Pathways to Success Reception
The 2022 Pathways to Success reception recognizing Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators will be held at the Wedgewood Cove on October 13. For information about this year’s honorees and the event scroll down on this page. It is never too early to start planning for next year–you may nominate Distinguished Alumni here and Distinguished Educators here .

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Pathways to Success Reception
The Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Area Schools will host the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators reception at The Wedgewood Cove on October 13. The Foundation will celebrate “Twenty-Two years of Success in 2022.” Please consider nominating candidates for these awards for next year. 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 April 2023 so that adequate preparations may be made.
The event will begin 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 is $20 to cover the reservation at the Cove and the Charcuterie Board. Reservation forms may be downloaded here. Questions about the event should be directed to Neal Skaar, President of the Foundation board of directors at the Foundation email address edfound.al@gmail.com.
The following morning, on Friday, October14, the 2022 Distinguished Alumni will lead 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 and Public Service Achievement. In addition, awards may be given posthumously to candidates in either of the categories.
The 2022 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators follow:
Alumni

Larry Brandt
Class of 1969
In honor of his outstanding accomplishments in the tire industry world and his service to his community

Jay Johnson
Class of 1979
In honor of his remarkable achievements in the production and marketing of greenhouse grown foods

Stacia Lang
Class of 1982
In honor of her long career as one of Hollywood’s premier specialty costumers

Kathy Nielsen
Class of 1968
In honor of her creations of outstanding and innovative worldwide programs in the growing business of training/coaching
Educators

Don Boom
1967-1996
I have never looked back; and I am glad I became a teacher.

Marion Drescher
1952-1990
Every child is special and teachable.

Jim Munyer
1969-2012
Maybe I have helped along the way in someone’s success journey but that is just a small part of their lives.

David Paschka
1969-2001
There is nothing new under the Sun, so let’s improve what is there.