Pathways to Success Reception
The 2025 Pathways to Success reception recognizing Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators was held at The Wedgewood Cove on October 9, 2025. For information about the event please scroll down on this page. Help us plan for 2026—you may nominate Distinguished Alumni here and Distinguished Educators here .
We Are A Community Committed To Its Children
Special Events
Pathways to Success Reception
The Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Area Schools hosted the 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators reception at The Wedgewood Cove on October 9. The Foundation and guests celebrated “Twenty-Five Years of Success in 2025.” Please consider nominating candidates for these awards for 2026. Forms may be downloaded from these sites: Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form and Distinguished Educators Nomination Form . We encourage the public to submit nominations and request that they are made by May, 2026, so that adequate preparations may be made.
The event began with a social gathering/cash bar at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Charcuterie Board at 6:00 p.m. and program at 6:30 p.m. The cost per adult was $30 to help cover the reservation at the Cove and the Charcuterie Board. Questions about the event should be directed to Neal Skaar, Secretary of the Foundation board of directors, or at the Foundation email address, edfound.al@gmail.com.
The following morning, on Friday, October 10, the 2025 Distinguished Alumni led an open discussion with members of the junior and senior classes in an assembly at Albert Lea High School.
Distinguished Alumni awards are given annually to graduates of Albert Lea High School who have achieved success in the area of Business and Economic Achievement or Humanitarian, artistic, and Public Service Achievement. In addition, awards may be given posthumously to candidates in either of the categories.
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators are:
Alumni:
Rebecca (Bye) Thompson
Class of 1970
In honor of her exceptional achievements in music as a singer, guitarist, and composer
Full bio and picture
Becky Thompson Music
Becky Thompson and Old School
Bev (Peal) Jackson Cotter
Class of 1957
In honor of her long-standing commitment to community in areas of history and the arts
Philip Swenson
Class of 1999
In honor of his outstanding career in the military as a leader in areas of materiel, guidance, navigation, and control
Gayle Winegar
Class of 1971
In honor of her outstanding contributions as an entrepreneur, promoting a holistic approach to physical fitness, positive body image, and health
Educators:
Ralph Summers
1944-1966
In recognition of Ralph’s service to the students of the Albert Lea School District as athletic director, involvement in intramural sports, and elementary physical education
Picture and full bio
Albert Lea Tribune obituary
Northfield School Recognition
Christmas Seal Award
Gary Koeder
1963-1997
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going to. You are never powerless to get there.
Dave Podlogar
1970-2003
I tried to make the classes interesting and fun, but safety was always my top concern, in the classroom with the tools and machines.
Roger Zeman
1970-2010
To me the “C” in education stands for caring, and I always cared deeply about my students. There is no greater gratification in teaching than the “Ah Ha moment”, seeing the moment a child grasps a new concept.