Summer Banquet / Reception
The Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished Educators / Distinguished Alumni events are now history. Thank you so much to the Albert Lea community for your enthusiastic support of both of these programs and a big thank you also to all of those who generously offered their time and efforts to make these events so successful.
We Are A Community Committed To Its Children
Special Events
Pathways to Success / They Lit the Way Recognition Reception
The Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Area Schools hosted the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators reception at The Wedgewood Cove on October 14. The Foundation “Celebrated 21 years of Success in 2021” with all who attended this year’s reception. The 2022 Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form and Distinguished Educators Nomination Form are available here or may be submitted from the web sites referenced above. We encourage the public to submit nominations and request that they are made by July 2022 so that adequate preparations may be made.
Recipients of next year’s awards will be recognized at the Education Foundation’s Pathways to Success and They Lit the Way Celebration on a date to be determined at Wedgewood Cove, Albert Lea, Minnesota.
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. Questions about the event should be directed to Brad Kirchner, President of the Foundation board of directors at the Foundation email address edfound.al@gmail.com.
The following morning Friday, October15, the 2021 Distinguished Alumni 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.
Due to Covid there were no recognitions in 2020. The 2021 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators follow:
Alumni
Pete Berthelsen
Class of 1980
In honor of his dedication to sound conservation practices and the preservation of the environment
Tom Conlan
Class of 1964
In honor of his remarkable accomplishments in the business world and his dedication to friends and family
Corey Goodnature
Class of 1988
In honor of his service to his country and commitment to the ideals for which it stands
Karin Winegar
Class of 1968
In honor of her distinguished career as a journalist and her lifelong passion for the rights of animals
Educators
Carl Grandstrand
1967-1996
Every day you walk into the classroom you really have to be prepared with materials for your teaching. I tried to make it fun to learn.
Dick Lybeck
1963-1996
It’s all in the state of mind, if you think you can, you can.
Hank Guse
1962-1999
I’ve had a really great life, a really great one!
Karen Hendrickson
1981-83; 1985-2019
Nothing can replace a good, caring, and loving teacher in the classroom.