I have of financial management. always lived in the Mid-Prairie district Doug’s four children and seven and am glad to call it home,” he said. grandchildren either attend or have
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Community Impact Award Jim Seward Class of 1977
Jim Seward ‘77, a third-generation firefighter, was nominated for the community impact award for his steady and continuous service to those around him and his community. He is focused on helping those around him. He summed up his focus well by his quote in a previous article written when the Wellman Fire Department celebrated its 125th anniversary, “You have the satisfaction of serving your community. You have the camaraderie of your friends and you have the desire to help other people,” Seward said. Seward graduated from Mid-Prairie in 1977 and soon after he joined the Wellman Volun- Jim Seward ‘77 and his wife Deb Atkinson Seward ‘77. Right: Jim gives his grandchildren a teer Fire Department. He trained tractor ride. in the department in all areas and everything from structure from the experience and knowledge ing great teachers along the way. They fires, auto extrication to arson investihe gained over the previous decade. helped him realize he could do anything gation. He was also hired after graduaIn 2007, Seward was elected Assistant he put his mind to. He encourages othtion by Buckwalter Motors, in Wellman, Chief and remains in that position today. ers to follow dreams and passions. working his way from the clean up and “I am proud to serve on the WellCommunity is what it’s all about. detailing department to body shop man Volunteer Fire Department with the “Being a member of the fire department & repair to managing the body shop other members of the department, some has taught me the value of teamwork. department in 1987. His career has who deserve this honor as much if not A group of people can accomplish a lot remained at a Chevrolet dealership for more than I do, including my grandfamore than one person alone can,” he the last 41 of 44 years, including Gretter ther, father, brother and cousin,” Seward said. Motor Company in Keota and Charles said. Seward appreciates the training he Capper Auto Center, where he currently He also credits his mother’s exhas received to be able to help someworks. His short three years away from ample and being a great influence and one in a time of need. The training has Chevrolet was at Farmer’s Supply Sales mentor as she was often helping and changed from his beginning, but keepin Kalona. volunteering. “She taught me to lead ing up to date with changes truly helps His service to the fire department by example and not ask anyone to do serve the community better. increased in 1990 as he was elected as anything that I wouldn’t do myself,” he On receiving this reward, Seward Fire Chief and served in that role for 15 said. said, “I can’t believe I was nominated years. Seward appreciates the community for this award. I can think of a lot of In 2005, because of medical reaand growing up in the Mid-Prairie dispeople who deserve this award a lot sons, Seward made the difficult decision trict as a complete experience. He said more than I do. I hope that by accepting to step down as chief. He wasn’t done his class of 1977 was and continues to this award that in some small way it serving, but continued the following two be a close-knit group. He values that might inspire someone else to make a years as the training officer, teaching connection with his class and also havdifference in their community.” Spring 2021 2021 | | Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News 7 Spring
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Athletic Award Jason Dumont Class of 1988
Many people can probably remember Jason Dumont ‘88 being on the Mid-Prairie High School football field and his skills and success leading him to the University of Iowa to continue his career. It only makes sense that he’s this year’s alumni athletic award recipient. Dumont enjoyed athletics at Mid-Prairie and found success in both basketball and football. He was the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference MVP in both basketball and football his senior year. He was also an all-conference selection in both sports both his junior and senior years. Most notably he was an all-state selection in football and he decided to continue his football career at the University of Iowa. He credits his success to hard work and never giving up some lessons he learned growing up on the family farm. His family and many other farming families in the 80’s had to work hard without letting up and stay the course during some lean times. Dumont said in conjunction with those values, great coaches and administrators and family support helped him learn to push hard to achieve goals and success. “I have always been very competitive by nature and was blessed with some God-given ability. I was fortunate enough to have some great people around me that believed in me, taught me to push myself harder than I thought possible, to maximize the opportunity in front of me, and to never get outworked,” he said. Success and recognition for his play continued at the college level as he played in the Peach, Rose and Holiday Bowls during his career. He was defensive player of the game twice and also selected as a team captain in his final senior day home game at Kinnick 8 Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News| |Spring Spring 2021 2021
Stadium. He truly loved the time spent with teammates both on and off the field and created so many lifetime friendships. After graduation from Iowa, he began work in the financial services industry. Now he is co-owner of Wealth Advisors Group in Coralville. In addition, he has ventured into land development and construction and has several projects going on in the Corridor area. When not working his day job, Dumont can still be found on the football field. He has been a high school football coach at Regina for the last 15 years. Two of his children have graduated from Regina and two are still in attendance there. He often donates his extra time to projects at the school and believes in giving back to the organizations you support. Dumont also enjoys getting back to the Wellman area when he can. He still owns some farm ground and likes to hunt, fish and farm when he can make it work. Dumont is also appreciative of great coaches and mentors he’s had along the way. Coach Don Showalter brought out the best in players and individuals Top photo: Jason with his oldest daughter, and Coach Dickel was the first Shelby. coach to believe in Dumont’s Bottom: Hayden, left, Jason, Greyson, and dreams to play at the next level Gentry. and helped make it a reality. “The life lessons both of them for him. taught me carry over to the busi“Respect was earned in his proness world and the way I coach kids gram, never given and no shortcuts today,” Dumont said. were allowed. He taught us all how to Hayden Fry tops the list of coachbe the best player and individual we es for Dumont, noting his toughness could be, to work hard to achieve your and competitiveness, but that he has goals, and to never quit,” he said. a great love for everyone that played
Mid-Prairie Alumni Awards
Fine Arts Award Luke Johnson Lovegood Class of 2003
Luke Johnson Lovegood ‘03 hasn’t strayed from fine arts since he graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 2003. He has been a vocal music educator for the past 14 years. He began his career at Atlantic High School in Atlantic Iowa for five years before moving on to Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs where he’s been for the last nine years. He’s now sharing his love of music, that was instilled in him at Mid-Prairie, and some of the same great Mid-Prairie specialties with students on the other side of the state. He is this year’s fine arts award recipient. During his time at Mid-Prairie, he dove in head first to participate in the many things to offer. He appreciated the wide variety of opportunities the district offered. He was a part of STP music, numerous honor choirs and honor bands, Madrigal Dinner, musical theater, group and individual speech contests, All-State Choir, solo/ensemble contests, and a variety of musicals and plays. “Being in a small town, people tend to do nothing or everything and I found myself drawn to any and every opportunity I could get my hands on,” he said. Even now, he’s still seeking out new hobbies and passions. Recently, he has been dabbling in composing choral music for his collegiate ensembles. In the last four years, they’ve performed more than 30 pieces that he’s composed. Those Mid-Prairie extracurricular activities had a great impact on him with great staff throughout the district leading the way. He was fortunate to have learned from Luetta Ropp, Becky Curtis, Dr. Louise Frakes, Tamara McClintock, David Kunz and Collette McClellen. “The performing arts staff at all levels impacted me greatly - not only helping me hone musical abilities, but providing a safe and welcoming environment for a creative kid to shine, “Love-
good said. After high school, he earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Music Education from Coe College in Cedar Rapids and then his Master’s in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. After graduating from Coe College, he began his career at Atlantic High School in Atlantic, Iowa, providing the same passion and love of the fine arts to his students that he was given. One big undertaking was establishing a Madrigal Dinner tradition at Atlantic that the Mid-Prairie community has grown to love. Later when he made the move to teaching at the collegiate level at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, he also started the Madrigal Dinner selling out shows and making it a hit. Lovegood always strives for excellence through a solid work ethic, which he credits learning from his parents ingraining in him from a young age. With a busy schedule growing up, he said there wasn’t time to complain or procrastinate and he simply stated, “You just do the work.” He has continued to do that in his professional life, and leading by example, encourages his students to remember they’re also works in progress. “We’re all on a journey as musicians and as people. There’s always something we can work to do better,” he said. His success shows with the many roles he has served. Lovegood is a member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and has served in many positions including District Representative, Repertoire and Standards Chair, 2016 9th Grade Opus Honor Choir Director, 2019 Summer Symposium Co-Chair, and most recently President-Elect, a 6-year cycle-2 years of (President-Elect, President & Vice-President). He has also been an advisor with
Luke Johnson Lovegood ‘03, right, with his husband, Matthew, and their son, Ramsey.
Iowa Ambassadors of Music Europe Tour in 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2018, an organization he was a part of as a student in 2002. Lovegood has also been an adjudicator across Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota for choirs, show choirs and various ensemble performances and competitions including Iowa High School Music Association state-sponsored events. Lovegood expressed his gratitude to the Mid-Prairie community. “Thank you for the recognition of this award. It’s humbling and oddly gratifying to be acknowledged in this way, when I look back on half a life ago during my time at Mid-Prairie. Although my experience growing up wasn’t always easy or comfortable for various reasons, I do look back and think about how I was able to learn, evolve, and blossom having had all of those memories - positive, negative, and everything in between. I am now and always will be a sum of my parts, and that includes my rural upbringing in southeast Iowa.” Spring Spring2021 2021| |Mid-Prairie Mid-PrairieAlumni AlumniNews News
9
Mr. Schrepfer — a “Ray” of Sunshine! by Becky Curtis, with assistance from Gary Curtis Ray’s Favorite Tool As I sit down with enduring respect to write this tribute to Ray Schrepfer — former MPJH principal from 1965 until his retirement in 1997 — I do so with pen and yellow legal pad. Like my former mentor/principal, I’ve found this pad helps me record and organize my thoughts. One could rarely walk into Ray’s office at the old or new MPJH and not see a yellow legal pad laying on his desk! He thought best with pen in hand and pad in front of him. All his writing started there — state reports, faculty memos, parent letters, news articles, class schedules, and new ideas. He carried his pen and pad everywhere — in the halls to jot down names of kids being kind or troublesome, to classrooms when evaluating teachers, and to faculty, school board, and Rotary meetings. He was a note taker, historian, list maker, writer, and innovator. Ray’s life before Mid-Prairie Ray grew up attending public school in Fort Madison, IA graduating in 1953. His mom, who had a twoyear teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers’ College and taught in country schools, was his inspiration for becoming an educator. Like her, he went to Iowa State Teachers’ College (during its transition to UNI), student taught at Independence Junior High, and got his BA in 1956. He taught one year in West Liberty before being drafted into the Army, serving in Germany from 1957-59. Upon returning, Ray taught at Newton Junior High while earning his MA at the University of Northern Colorado in the summers. He got a teaching job at Burlington JH and earned his administrative endorsement from the University of Iowa. He was promoted to Assistant Principal at Burlington just prior to coming to Mid-Prairie. Ray’s entire career was spent at the junior high level, teaching math, science, or social 10 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
studies; coaching football, basketball, or track; and finally ending up a principal. Mid-Prairie was indeed lucky to snag Ray, when all they had to offer him was an outdated, overcrowded, junior high building. (And maybe a lifetime supply of yellow legal pads?!?) Reminiscing about the old Junior High Ray recalls: “When I came in 1965, the school districts of Kalona, Wellman, and West Chester had just consolidated to form the Mid-Prairie School District. There was a new high school in Wellman (grades 10-12). The junior high (grades 7-9) was in the old Kalona High School building, which is now Kalona City Hall. Outdoor PE and football games were held at the Kalona football field, now Kalona Sale Barn’s west parking lot. Girls softball teams used the diamond at the Am Vets Club in Richmond and wore the old West Chester uniforms.” Jim Truelson and John Woodin, Jr. add their two cents worth to Ray’s recollections: Jim also came to MP in 1965 (to teach JH social studies) and John was a JH student. Both clearly remember the “nasty dungeon” — a dimly lit, narrow walkway through the furnace room, made even narrower by lockers. Students and staff had to venture through it to get to the two, one-room school houses that had been moved in for vocal music and typing classes. Apparently the fire marshal didn’t like the “dungeon” either, because he closed the passage, forcing everyone to go outside and around the building through rain, snow, sleet, and cold to get to those classes. Jim remembers lunch duty in the gym involving supervising the kids eating, and setting up and taking down tables and chairs. At first, band practiced on the stage in the gym with PE classes on the other side of the curtain yelling and throwing balls — sometimes hitting the curtain. John remembers band practice on the gym floor, with much rehearsal time spent setting up and taking down chairs and stands. The gym was sometimes 50 degrees! Good thing those band kids were blowing lots of “hot air!” Both “Coach Jim” and
“player John” recall bussing to boys’ basketball practice in the old Wellman High School gym after school. Traveling to Wellman took away 30-40 precious practice minutes each day and sometimes there were puddles of water on the gym floor because the roof leaked! Why so much about the old JH?!? What does this have to do with Ray?!? As you can tell from the above accounts, the old JH was a far from optimum learning environment. Ray was the “sparkplug” that ignited the push for a new, up-to-date building that would adequately accommodate the nearly 400 students squeezed into the old Kalona HS. He knew it would be a hard sell to ask voters for another new building right on the heels of the consolidation vote and bond vote for the newly completed high school. But the kids needed it and Ray was all about doing what was best for his students and he was a master of public relations! He invited the school board, service clubs and parents to tour the building during the day so they could see first hand all the shortcomings of the old facility. He made sure, via speaking to organizations and news articles (probably written on yellow legal pads) that people knew how a new building would benefit the students academically, athletically, and in the fine arts. He also suggested minor upgrades to other Mid-Prairie buildings be included on the bond issue so all parents would feel their children were benefiting somehow. Because of Ray’s wisdom, enthusiasm, and passion for kids, the bond issue passed the first time! “Happily Ever After” in the new building with Ray at the helm In December 1969, the graduating classes of ’73, ’74, ‘75 flooded through the doors of the new MPJH. They were the first to see what an incredible gift their community had given them. But what the students couldn’t see, and yet experienced without realizing it, was the strong, nurturing, open-minded, futuristic, balanced leadership their principal provided. Ray made sure there were clear cut expectations for students and teachers (probably outlined
on yellow legal pads), encouraged and praised them generously, always listened to both sides of an issue before commenting, promoted innovative teaching that excited both students and teachers, and made sure that all subjects, athletics, and fine arts were treated equally. Students and staff all felt noticed and appreciated, which made for a positive school climate. Comments from former students, staff and teachers: 1. “Ray was fun, positive, and supportive, when I was a student and a teacher!” — Collette McClellen ‘97 2. “When my sister, Tiffany, and I were in elementary school, we would hang out in Dad’s office (Gary Curtis) until it was time to walk over to Kalona Elementary. When we came in, Mr. Schrepfer was always happy and cheerful and hollered, ‘Hello, girls!’ Then when we left, he would always yell, ‘Have a good day, girls!’”— Lacey Curtis Iverson ’02. 3. “I would describe Ray as FAIR he treated all students and staff equally; HONEST - he told things like they were - no gossip or personal biases; FLEXIBLE - understood that emergencies or opportunities come up requiring schedule changes; DEDICATED - he was in charge and determined to make the JH the best it could be; APPRECIATIVE - on Fridays when he left school he always thanked me for a good week!” — Joyce Mattes 4. “Ray was always there for us, but he never “spied” on us. He did his job and he trusted us to do ours. I’ll always be thankful for that! We all enjoyed the freedom that offered.” — Greg Iverson 5. “Ray was very supportive of traveling teachers! He realized that our 60 minutes of ‘travel time’ was also our lunch and only prep time all day, so he never expected us to do lunch or bus duty.”— Craig Shellady 6. “Ray was super supportive and flexible about personal family needs (births, adoptions, illnesses, deaths). We appreciated this when adopting our son, Michael!” — Sue Aitchison 7. “In 1976, during fall new teacher orientation, Mr. Schrepfer took me and two other new teachers on a tour of the MP district. As he drove us through the towns and countryside, he told us about the various school buildings and
Mr. Schrepfer shares a smile while his wife, Cathy, right, and co-workers erupt with laughter at his surprise retirement party in the Amanas.
how supportive the MP people were of their school system. He showed us how proud he was of his district and his school. To this day, I still remember the pride and kindness he displayed!” — Jerry Nelson 8. “Ray was a pleasure to work with, very supportive, and knew how to make suggestions without being critical. I still use the advice he gave me about parent/teacher conferences. He said to use the ‘sandwich technique’: start with kind words, then discuss problem areas, and end with something complimentary. To this day, I try to apply this advice to challenging discussions with anybody!” — Pam Nelson 9. “Ray allowed his teachers to run their classes the way they felt most comfortable, and was always there to support those who needed help with problem students or other classroom concerns. He took ownership of his building and students and encouraged his staff to do the same!” - Gary Curtis 10. “I taught under many principals, and Ray was by far the best! He was respected by the students, teachers and community.” — Dick Oyer 11. “Ray backed his teachers. If you had a little trouble with a student in your class and suspected Ray might get a phone call from the parents, he wanted to know your side of the story beforehand so he wasn’t ‘blindsided.’ If the parents did call, he could then make a
fair judgment after hearing both sides.” — Jim Truelson 12. “Ray had SUPER VISION! He was a superior communicator, mediator, and evaluator. He had a keen sense of situational awareness. He was able to quickly analyze the myriad of situations he encountered daily and bring them to meaningful conclusions. I had the greatest respect for Mr. Schrepfer. I could go to him with any problem and not feel intimidated. He would listen, point out various elements of a situation (some of which I hadn’t even thought about!), and offer suggestions. His advice was always accurate and extremely helpful.” — Phil Conaway 13. “Ray always asked if there was anything the music staff needed from him on concert mornings. It was his way of acknowledging it was a big day for us! We never had to ask Ray to do anything! He automatically brought in the microphone after everything was set up in the gym. (We always applauded just to see his jolly smile!) In the evening Ray arrived well ahead of the first group’s warm-up time to unlock doors and turn on lights. He wished the kids well as they came in and chatted with their parents. He grabbed dads to bring in more chairs if needed. When the concert started, he stood in the gym doorway for awhile to make sure latecomers entered between songs and then stood near the non-performing students to be Spring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 11
sure they were good listeners. When sure we understood why he wanted the concert was over, he would leap to weekly lesson plans. He explained that: his feet, clapping wildly for the kids! He 1) Lesson plans are actually a form of then made a beeline for the directors, short-term goal setting. When we write grasped our hands in both of his, and down our plans, we make a commitgushed, “Great job!” While we superment to carry them out. This helps us vised the kids returning equipment to stay on track with our curriculum week the music rooms, he would again visit to week, so students have learned all with parents. When equipment was the material (or music) and are ready put away and everyone was gone, Ray for their final exams (or concerts) at the would walk through the building turning end of the semester. 2) Ray enjoyed out lights and locking up. The next day wandering around the building on Friday there were always congratulatory notes afternoons, dropping in to visit various in our boxes to read to the kids — writclasses. He would decide where to go ten on yellow legal paper!” — Becky by looking at teachers’ lesson plans to Curtis see who was doing something parRay led Mid-Prairie JH to excellence ticularly interesting that day. He never and into the 21st century made staff or students feel that he was Ray was continually learning and “checking up on them.” He just showed encouraged the staff to do the same. sincere interest in what classes were He would say to us frequently, “Folks, if doing. He would ask a science stuyou stand still in education, you’re going dent what they were looking at under a backwards!” There was no “same ole, microscope or a language arts student same ole” at MPJH. Following are some where they got the idea for their poem examples of the excellence he strived or a trumpet player what their favorite for: spot in the Hawk’s music was. Eye When (By the way Ray came in — our plan 1965 he felt books had Ray’s Notes there should yellow pages be a junior — like legal Mid-Prairie Junior High high newspapads!) Where the Student Comes First! per published Explorby the stuatory Wheel dents. Ninth Ray wanted Ray’s Lessons grader Pam kids to have Goschke, as many • “Appreciate what you have! Things could be worse!” daughter different of Wellman experiences • “Praise in public, correct in private!” Advance as possible • “Give your best to all students!” newspaper in JH. After • “Shop Local!” owners, Gene all, how can and June anyone pos• “Reach out to the community to share Goschke, sibly know what’s happening in the schools!” agreed to if they like head it up something and the or might be “Hawk’s Eye” good at it unwas born. It less they try continued through the years and in the it? So every grade level had one period 1980’s computer instructor Pam Nelson a day devoted to exploring new things taught the students to write and edit it — art, typing, business, computer, on the computer, which made it much home economics, industrial arts, foreign easier. language, library and general music. Lesson plans Many teachers to this Each grade level rotated through four day complain that lesson plans are just or six of these classes in a year, having “busywork” that principals require every six to nine weeks of instruction in each. week and never look at, but Ray made The purpose was for kids to see which 12 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
classes they had a talent for or interest in that they might want to pursue in more depth later on. STP — Special Talent Program Ray felt strongly that students at both ends of the academic spectrum deserved extra support. Special education programs were already in place statewide for students with learning difficulties. Ray believed that academically advanced students also needed extra opportunities and stimulation to remain interested in school. He worked hard at the local and state levels to secure funding for gifted education. Thanks to Ray, Mid-Prairie has the oldest, most inclusive yet specialized, Gifted and Talented Program in the state! He sent teachers and students to summer workshops. Knowing students were gifted in some areas and not others, he made sure MP had STP specialities, in addition to STP academics, at all three levels — elementary, junior high, and high school. We had Future Problem Solving (using deductive reasoning to solve future world problems), Math Counts (studying upper level math for competitions), Knowledge Master Open (studying a broad range of subjects to answer questions about any and all of them), STP music (music careers, composing/transposing, attending professional performances), and STP art (opportunities to explore unusual mediums and/or specialize and perfect a favorite one). NCA — North Central Accreditation Ray pushed for our whole district to be NCA accredited. This required many things like teachers teaching in their major subject areas (not minors or “as needed”), wise use of school day and after-school hours that was fair to all subjects and activities, up-to-date curriculums and textbooks in all subject areas, positive school climate conducive to student learning, and good communication between all grade levels K-12. It was a big commitment of time and money. Teachers organized the process in all MP buildings and learned to evaluate other districts. Teachers prepared for a full year before the NCA team came, attending extra meetings and revising curriculums. When the team of 20+ trained fellow educators arrived to evaluate us, they had to be housed and fed for three days. The following year was spent studying their report to deter-
Mr. Schrepfer and his wife, Cathy, at his retirement from the junior high.
mine which suggestions would improve MP and how to accomplish them. All this planning, revising and brainstorming required many yellow legal pads, but it was worth it. The NCA team’s praise and compliments as “outsiders” made the whole community proud of MP, and their recommendations definitely made us better. 10 min. breaks One NCA idea that Ray adopted was inserting a mid-morning 10 minute break into the schedule. This gave students and teachers time to use the restroom, move around, regroup thoughts and materials for the rest of the morning, grab a snack and talk to others. Of course, adding this break in the schedule meant that 1-2 minutes had to be shaved off other classes. Some staff were troubled by this at first, but it soon became apparent that everyone was much more productive the last two periods of the morning after having a short break from teaching and learning. SSRW — Sustained Silent Reading and Writing Ray and language arts teacher, Tony Hancock, were concerned about stagnant standardized test scores. Since proficient reading and writing affect student success in all subjects, they implemented SSRW to improve these skills in all students. It was 10 minutes of “free” reading and writing on alternating mornings of the school week. There was no assigned reading
or writing topic. Students were simply to enjoy reading or writing for pleasure in a non-threatening environment. They could read comic books, magazines, newspapers or books. They journaled in notebooks (not on yellow legal pads) about their weekends, friends, families, worries, successes, poems or stories. The only thing they could not do was homework — no textbooks or assigned writing allowed. Teachers read what kids wrote and responded with only positive comments in “happy colors” — no red circling of spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Most importantly, teachers were role models, reading and writing while students did. Again, regular class time had to be shortened, and again some teachers worried, but the next year standardized test scores went up across the board for all subjects and age groups. FINE AWARD — First in the Nation in Education Ray submitted MPJH’s SSRW program to the State for this award. Only eight Iowa schools (not districts — schools) were chosen that year. It was a HUGE honor! Governor Terry Branstad came to the school in a black limousine with security personnel. We had a L O N G red carpet rolled out for him, a 9th grade FFA color guard brought in the flag and the 8th and 9th band and choir performed patriotic music. Ray, Tony, and a student all made welcoming remarks before Gov. Brans-
tad made the presentation. Technology Pam Nelson recalls, “In the early ‘80’s I eased back into teaching after being home with our four daughters. I took a part-time job at MPJH. One day Mr. Schrepfer asked me to step into his office and I’ll never forget what he said. “Pam, I think computers are going to be the wave of the future and I think you should consider taking some classes to learn more about them,” he said. I took his sage advice and soon he let me create and teach some computer classes for junior high, elementary students, MP staff, and even adult education. Forty years later, just look where we are with technology! Was Mr. Schrepfer insightful, or what? Now, in retirement, computer projects are one of my biggest hobbies. Thank you Mr. Schrepfer, for your great foresight.” Fun stories about Ray “One time I was in the workroom with my mom (Becky Curtis) waiting to walk to Kalona Elementary. Mom was trying to run something off on the old mimeograph machine. It was causing problems, so Mr. Schrepfer came in to help. Suddenly, ink squirted out all over his tie. He was quiet for a minute and I wondered how he was going to react. Then that big familiar grin spread across his face and he chuckled, ‘Oh heck, I never liked this tie anyway!’ What a great example of using humor to diffuse a frustrating situation.” — Tiffany Curtis Strande ‘99 On Fall Festival Friday afternoon, the junior high band and choir always marched/walked to the Kalona Historical Village to perform as a public relations gesture. Over half of the student body was in band and choir so no regular academic classes were held. Staff entertained the remaining students with games, movies, puzzles, etc., but it wasn’t easy to keep them interested and occupied for 2 1/2 hours on a Friday afternoon when they knew their peers were at the Fall Festival. So although the staff knew it was a good performance opportunity for the music kids and a great way to give back to the community, they did not look forward to those afternoons. Knowing this, “Ray would sneak down to Fall Festival that morning and have bags of warm apple fritters on the teachers’ lunch tables at noon. He knew how to boost our morale!” — LauSpring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 13
ra Conaway “It was holiday season at MPJH. A project of the special education classes was making cinnamon Christmas ornaments. They used cinnamon, flour, water, and glue to make the dough, rolled it flat, and cut out the ornaments with cookie cutters. They placed an ornament in every staff mailbox. They smelled amazing and looked like delicious cookies. The teacher didn’t tell anyone that they contained glue! Ray apparently took his from his mailbox, and in a moment of ‘holiday hunger’, took a bite. I wasn’t there to see his face or how quickly he spit it out, but within an hour the whole school knew he had tried to eat his Christmas ornament. I still have mine and every year when I hang it on the tree I think of Ray.” — John Woodin Jr. Some of Ray’s life lessons to staff • “Appreciate what you have! Things could be worse!” At one faculty meeting, after a tough week of staff finding out our budgets would be cut the next year, Ray helped us out of our “slump.” He had a projector and screen set up and proceeded to show us slides of the old JH described earlier. After seeing pictures from a past era, most of us had only heard about, we all left feeling pretty lucky. • “Praise in public, correct in private!” Both kids and adults like being recognized for an act of kindness or job well done — praise them in front of their peers. But no one likes to be set straight or put on the spot in front of their peers — correct in private. • “Give your best to all students! Many will stay around and take care of you someday.” This is so true. Our former students are now neighbors, first responders, fire fighters, business owners, bankers, city council and school board members, teachers, librarians, lawyers, nursing home staff, and funeral directors. (Hope we don’t need these last two for awhile.) • “Shop local!” Ray reminded us that it was local businesses who supported our schools — gave us paper products and plasticware for fundraising suppers, bought yearbook and newspaper ads, donated to PTA’s, athletic, and music boosters, etc., so we needed to support them by banking in town and 14 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
buying their gas, groceries, and yellow legal pads! • “Reach out to the community! Taxpayers want to know what is going on in the schools they paid for.” Ray told us to flood the local newspapers with articles about what was going on in our classes. He encouraged us to take our students to service clubs to speak, perform, or demonstrate what they were doing in school. He also wanted to get taxpayers into the buildings. Notes to parents were sent home on Fridays to invite parents to upcoming athletic competitions, concerts, plays, etc. He also had a Parent Council made up of parents from all four communities — West Chester, Washington Township, Wellman, and Kalona — who met at the junior high during the school day four times per year to eat school lunch, tour the building and hear about what was new at the junior high. Ray liked to be “just one of the guys” (group) As amazing as he was, Ray was a humble guy, and enjoyed simply being one of us away from school. As Phil Conaway put it, “These times were examples of how Ray liked to blend into a group where no one felt intimidated and everyone was free to let down and have fun.” • We had staff Christmas and endof-the-year parties — at restaurants or peoples’ houses. And “staff” meant all staff - cooks, custodians, associates, secretary, and teachers. • Men’s JH basketball team called the “Snairs Bears” in the Kalona League — Ray, Carl Miller, Fred Emdee, Warren Olson, Jim Truelson, and Larry Hoover (see picture). • Monday Night FB — The JH men would meet at someone’s house for soup and snacks while watching the game. • “Male Chauvinist Pig Outs” —a couple times a year the men would go somewhere to eat — favorites were Hills, Amanas, Conesville, and Oxford. Ray’s last thoughts — written on yellow legal pad paper “The unwritten policy of Mid-Prairie Schools has always been, ‘We Take Care of Our Own.’ We are noted for our leadership in the development of programs that meet the needs of all our
The Snairs Bears team participated in the Kalona league at the Rec Center. Members include Schrepfer, Carl Miller, Fred Emdee, Warren Olson, Jim Truelson and Larry Hoover.
students. It was a special privilege for me to work for a district that supported the best for all. These programs were made possible because of a forwardlooking school board, professional faculty, dedicated support staff, invested parents, and supportive community.” But there is one thing Mid-Prairie still needs. Mid-Prairie students deserve a fine arts facility. It has been listed as a need on several previous bond issues, but never included because of the cost. Doug Goschke, a former MP graduate, has donated one million dollars for the construction of an auditorium. So let’s move it to the front burner and ‘getter’ done! “As I reflect back on my many years as MPJH principal, I am most proud of all the faculty and staff, who everyday worked to live by our motto which appeared on all MPJH stationery and publications: MID-PRAIRIE JUNIOR HIGH - WHERE THE STUDENT COMES FIRST!” Ray still lives in Kalona with his wife, Cathy, of 60 years. He continues to do his own snow removal and yard work. He keeps busy with family activities (3 children/spouses/6 grands), walking, reading, and lots of fishing in Iowa and Minnesota. He would enjoy hearing from former students, staff, or acquaintances via email: ray_schrepfer@gmail.com or “snail mail” (written on yellow legal pad paper!): Ray Schrepfer, 904 7th Street, Kalona, IA 52247.
Peiffer scholarship benefits students each year
Mid-Prairie Foundation provided more than $85,000 in scholarships in 2020
This is the first article in a series featuring each scholarship fund that is provided through the Mid-Prairie Foundation. The Mid-Prairie Community School District is fortunate to have the support of its community and alumni. The Mid-Prairie Foundation, initially established by community members in 1987, is a prime example of the support given to the school district. Monetary support is then given in a variety of ways including teacher grants, large district projects and scholarships to graduating seniors. Each year an incredible amount of money is funneled through the Foundation in scholarships to graduating seniors. The number of scholarships has increased in recent years thanks to the generosity of the community and supporters. In 2018, 40 scholarships generated more than $70,000; 2019 had 60 scholarships with more than $80,000 given and last year in 2020 there were 55 scholarships given totaling more than $85,000. These scholarships range in variety from oneyear scholarships, endowed scholarships and local business scholarships among others. We’d like to recognize and provide information to our alumni newsletter readers on the many scholarships that are offered each year to Mid-Prairie seniors. The Edwin J. & Phyllis J. Peiffer Scholarship fund was established in December 2006, as their children wanted to honor their parents with a fund that provides ongoing support to Mid-Prairie graduates.
Edwin and Phyllis farmed in the West Chester community for over 40 years. Edwin took pride in his family, farming, antique John Deere tractors and his 1932 Model B. Phyllis took pleasure in raising and caring for her family. She found joy in her neighbors and community. She enjoyed gardening and was active in White Way Club and Women’s Circle at St. James Catholic Church. Edwin and Phyllis were loving parents raising seven children with all but one graduating from Mid-Prairie. Their children are Kathy Bishop ‘65, John Peiffer ‘67, James Peiffer, Richard Peiffer ‘73, and Mark Peiffer ‘83. A son, Robert Peiffer ‘71 passed away in 1993 and his sons, Arlen Peiffer and Vincent Peiffer, contributed on his behalf. The family contributed $42,000 to establish the scholarship fund, which allowed $2,000 to be awarded to recipients in the initial year of 2007 and the investment returns fund an annual scholarship. A daughter, Vicki Peiffer ‘75, passed away in 1981 and the family made a $10,000 donation to the drama program in her memory. Like most scholarships, specific criteria is required for scholarship applicants. It was the family’s wishes for the scholarship recipients to enter either the field of agriculture or healthcare/ medicine to align with 40 years of farming in the West Chester community and the
Above: The Peiffer siblings, Mark, Rich, Jim, Kathy Peiffer Bishop and John honored their parents with an endowed scholarship through the MP Foundation. Below: Edwin and Phyllis Peiffer farmed in the West Chester area for more than 40 years while raising their seven children.
family’s interest in healthcare. The minimum cumulative grade point average required is 3.0. The first recipients in 2007 were Katie Herington Berens, daughter of Ken and Brenda Herington and Megan Flynn Gienger, daughter of Kevin and Brenda Flynn. Additional recipients of the scholarship include: 2008- Hannah Troyer; 2009Colton Wilson; 2010- Molly Hussey; 2011- Eric Parrott; 2012- Jessica Hendrichson; 2013- Whitni Patterson; 2014- Courtney Cayton; 2015- Taylor Kurtz; 2016Ryan Errthum; 2017- Elizabeth Wildeboer; 2018- Cary Schaefer; 2019- Olivia Quinby; 2020- Skyler Schneider. If you would like to
contribute to the Mid-Prairie Foundation to help future classes of Mid-Prairie High School, please contact Foundation board president, Hayley Hershberger, hayley. hershberger@yahoo.com or check out more information about the foundation at https://www.mphawks.org/ district/partners/midprairie-foundation. Spring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 15
Alumni News & Notes
1960’s
Arthur Lampe ‘61 lives in Thornton, Colorado. He retired in 2005. Charles Capper ‘61 lives in Marengo and has owned and operated Capper Auto Group for 54 years. He and Joanne Kelley Capper ‘65 have been married for 54 years and have four children, 11 grandchildren. Barbara McDowell Whitt ‘61 currently lives and spends time in Kansas City, Missouri and Alexandria, Virginia. She is a retired educator and has been retired since 2003. Following her high school graduation, she graduated from Park College, now Park University in Parkville, Missouri. She remembers fondly the transition from three farming community high schools, to the first graduating class of 1961 at Mid-Prairie High School. She has additional details on her blog, https:// parkcollege1961-1965.blogspot.com. Shirley Bush Zahn ‘61 currently lives in Tallahassee, Florida and recently became engaged to John Hedrick. Her two sons live in France and California. Following MPHS graduation, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, then earned her Master’s degree from Harvard University and later her Ph.D. at Florida State University. Following her doctorate, she continued working part-time as a psychotherapist for individuals and couples. Zahn commends her classmates of 1961, the first graduating class at Mid-Prairie, for great example-setting leaders. Such as reunion and business leaders, Sally Skola Harper, Charles Capper, Sheriff Jim Slockett, Physician Ross Rhodes and outstanding State of Iowa Board of Education member, Mary Ellen Miller, and
16 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
so many more. She’s excited for their 60th reunion year. Bernard Hershberger ‘65 lives in Marengo and is currenlty retired. Prior to retirement he was a senior design engineer at WP Amana for more than 45 years. He and his wife, Janet have a son and a daughter and three granddaughters. Terry Crossett ‘65 lives in White Lake, Michigan and during the winter months, Bonita Springs, Florida. He was an engineer, retiring in 2000, from Ford Motor Company after working there 30 years. Don Johnson ‘66 lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida and retired after 44 years in education. He taught mostly 5th and 6th grades in public schools for 19 years and then spent 25 years in Christian schools as a principal. He retired in 2016 and enjoys living 1/4 mile from the beach and playing tennis four times a week. His daughters are also both teachers. Mary Fisher Lowenberg ‘67 lives in Huntsville, Missouri. She’s a retired reading teacher after having taught full time for 29 years and part-time for 19 years. She currently tutors and works with 4-H horsemanship participants. Lynn Gingerich ‘68 is now retired and living in Iowa City. Lynn graduated in the first physician’s assistant class at the University of Iowa and was a physician’s assistant for 41 years before retiring in 2015. Lynn worked as a PA in Puerto Rico, Indiana and Iowa. Lawrence Wade ‘66 lives in Angeles City, Philippines and retired from the United States Air Force in 1992. In 1995, he joined the American Legion (Allen “Pop” Reeves Post 123) Department of the Philippines. He has been Adjutant of that Post since 2000 and has been Department National Executive
Committeeman since 2016. Wendee Beranek ‘68 lives in Joetown and has been happily retired for the last year. Doug Ulin ‘67 lives in Wellman and has been retired for 10 years. Roger Burkholder ‘67 lives in Queen Creek, Arizona and has been retired for seven years. Susan Wetrich Hill ‘67 lives in Wellman and has been a software quality administrator for 14 years.
1970’s
Joette Hartley Armbruster ‘70 is retired and lives in Riverside, IA. David Spreacker ‘70 lives in Pella and is currently retired. Deborah Wasson Ulin ‘71 lives in Wellman and has been retired for two years. Elaine Allensworth Martin ‘71 lives in Littleton, Colorado. She retired in 2006 from Colorado Bureau of Investigation as a Fingerprint Examiner. She was a Fingerprint Examiner in the Records Department for 30 years. Her husband, M. Lloyd Martin II passed away in May 2018. She is blessed to have their son, Eric, living with her especially during a crazy 2020. John Woodin ‘72 lives in Ohio and has been retired for one year and says “grandchildren are fantastic!” Mary Yoder ‘78 lives in Divide, Colo. and has been the Food Service Director at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp since 1989. She still comes back to Kalona several times a year to visit. Cathann Arceneaux Kress ‘79 lives in Powell, Ohio and
for four years has been the Vice President for Agricultural Administration & Dean of College of Food, Ag, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.
1980’s
Bruce Spitzer ‘80 lives in Aurora, IL and is currently the Professor of Education and Chair, Department of Education, at North Central College in Naperville, IL. This is his 37th year in education having taught junior high and high school speech and drama, community college English, and teacher education at 4-year colleges and universities as professor, chair, and dean. He has been preparing professional educators for nearly 20 years. He received his doctorate in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in instructional technology from Oklahoma State University in 2004. Craig Spitzer ‘82 lives in Kalona and is an accountant at the University of Iowa. He’s been an accountant for 23 years. Lorna Swantz Yoder ‘83 lives in Kalona and has been an Administration and Trust Operations Specialist at Hills Bank and Trust Wealth Management for 20 years. She has two children who attend MPHS and she says, “It’s very interesting to attend their events, and observe how things have changed over the years!” Sandra Reed ‘83 has been named the 26th Distinguished John Deaver Drinko Academy Fellow at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia where she is a professor of art and former director of the school of art and design. Kevin Vest ‘84 lives in Washington, IA and has been retired for four years after owning his construction company. Now he enjoys volunteer work and
travels to churches in other states to complete construction projects for them. Tracy Owens ‘84 lives in Wellman and is the senior sales advisor at Capper Auto Group He’s been in the automotive industry for 33 years. Carmen Yoder Woods ‘86 lives in Washington, IA and has been a hairstylist in Washington for 34 years. Mark Millice ‘86 of Wellman has been an RN for 28 years. He also served in the Gulf War in 1990-91. Lonnie Yoder ‘86 lives in Kalona and has worked at Proctor and Gamble for 30 years. Terri Bishop Adkins ‘86 lives in Sergeant Bluff, IA and has been in education and coaching and is currently the Curriculum Specialist for Head Start for four years. Genea Dodson Bean ‘86 lives in Wellman and is the Admin Services Coordinator in the Office of Student Accountability at the University of Iowa. She’s worked there for 23 years. Chris Truelson ‘86 lives in Denver, Colorado and is the Global Head of DPS Strategy, Visa, Inc. He has been at Visa for 12 years and a total of 25 years in financial technology. Martin Augustine ‘86 lives in Kansas City, Missouri and is a reporter for KMBC-TV. He has been in Kansas City since 1998 and in the news business since 1990. He and his wife, Lisa, were married in 1999 and have two sons, Andrew and Seth. Kimberly Ropp Sheppard ‘88 lives in Dallas, TX and is a periodontist in a private practice. She’s been in the field for 20 years. Sheppard owned her own private practice in the Chicago area for 18 years and just recently moved to Dallas. She’s been married to her husband, Dave, for 28 years. Her son is graduating from high school this year and will be attending the University of Arizona where
he is a part of the ROTC program (Marines). Her daughter will graduate next year and has her eye on attending NYU. Karen Yoder Mitchell ‘89 lives in Kalona and is an owner/ realtor at Urban Acres Real Estate for 24 years. Karen and her husband, Kelly, have a daughter, Dakota, who is in eighth grade. Andy Greiner ‘89 was named Southeast Iowa 2A High School Baseball Coach of the year by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Greiner helped lead the 2020 team to a State tournament appearance last year. Brent Reschly ‘89 lives in Marshalltown, IA and is currently the Global Seeds Quality Technology Implementation Lead at Syngenta and within the field for 25 years.
1990’s Chris Swartzendruber ‘93 lives in Kalona working in collision repair for 27 years and is the owner of CS Autobody. He is also a member of the Kalona Volunteer Fire Department and has served for 15 years. He married Stef McFarland (‘93 Highland) in 2000. They have two children, Jake-17, and Maggie-14. Jenn Brophy Wulff ‘93 lives in Mentor, OH and is the president of Mentor Harbor Partners. She’s been in marketing consulting for 24 years. Jolene Ropp Gingerich ‘96 lives in Kalona and is an Administrative Assistant for four years. Hafid Barnes ‘94 lives in Epworth, IA and for four years has worked at Berry Global in Inventory Control as the Continuous Improvement Coordinator in Peosta, IA. Travis Graber ‘96 lives in Iowa City and has worked at University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals as an Associate Product Specialist for three and half years.
Renee Moeller Cheney ‘96 lives in Coralville and has been the lead supervisor at Kohl’s for the last 16 years. Cheney and her husband, a digital forensics detective, have been married for almost 21 years. They have a 19-year-old daughter in college in Rhode Island and a 16-yearold son who attends West High. Jodie Miller Mesa ‘97 lives in Monument, Colorado and is a family medicine physician at UCHealth. Prior to family medicine, she was a flight surgeon in the USAF. She is married with four children. Will Gingerich ‘97 lives in Knoxville, IA and has been the head custodian at Knoxville High School for 14 years. He has two daughters, Abigail 20 and Caitlin 18. Julia Stutzman McNurlen ‘99 lives outside of Wellman and is the owner of Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza. She and her husband run the outdoor music and pizza venue and a brick oven food truck. Keth Houseal ‘99 lives in Oceanside, California and is an aerospace engineer/manufacturing engineering manager for Autonomous Systems Division of Northrop Grumman. He has been at NGC for four years and in Aerospace for 21 years. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married for five years and have two sons, Rowan, 2 and Benley, 9 months. They live in a small beach town in California and love being outdoors. He also still plays music when time allows, but especially when back home with family on the farm or at the cabin. He says there may be some special “Cabin Fever” shows in the near future. Tiffany Curtis Strande ‘99 lives in Chatfield, Minn. and is a pulmonary function technician at Mayo Clinic. She is also a Professional Violinist in the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and a wine aficionado at Tessa’s Wine Boutique. Tiffany has three daughters: Larissa, 20, Beatrice, 18 and Aletta, 16.
2000’s Amber Ford Nicholson ‘01 lives in Kalona and has been a homemaker for 15 years. She is married with four children. Carissa Stout ‘02 married Derek Dreier on July 4th, 2020 in a private backyard ceremony. They are planning to have a bigger wedding celebration this summer. They currently reside in Omaha, Nebraska where Carissa teaches 6th grade band and performs occasionally. Derek is a professional percussionist with the Omaha Symphony and teaches at Creighton University. Luke Johnson Lovegood ‘03 and Matthew Lovegood adopted a baby boy, Ramsey, David in July 2020. Sarah Yoder Smith ‘03, lives in Kalona and for 12 years has been a prevention coordinator at Prelude Behavioral Services. Caitlyn Kos Abraham ‘04 lives in Olathe, KS and is a small animal veterinarian. She has been a vet for nine years. Gabe Starbeck-Miller ‘04 lives in San Diego, CA and is a principal scientist at Pfizer, Inc. He has been in biotech/pharma for 6 years. Julie Keller Tubbs ‘05 lives in Helena, AL and has been an administrative assistant for seven years at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Eric Peter ’06 currently lives in Atlantic, IA and for the last three years has been the Director for Mass Markets in West Des Moines. Spring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 17
Kristene McCall Evans ‘07 lives in Washington and is a middle school special education teacher at Mid-Prairie Middle School. Justin Adam ‘08 of New Hampton, IA has been a High School Band Director at New Hampton High School for eight years. Megan Yoder ‘08 lives in Kalona and has worked in the Marketing and Communications department for the University of Iowa as a Communications Specialist for four years. Lauren Hollan Sheeder ‘08 of Fontanelle, IA has been a radiographer and the department manager at Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield, IA for eight years. Yeimi Sanchez ‘08 lives in Kalona and has been in nursing for eight years. Colton Wilson ‘09 lives in Grimes and works in physical therapy in Des Moines. Natalie Nye Silbaugh ‘09 lives in Wellman and is a social studies teacher and drama director at Mid-Prairie High School. She’s been at MPHS for five years. She is currently directing her 8th show at MPHS, Fiddler on the Roof. The last time that was done at Mid-Prairie was in 1988.
2010’s Hannah Courtney Hobbs ‘10 lives in New London and for the last five years has been the Financial Supervisor at Big River Resources. She and her husband, Jade Hobbs, eloped on Dec. 12, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Allison McArtor Rice ‘11 and Ryan Rice celebrated the birth of their daughter, 18 Mid-Prairie Alumni News | Spring 2021
Lexi Mae on September 16, 2020. She was born at 9:51 p.m., weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz., and was 23 inches long.
to help businesses succeed, including Balance Athletica. Check out his website, www. danmcveymedia.com.
Greyson Michael, on February 6th, 2021. He weighed 5 lbs. 8 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long.
Aimee Moberly Forgie ‘11 and her husband Jake welcomed a daughter, Raegan Alice in August 2020. Aimee also began teaching Title 1 at Sigourney Elementary School.
Tangier Miller Suddeth ‘13 lives in Washington, IA is a paraprofessional and shuttle driver.
Andrew Roberts ‘15 lives in Kalona and is a laborer at PSI in Wellman.
Kelsey McVey ‘11 lives in Iowa City and works at ChildServe as a hospitality supervisor. She’s worked there for eight years. Brody Barthelman ‘11 and Katie, current MPCSD staff, celebrated the birth of Brooks Corby on March 24, 2021. He was 6 pounds and 7 ounces and 18 inches long. He was welcomed home by big brother, Dawson. Michelle Erwin ‘13 and Dylan Wertz ‘12 were married Aug. 1, 2020 at The Barn outside of Wellman. The couple currently resides in Kalona. Dylan is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa and Michelle is a Coronary Therapy Clinical Specialist for Boston Scientific. Brianna Bombei Daniel ‘12 lives in North Liberty and has been a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant for five years. Jessi Henrichson Ulrich ‘12 lives in Omaha and is a Registered Nurse at Methodist Women’s Hospital. She’s worked there for five years. Dan McVey ‘12 lives in Denver and is self-employed as a video producer and marketer for the last two years creating video content and branding
Claire Wilson ‘14 currently lives in Coralville and is a caregiver support program social worker at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. She began practicing as an LMSW following her MSW graduation in December 2019. Kendra Graber Grosvenor ‘14 lives in Washington and is a stay-at-home mom since May 2020 when she was able to quit her job. She and her husband, Calvin, welcomed their second baby, Ella, on Dec. 20, 2020. She was 19 inches in length and weighed 7 lbs 8 oz. She was welcomed home by her older brother, Odin, 3. Jossie Harland ‘14 lives in Harper and is an elementary special education teacher in Keota where she’s been teaching for three years. Elizabeth Fanatia Cox ‘14 of Logan is currently self-employed. She married Michael Gene Cox of Muscatine on Sept. 23, 2018 and they welcomed a daughter, Victoria Ruth, on Aug. 17, 2020. Samantha Gatlin Lycke ‘14 lives in Riverside and is a CNA at Iowa City Rehab and Healthcare Center. She and her husband, Alex, welcomed a son recently who is six months old. Chelsea Kral Owens ‘15 and Trever Owens ‘14 celebrated the birth of their son,
Jonathan Britsch ‘17 lives in Pierre, South Dakota and works at Vista Care Direct Support Personnel. Tate Robertson ‘17 lives in Kalona and is a Central Sterilizing Tech at the University of Iowa. Kristina Millice ‘17 lives in Lone Tree and works at Proctor and Gamble. She has a daughter, Kaylee, who is 2 years old. Kristina is engaged and getting married in May.
Peyton Miller ‘18, a junior at Dordt University, is a member of the Dordt Defender men’s track and field program who claimed its first ever GPAC Indoor Track and Field Championship with its performance Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at the Dordt Rec Center. Miller ran the anchor leg on the winning 4 X 800 relay team. 1st (Thaniel Schroeder, Peter Shippy, Lance Van Zee, Peyton Miller) 8:05.61. Peyton is majoring in electrical engineering with a minor in physics. He will do a summer internship with Engineering Design Associates in Sioux Center. Marie Hostetler ‘20 and Anna Hostetler ‘18 helped Liberty University women finish with the top five places with a perfect score in their spring cross country opener in South Carolina recently. Anna finished fourth with a time of 17:44 and Marie finished in fifth at 17:47. Marie was named the ASUN freshman of the week.
Harland honored with another award Klostermann runner up as Educational Support Professional David J. Skorton Award for Staff Excellence in Service Congratulations to Wendy Redlinger Klostermann ‘74 who placed 2nd in the state for the Educational Support Professional (ESP) of the year. The Iowa State Education Association Executive Board met on Saturday, Feb. 6, to select the recipients. This award goes to a professional who is a non-certified employee. Nominations come in from all over the state and the top four candidates were from Cedar Falls, West Liberty, Mid-Prairie and Cedar Rapids. Klostermann has worked for the district for 26 years.
Sue Schweinfurth retires after 30 years Sue Huntsberger Schweinfurth ‘81 was honored at the Mid-Prairie school board meeting in recognition of her upcoming retirement from the English department and bus driver after this year. Colleagues, family and friends gathered at the board meeting sharing kind words and encouragement about her time working for the district. She’s described as a selfless leader, caring teacher and positive influence to co-workers and those around her. Congratulations, Sue!
In Memory
Former Mid-Prairie school board member (1974-80), custodian, bus driver and MP Foundation Board member, Kenneth D. Kempf, died Dec. 8, 2020. Former Mid-Prairie school board member (1990-93), Roger Greiner, died Dec. 14, 2020. Keith Anderson ‘65, died Jan. 2, 2021. Carroll Fisher, former MP bus driver (1988-2011), died Jan. 20, 2021. Dennis Bradley “Brad” Kiesey ‘64 died Jan. 27, 2021.
Former special education teacher at Kalona Elementary (1975-80), Bernice Commers, died Jan. 27, 2021. William ‘Bill’ Clark Bringman ‘69 died Feb. 18, 2021. Former Kalona Elementary teacher (1971-90), Marlene Gaston, died March 21, 2021. Former Wellman Elementary teacher (1959-87), Helen Marine died March 28, 2021. Nancy Mishler Harrison ‘72 died April 27, 2021.
Share your News! We’d love to hear from you and spread your news in the alumni newsletter! Submit it to alumni@mphawks.org
Published by University of Iowa
Kari Hobbs Harland ‘97, an associate research scientist and director of research operations in the Department of Emergency Medicine, received the David J. Skorton Award for Staff Excellence in Service. She has been instrumental in building a robust and productive clinical research program. Under her leadership, the department saw a 350% increase in annual research productivity over a fiveyear period. An accomplished public health researcher in the field of rural health and injury prevention, she also has been involved in education, launching the Emergency Department Resident Research Program (through which physician trainees complete research projects as part of a structured program) and integrating epidemiology PhD students into the department’s research analysis group. She was recently selected director of the Data Coordinating Center for Project COVERED, a $5.4 million CDC-funded project to understand factors associated with health care worker acquisition of COVID-19. Attracting this project was prestigious for the UI and is a testament to the infrastructure Harland has built.
Mary Audia, left and Kelly Grout, members of the Washington County Economic Development Group, presented the Harvey Holden Outstanding Service Award to Brenneman Pork, Inc. Receiving the award are Amy Brenneman Ihrig ‘06 and Cari Brenneman Strabala ‘09.
Brenneman Pork receives service award
Recently this spring, Brenneman Pork was honored with the Harvey Holden Outstanding Service Award by the Washington County Economic Development Group (WEDG). Brenneman Pork, Inc. owned by Rob and Char Gent Brenneman ‘79, was given the honor for all they do for Washington County. The company’s support reaches 4-H, FFA, local fire departments and EMTs, youth sports, school districts, Knights of Columbus, local food pantries and more. The company has more than 110 employees and 85 contract growers. The Harvey Holden Outstanding Service Award began in 1998 and was founded after the retirement of Mr. Holden in 1998 from the City of Washington after several terms as Mayor and as a Washington City Council member. He was a farmer and businessman who served on several boards of directors of businesses and non-profit organizations. He was a great volunteer for the Washington County Economic Development Group.
Spring 2021 | Mid-Prairie Alumni News 19
Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association 1636 Hwy 22 East P.O. Box 150 Wellman, IA 52356-0150 www.mphawksalumni.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Don’t miss a single newsletter!
Please submit your contact information so you don’t miss an issue of Mid-Prairie’s Alumni News and so you are a member of the Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association! Pass this form and information along to a classmate or friend who would like to join. Sign up online or mail the form below to PO Box 150, Wellman, IA 52356-0150.
Join Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association • Go to www.mphawksalumni.org • Click on Membership \ Join Us • Select a contribution level
Your tax deductible donation supports the association’s website, database software, newsletter printing costs and other alumni services.
• 1 year: $10 • 5 years: $45 • Fill out and submit the form
Return by Mail Select a Contribution Level:
Did you receive a newsletter? You may already be in the database! Log in with your email. Select “forgot passLogin word” to finish setting Button up your account.
Mid-Prairie Central Office, P.O. Box 150, Wellman, IA 52356-0150
1 year: $10
5 years: $45
Other: ________
Make checks payable to: Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association
Alumni First & Last Name (including maiden name):____________________________________ Graduation Year:_________________________________ Spouse:________________________ Graduation Year if also an alum:______________________ Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________ State:___________________ Zip:_______________________ Email:_______________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________