2024 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Hall of Fame recipient Bill Yeisley 1952

At the top of the Cedar Rapids Athletic Officials Association overview packet in bold letters says: “The game is for the kids - not the coach or the officials.” Our 2024 Achievement Hall of Fame Recipient Bill Yeisley spent his life training educators, referees, students and players to play a fair game “for the kids.” Bill Yeisley 1952 was nominated by his sisters Rachel Yeisley Miller and Gale Yeisley Rhodes.

Bill Yeisley’s life has been marked by dedication to both education and athletics. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Bill was not only a standout student but also an active participant in numerous extracurricular activities. He played football for two years, basketball for three, and excelled in track for four years. Beyond sports, Bill's interests extended to the arts and leadership. He served on the student council, was a member of the school newspaper staff, and participated in the Velvet Curtain Drama Club. He was involved in both mixed chorus and boys' chorus, along with playing in the band and drum ensemble. He lettered in football and track, performed in leading roles in school plays, and earned a State Superior Performance Rating for his senior-year operetta.

After graduating, Bill attended Cornell College, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1957. He continued his education at the State University of Iowa, where he received his Master of Arts in 1964. After college, Bill began his successful career as a classroom teacher and coach, serving in that role for 11 years before transitioning into school administration. For 27 years, he was an elementary school principal in Marion, Iowa, until his retirement in 1995. He married Harriet Yeisley in 1952. The couple have two daughters, two sons in law, and four grandchildren. 

Most people know Bill through his work officiating sports. For 34 years, was a registered official with the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), officiating in football, basketball, and baseball. His expertise and dedication led him to officiate at the Iowa High School Football Playoffs for 23 years, including five state championship games. In 1992, Bill was selected to officiate the Iowa Shrine Senior Bowl Game. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame in 2001. 

Bill has also been an active member of the Cedar Rapids Area Officials Association, where he served in various leadership roles. He has been the training coordinator for new football officials and acted as the coordinator for football rules study presentations, ensuring that new and experienced officials alike had the tools to succeed. Yeisley’s years of experience as an educator helped him train new officials. Under Yeisley’s training, referees started in Middle School games before working their way to Varsity Games. He coached officials through the process and helped them understand the  entirety of their roles. In 2015 a Cedar Rapids Gazette article Bill said, “'A lot of people don't realize how good of shape referees need to be in,” Yeisley said. 'They are running up and down the field as much as the athletes.”

Among his many accolades, Bill has been honored with the prestigious Distinguished National Contributor Award by the National Federation of High School Officials in 2003 and was named the Iowa Football Official of the Year in 2005 by the National Officials Association. He  published a paper on mentoring in the National Federation of High School Officials Quarterly Magazine, for which he received a merit award in 2000.

Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient Jude Smith 1981

For nearly three decades our fine arts award recipient has provided customized art solutions for high-end residential and corporate collections. Our 2024 Fine Arts Award Recipient is Jude Smith ‘81. She was nominated by her classmate and fellow designer Rhondi Ewing ‘81.

In High School, Smith was involved in cheerleading and art classes. Said Smith about her time in Mount Vernon, “The direction and course I have taken in my life is due to one remarkable high school art teacher - Donna Swenson. Donna believed in us and as I reflect today I can't help to wonder how differently my life would have played out if she wasn't so adamant that I attend Mt. Mercy College and receive an art degree.” In addition, Smith was a Mustang cheerleader for football and basketball. “The two go hand in hand with where I'm at in my life today.”

Jude received a BA in Art from Mt. Mercy University and started her art career at the Corner House Gallery in Cedar Rapids before forming her own company in 1993. Today Jude is an art consultant and art advisor in her business The Art Makery.

Using both her art and people skills first honed at Mount Vernon, Jude has had to learn and utilize many skills including establishing a network of artists, establishing a network of customers, and creating a network of contractors. In addition she is a project manager for each installation where she has an eye for detail and impeccable planning skills.

Jude links artists and their work to new or redecorated commercial properties, primarily for hotels, nationwide. Her projects include Marriott Hotels in Phoenix Az, Tempe AZ, New York City, Irvine, CA, and Oklahoma City as well as corporate and private properties all over the country.

Jude is an art curator specializing in creating captivating visual experiences. Her role involves designing and organizing art installations for spaces like entrances, lobbies, and other public areas. She works closely with clients to select and arrange artwork that tells a story and enhances the visitor experience. Once the artwork is chosen, Jude oversees its installation and negotiates sales with artists and collectors.

As an expert in art history, techniques, and market trends, Jude brings a deep understanding of the art world to her projects. She excels at building relationships with artists, interior designers, architects, and hotel management to create cohesive and appealing environments. Her ability to assess the value of artworks and anticipate trends ensures her clients receive pieces that not only enhance aesthetics but also add market value. Jude said of her work, “I’m passionate about combining the old in the new and creating spaces that are thought-provoking and well curated.”  Her skillful curation leaves a lasting impression, blending art with hospitality.

Her business has grown and evolved over time.. Said Jude, “Over the years, the art industry has gone in the direction of digital production. I decided to stay true to original art and only showcase pieces made by the human hand. I like the viewer to engage with the art and feel the energy of each piece in the collection.”

For most of her life, Jude lived in Scottsdale Arizona with her husband Greg Rupp, who is a professor of chemical engineering at Arizona State University. “My work has taken me all over the world, but I have never forgotten my roots.” 

One of her most recent projects brought her back to her roots. She recently completed restoration and redesign of a building here in Mount Vernon. The now beautiful building includes a storefront downstairs and upstairs living quarters for Jude’s family.

Longtime Alumni Association Director Kathy Staskal said “Because of her reputation in this industry and the many talents she possesses to make The Art Makery successful, I believe Jude is well deserving of a spot in the Hall of Fame.” Said nominator Rhodi Ewing, “ When I think back to us taking art classes with Donna Swenson at MVHS, and I look at her today, I know that Donna would be SO PROUD of her, as am I.”

Service Hall of Fame recipient James Moore 9153

James Moore’s family has a history of service as old as the United States. When he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954, James continued a 235 year tradition of military service. It is that service that defined the life of Reverend, Doctor, Representative, and Colonel James Moore ‘53. Our 2024 Service Hall of Fame Recipient James Moore was nominated by his sisters Kathy Bearce ‘58 and the late Treva Heiser ‘50. He will be represented today by his son, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Moore.

Jim spent his youth in Solon and Mount Vernon, Iowa and graduated from high school in May 1953. Growing up on a farm taught Jim how to work hard, but he set his sights in a different direction the minute he hit the clouds. At just 16, he began flying lessons.

After a brief stint at the University of Iowa, Jim enlisted for 4 years in the US Air Force on February 15, 1955. The Air Force greatly added to his lifelong character - he loved uniforms, pomp & circumstance, orderliness & organization. Quite frankly, he loved his country and everything it stood for.

While on leave from Chanute AFB in Illinois, Jim's best friend introduced him to Elizabeth Marie Shaw who was attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon. Jim was so love struck, that at the end of his enlistment he began attending Cornell College with her in the Fall of 1958. They were married in June 1959 and moved to Denver to begin their family. They had 5 sons - Robert, James, John, Thomas, and Timothy. In Jim’s own words from 2014, “I consider my wife of fifty-fifty-five years along with our five sons, their wives and children to be my greatest responsibility and blessing. My belief system has been tried, improved and tested over the years. There is no greater joy than to see righteous children take their place in contributing to a productive society. My family is my success.”

Jim and Beth moved to Colorado where he continued his education at the University of Denver. ​Jim completed his bachelor's degree in 1971 from the University of Denver, a masters in 1977 from the University of Northern Colorado, and his doctorate in 1990 from Pacific Western University. He taught business and business law at the Community College from 1975 until his retirement in 1995. 

Jim was on the merit badge committee, finance committee, and the Order of the Arrow, for Troop 57, Timberline District, Jefferson County Colorado. He was City of Lakewood, State of Colorado and National badge counselor and a member of the BSA Court of Honor. He guided his five sons as well as many other Scouts to reach the honor of Eagle Scout. 

Jim also volunteered to encourage the ROTC cadets at the University of Colorado to take pride in the military and to share the joy of flying as Jim took them flying in his private airplane. He continued flying, served in the Civil Air Patrol, and served in the Colorado legislature for four years

After a lifetime of service, Jim went on to serve in the US Air Force Reserves. He was commissioned to serve in the United States Air Force Auxiliary in June 1987 and received an ecclesiastical endorsement as a chaplain from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including squadron chaplain, group chaplain, wing chaplain and ultimately as chief of chaplain services overseeing operations for 800 chaplains of all faiths. As squadron, group and wing chaplain duties were the moral and spiritual advisor for the commander plus personal training for the youth called cadets. 

He served in numerous assignments within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served with wife on a full time religious mission in Texas, and in the Denver LDS temple.

Jim passed away in 2014 but his history of service to his family, his faith, and his country remains an enduring legacy.

Mount Vernon Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Tom Wilkinson 1986

Tom Wilkinson wears many hats in the Mount Vernon community – family man, alum, teacher, and coach. His many hats has changed the Mount Vernon Community. Our 2024 Mount Vernon Community Impact Award goes to Tom Wilkinson ‘86. He was nominated by his daughter Emily Wilkinson Vislisel 2009.

Tom grew up in Mount Vernon and graduated in 1986. Said Tom, “My senior year was probably most memorable. With encouragement from some of my friends, I joined the choir and got involved in drama. I never felt I was a strong singer, but I had a lot of fun. In theater I tried out and got some small parts in a couple of plays and a musical.”

Teachers understand teachers. No surprise, Tom had many favorite teachers at Mount Vernon. “I have many strong memories of my teachers at Mount Vernon. Mr. Silliman, my German teacher, taught me to think of a bigger world. Mrs. Michaud, my English teacher, helped me develop my voice in writing. Mrs Thatcher my 4th grade teacher and Mrs. Ellison my English teacher both helped me to develop and awaken acting and speaking skills. Mr. Oliphant, my MS Social Studies teacher showed me that I could learn, study and focus. Mrs. Baker and Mrs Swenson, my art teachers, helped me develop my artistic and creative skills. Mr. Meyer and Mrs Marlow helped me read and explore new worlds with reading and writing. Mr. Schwiebert and Mr. Dick Peters helped me develop and background and understanding of political events and understanding of historical changes. No one teacher was everything for me, but together they have made a significant impact on the course of my life.”

Tom moved to Phoenix, Arizona after graduating with his BA from Loras College. One year, he returned home for the holidays and ended up changing his path completely. Principal Tom Madson found him and explained that the High School needed a German teacher in the middle of the year. Tom accepted the position and has been in Mount Vernon ever since. Said Tom, “I've looked at other school districts at different times and had offers to move, but in the end I couldn't find anything better for me and my family.”

Soon Tom wanted to make a difference with students beyond the classroom. Said Tom, “Research showed that students who had more engagement beyond academics, usually made greater progress and had more feeling of connectedness to their school. As I tried to think of ways to get students engaged I had already started reconnecting with family and hunting traditions. I got interested in involving students in the shooting sports of trap shooting and archery.” In 2006, Tom started a small archery club with a handful of participants. Soon the club grew into the Mount Vernon Archery Club, a significant program with over 140 students from grades 4 to 12 at its peak. 

Tom went on to become a certified USA Archery Level 3 Coach. As a coach, Tom embraced the philosophy of the Positive Coaching Alliance, which encourages “double-goal coaching”—striving to win while focusing on teaching life lessons through the sport. Under Tom’s leadership, MV Archery emphasized personal growth, teamwork, and character development. For Tom, success isn’t just measured in trophies or titles; it’s seen in the development of young individuals into confident, capable adults.

Tom retired as Mount Vernon Archery Coach in 2018. Today, he continues to coach individuals and instruct beginning and intermediate level coaches as well as compete in summer and winter leagues and state competitions. He has coached several individual archers to the podium in state and national NASP championships.

Tom’s jobs today also include a new hat – Grandpa. “Today, my grandsons Cody and Lucas are at the center of my world. They go to Washington Elementary and are in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. I see them almost every day before school and after school. I’m thankful to have my daughter Emily and her husband Jeff Vislisel, both graduates of MVHS, as a big part of my life and living so close. Erin and I are so thankful and love that they are so close. I also enjoy working in the same building as my wife and have been fortunate to do so for the past 26 years.”

Athletics Hall of Fame recipient Wayne Hormann 1985

In 1984, Jeff Dahn, sport reporter of the Mount Vernon Sun said, “Wayne Hormann was a powerful force for the Mustangs all season” Our 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Recipient Wayne Hormann has been a powerful force in Mount Vernon his entire life. Hormann was nominated by his wife Jodi Hormann, Dave Ryan ‘85 and Jeremy Hotz ‘99.

Wayne Hormann’s football career is one of dedication, versatility, and excellence, both on and off the field. Said nominator Dave Ryan “Hormann was old school tough....probably would have enjoyed playing football without a helmet. He was one of the best offensive blockers and defensive tacklers of his era. I recall he was equally tough on his teammates setting the tempo in the huddle with raw intensity and piercing stares that made everyone around him a better football player.”

In 1983, Hormann was a unanimous first-team, two-way Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference  selection, excelling as both an offensive guard and a defensive lineman. His relentless play earned him a spot on the Quad City Times Eastern Iowa All-Star First Team as offensive guard and a place on the Des Moines Register's Class 2A Second Team All-State. Wayne led the team with impressive 64 tackles in just nine games and was instrumental in guiding Mount Vernon to an 8-1 record. 

The following year,, Wayne continued to excel on the football field. This time, his talents earned him a spot on the Iowa Newspapers Association Second Team All-State (across all classes) for his defensive play and Des Moines Register's Class 2A First Team All-State honors on the defensive line. Leading the team again with 96 tackles in 11 games, he helped Mount Vernon to a 10-1 record. 

In addition to football, Hormann was a standout in track and field, qualifying for state in both the shot put and discus. His throws of 51 feet 7 inches in shot put and 150 feet 8 inches in discus placed him among the top five in school history for at least 15 years. In 1985, Wayne participated in the Iowa Shrine Bowl, showcasing his talents alongside other top players from across the state.

After high school, Wayne signed a national letter of intent to play football at The University of Northern Iowa. However, after a knee injury, he transferred to Coe College, where he continued to play football for three years. His college career included strong performances on the defensive line, recording 44 tackles in 1987 and 37 tackles in 1988.

Even after his playing days ended, Wayne continued to contribute to the Mount Vernon football program. In 2007, he was selected as the second honorary player for the Mount Vernon High School football team. During his time, he also took on the role of weight room coach and assisted in coaching the 7th and 8th-grade football and shot put teams. He volunteered hours each summer helping with the speed and agility programs. Said his wife Jodi “If you have a son that's played on a team Wayne coached you’d probably say passion equals loud, Wayne routinely explains to his players that he yells.” Jodi went on to explain,  “He wants them to enjoy the game and be excited to play it. Your time on the field is short, you need to make the most of it.”

Said nominator Jeremy Hotz “Hormann has coached for the Mount Vernon Mustangs simply for the love of the game and program. During his time coaching, he has never once accepted or expected to be paid for any of his service, it has been entirely volunteer.” 

Hormann's commitment to Mount Vernon athletics went beyond coaching. In 2014, he volunteered over 500 hours to help with the construction of the new bleachers at the First Street Field—a testament to his love for the sport and his community.

Through his playing and coaching career, Wayne Hormann’s impact on Mount Vernon’s football program and the wider community continues to be felt, proving that his legacy is much more than just numbers on a stat sheet. Said his wife Jodi, “Wayne is proud of his career at Mount Vernon, but if you asked him he would tell you that it was about being a team. It wasn't his statistic, it was the team statistic that is important to him. It was about getting up early and putting in the hours in the weight room, practicing with the team and doing the work. He tells our boys Hunter and Garrett often, it's not the skills you have – it's how hard you work to improve the skills you have. It's about heart.”

2023 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Hall of Fame recipient Jamil Farshchi 1996

This year’s Achievement Hall of Fame recipient, Jamil Farshchi ’96, might just be considered a superhero in the world of cyber-security.  From Mount Vernon to the Ivy League, to advisor to the FBI, to NASA, and to a world leader in his current field of computer security, he both protects and handles projects worth billions of dollars every day. Jamil was nominated by classmate Ben Pospisil.

Jamil’s time as a student in Mount Vernon formed the basis for who he is today. He learned to program when he wrote a frogger video game for his middle school science fair, he learned the value of discipline as a member of Mr. Bellamy’s ‘95 state championship football team (and then humility as they fell short in ‘96), and he learned the value of mentorship (and patience) because every time he tripped up was always someone there who believed in him and pushed him to improve.

Jamil’s first job out of college was securing emerging technology at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He worked on initiatives such as protecting the Mars Rovers, the Shuttle Program and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). While there, Jamil was awarded with both the President’s Technology Excellence and the NASA Collaborative achievement awards for his work identifying next-gen cyber threats to the US Government.    

From there, Jamil moved into National Security. As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). he rebuilt the United States’ preeminent nuclear weapons institution into a cybersecurity leader. 

Jamil then held a variety of leadership roles protecting some of the largest companies in the world. He protected $7 trillion of annual transactions at Visa. He defended Time Warner during North Korea’s cyber-attacks which compromised Sony. And he rebuilt Home Depot following their cyber breach of 56 million consumers. 

Currently, Jamil is EVP and CISO of Equifax. He joined Equifax in the aftermath of the most consequential data breach in history: The compromise of 148 million consumer records by the People’s Liberation Army of China. During his tenure, he’s led an unprecedented $1.5 billion transformation and has built what is regarded as one of the most advanced cybersecurity capabilities globally. 

Jamil is a Strategic Advisor for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and he serves on the Board of Directors for Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG), the National Technology and Security Coalition (NTSC) and the Piedmont Park Conservancy. 

Jamil is named a “Top Voice” in Technology and Innovation by LinkedIn, has received multiple CSO and CISO of the year awards, and is a frequent contributor to media outlets including CNBC, WSJ, FOX, Bloomberg, WaPo, NYT and the Financial Times. Jamil holds a BBA from University of Oklahoma, PLD from Harvard Business School and a MS from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. 

Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient Holly Gunn 2004 

This year’s Fine Art Hall of Fame recipient is Holly Gunn ‘04 She was nominated by the late Kate Rose. Kate’s son Scott Rose ’83 will represent Kate during the Hall of Fame ceremony and events.

In high school, Holly was an active thespian, musician, and artist. After debuting at age 9 as Tiny Tim, she went on to be an all-state choir member, a volunteer for art program for students, and honor thespian at the International Thespian Society. “I was so fortunate to have three teachers who profoundly influenced my high school career and life. Señora Sue Deibner, Mrs. Sarah Richardson, and Mrs. Laurie Zaiger all had an enormous impact on not only my school performance but my outlook on life. I am eternally grateful to all of them for inspiring me and making me feel so welcome in their classes.”

After high school, Holly studied Fine Arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She graduated in 2008 with a BFA in Film, Video, and New Media. Her focus in school was hand-drawn animation.

From there she began working for various media companies before landing at Stereo D in Los Angeles. During her time there she worked as a Depth Lead and later a Stereoscopic Supervisor, converting movies into stereoscopic 3D. In 2014, she moved with the company up to Toronto, Canada. If you saw movies from 2012-2021, there is a good chance you have seen her work. Her credits include Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Avengers Endgame, Star Wars Episode VII: The Last Jedi, Spider Man: No Way Home, Black Widow, Dolittle, Spider Man: Far from Home, Captain Marvel, and Godzilla.

Holly said of her time with Stereo D: “I am the proudest to be given the opportunity to mentor artists at my workplaces and watch them grow and shine at what they do. It’s really fulfilling to work on projects with them and grow artistically as a team. We work with so many talented artists.”

In August 2022, she started working as a Project Coordinator at PlayStation Studios in Agoura Hills, California, using her experience in working on feature films to transition to a different career path of Production in video games. Her role as a Project Coordinator focuses on the facilitation of scheduling, management and coordination of creative departments to establish and maintain a project’s progress.

Holly said of her hometown, “Mount Vernon is a community which fosters rich diversity in Fine Arts, academics, and athletics. I am so proud to call it my hometown.”

Service Hall of Fame recipient Sara Kendall 1978

Over the years our Service Hall of Fame has included many outstanding members, and Sara Kendall ‘78 is no exception. Sara was nominated by her classmates Ann Koppenhaver, Cynthia Deskin Halbmaier, and Andrew Wolfe.

She was in Choir from 7^th through 12 grade and in band from 3^rd to 9^th grade. Her favorite teacher was Bill Meyer in 7^th grade English. Sara said, “He prepared me for American Literature in College because we learned all the writers and stories they wrote. He was also my Driver’s Ed teacher which made it fun learning how to drive. He remained relaxed with his students and made Driver’s Ed enjoyable.”

After graduating, Sara attended Kirkwood Community College where she graduated with Honors and an Associate Degree in Nursing. Sara went on to Mount Mercy University, MMU, where she was involved in both STARS – a student organization for returning students that were pursuing their Bachelors’ Degree as nontraditional students, and Today Nurses Tomorrow Nursing – an organization for RNs pursuing their Bachelors’ in Nursing.

From 1991-1999 she attended the University of Iowa College of Nursing where she was also involved in the Iowa Graduate Nursing Student group. While there, she helped with health fairs for cancer prevention, was involved with the Iowa Nursing Association (INA), and was named 5^th District Nurse of the Year in 1994. She graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing in Community Health Management.

Sara is currently a Registered Nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the Admission and Transfer Center. She takes calls from outside hospitals, clinics, and medical centers from all over the state of Iowa and surrounding states for admissions and transfers from other hospitals to the UIHC. She also takes internal calls within the UIHC from the emergency room, intensive care units to the specialty floors, medical or surgical floors. She is the charge nurse of the Admission and Transfer Center, ATC, a role she shares with another RN every other weekend. She plans to stay in the ATC for 10 years in time to celebrate 50 years of nursing. Sara also teaches at Kirkwood Community College where she recently celebrated 35 years of teaching classroom and clinical nursing.

Sara is a 25-year volunteer with the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA. She volunteers because she enjoys, “being able to care for patients who cannot afford health care and feeling grateful and appreciative for the volunteers that share their time to care for other people.” 

In addition, Sara has been involved with the American Cancer Society for 35 years providing education in elementary and middle schools in Linn County. This knowledge and level of volunteerism allowed Sara to be a speaker locally, state wide, national and internationally regarding cancer. 

Sara notes “I am not only proud of all my educational accomplishments, working accomplishments and career accomplishments, but proud of the MVHS Class of 1978. I came from a very intelligent class where many have excelled in their careers and professions.”

Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Mike Woods ‘77

The Woods family is involved all over town with perhaps none more dedicated to his work for Mount Vernon than this year’s Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Mike Woods ‘77. 

Nominated by alum Cathy Hufford ‘83, she says “Mike’s community service list is exhaustive. “The work that Mike has done as a volunteer is more than paid employees do for larger towns and cities. It is easy to take for granted all the work that Mike puts into honoring veterans and making holidays special.”

He has been the American Legion Commander since 2006. He led the drive to raise funds for the new Veterans Memorial in 2014, and he continues to be its primary caretaker. He installs flags on light poles on Main Street in May before Memorial Day. He leads the setting up and taking down of the Avenue of Flags in the cemetery. He secures honor guard participants for all Mount Vernon home football games as well as the away game in Solon and some Cornell games. He secures honor guard participants at veterans’ funerals. He lowers and raises the flag when federal or state officials call for the flag to be at half-staff. 

Mike also coordinates and helps select American Legion Scholarship recipients. Prior to 2020, he helped secure Boys State recipients sponsored by the local American Legion post. He collects old American Flags from depository boxes and ensures their proper disposal. He hosts a reception at Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon three times a year in recognition of Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the American Legion birthday. He created a Veteran’s Day video with photographs of all Mount Vernon residents and alumni, alive or deceased, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Mike served twenty-two years on active duty in the U.S. Army, becoming a member of the “Green Berets,” one of America’s most elite and capable special operations units. Among his deployments, two were to Naples, Italy and the Caribbean Island of Grenada. In Grenada his unit focused on saving the island from the clutches of communism. He participated in combat patrols, but after mission was complete, the battalion shifted into security operations and distributed rations and potable water wherever needed. In Italy, he assisted in the mountainous areas after the Irpinia earthquake. Mike’s military training was paramount as he deployed in small teams to distribute food, water, and shelter for the thousands of displaced and homeless citizens. For their efforts, Mike’s unit received the Humanitarian Service Medal, awarded to military service members who lend assistance during a natural disaster.

In 1990, after graduation from Thai language school Mike was assigned to Okinawa, Japan, and continued to deploy throughout the Pacific region. While on a scuba diving trip with three friends, they were able to rescue two people well beyond the surf line who were being thrown about in rough water. For their efforts they were awarded the Soldiers Medal, the army’s highest award for heroism during peacetime. The trio was also presented with the “Good Deed” award by the Nippon Zenkokai, an association sanctioned by the Japanese government who annually present this award to deserving citizens and residents. 

After finishing his military service, he went to college to complete his college degree at the University of Washington and earned his teaching certificate from Saint Martin’s College. Mike then chose to come home to Mount Vernon. He was a substitute teacher in the school district for ten years. He also helped support his wife Joleen Woods in choir and musicals as a “roadie.” Mike is currently a Medical Support Assistant at the Iowa City VA Hospital.

Mike reflected, “I have enjoyed a career that has taken me around the world with varied opportunities to volunteer wherever I have found myself. But retirement from the military gave me the chance to volunteer to a larger extent right back where I started, in my home community of Mount Vernon, where I will continue to volunteer and ‘give back’ for as long as I am able.”

Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Jeff Meeker ‘89

An outstanding addition to our Athletic Hall of Fame is Mount Vernon resident Jeff Meeker ‘89. He was nominated by Diane Zinkula ‘73 and Truman Jordan.

A Mount Vernon native Jeff was a four-sport athlete in High School. Jeff was all-conference in Cross Country and Student Council president. His passion for volleyball was sparked by watching Shirley Ryan’s elite volleyball teams in the mid 1980’s and by competing in MVHS’s Shaving Cream Classic. When asked about favorite teachers from high school, Meeker said “My dad, Bob Meeker, of course, but we had so many outstanding teachers it is hard to pick just one. I loved learning to write poetry in Ruth Michaud’s classes, performing in musical productions led by Maggie Ellison, and a highlight of high school was traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park with Dick Peters.”

Jeff received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Knox College and a master's degree in sport psychology from the University of Iowa in 1995.

In 1993-94, Jeff was a volunteer volleyball assistant at the University of Iowa. He then enjoyed a successful run as head coach at Iowa Wesleyan, compiling a 61-68 record from 1995-98. Jeff revamped a program that won nine matches in his initial season to 20 wins in 1998. From 1999-2002, he was an assistant men's volleyball coach at St. Ambrose prior to taking over Cornell’s program.

At Cornell, Jeff is a nine-time Conference Coach of the Year, and has compiled a 456-312 collegiate record, highlighted by an unparalleled run of success through 21 seasons at Cornell College. His 395 wins on the Hilltop are the most by a Cornell coach in any sport.

Jeff was named Cornell's Director of Athletics in January 2023, after leading the athletics department in an interim role since July 2022. He oversees all operations within Cornell Athletics, which includes 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports.

Meeker's Rams have won 10 consecutive Midwest Conference regular-season championships, the first volleyball program in MWC history to win more than three in a row. The Rams have qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament nine of the past 11 non-COVID seasons (2011-15, 2017-18, 2021-22). He has been named Coach of the Year six times in the Midwest Conference (2012-17), twice in the Iowa Conference (2004, 2010) and once in the Midwest Classic Conference (1997, at Iowa Wesleyan College).  

In 2018 then Mount Vernon High School students interviewed Jeff along with several players and assistant coaches as a part of the Smithsonian “Museum on Mainstreet” project. During the interview, Cornell Volleyball assistant coach Polly Blythe said, “He cares about those girls a lot, and he cares about his program a lot.” Then Cornell College Athletic Director Keith Hackett commented, “Meeker is an outstanding coach, he does a great job in our community.”

Jeff said, “We encourage our players to bring their best possible attitude every day. So having a positive outlook on what we're doing in the gym, and what they're trying to accomplish at Cornell, is really important. And then perhaps the most important thing we try and teach is to help our players learn how to be great teammates.”

2022 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Hall of Fame recipients, brothers Jerry and Larry Ringer from the Class of 1955, were both nominated by classmate Dave Van Metre. It is only fitting that the 2022 Achievement nominees are honored together – two twin brothers that graduated top of their class, and have gone on to admirable achievements throughout their lives.  

JERRY

Jerry, who was class valedictorian, participated in band, choir, sports, plays, and musicals all four years of high school. He went on to be a summa cum laude Cornell College graduate, received an M.D. from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, interned at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, and then completed a residency at Iowa in the Department of Ophthalmology. Before doing his U of I residency, Jerry served in the U.S. Army as a general medical officer, stationed both in Korea and the U.S.  

Jerry then worked professionally for 33 years as an ophthalmologist in Bloomington, IL.  During his time as part of the Gailey Eye Clinic, they grew from one to five offices, building their own outpatient surgery center. 

He is a member or past member of many professional organizations including the McLean County Medical Society (past president), Illinois Medical Society, American Medical Society, and the Illinois Society of Ophthalmology (past president). 

While Jerry doesn’t mind spending a Saturday flipping pancakes for the Kiwanis, as a highly respected community member he has been a member of many community organizations, including MARC Center Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled (past president), Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society Board, Senior Professional organization at ISU (past president) for mentoring honor students, Development Committee of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Eversight (Illinois Eye Bank), and member of mission trips to eye hospitals in Zambia, Haiti and Jamaica.

At Cornell College Jerry has been a trustee for over forty years, and for whom Ringer Hall is named. He was awarded the Cornell College Leadership Award in 1990. Among his other honors are Philanthropist of the Year along with his wife, Carole, by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, and History Maker of 2020 along with his wife, Carol, by the McLean County Museum of History.

Jerry says his teachers and classes at Mount Vernon High School prepared him well for college and medical school. And that because of the smaller size, he was able to participate in many activities, both in the area of sports and the arts. He says “It was these opportunities that gave me the confidence to do the extra-curricular activities in college and now in my life….  A big ‘thank you’ goes to the teachers of Mount Vernon schools that gave me the start for a great career and life.’

LARRY
Today, if you were to visit the public library in College Station, Texas, you would see identification on the building that says ‘Larry J. Ringer Library’. From an Iowa high school student to a community leader in Texas, the public library was renamed in 2004 in honor of Larry, who as a former College Station mayor was very active in establishing the library in College Station. 

Like his brother, Larry did it all in high school, enjoying both athletics and fine arts as a 4-year letterman. He was class salutatorian, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Iowa State, a masters in statistics at Iowa State, and then a doctorate of statistics at Texas A&M University. 

He joined the Statistics Department faculty at Texas A&M University, going on to be both Assistant Head and Interim Head, and then Professor Emeritus, serving a total of fifty years at the university. His curriculum vitae is pages long of positions, professional awards, university committees he has served on, and publications he has authored. 

Among his professional honors are a Distinguished Teaching Award, the H.O. Hartley Award for distinguished service to the discipline of Statistics, and the Paul D Minto Service Award for his contributions to the statistical profession. He has been a past member or president of many professional organizations including the Southeast Chapter of the American Statistical Association.

Like his brother, Larry doesn’t mind spending a Saturday flipping pancakes, or serving as a track and field official, but he has been a distinguished member of many community organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, City of College Station council member, and then mayor from 1986-1996, the Texas Library System, Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corp., a deacon at his church, and in many capacities for the College Station Library. He was named Kiwanis member of the year in 1977. 

Today he continues to do consulting on various research projects involving experimental or survey design and data analysis. 

Larry says ‘I believe the teachers at Mount Vernon High School prepared me for continuing my education, gave me a role model for my career in education, and promoted the sense of serving others.’

Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient Dan Bern, Class of 1977 was nominated by classmate Ann Lehman Currie. Also known as Bernstein, he learned to play cello at age six, and at age 14 picked up the guitar after hearing his first Bob Dylan songs. Ann says Dan is the epitome of the word ‘entertainer’, and she remembers when “Dan played the Cowardly Lion in the 8th grade musical, The Wizard of Oz, where he was a natural on stage. In high school I recall him sitting in the cafeteria at lunch, making up songs with classmates Steve Sargent and Eric Bostwick. They were also very entertaining as they developed the talent of ‘snarfing jello’. You just have to see it! .”

Dan says that he took part in every chorus and theater opportunity there was, including in elementary school where “Mrs. Palmer opened us to a lot of different kinds of music, listening and playing. Lois Nichols, Gladys Rife, and Linda Bergman were great music and theater teachers/directors. Mrs. Nichols got us started writing songs.” (source MVL Sun) He earned All-State Chorus twice, and participated in all high school plays and speech contests. He says “with all that kind of encouragement, I never wanted to stop doing that stuff, and basically, I never have.” He echoes Ann’s recollections of his early collaborators in song with classmates Steve Sargent and Eric Bostwick. He says that while annoying people was their primary goal, that 5,000 songs later, he is still doing that. 

After attending college at Lawrence in Wisconsin, he began playing open mics every night in Chicago (and going to Wrigley Field during the day). He started landing gigs at Chicago folk clubs like The Earl of Old Town, Holstein’s, and The No Exit, and eventually began his wandering/touring life, playing all over North America and Europe, playing “anyplace they’d have me.’’ In 1986 he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and a few years later began making records and writing songs for movies and TV. 

In 2001, NPR interviewed Dan on ‘All Things Considered’. NPR wrote ‘With his acoustic guitar and a batch of witty and insightful songs, Dan Bern is rapidly becoming the voice of a new generation of folk music." 

Among his awards are ‘Acoustic Artist of the Year from the National Academy of Songwriters, the Ralph Gleason Award (founder of Rolling Stone), Best sing-songwriter album for ‘Breathe’ at the Independent Music Awards, the ASCAP Children’s Music Award for ‘You Can Do It’ from the ‘Stinky and Dirty Show,’ and shortlisted for a Clio for ‘Beauty of a Year’, written for Reddit in 2020. In September of this same year 2022, Dan was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Dan has released over thirty albums of original songs, written a dozen books of stories and poems, and a novel, ‘Quitting Science.’ He has painted thousands of portraits, including a 2017 show of ‘Portraits of Iowans’ at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. The portraits of Lou and Henry Hoover are now at the Hoover library, and the ‘Bob Feller’ is at the Feller Museum. Following the ‘Flood of ‘08’ in Iowa, Dan wrote ten songs that he performed at Brucemore as part of the ‘Moving Home’ production.

He has had a major role in writing songs for a variety of movies and television, including the ‘Zero Effect’ in 1996, ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story’ in 2008, “Get Him to the Greek,” in 2010, ‘Hellcats’ in 2011, and from 2016 to 2019 for ‘The Stinky and Dirty Show’ on Amazon Prime. He will appear on screen singing songs in an upcoming Chanukah movie on Hulu. He is a frequent song-contributor to the ‘The Tony Kornheiser Show’, including the recent ‘Ballad of Tristan Wirfs.’ He co-wrote a song, “Wings of Stone” (sung by Adam Levine) featured in the Judd Apatow film, “The Bubble,” released earlier this year on Netflix.

 

In addition to his own touring, Bern leads songwriting workshops, does shows for kids, and writes books, including a detective series, turned into a podcast, ‘10,000 Crappy Songs.’ Dan’s been sharing stories and music in his ‘Hunkered in the Bunker’ live stream and has his own radio station, Radio Free Bernsteinn, that plays a mix of his music and others 24/7.

Beyond music, he is a lifelong baseball fan, and has won four awards from the New Mexico Newspaper Association for his sports column ‘Outtakes from the Bleachers.’ In September of 2022, he sang the anthem and threw out the first pitch before a Syracuse Mets game. Before he began to make a living in music, Dan was a tennis coach and for a time gave lessons to Wilt Chamberlain.  Along with a move from the west coast to New Mexico, Dan added 6th grade homeschool teacher to his resume, teaching his daughter Lulu in 2020-21. 

Dan says that “at various times I have been banned from most of the major American folk music festivals, proving Mr. Ringolds’ prophetic words, ‘Mr. Bern, someday you’re gonna get in big trouble for your mouth.’” Dan also says, “When I grow up, I would like to be like Mr. Peters.”

Dan laughingly added that once he realized he was nominated for the Alumni Hall of Fame, he said he “intended to pursue it aggressively… jumping over tables, elbowing aside Terry Hormann, Pat Reilly, Steve Sargent, Martha Thompson, and Cindy Viter if need be, to grab the honor and get out of there before Mr. Ringold catches me with it.” 

Service Hall of Fame recipients are Jeri Neal, class of 1966, and Barbara Thomsen Neal, class of 1968.  Jeri was nominated by classmate Ted Croy, and his wife Barb was nominated by her sister, Martha Thomsen Ohlfest “77.

Lifelong residents of Mount Vernon, Barb and Jeri were married in 1969 after Jeri returned from Vietnam, and have been married for 53 years. Their four children were raised in Mount Vernon. Todd ’89 is a teacher at Postville. Ted ’91 is a professor at the University of Iowa. Ben ‘96 is a dedicated, 19-year employee of Alert Construction and Abby ‘99 is a teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School. They have nine grandchildren, five of whom are currently attending school in Mount Vernon. Their story is not only one of service but of devotion to their family and their community. 

While raising their family, Barb and Jeri were actively involved with the schools and the community. Barb served on Mount Vernon Parks and Rec for several years, primarily helping organize the summer baseball programs. She worked on the committee to write the Comprehensive Plan for the city in the 1970’s. Additionally, Barb was very involved in the inclusion programs for the school, working closely with Grant Wood AEA to facilitate a strong learning environment for children with special needs. She also served as the chairman for the Advisory Committee to the School Board for six years. Jeri was a strong supporter of his children’s athletic activities. He hauled a gigantic pumpkin for carving to his daughter’s third grade class for Halloween. He gave several interviews for students wanting to learn about his experiences in Vietnam. Barb and Jeri opened their home for wrestling overnights almost every weekend during the wrestling season.

BARB

Barb continues to spend many hours volunteering for a variety of organizations. She makes herself available to help, in any capacity, whenever called upon. One of her most rewarding accomplishments is becoming a SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Iowa Program) counselor for Medicare and Medicaid. She currently enjoys volunteering her time to polish fingernails for the people at Hallmark Care Center, assists on the Linn County Horticulture Line for the Master Gardeners, and finds time to help with various alumni activities. For the Alumni Association she assists with receptions for the honor society, listens to senior graduation speeches, labels newsletters, assists at the graduation ceremony, and helps with Heritage Days activities. Barb loves the Mount Vernon community and is an active participant in many activities. She believes it is her civic duty to make phone calls or write letters regarding situations that affect everyone. She does not shy away from criticism.  

Martha, Barb’s sister, calls her a champion of education. “I would describe Barb as a perpetual student’ – Barb has always loved learning.  Never having completed her college education, at the age of 70 years she set out to attain that lifelong goal.” She received her degree in May 2022. 

JERI

Jeri’s nominator, Ted Croy says “I believe Jeri deserves the Hall of Fame Service honor for both his service to our country and for his devotion to the Class of ’66.” Jeri had been drafted into the US Army 25 th Infantry and spent a year in the jungles of Vietnam serving the United States honorably. He was awarded several medals, including three Purple Heart Medals for his injuries. Jeri was recently recognized for his service in Vietnam with a trip to Washington DC on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. Jeri says “the trip was truly memorable, and it helped to heal the wounds of being disrespected for fighting a war I didn’t understand. I was drafted and I fulfilled my duty. I am proud of my service, but I do not want it to define who I am.” 

 

Ted also says “Jeri is a man of integrity. He is always willing to help others in any way he can.”  After the derecho, Jeri spent many hours helping friends and relatives clean up their damaged properties. He is often called upon by neighbors needing a little help and is always willing to do his part. He grows a massive garden, not because he needs to, but because he loves to share his produce with family, friends, and strangers alike. It is not uncommon to see him dropping off bags of tomatoes and sweetcorn on people’s porches. He gets great pleasure growing enormous pumpkins for his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Thanks to Jeri, the Middle School cross-country team is often rewarded with a watermelon feast after a hot practice in the fall. He believes the Mount Vernon Alumni Association is a terrific organization and he enjoys volunteering to label the newsletters or help in any way he can. 

 

Jeri and Barb say they feel blessed to have grown up in Mount Vernon and to have graduated from Mount Vernon High School. They have great respect for their classmates and thoroughly enjoy organizing and, occasionally, hosting their class reunions. The Class of ’66 celebrated their 45th, 50th, and 55th reunions at the Neal home. The Class of ’68 gathered there for their 40th. They prioritize their classmates and strive to keep them informed of important events. They have hosted graduation parties and weddings for family members and always enjoy having friends drop by for a little porch sitting and great conversations. They value the people in their lives and make a point to contact their friends and family often.

Barb and Jeri describe themselves as honest, hardworking people who live their lives with integrity and devotion to others. Their greatest happiness comes from striving to make life a little better for other people. 

Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Scott Peterson ‘71 was nominated by his sons, Evan ‘99 and Tobyn ‘00. Evan says that “two words come to mind when many people think of Scott Peterson – service and Mount Vernon.” 

A life-long resident of Mount Vernon, his father Clifford ‘44, he, and his sons Evan ‘99 and Tobyn ‘00 all attended Mount Vernon schools. Scott is well known around the community for his active involvement in organizations while his children were growing up, but more importantly for his service to the community while both a mayor and councilman, in addition to his position as Mount Vernon’s city attorney for over ten years. 

 

Scott graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975, later attending the University of Iowa for his law degree. After the Naval Academy, Scott went to naval flight school and was assigned to fly SH-2 Seasprite helicopters in the Pacific. When his Naval obligation was done, he continued in the Iowa National Guard as a UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot, later served as the executive officer of an infantry battalion, and completed his military career as a state command JAG officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998 after 26 years of military service.

 

While in the guard, he was hired by the Linn County Attorney’s office. After nine years there, he entered private practice, eventually bringing him to the position of Mount Vernon city attorney in which he served for ten years. He then resigned from that position to run for City Council In 2007. Scott served a term on the council and was then elected mayor in 2011. 

 

In addition to his work at the federal, state, county, and city level, Scott has a long history of volunteer activism and service in the Mount Vernon community, including at different times being a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, organizer and coach for youth basketball, founder and chair of the original community center committee, chair of the housing commission, member of fire station site committee, member of the Booster Club, and member of the American Legion Post.

 

An interesting note from Scott is that his great grandfather moved to Mount Vernon from Illinois to be the principal and superintendent of the school, leading to three generations of Petersons as Mustangs.

Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Steve Goodall, class of 1983, was nominated by his wife, Michelle Goodall. An amazing addition to the Athletic Hall of Fame, Steve was a high school four-sport athlete in football, wrestling, track and baseball. He earned 11 varsity letters, and was a member of seven conference championship teams – four wrestling, one football, and two track. Eight times he was named a First Team All-Conference athlete, was a state qualifier in wrestling during his senior year, earned honorable mention All-State Football twice, and was a junior national qualifier in wrestling. 

High school teammate and MV High School teacher Shawn Voight says "Steve has been an indispensable friend, an accomplished athlete, and a successful educator as a teacher, coach, and principal. He was talented, but to succeed he needed to work, have discipline, and bounce back from adversity.  To me he embodied the term student-athlete and is a shining example of why athletics can be so valuable."

After high school Steve went on to attend college at Cornell, majoring in history and secondary education. He attended the University of Northern Iowa to earn a master of Administration in Secondary Education and is currently Principal of the Compass Alternative High School for Linn Mar and Marion School Districts. 

As a Cornell College Ram, Steve was a four-year member of the wrestling team, where he earned four Individual Conference Championships, one of only eight wrestlers in Cornell’s history to achieve this. Before graduating Steve ranked 15th at Cornell with 73.1 career win percentage, was named an NCAA Wrestling All-American, and was the recipient of the Paul K. Scott Senior Male Athlete of the Year. Steve was inducted into the Cornell College Hall of Fame in 2015. During his four years, Steve was a member of 4 Midwest Conference Championship Teams and helped his team to an impressive four consecutive NCAA Top 25 finishes. Cornell Coach Steve DeVries says: 

“You are aware of Steve’s accomplishments and honors as a Mount Vernon and Cornell College student and athlete. These are impressive and among the reasons he was honored as Cornell’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1987 and was elected to the Cornell Hall of Fame in 2015. However, I believe what often does not appear evident in these honors are matters of character. 

 

I taught and coached hundreds of young people in my 35 years at Cornell College. Steve stands among the very best as a talented and dedicated student and athlete. As a college wrestler he committed himself to becoming more than a competitor and winner. He was a team leader in work ethic, leadership, and loyalty to coaches and teammates. He knew how and when to support his teammates and carried through on that support. That capacity for loyalty and commitment has certainly served him well in his career as an education professional.”

In high school Steve was also a participant in Mount Vernon’s Fine Arts programs as well. He was a two-year member of the choir and also of the cast or crew of  Our Town, Annie Get Your Gun and Fiddler on the Roof . 

2021 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Hall of Fame recipient Phoebe Ball ‘91was nominated by alum Karen Miller Thornton ‘74. Phoebe is an attorney and currently lives in Oakton, VA. She has spent her professional career working on issues relating to disability law. She is a published policy researcher in the areas of employment, asset development, work incentives, self-determination, and benefits programs for individuals with disabilities, and has gained a national reputation as an expert in the area of guardianship. 

Her nominator, Karen Thornton, says: 

“It is with great respect and awe that I nominate Phoebe. She has spent her entire life overcoming spinal bifida and the host of issues resulting from her disability. Her high school career was plagued with doctors, surgeries, infections, and struggling with braces to walk. Phoebe has not allowed her wheelchair to limit her achievements. Through her own experiences and struggles, she has become an effective advocate for people facing a variety of disabilities. Her intelligence, wit and determination have been successful at promoting systemic changes that increase opportunities for economic self-improvement, expanded civic participation and capacity for self-advocacy. Over great odds and by her own sheer grit she has been successful. Phoebe is an inspiration to me. Her achievements are magnified by what she had to overcome in her journey.”

After high school she earned her BA from the University of Iowa where she had a full-tuition scholarship for academic achievement. At Iowa she co-founded and chaired a student disability rights group, Disability Action Resource and Culture, and participated in related activities. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) in Boston.

Phoebe was a staff attorney with Disability Rights Florida for seven years. She moved to the Washington D.C. area in 2014 to become the Legislative Affairs Specialist with the National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal officials and entities on policies and programs affecting Americans with disabilities. 

She left NCD to join the staff of the U.S. Education and Labor Committee in 2019 and frequently meets with stakeholders and advocates on issues related to disability policy. Much of her work for the Committee is focused on policies that ensure access to high-quality education for disabled students and competitive integrated employment for disabled adults. 

She is the author or co-author of several articles that have appeared in national publications, including Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Asset Accumulation by People with Disabilities,  Disability as Diversity in Fortune 100 Companies, and The Restoration of Capacity for Persons under Guardianship with Developmental Disabilities in Florida.

Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient Jefferson ‘Jeff’ White ‘08 was nominated by alum Diane Zinkula ‘72. was nominated by alum Diane Zinkula ‘72. Every now and then we have a Hall of Fame member that has reached such public fame that you can only reach them through an agent or their mom. Jeff is one of these. Now a popular actor who lives in New York, City, you can see Jeff in a few television series, including The Americans, Manhattan, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Elementary, How to Get Away with Murder, Blue Bloods, House of Cards, Blindspot, The Alienist, Aquarius, The Good Fight, The Bite and currently Yellowstone where he is a regular listed in the opening credits and has become a fan favorite. The series begins its fourth season November 7, 2021 on the Paramount network. 

Jeff participated in speech and theatre every year of high school and took advantage of local community theatre opportunities as well. He enjoyed all the plays and musicals he was involved in but the MVHS comedy Lend Me a Tenor his sophomore year was a favorite.  He received All-State nominations every year for both individual and group speech events under coach Maggie Ellison’s tutelage. The highlight for him was being a part of the group improvisation team--along with 2007 classmates Ben Klaus and Greg Mlynarcyk and alum Jon Stoner ’04 as coach--that brought home the state banner in 2007.  He participated in the band's drum line for two years and in chorus all four years.   

Jeff attended Iowa State on a National Merit Scholarship and majored in Theatre and Performing Arts. In 2012, the ISU production of Six Characters won national recognition in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, giving Jeff and another cast member the opportunity for an internship at Actors' Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky. That opportunity helped him to get his first professional break.  

Currently playing Jimmy on the popular television show Yellowstone, ‘Wide Open Country’ says: 

“The character of Jimmy Hurdstrom on the hit Paramount Network series Yellowstone is honestly one of the highlights of the show. Actor Jefferson White has done an incredible job over the past three seasons capturing the role of Jimmy on screen, a young man who went from a junkie criminal to a cowboy, all thanks to Rip Wheeler bringing him to the Dutton family ranch to work as a ranch hand. He (Jeff) says that booking the role of Jimmy really changed his life. It's understandable considering the character has a lot of depth.” 

You can view a video about Jeff that was created by the Mount Vernon High School journalism class in 2019 titled ‘From High School to Hollywood’ at https://youtu.be/JnfQCuG67cI

Service Hall of Fame recipient Crystal Cardon Eskelsen ‘93 was nominated by both Sherene Player and alum Sarah Allard Covington ‘99. Crystal lives in Lisbon, and has been Mount Vernon high school’s tennis coach for eighteen years as well as creator of the Monsters Running Club for K-8 students. In addition she is an assistant coach for middle school cross country, organizer of the Mustache Mafia, a half-marathon training group, plans and orchestrates the December Project every year for the last 10 years and is the mastermind behind the Covid quarantine group Airheads that encouraged people to get outdoors and moving.

Nominator Sara Covington says 

“It is so important that you consider awarding Crystal this award. She is a model of selfless giving, loyalty, and dedication to our community. I first encountered Crystal’s selflessness when my children participated in Monsters Running Club which she began in 2006. Crystal, along with her husband Rich, coordinate a laid back but rewarding opportunity

 for children to come to the track before school and run with their friends. Her goal is to encourage youth to see the fun in exercise. She does this completely of her own good will. 

She makes no profit off of the fifty-two mornings a year (two seasons) that she shows up at the track from 7:35 am until the start of the school day to encourage the K-8 runners and help keep track of their attendance and lap count. Crystal is there in any weather condition. She does not miss. She does so much more than just ‘show up.’ She knows the children well and finds treasure in their uniqueness, oftentimes creating fun awards to hand out for their character at the end of the season. I can’t help but insist that there is a strong correlation between Crystal’s running club and the strong cross country and track program at Mount Vernon today. She was named an Ed Thomas Coach of the Week

In addition, she takes time to help organize various races, including the Middle School’s annual 5K. She is an active member of the board for the Mount Vernon Community Preschool located at the Methodist Church, and an active member at her church where she works with 12-18 year olds. The youth of this community benefit so much from Crystal’s service.

Most of you have been touched by Crystal’s kindness. Whether it’s having your child go through her running club, reading her positive articles in the sports section of the Sun, or staying motivated from participating in one of her winter challenges, you have more than likely been impacted by Crystal’s service. People like Crystal make Mount Vernon the precious jewel that it is.”

Crystal says “My goal when I started the Monsters program was to make the mile run in PE class less painful for a larger population. I hated the aspect of the physical fitness test when I was in school and now hundreds of Mount Vernon kids go into that test knowing they CAN run a mile. I always thought I would pass the club off to another when my kids outgrew it, but I can’t give it up. I love getting to know the kids in our community and hopefully showing them my love of being outdoors and moving.”

After high school Crystal attended Utah State University and studied statistics. She and her husband, Rich, lived in Idaho until he graduated from Idaho State University. Then they moved back to Iowa with their tiny baby and no clue what they were going to do. They lived in Coralville and Crystal started her 22-year career with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun newspaper, covering basketball first and taking pictures with a 35mm camera. Before ending her time at the newspaper, she was the sports editor, covering all teams from both Mount Vernon and Lisbon, using a digital camera. Currently Crystal works at Blooming Acres in Mount Vernon and is learning new skills.

About her high school days, Crystal says “My favorite teacher at Mount Vernon High School was Al Craig. He taught the math classes at the high school and most students were intimidated by Mr. Craig and his grading curve. I was usually the one who messed up the curve for everyone else, which might explain why I liked him. He taught math and he taught it effectively. I was prepared for college level math when I arrived.

I spent much of my high school days feeling invisible at MVHS. I think that is how I preferred it. I was quiet. I was a good student. And I tried to stay out of people's way. When I was an underclassman, I even took a volleyball to the face in PE, hit by one of the senior athletes. Sounds like something right out of a Disney movie. All of this to say that one of my best days at MVHS happened at graduation when my name was announced to receive a large scholarship for which I was chosen by the teachers. I felt seen. But still hated PE volleyball.”

Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Gwen Stewart Drahos ‘70 was nominated by classmate Sara Gaarde. A Lisbon resident and 40-year owner of Gwen’s Restaurant, Gwen is well known in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community.

Her nominator Sara Gaarde says:

"Gwen's story has been one of endurance, determination, and commitment. It's very unusual these days for anyone to run an independent business, and especially a restaurant, in a small town for that long a period of time. And Gwen's has not just been a restaurant. It has been a community center for both Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Service groups, weddings, anniversaries, class reunions, memorial gatherings, and many other events have been held at Gwen's for many years. During the difficult times of the pandemic Gwen delivered meals to people she knew needed help." 

Community member Deb George says:

"Gwen Drahos has had so much community impact! The restaurant has been a social center for Mount Vernon and Lisbon for decades. I went there for breakfast or lunch so routinely while I was practicing in Mount Vernon at Mount Vernon Family Practice that my office would get a phone call when I was on vacation to make sure I was OK! Gwen has served hundreds of feasts for holiday meals and brunches at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, and others. Her restaurant served as a dinner theatre venue, Lion's Club location, Lisbon Library fundraiser trivia contests, spelling bees. This past year Gwen has delivered meals to folks during the pandemic who couldn't come to the restaurant themselves. She has been so important to our communities." 

Classmate Judy Hess Greco says:

"But what makes the restaurant special is Gwen herself. Food is her love language. She makes people feel special and cared for with her quick smile and easy laugh. Even if you're feeling low or having a bad day, seeing Gwen will lift your spirit and her food will fill you up, not just with food but love." 

Gwen grew up on a farm on Ivanhoe Road south of Mount Vernon, on the edge of the Mount Vernon School District, with an Ely telephone. Her parents were Caroline and Don Stewart. They farmed 40 acres and Don also worked as an electrician. Her siblings were Dennis Stewart of Cedar Rapids and Linnette Stewart Geissler of Lisbon. "I remember that Laverne Herbst (long time Mount Vernon bus driver) was my first driver when I was a little girl," Gwen recalled. 

She got involved in 4-H early. Not surprisingly she said that cooking was her favorite 4-H activity. She also wanted to show animals at the county fair, "but to do that I had to join Boys 4-H, so I did." As much as she loved cooking she hated sewing and "I remember that in home economics at school with Mrs. Colon, "I passed a skirt I was sewing under the table to my good friend Rita Pospisil and whispered "put the zipper in for me, okay?" 

Her years in the Mount Vernon schools were enjoyable to her. She and her fellow members of the MVHS class of 1970 started out in kindergarten at the brand new Washington Elementary building. But ‘junior high’ was in the district's oldest building, Ward School on Third Avenue North. By the time they reached high school the class of '70 was next to the last class to graduate from what is now the First Street Community Center at the east edge of Main Street. 

Gwen participated in a lot of activities in high school. She was president of the home ec club (despite the sewing dislike) and president of GRA, the Girls Recreation Association. When Gwen was in high school the only girls sport was golf, but GRA offered some fun with volleyball and other sports. "If there had been more girls sports at school I definitely would have participated in them," Gwen said. Some of her favorite teachers in high school were home economics teacher Helen Colon, social studies teacher Dick Peters, and math teacher Al Craig. 

After graduation Gwen enrolled at UNI with plans to become a first-grade teacher. But she changed her mind and entered the workforce. She was a nurse's aide at Hallmark Care Center. "That was where I learned that you had to work with each person, individually." She cooked at Hallmark and at the Holiday House restaurant. In the kitchen she learned from and worked with Tom Kleineck, John Moser, and Bob Niederhauser. In 1975 she went to work at The Last Straw restaurant, north of the railroad tracks on Hwy. 1, and cooked for Rusty Phillips there. 

She met and married Butch Ferguson and they had two children: Korey and Jodi. Gwen and Butch later divorced and Gwen married Gary Drahos. In 1981 Gwen's parents bought the building that was then housing Johnny Krob's furniture store on Lisbon Main Street. "People told me that a restaurant would never work in Lisbon, and I told them that I HAD to make it work because my Dad bought the building and I needed to pay him back." Gary Drahos did all the renovations needed to turn a furniture store into a restaurant. "I could never have done this without Gary," Gwen said. 

Finally on Feb. 11, 1981, Gwen and Gary opened for business. Two years later they also bought the empty lot just west of the restaurant and expanded to double the original size. The mid-80's were lean years on account of the farm recession. But Gwen and Gary persevered and Gwen's Restaurant has been going strong ever since, celebrating 40 years in business earlier in 2021. 

The list of events and meetings held at Gwen's is very long indeed. The Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Optimists Club have all met at Gwen's. There are regular card groups, teacher groups, the "Saturday morning breakfast group" which has included many Mount Vernon teachers and administrators. The local AA chapter has met regularly for supper at Gwen's. For many years the annual Homecoming "Stompers" rock and roll dance was held at Gwen's, with Gwen whipping up breakfast for the band and the whole crowd in the wee hours. 

Gwen also has had a direct impact on the Lisbon and Mount Vernon schools. In 1982 Gary and Gwen’s daughter Caroline was born with Down's Syndrome. At that time the special needs students were bused to Cedar Rapids. "When I put Caroline on that bus as a very little girl I knew that wasn't the best thing for her," Gwen said. Dr. Kim Brandt approached Gwen and Gary along with Ralph and Cathy Jordan of Mount Vernon, about proposing to the Mount Vernon and Lisbon school boards that the school move to "full inclusion" of all students living within the districts. Eventually they succeeded, but not without a lot of persuading. Full inclusion has been the policy in both school districts ever since. 

All of Gwen’s grandchildren have worked at the restaurant at one time or another, as have many Mount Vernon high school students and alums. “They start at 14 years of age and learn how to work hard. They learn responsibility and how to work with coworkers and customers. I have also been honored to have many Mount Vernon class reunions at the restaurant,” Gwen said. Gwen reaches out to many in our community, for instance taking kolaches to the nursing home and people that are shut in, as well as some chicken soup on occasion. Gwen says "If I can make someone smile, then I've done my job."

Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Shelby Kintzel ‘09 was nominated by Mount Vernon High School teacher and Head Volleyball Coach Maggie Lessmeier Willems ‘96. Willems says “Not only was Shelby an absolute powerhouse in three sports at MVHS, she was at the top of her class as an exceptional student. This tall, graceful young woman was such a positive contributor to her class of 2009, and an absolute force in a graduating class of outstanding female athletes. Her legacy as an outstanding student-athlete at Mount Vernon is that of one all future Mustangs might strive to be!”

Shelby was a member of Coach Willem’s volleyball team that earned Class 3A State Runner-Up in both 2007 and 2008. Shelby was named Team Captain both of those years, and was voted Team MVP by teammates in her soph, junior and senior years.

In high school, Shelby was a multi-sport athlete, a letter-winner in volleyball, basketball and track. But more than that, she was a leader and star on teams filled with talented athletes. In volleyball she earned First Team All-Conference as a junior and senior, Class 3A First Team All-District for 3 years, Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention 2006, First Team 2007 and 2008, and then Elite Team in 2008, was named a member of the Class 3A All-Tournament Team 2007 and 2008,  3A Volleyball Player of the Year as a senior, and was named to the Des Moines Register Elite Team (all classes) and 3A First Team as a senior. Shelby was named an Iowa Senior All-Star, and earned a spot on the Prep Volleyball Top 250 (National) listing. In 2016 she was inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Volleyball Hall of Fame.

Her accomplishments in basketball and track are impressive. In basketball she was named to the Unanimous First-Team All-Conference for three years, and then selected as a Senior Select All-Star and Class 3A All-District as a senior.

In track she was a state qualifier in 2006, 2008, 2009, earning several state awards. As a senior she was a member of the 1st place distance medley (3A Elite All-State) team and 1st place sprint medley team. The team went on to place first in State. Shelby was a Drake Relays qualifier as a junior and senior. 

Among her honors are Linn County Female Athlete of the Year in 2009, Des Moines Register ‘50 Greatest Iowa High School Volleyball Players of All Time’ (Nov. 5, 2018) and Academic All-State member.  

Shelby went on to play volleyball for the University of Northern Iowa where she was named to the conference All-Freshman Team and earned the Elite 18 Award, then to the MVC First Team in 2012 and 2013. In 2013 she also earned honors by being named to the Capital One Academic All-District Volleyball Team and the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region First Team. She completed her time in college as sixth all-time in sets played at UNI and tenth all-time leader in block solos and total blocks. Shelby was a team member at four NCAA tournament appearances, three of which went into the second round. She was team captain in 2013.

Also a scholar, Shelby earned college honors on the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team in 2011, 2012, and 2013. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA, Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded UNI’s Purple and Old Gold Award in both volleyball and elementary education. Shelby says she is most proud of her NCAA Division 1st First Team Academic All-American award because it encompasses accomplishments both on and off the court. 

Shelby went on to play professional volleyball in Spain for one year. She has spent five years teaching and coaching volleyball (two years for Ankeny High School, one state tournament appearance), and earned a Masters’ degree in Education while working full-time. She moved to Denver where she was a kindergarten teacher and pre-kindergarten teacher, and currently works for Procare Software, an educational software company.

2020 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

pictures and video to come

Achievement Hall of Fame recipient Peter Kollman from the class of 1962 was nominated by alums Richard ‘Dick’ Miner 1961 and 1962 classmate Michael ‘Mike’ Biderman.

After graduation from MVHS, Peter graduated with high honors from Grinnell College. He earned both his Masters and Phd at Princeton University. He then spent a post-doctoral year at Cambridge University in England before beginning a career in medical research and teaching at the University of California, San Francisco, (UCSF).

Dick says ‘few of Peter’s former schoolmates or family friends in Mount Vernon heard much of his many accomplishments because Peter was never one to "toot his own horn. Sadly, in May 2001 at the age of 56, Peter died of a fast-moving cancer. Ironically, much of Peter’s biomedical research dealt with aspects of the very cancer that took his life. It was only at the memorial service at his home in San Francisco that I began to grasp the breadth and importance of the contributions he made.  And even after the memorial service, it was not until I researched information about Peter that I began to fully understand his accomplishments.” 

To describe the character and accomplishments of Peter, Dick selected two eulogies written by highly respected professionals who knew Peter both professionally and personally.  An excerpt from the eulogy by Dr. Fred E. Cohe, who at the time of Peter's death was his colleague at UCSF, is reprinted by permission from Structure – Cell Press, Volume 9, Issue 10, p 885-886, October 2001:

Although his career was foreshortened, his contributions to the application of quantum and molecular mechanics calculations to address important chemical and biological problems will live on in the students he trained and the AMBER suite of (computer) programs that he produced. 

I came to know Peter Kollman during his first sabbatical. I had moved to Oxford for graduate school and Peter had come to immerse himself in structural biology.  This was 1978, and  the computer that we used was centralized and filled a very large room. Peter dashed off an early version of what would ultimately become AMBER. He went on to build an incredibly productive research and training program. Through over 400 publications, Peter and his students and collaborators helped us to understand the behavior of water, alkanes, peptides, nucleic acids, proteins, and pharmaceuticals. 

Perhaps he is best known for his scholarly contributions to the field of Free Energy Perturbation calculations. While several scientists understood that it would be easier to simulate the alchemical transformation of a hydrogen atom to a methyl group attached to a complex macromolecular system in two or more distinct conformations, Peter foresaw the power of this method to address important medicinal and biochemical problems. To paraphrase one of his colleagues, I knew that Free Energy Perturbation calculations were important and wrote two papers on this subject. Peter wrote fifty. 

The second eulogy by Dr. Christopher I. Bayly, also a friend and colleague, appeared in the Biophysical Journal, Volume 81, October 2001.  Excerpt reprinted by permission.

While his death leaves an empty space in the computational chemistry community, it also gives us the occasion to celebrate the now-completed opus of his life. From the standpoint of the fashionable “scientific statistics,” his contribution was prodigious: over his 31-year career he was an author on more than 400 journal articles (more than one per month, on average), and more than 50 reviews and chapters, and he was the 11^th most-cited chemist between 1981 and 1997.

Over most of this time he was a Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at  UCSF starting in 1971 and becoming full professor in 1980.  His early work using quantum chemistry to examine hydrogen-bonding slowly evolved toward molecular mechanics methods, leading to the development in his laboratory of the AMBER suite of programs in 1981 and an associated general force field in 1984. He continued the development of the program, refusing to concede exclusive rights for its development commercially, so he could ensure its availability to the academic community. 

He has since won the efforts of many collaborators, especially the major involvement of David Case at Scripps, in developing the program. It is today one of the most widely used academic packages for bio-molecular simulation, applied in over 1000 academic and industrial laboratories.

He maintained up to his death a strong effort in force-field development as a main focus of his research, refining his “simple but general” two-body additive model, still widely used today, and then pressing forward beyond the two-body approximation into polarizable force fields.  

Another major turning point in his research came with the incorporation of free-energy calculations into AMBER in 1987. Recently, he had been extending approximate free-energy methods to include enhanced sampling and continuum dielectric methods (the latter again to improve the treatment of long-range electrostatics), culminating in the MM-PBSA method.

He was widely acknowledged by students, post-docs, and faculty alike as being universally encouraging to those with whom he was in any kind of supervising or mentoring capacity.  

With successes, Peter was always generous in his recognition and praise of those involved, both in public and private. A gregarious man, his booming voice and ready laughter attracted a crowd at any kind of professional or social meeting. His positive approach has had a lasting impact on those who passed through his laboratory, and serves for many as a model of scientific interaction.  

Peter will be represented by his family, daughter Sarah Kollman Regnier, son Eli Kollman, and sisters Gerda Kollman Bennett 1959 and Miriam Kollman 1967. Gerda can be reached at  209 Blackwell Road, Pennington, NJ 08534, or gbennett225@gmail.com.

Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient Braden Pospisil Rood from the class of 1993 was nominated for this award by alum Kim Zangger Tucker 1994 and former MVHS teacher Donna Jacob.

Currently a resident of Mount Vernon, IA, Braden is an alum that found herself in New York City exploring theatrical opportunities before settling back in Mount Vernon with her husband to raise her family which includes three sons, the oldest a recent graduate.

Not one to let the dust settle under her feet, she has become a popular mainstay on Mount Vernon stages and in the community with her drama and musical talents.

In high school Braden participated in speech 4 years, chorus 4 years, and theatre 4 years, including All-State speech and many other activities. Her most memorable production in high school was Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof or her All-State performance of Laughing Wild.

At the University of Northern Iowa, UNI, Braden was a member of 11 productions, including a main role as Lady Fancy in Sir Patient Fancyand Dora Strang in Equus and Mary Bland in Eating Raoul, and was a Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Semi-Finalist. 

In New York City she was a member of many productions and founder of the theatre company, The Key Theatre. It was in New York during a production of A Real Kiss that she met her husband, Anton.

Since her return to Mount Vernon in 2002 she has been a board member of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre and has been involved in over 50 theatre productions for MVLCT, along with several at Theatre Cedar Rapids, Dreamwell and other companies within the Corridor.

The list of productions she has been a part of are pages long, but include roles from acting and dancing to set design, producer, and director. 

For the last five years Braden has been a member of the Balderdash Ditty band, along Kim Benesh (1985) and Dale Beeks. The group sings to children at local preschool and schools teaching music concepts and learning through music. She is also a member of Leah Woosley and the Mother Chuckers and MV Uke Squad where she performs locally at events, small businesses and senior and community centers

A constant volunteer in the MV community, she is her class reunion coordinator, she has been a member of the MV Chili Cook-off committee, Chocolate Stroll Parade Coordinator, Chalk the Walk volunteer and artist, Hallmark volunteer, Main Street Iowa tour guide, works with Sarah Sadie Busse 1990 (2019 Fine Arts Hall of Fame recipient) to bring her Quoya workshops to Iowa, works with Hands Up Communications to bring ASL (American Sign Language) to our MVLCT shows so the deaf community can enjoy live theatre, is digitizing MVLCT’s photos from past productions and also works on the MVLCT’s website. 

Braden is a member of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre Board (President 9 years, Publicity 4 years) and a member of the A-Go-Gos. This group does fundraising for major fine arts projects and hosts an annual gala to honor those in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon area for their contribution to the arts. One of their events was the Frank Benesh (MV Alum 1956) Memorial 24-hour Telethon which raised $17,000 for air conditioning and renovations to the First Street Community Center Uptown Theatre. Another was the ‘Save the Tapes’ telethon which raised $6,000 to restore over 30 years of video tapes recorded by Dean Traver. 

Braden was a member of the ‘Smithsonian Home Town Teams’ Kick Off Fundraiser where she was on the Planning Committee, a choreographer and a performer, which raised $3,000 for the exhibition in 2018 and until recently hosted  ‘Good Morning Mount Vernon-Lisbon’, a weekly talk show about the AWESOMENESS of MV-L. Braden was named Mount Vernon CDG Volunteer of the Year in 2017.

Braden can be reached at 101 Crestview Dr NE, Mount Vernon IA 52314 or roodbrood5@gmail.com

Service Hall of Fame recipient Dr. Scot Christiansen from the class of 1978 was nominated for this award by former MVHS teacher Don Stine.

Currently a resident of Edgewood, Iowa, Scot is a family practice physician at the Edgewood Satellite Clinic. The clinic is part of the Regional Family Health in Manchester, Iowa. In addition, he is Medical Director for the Oelwein Healthcare Center, the Grandview Healthcare Center, the Regional Medical Center Inpatient care unit, and the RMC Wound clinic.

Above and beyond his daily job, Scot is a respected member of the Edgewood Community. Among his community service projects are past membership on the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce and the Ed-Co Community School Board. He has served as assistant director of the Ed-Co fall play for 13 years, sharing his talent and passion for quality dramatic productions. He currently serves as the medical director for the Edgewood Ambulance Service.

In addition, Scot has inherited a love of nature from his father, Dr. Paul Christiansen, a Biology professor emeritus from Cornell College. Scot has established over eight acres of native prairie on his farm, along with additional acres of native grasses and timber. He was recognized in 2013 as Clayton County Woodland Owner of the Year. His efforts to enhance their forest resource and improve wildlife habitat were recognized. Wood boards harvested from his timber have been donated to be used in the construction of both the Edgewood Medical Clinic and the Regional Family Health Clinic in Manchester. 

Nominator Don Stine points out that Scot was named a Presidential Scholar in high school -- the only one Mount Vernon has ever had.  Academically Scot hit many milestones, including being selected as one of only 141 students nationwide for this award - one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. He was also a National Merit Finalist, representing the top one percent of seniors in the U.S. Scot was class valedictorian and earned the Iowa Bar Citizenship Award.

In high school Scot was in band, chorus and swing choir -- earning All-State honors his junior and senior year, and drama and speech -- earning an Outstanding Rating for original oratory and Reader’s Theatre. He was also a 3-sport athlete in football, basketball and track, placing 3rd at state in the mile medley his senior year.

After high school Scot graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and the Wausau Family Practice Residency Program. During medical school Scot became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, American Board of Family Practice, and frequent preceptor for University of Iowa medical students. He is a collaborating physician for the U of I IRENE Research Network. He has also served on the Clayton County Board of Health.

Most recently Scot has been faced with handling Covid-19 patients.  Among them a rural Edgewood man who said “ I can’t say enough what Dr. Christiansen did for me. He went the extra mile. He called to see how I was doing. That means a lot. I think he would do that for anyone.” (source Manchester Press, May 6, 2020)

Scot can be reached at 34782 Littleport Road, Edgewood, IA 52042 or at scotjane@alpinecom.net

Community Impact Hall of Fame recipient Sonia Essex Redmond from the class of 1982 was nominated for this award by classmate  Sheri Russell Kahl and former MVHS teacher Don Stine.

Currently a resident of Mount Vernon, IA, Sonia says “I have had several role models when it comes to community involvement. Some of the biggest influencers were my grandparents and parents.  I would also include several Mount Vernon School District teachers as role models -- Dick Peters, Charles Halsey and Don Stine each have given of their time, talent, and treasure to our community, and their actions have inspired me in my volunteer endeavors.”

After high school, Sonia attended Kirkwood Community College.  She married Tom Redmond in 1984 and moved back to Mount Vernon in 1985.  They have one daughter, Tasha Redmond Tatara, MVHS class of 2010. 

Sonia has worked at Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company for 33 years, where she is currently an Assistant Vice President. Sonia has organized or assisted with many bank-sponsored community events, such as the Kids’ Safety Fair, Dick Peters History Lectures, Popcorn in the Park for the Mount Vernon Community Band Concerts, Magical Night, and the Community Shred Day. “The encouragement I receive from bank management and their willingness to adjust work schedules to accommodate volunteer efforts are just a few of the reasons I love working at Mount Vernon Bank & Trust,” Sonia said.

In high school, Sonia participated in 4 years of choir, theatre, and band, along with many community concerts and performances. She was also selected to participate in the MVHS “Train Band”, a show band that performed at several Iowa and Illinois locations during the summer. 

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre formed while Sonia was in High School, and she was cast in the chorus for the first 3 productions. 

Sonia has been a member of St. John's Catholic Church for 35 years and has served, at various times, as  a religious education teacher, Finance Committee member and chair, Parish Council and Parish Life committee member, choir member, and Parish Festival chair.    

She was also a Girl Scout leader for seven years. “This was one of my favorite volunteer opportunities,” Sonia said. “Watching the girls grow from kindergartners into amazing young adults has been incredible. I keep in touch with most of the young women and am excited at what they have achieved.” 

Sonia has been a member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce/Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development Group for 33 years. During that time, she has been involved with a multitude of projects and events, including Heritage Days, Heritage Days Quilt Show which she initiated and chaired, and has volunteered for CDG festivals and events for over twenty years. In addition, Sonia has served on the following committees:

• Treasurer and President of the Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development Group

• CDG Market Analysis Committee 

• CDG’s Open 4 Business Grant Coordinator for 6 years. This program has awarded 5 local businesses a total of $71,000.00 for business improvements and growth. 

• Main Street Grant Committee

• Hometown Holidays -Magical Night Committee: served several years as the Chair and several more as a member. She has coordinated and been involved with the free ‘Pictures with Santa’ for 29 years.

• CDG Business Improvement Committee for over ten years. Sonia chaired the committee for 3 years and has assisted and coordinated community workshops and seminars to inform local business owners on current issues.

Sonia received Mount Vernon’s 2016 Main Street Iowa’s Leadership and Volunteer of the Year Award from Governor Kim Reynolds, and she has been recognized as the local CDG volunteer of the month twice.

In addition, she has been a member of the Mount Vernon Community Band for approximately 20 years where she plays alto saxophone and assists with public relations and roadie work. She also served 5 years on the Ushers Ferry Pioneer Village, located in Cedar Rapids, Railroad Day planning committee. She says “I was surprised at my first meeting to discover that my middle school math teacher, Daryl Ferreter, also served on the committee.  It took me quite a while to be able to call him by his first name.”

In Mount Vernon she has been on the Chapel View Manor Board of Directors for 6 years and is currently the board's president. She also served on the City of Mount Vernon Comprehensive Planning Committee for 2 years.

Sonia is a member of the National T.T.T Society, Chapter EW, was a booster of the Mount Vernon High School Band, and served on the Regional Grant Wood Area Advisory Board for the Family and Consumer Science Teachers in 2017.

Sonia can be reached at 200 4th St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 or at mvred3@aol.com 

Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Steve Andrew from the class of 1968 was nominated for this award by classmates Barb Thomsen Neal, Ken Pospisil, and Mike Smith. 

A legend in many circles, Steve was not only known for his athletic  achievements, but for his outstanding character. Nominator Barb Neal describes Steve as a’ four-sport athlete who received 15 varsity letters for his achievements (in high school). His softball career was exceptional, both as a player and later as a coach. He was the recipient of numerous accolades. He was simply an amazing, humble man, devoted to his faith and to his family. I can think of no athlete presently or in the past who is more deserving of this award.’

Following is Barb’s nomination: 

“From a very early age, Steve showed signs of talent. He would gather his friends together for sandlot baseball games and then awe them with his ability to, not only hit a baseball, but to hit it over the fence. As summers ended and school started, pick up games of basketball or football soon began. The boys would gather after school and on weekends to play football in Steve’s backyard or to shoot hoops in his neighbor’s driveway.

Steve’s football reputation began in junior high. He was instrumental in the undefeated success of his team, carrying the football often, but not scoring a touchdown until the final score of his junior high career. He broke the junior high record for throwing the football. He set the record in 7th grade by throwing the ball 148’. He proceeded to break it the next year with a throw of 164’7”.

Steve’s ability to throw a football was a harbinger for his career as the quarterback for the Mount Vernon Mustangs. He was effectively leading the JV team to an undefeated season when the senior varsity quarterback suffered an injury. Steve was quickly added to the varsity roster as the quarterback for the last two games of the season. (From then on Steve ONLY played at the varsity level in all sports.) He received his numerals at the end of his freshman season. During high school Steve played quarterback and both offensive and defensive back. He earned All-Conference honors as a back his sophomore and junior seasons. As a senior he quarterbacked his team to an undefeated season for the first time in many years. He was awarded All-conference honors for both offensive and defensive back and All-State honorable mention as quarterback. Steve was a huge contributor to the Mustangs success. The team went from a 4-4 varsity record as freshmen to undefeated conference champions as seniors. He was a 3-year football letter winner.

Basketball season followed. Steve’s ability to play guard was recognized by the coach immediately. As a freshman varsity player he ended the year with impressive statistics: highest free throw percentage at 68% and the most steals at 33. Coach Chet Wallace said “Steve was outstanding on defense” and expected him to be “a big man in Mount Vernon’s future”. That prophecy proved to be true. He helped lead the team from a 5-9 losing conference record his freshman year to a 13-3 winning record as a senior. The Mustangs were conference champions in both 1967 and 1968. Steve received All-Conference honorable mention as a sophomore and junior. He was chosen for the All-Conference 2nd team as a senior. The team won the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference title. It was the same year the Mount Vernon High School won the conference Sportsmanship trophy. This honor was a reflection of the team, the student body, cheerleaders and audience. Coach Bob Landis said of Steve, “he (Andrew) is one of the best athletes Mount Vernon has had in a long time, being outstanding in football as well as basketball.” Steve was a team leader and earned a varsity letter in basketball four years in a row.

Being an athlete meant Steve was going to participate in every sport possible. But Steve didn’t just participate, he excelled. Track was his next accomplishment. At the end of Steve’s junior year, Coach Gary White cited him as “the most improved runner of the ‘67 season”. He had begun running the 880 race about half way through the season and managed to shave 10 seconds off his time. He set a new school record at districts in the 880 with a time of 2:02.9. This time qualified him for the State tournament where Steve placed 5th. The following year as a senior, Steve ran on the 440 and 880 relay teams. New school records were set in both. He qualified for the State tournament with the 440 relay team and individually in the 100-yard dash with a time of 10.6 seconds. Steve gave 100% to his team, always willing to try new events. He was a very coachable athlete. Again he was a four-year varsity letter winner.

Even with all of his successes in football, basketball and track, his greatest love was baseball. From sandlot ball to Little League to high school baseball to fast pitch softball, playing ball was his passion. Steve’s father, a renowned softball player, was a big influence, bestowing upon him the privilege of bat boy for his fast pitch team and always encouraging him along the way. Although baseball was considered a minor high school sport at the time, Steve made a major impact on the team. He played shortstop and relief pitcher. By the end of his freshman year Steve was considered a team leader, scoring 12 runs and 15 walks during the season. At the end of his sophomore year, Coach White said, “probably the hardest working boy was Steve Andrew. He did his job well and kept the team fired up.” Then as a junior, “pitching standout Andrew, also the team’s leading man at the plate at .450 batting average suffered a badly cut knee and will probably be out for the remainder of the season. He will be bitterly missed,” said Coach White. He was a four-year varsity letter winner and his contribution to the team was undeniable.

On paper Steve didn’t always have the highest statistics. He was a four sport, outstanding athlete and he received 15 varsity letters, but the most frequent comments about Steve were regarding his consistency as a player. He was considered the heart and soul of the Mount Vernon Mustangs. He was a respected and loved team leader who would sweat his guts out at every event. He was every coach’s dream player.

Steve’s greatest success as a ball player surpassed high school. He became a highly recruited and amazing softball player. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette headline, “Cancer claims ‘Mr. Softball’ on July 27, 2013, by J R Ogden, Steve was known as “Rookie” from his playing days. “He helped win national titles with Welty Way in 1971 and Teleconnect in 1987 and was a member of the 1980 national runner-up Midwest Galleries team. Andrew played in six national tournaments, six world tournaments and three Olympic Festivals. A two-time Major league batting champ, he was one of the best third basemen in the country, winning All-World selection twice and All-American honors once.” 

Steve was a contributor to Welty Way’s 2nd place finish in the World Tournament held in Manila, Philippines. He played on the Teleconnect fast-pitch softball team that won the 1987 International World Championship. The tournament successes go on and on. Steve’s personal accomplishments included International Softball Championship (ISC) World Tournament RBI leader, American Softball Championship (ASC) All American selection, ISC All World selection twice, CR major open batting champion 2 times, CR Softball Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Iowa Softball Hall of Fame in 1993. Steve and his dad are the ONLY father-son inductees to the Iowa Softball Hall of Fame.

According to Ralph Palmer, a former softball great, Steve “was beyond Cedar Rapids good. Steve was a man of principles in the way he spoke and the actions of how he lived. He was just a wonderful person.”

Steve Andrew was FAR more than just an athlete. Throughout high school he had perfect attendance. Steve was on the student council. He was a class officer and was chosen by his classmates to be a homecoming escort. He was an exemplary student, consistently making the honor roll. His highest academic honor, and the one for which he was most proud, was his induction into the National Honor Society. He wore his gold graduation honor cords with pride.”

Steve will be represented by his wife, Josie Andrew. She can be reached at 2180 David Ct NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52402, or josiea555@gmail.com. 

2019 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

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Achievement Award Winner Lloyd Duffe from the class of 1951 was nominated for this award by alum Jack Stanton, class of 1949. Currently a resident of Columbia, South America, Lloyd has lived a life of accomplishment that showcases both his love of the United States and making the world a better place. Following high school Lloyd studied two years at the University of Iowa, leaving for two years to serve in the U.S. Army. He completed his degree at Iowa, graduating in Labor Management & Relations in business studies in 1957. Two years later Lloyd left for Washington D.C. with an assignment as a Diplomatic Courier for the Department of State, only the second person from the State of Iowa to earn this assignment. During the next twelve years he traveled the world, working as a Courier and Courier Officer out of Manila, Philippines and Frankfurt, Germany, then traveling to embassies and consulates in over 150 countries. Later he went to Argentina as an Immigration Visa Officer for over two years, followed by a year in Venezuela as an Administration and Consular Officer, then resigning his commission in 1970. 

1973-75 found Lloyd changing course and going to Southern Colombia as the second oldest Peace Corps volunteer in the country. Here he raised funds to oversee and build a rural school in 1973 that is still functioning and educating over 80 students yearly in Versilles, Colombia. He was also responsible for taking care of, vaccinating, overseeing, and maintaining Cebu cattle on 13 cooperative farms for poor and beginning farmers that was sponsored by the Colombian government Department of Agriculture.

He married a Colombian National during this time and they returned to the Ely area in 1975, calling it home for thirty years. He worked construction, and at Wilson and then Farmstead Foods as a maintenance and sanitation employee. In 1990 Lloyd was cleared by the U.S. government for top secret projects. While his children grew up in small-town Ely, he was sent to the Far East as a Control Officer traveling to nearly every country in the area for over three months with many interesting assignments over the next 15 years. In 2005 Lloyd retired and he and his wife moved to her native Columbia.

Jack wrote in his application to nominate Lloyd:

“My initial introduction with Lloyd Duffe in 1947 at high school, occurred while I was a junior he as an entering freshman. Lloyd and I developed a memorable friendship, which continued during college. ...His transferring to attend MVHS came when the Ely School Board chose to close its High School because of small student enrollment. Lloyd, along with a few others from the Ely area entered our high school in the fall of 1947, and graduated in the spring of 1951. I always thought this change for him must have been somewhat traumatic.

Lloyd was  somewhat quiet and a slim, ramrod-straight “farm kid” from the Ely, IA, area.  We played sports together and even though I managed to “letter” four years, he was the better athlete, making “All-Conference” selection in football - receiving those honors for two years.  I thought this an amazing accomplishment since Lloyd had not previously played this sport.  

After high school Lloyd and I began to lose track of each other, as we traveled our separate ways, each pursuing our life’s work, continuing education and careers. Fortunately we were able to renew our friendship in 2005, during a three-class (1949, 1950 and 1951) MVHS-reunion. Lloyd and I have renewed our friendship by exchanging e-mails on an informal but quite frequent basis. This has provided me the opportunity to become generally familiar with his life and endeavors after graduation, including some of his international, worldwide, life’s work. I have come to appreciate his accomplishments which includes providing his knowledge and agricultural skills to others. This resulting in what I believe to be a significant contribution to making this world a better place for different peoples, cultures, and forms of government.  All far removed from his/our beginnings in...Mount Vernon.

With my personal experiences while consulting internationally in Southeast Asia, I believe I can relate to and appreciate some of the challenges Lloyd has faced and met while achieving success during his interactions with many other cultures, religions and customs.  And knowing Lloyd as I do, I’d bet he was never thought of as an “Ugly American,” as too many USA citizens have been in their travels and during such international endeavors!  All of which I’m certain has yielded friendships for him far beyond where he and I were born.  

Lloyd has served us all in this country’s military, in the U.S. State Department, and especially with the USA Peace Corp...All this has given me insight and an appreciation for his gracious sharing of his agricultural knowledge, talents, wisdom and experiences all while successfully transferring it to peoples in several developing countries. I’m certain he has truly made significant improvements for those with whom he worked while changing for the better the individual lives including families, in the countries where he worked.... I believe his efforts striving to help others...make his life’s work his living and lasting legacy.”

Among his milestones Lloyd placed second as a 6th grader in raising war bond pledges in 1944 in competition with all schools in Linn County and getting his picture in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. In high school he was chosen by the Ely Legion Post 581 as their representative to Boys State at the end of his freshman year. During his senior year he was class president, student council president, and lettermen’s club president. 

Over the years he has been a member of the Putnam Pals 4H Club 1943-50, was Past Grand Master and member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows 1951 to present, a Life Member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, a member of National Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and a Life Member U.S. Diplomatic Courier Association.

Lloyd says “It was my good fortune to attend Mount Vernon High School, which provided a strong foundation in preparing me for life. Though I came from the out-lying small community of Ely, I was readily accepted in the classrooms and other school activities. Classroom competition was challenging. In the classroom I managed to improve and was in the upper quarter of the 1951 graduation class.” In athletics Lloyd earned nine varsity letters and was named to the All-Conference football team twice. He organized the first reunion for his 1951 classmates in 1971 after working and living overseas.  

Nominator Jack Stanton was represented at the Hall of Fame events by his niece, Mary Lee Parks.

Fine Arts winner Sadie Busse, formerly Sarah Martin, from the class of 1990 was nominated for this award by classmate Andrea Mott Zastrow. From high school English to City of Madison Poet Laureate, Sarah’s belief in the potential of language to create connection has fueled her life and work. 

Sarah is the author of five collections of poetry, as well as co-author of a children’s picture book. She was the co-editor and publisher of three anthologies and a poetry magazine, Verse Wisconsin, which for five years published poets from all over the world. Over the last twenty years, her poems have appeared in numerous journals, magazines and anthologies, and she’s been awarded prizes from the Council for Wisconsin Writers for best group of poems and best book of poetry. She also received the coveted Pushcart Prize for her poem “Silhouettes.”

Declared Poet Laureate of Madison in 2012, a position she shared with her colleague Wendy Vardaman, Sarah served the City of Madison in an official capacity as representative of the arts in civic life from 2012-2015. In that time, she and Vardaman took the opportunity to feature the voices of poets from around the City whenever they could, raising the profile of poetry by bringing poets to open City Council meetings with a poem, hosting panels and readings at book festivals and other cultural events, and writing poems to commemorate Sister City relationships and other city celebrations and civic institutions. 

Believing that poetry and the arts have a role to play alongside history and journalism in capturing and giving shape to lived human experience, she encourages poets to write not only from the heart, but also what they see, hear, witness and experience in their lives.  

Her poems now appear on the sidewalks of Madison, for adults and children alike to discover while waiting for the bus, lining up for frozen custard or heading into dance class. 

Sarah’s interest in the arts started early and never abated. In high school Sarah participated in four years of band, choir, chamber choir, and speech and drama, with lead roles in ‘Brigadoon,’ ‘You Can’t Take It With You,’ and ‘Guys and Dolls,’ and five years of jazz band. Among her high school honors she was selected for 3 years of All-State Music (1 year orchestra/2 years choir), along with multiple superior ratings from state competition in Speech and Drama and Music Solo and Ensemble. She was a member of Honor Society, a National Merit Scholar and was awarded the Mount Vernon Music Association Scholarship.

After high school, Sarah went on to earn a BA with distinction in Comparative Religions, magna cum laude, Carleton College in 1994 and a MFA in Literature and Creative Writing from Bennington College in Vermont in 2003. She is currently founder of Studio Sadie, a studio for creatives of all kinds.  She is a writer, poet, teacher, dance instructor, creativity coach and proud mother of two. With the founding of Studio Sadie, Sarah says “I am interested in continuing to explore the possibilities inherent in creative community and community co-creation. Mount Vernon has found unique and exciting ways to model these possibilities too and it feels like a true homecoming to receive this award.”

Sarah says she has always been interested in the intersections of community and art, and the creative frictions and possibilities therein. She says “as Poet Laureate of my community and as a publisher, I have had the opportunity to raise the profile of poetry and the arts more generally. I believe the arts give voice to human experience in ways nothing else does. And it is important for as many voices as possible to have access to the stage, microphone, and recording studio. I have tried in everything I did over the years to create platforms and opportunities for others.” 

Sarah is a certified Qoya Dance Instructor, certified Master Creativity Coach, and is a teacher for Loft Online Writing Classes. She participates yearly as an instructor at the University of Iowa Summer Writing Workshops (teaming up with her mother Jacqueline Briggs Martin), as well as the University of Wisconsin’s Writers’ Institute. 

Service Hall of Fame winner Michael ‘Mike’ Seiler from the Class of 1967 was nominated for this award by classmate Sandi Erenberger Hanna, who says “our class is impressed by Mike’s accomplishments.” It is important to know what Mike did during his life to understand his drive for volunteering today. Since retiring in 2008 from the U.S. Naval Air Force, Mike says he has tried to put the same level of effort he applied daily to his service with the Navy into his volunteer work. He says “I assessed what was going on and tried to find ways to improve it. There is an old adage that says, “The man who knows ‘how’ will always have a job, but the man who knows ‘why,’ will always be his boss.” Being a volunteer doesn’t mean just “being there” to fill a seat, complete paperwork, assign tasks to others, or drive a vehicle. It should mean that while doing the assigned job, one should assess whether “that way” is the best way to do the job. If you think there is a better way, work within the system to make it so.”

Mike retired in 2008 after serving 40 years within the Executive Branch of the government, working for the U.S. Navy (6 years Active Fleet, 34 yrs. U.S. Civil Service). He was employed primarily with the Naval Air Force Staff in San Diego, CA. Duties required Mike to travel throughout the United States, Alaska,  Aleutian Islands, Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Japan, New Zealand, and Bahrain. He served as a civilian Special Projects Officer, Aircraft Class Desk Officer for jet engine programs, and finally as Deputy Director for Aviation Maintenance Policy with global oversight of Naval and U.S. Marine aviation repair facilities.  

Among his milestones in service are his U.S. Military/Veteran experience starting with an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1973, a BBA (SCL) in 1998, post-graduate work at the Naval War College through 2001, and many Naval Air Force Special Recognition Awards. He was awarded the “Fliedner Trophy” for excellence from the Naval Air Systems Command as a leader in the Naval Aviation Propulsion Community.

In San Diego, Mike serves as chaplain, historian, and judge advocate for American Legion Post 282, which supports local U.S. veterans. He has served several years as a volunteer for the annual “Veterans Village Stand Down,” a San Diego homeless veterans program.  

He is Chairman of the San Diego County Planning Commission; President of the Bonita Highlands Homeowners’ Association of 667 homeowners; President of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association; President of the Sweetwater Authority Rate Payers Association (a non-profit watch-dog group); a member of the San Diego Zoological Society’s “Keepers Club;” and a past tutor of algebra and geometry for the Sweetwater Community Union High School District. 

He has also helped with many humanitarian endeavors, including time as Past Master (CEO) and current Secretary of La Mesa Masonic Lodge No. 407, where he was twice honored as their “Mason of the Year.” He is a Certified Masonic Funeral Master, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason with the Valley of San Diego; an Al Bahr Shriner who plays in the Drum & Bugle Corps, a Past President of the Al Bahr Past Masters Club, and a past “Samaritan Driver,” transporting crippled children to the Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles. Combined, these Masonic groups support public education, remedial reading programs, free childhood medical clinics for speech disorders, orthopedic and burn treatments.  

Mike explains, “What motivates me to engage in these efforts are the Midwestern community core values instilled in me as I grew up in Mount Vernon. While honed by college and adult experiences, the basic skills and values were nevertheless engrained in me by my parents, grandfather, MVHS teachers, and even a dose of MVHS Principals (Mssrs. Addis and Ringold). I still take people at their word, “act on the square,” and strive to live by San Diego County’s motto: “The noblest motive is the public good.” I expect that many other MVHS graduates do the same. I hope so, anyway. A quote from a Masonic scholar, Albert Pike, stays with me too: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”  

Mike says that by receiving this award he “hopes to motivate other graduates to become more involved in their local communities and humanitarian services. Retirees and middle-aged citizens are perfect for such service positions, and you often meet the nicest, most interesting people too.”

In high school, Mike participated in marching and concert bands, speech competitions, was the sophomore and junior year class president, and served as the senior year Student Council president. Among his high school milestones, he was selected for All-State Band during his sophomore, junior and senior years (he says “thanks to the teaching and motivation skills of band instructor Ken Smykil”).  

MVCSD Community Impact winner Richard ‘Dick’ Moore from the class of 1952 was nominated for this award by classmate Ann Pavik and her husband Al. Ann describes Dick as a strong leader and supporter of Mount Vernon High School and his community then, as well as in the years to follow. 

Well known in Mount Vernon, Dick was a founding board member of the MV Alumni Association, serving to establish our bylaws and pitch in wherever he was needed. 

As a boy he attended a one-room school, Caraway School, located on Mount Vernon Road, through 6th grade. In high school Dick lettered in football, basketball and track. He was a four-year band and chorus member, and was in several musicals. He graduated as both president of the Senior Class and Student Council, and he was the salutatorian at his graduation. 

A football scholarship enabled Dick to attend the University of Nebraska where he graduated with a degree in agriculture in 1956. He received a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force upon graduation and also a treasured pilot allocation. Dick later earned a Masters Degree in education from Pepperdine University. 

He retired from the Air Force after 28 years with over 7,000 hours of flying time, at the rank of Colonel. Upon retirement  in 1983, Dick was able to take up his original career plan, that of returning to Mount Vernon with his wife and MV alum, Barbara ’Babs’ Beckhelm Moore from the class of 1953, to farm the land where he was raised and which had been in his family since 1849. He often claimed how fortunate he was to have two such satisfying careers in one lifetime.

His community service included member and chair of the Mount Vernon Board of Adjustment for 24 years, a volunteer and mentor at Washington Elementary for various projects, and a volunteer at the high school for projects in support of then principal Dennis Walsh. 

Dick was active in community organizations including the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Rotary Club for 25 years where he was twice past-president, served as chair of the Community Service Committee, and was coordinator of the annual blood donation drive. He was often a volunteer at the SE Linn Community Center and provided many rides for clients.

At the United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon where he was a member for 25 years, he was chair of the Church Council for 24 years, a choir member for 25 years, taught middle school Sunday school as needed, lead adult Sunday school bible class as well as additional Bible classes. 

Dick passed away at the age of 81 on June 30, 2015. Friends say Dick was “often described as a ‘walking encyclopedia of trivia,’ this former pilot/teacher/farmer was known to recite Shakespeare or poetry at a moment’s notice. He lived his Christian faith and was a life-time student of the Bible. He never met a stranger and all who knew him shall miss his ever-ready friendly handshake.” Dick was represented at the Hall of Fame events by his wife Barbara ’Babs’ Beckhelm Moore 1953. Ann and Al Pavik were represented by Jerry Ringer 1955.

Athletic Hall of Fame winner Robert ‘Bob’ Bowman from the Class of 1958 was nominated for this award by classmate Marilyn Dean Schnittjer. Marilyn says “As a friend and classmate who has known Bob since we were young children, I can say that he is a person who is trustworthy, talented, and loyal to his roots in Mount Vernon. He is faithful in supporting reunions of his class and has always been a person who one can count on. His days as an outstanding athlete are behind him, but he has found new arenas in which to shine his light. It is a privilege to nominate Bob for this MVHS honor.”

In high school Bob was engaged in many activities, but he excelled in athletics, especially football. He started playing football in elementary school and continued on from there. He was the first MVHS student to letter in five sports in one year (football, basketball, baseball, track, and cross country). When Bob was a senior, their 1957 football team was the first in Mount Vernon’s history to complete a perfect season, while both scoring the most points in the conference and giving up the fewest. 

A state playoff system was not established until 1972 and so, while the 1957 team began the year ranked 3rd in state, Bob says ‘we were never able to make claim to even a mythical state championship given that one team ranked above us remained unbeaten and the other, with one loss, was better known to the pollsters in Iowa’s heartland. On the eastern side of the state, the Cedar Rapids Gazette referred to us as a ‘black shirted powerhouse,’ but we were never able to change the narrative to the ‘black shirted state champions.’” The 1957 team remained as the only team to record an untied and unbeaten season since the turn of the century, until Mount Vernon’s state champions came along in 1974. 

Upon learning that he was to receive this award, Bob was more than adamant that he would not have been selected for the Hall of Fame except for the exploits and accomplishments of the entire 1957 team. Under the coaching of Don Hipple, the only players who stepped onto the field during that season were, as listed in the program, seniors Bob Bowman, Bob Kruse, Bruce Mullen, Steve Heady, Don Sievers, Dick Bowman, Don Neal, Roger Martin and Harold Clements and juniors Dennis Drahos and Dennis Koch.

Bob was one of two players from our conference (EIHC) named to one of the seven All-State teams selected by the Des Moines Register and only one of ten players chosen from the “small school division.” At the individual level, three players from the 1957 team were named EIHC first-team performers, and those were Don Neal, Bob Kruse and Bob Bowman. Bob says ‘unquestionably the best quarterback in the conference, Ed Staskal, was named to the EIHC second team, and that two teammates who later played in college, Harold Clements and his brother, Dick, were overlooked in the balloting, probably because of the large number from Mount Vernon recognized the year before.” Bob also speculates “that three or four of those individuals would have been selected to the Class 2A first or second teams under the five-class system that replaced the one-class system in 1974.”

In high school Bob was selected to the EIHC All-Conference first-team in both his junior and senior years. He was voted by his teammates as ‘most valuable player’ in 4 out of their 8 games. He compiled 480 receiving yards, 25 receptions (including 7 receiving touchdowns), and was selected to the 44-man WMT Collegiate Honor Roll of high school football players -- one of two who were selected from the EIHC.

Five of the six individuals named above from the 1957 title team played at the college level.  Three of the five played at Cornell College, Bob and his brother Dick, and Bob Kruse (along with Jim Bellamy during his senior season) and became mainstays on a team that turned around over a decade of losing football, with only one winning season in eleven years. As varsity players, they achieved the most wins in the first 83 years of Cornell football - from 1891 through 1969 when the Midwest Conference adopted a 9-game schedule. In their final season, 1961, Cornell shared in its first conference title in 25 years after narrowly missing titles in 1959 and 1960.  

All earned all-conference recognition or mention in one year or another - with Bob being selected as a first team performer his senior season - setting the bar for others from Mount Vernon who would follow. Personally Bob received honorable mention on the Associated Press 1961 Little All-American football team, and was selected to the Midwest All-Conference first team in football, also leading the team in tackles.  In 1991, he was one of ten named at the Defensive Line position on the Cornell College Football All-Century Team Ballot. 

Following college, Bob was recruited to play professionally with the Denver Broncos.  “The long and short of my days in training camp was that as expectations for me seemed to rise by the day - so did my doubts as to whether or not professional football was the path to follow.”  In the third week of his tryout he decided that doing it for sport was one thing, but doing it for a living - because of the career implications at that time - was quite another.  And so he walked away from the game, “But doing so remains the hardest thing I have ever done.” Just for the sport of it, he did play semi-professionally with the Elmhurst Travelers for the 1964 season - on another title team - this time the Southern Division of the Central States League.   

In high school Bob participated in almost every activity available through the school. Some of his activities included Student Council, the school newspaper, school plays, mixed chorus, and band. Marilyn says “Bob was interested in everything and had many friends throughout his school days. He often gave credit first to others, not seeking recognition for himself—always for the team or other group.”

Bob retired in 2002 after serving as chief executive officer for three different banks as well as on the boards of numerous banking, business, civic and philanthropic organizations and was a member of the advisory committee of the BAI’s Graduate School of Community Bank Management for years.    

2018 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Award Winner Michael Bowers from the class of 1987 was nominated for this award by both his classmate Lisa Capaccioli and his mother, Myrt Clark Bowers ’57 on behalf of the Bowers & Clark families. Lisa says “Michael is true humanitarian by any definition. He has dedicated most of his life to serving others in need.” Myrt says “His commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable peoples around the world has been demonstrated throughout his career.

Michael, now a resident of the Bay Area in California, earned an BA in Art History and Political Science from the University of Iowa, and completed advanced studies in intercultural management at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT. During his college years, Michael spent a year abroad in Europe and interning in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Senate for Senator Tom Harkin and with the Atlantic Council, a NATO think-tank. Currently Vice President of Humanitarian Leadership and Response at Mercy Corps, Michael has over 20 years of international relief and development experience. Headquartered in Portland, OR, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries. Michael is responsible for leading and supporting Mercy Corps’ global emergency operations, enhancing their quality and accountability and ensuring that they bring the greatest benefit to people in need.

 

He participates in global forums, seeking to impact and influence policy development and decision-making involving key United Nation organizations and global humanitarian partners. He has testified in hearings with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on issues relating to famine, as well as hearings with the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Iraq and Syria. Prior to his current role, Michael lived and served as Mercy Corps’ country director in Afghanistan, Albania, Croatia and Kyrgyzstan and Zimbabwe. 

 

His first-hand experiences of many conflict induced crises has been recognized by leaders in the private sector, global philanthropic foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Rockefeller, and news outlets around the world. He has been asked to speak before United States House of Representative & Senate Foreign Relations Committees. Two of his most recent testimonies were for the Human Rights Commission Tom Lantos hearing on Yemen November 17, 2016 and March 28, 2017 House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on “East Africa’s Quiet Famine”.  Michael has been invited to meet with White House Staff members in the Clinton, Bush, and Obama White House regarding a number of tragedies and crisis for millions of people around the World.

 

Lisa says “His achievements go beyond what he has done for Mercy Corps and his career. He has brought the attention of famine, war, and refugees to world leaders and spoke for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. Michael’s dedication to humanitarian efforts is an inspiration to his colleagues, to his family, and to his friends. He has seen the worst this world can offer, but he has shown how compassion, dedication and true determination can make a difference.”

 

Michael believes his work ethic, passion for helping others, willingness to take risks in un-known areas, and the ability to adapt to changing realities is due to teachers and community leaders in Mount Vernon who challenged his thinking and family who provided a strong moral, faith and values-based foundation. 

Fine Arts winner Dewane Hughes from the Class of 1988, was nominated for this award by former high school instructor Richard Scearce.  Currently a resident of Troup, Texas, Dewane is Professor of Studio Art, Studio Art Graduate Program Coordinator at the University of Tyler. He graduated from Buena Vista College in 1992 with an emphasis in sculpture, and received his MFA from Montana State University in 1996. Dewane started his career as the Sculpture Lab Technician at the University of Iowa where he built the bronze casting foundry, as well as Assistant Professor at Graceland University, and Missouri Southern State University. Dewane is also president of the Texas Sculpture Group. 

 

His sculptures have always dealt with language. Dewane explains “Influenced heavily by the poets of the Beat Generation, as well as subsequent linguistic scholars such as Noam Chomsky and Marshall Mcluhan, I try to create a formal reality that speaks to the essence of communication. It is my contention that “art” happens in the space between the object and the viewer. It is from this perspective that I try to create sculpture that is a manifestation of the space between language, and how we perceive a message. Of course we understand from Mcluhan that the method of delivery is as important as the message that is delivered, and it is this concept that directs my many creative decisions, such as material, compositional considerations, etc. However, my creative impetus is more closely akin to the raw and visceral perspective of writers like Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Herbert Hunke, or of course Allen Ginsberg. This generation used its linguistic skill, with a drive to touch the heart of what was real to them, and created a new lexicon, a perspective of slang, that energizes my creative process.”

 

Dewane has recently been dividing his time between fabricating large scale steel sculptures, and creating intimate psychological landscapes using found objects, painting and plastic resins. In addition to his continuous sculptural pursuits, he was also recently the curator of the “Sculpture on the Green” exhibition at the Kemp Center for the Arts, as well as the President and coordinator of the 2011 SNTX Conference at The University of Texas at Tyler. Other endeavors include several solo and group exhibitions and the creation of numerous prototypes for an “Artist Signature” series of lighting fixtures.

 

His work has been featured in dozens of  galleries internationally. He is a sought-after instructor who has done residencies at over 20 universities, for instance one of them an International Residency for Creative People in Iceland. In addition he has been invited to judge, lecture, and enter his sculptures in juried art competitions around the world. He has been featured in many publications, including ‘Top Twenty-Five International Student Sculptors,’ Sculpture Magazine in 1996. His exhibitions have been held all over the world, and he currently is on exhibit at Susan Kirchman Gallery, Johnson City Texas, Shidoni Gallery, Santa Fe New Mexico, Modern Dallas, Dallas Texas. 

Dewane describes himself in high school as a disinterested average student who drifted aimlessly until he took a class with Mrs. Michaud who turned him onto the Ferlinghetti book, ‘Coney Island of the Mind.’  Her mentorship demonstrated to Dewane that it was alright to be his creative self, and in fact, even a positive thing.

Service Hall of Fame winner Matthew Borg from the class of 1990 was nominated by his father Eldean Borg. Matthew is a graduate of Baylor University and earned his Masters in Business Administration in Cambridge, England where he currently lives. Matt served as an officer in the US Air Force, and from 1996-2001 served as Director of Media Relations and Deputy Director of Public Affairs at Altus Air Force Base and then RAF Mildenhall, England. In 2001 he joined Acteon Communication, a communication consulting firm he now co-owns and manages in Cambridge. 

At Acteon, Matthew leads a business of 50 employees and is responsible for the management of large-scale internal communication projects and programs for clients delivering highly-technical messages and communicating change in the health care, legal, financial, and pharmaceutical sectors. He has led several large projects to international awards, including being a record 4-time winner of “Best project achieving widespread adoption” with four separate companies. Matthew has also led a project to deliver training to medium-sized companies across Europe, which won the European Seal of Excellence for 2004.

Since graduating from Baylor, Matt has served his communities in a variety of ways. While stationed at Altus Air Force Base, he volunteered as a mentor and tutor to local school children, formed an athletic booster club for the local high school, and started an annual 10k charity run and annual golf tournament, both raising money for local education programs. While stationed at Mildenhall, he volunteered with the local schools to tutor in mathematics and writing, and he tutored airmen studying calculus at the university on the air base.

Matt has now lived in England for more than 20 years and has served as President of the Parent-Teacher Association and served a four-year-term on the local school board. During his board term he was involved in the school’s recruitment and selection of new senior leadership and replacement of the school’s catering service. 

As a member of the JCs, he was named member of the year and won national awards for his communication work for the non-profit organization. Matthew was personally responsible for developing the JC marketing and publicity plan, new membership plan, and training plan for 2000. His activities with the JCs included professional leadership and management seminars, charity fund-raising activities and European exchange programs. He served on the executive council and was the monthly publication editor, earning ‘Jay Cees Most Outstanding Local Publication’ in the UK. As a result of the innovative work Matt did for the Cambridge Junior Chamber, he was presented the Nigel Jones Innovation Award, presented annually to the JCs member whose innovation and initiative have greatly benefited the community of Cambridge.

Matt currently volunteers at his local job center, running workshops for job-seekers, helping people who are struggling to find employment prepare for interviews. He and his family regularly host students from all over the world who come to England to learn to speak English. 

Matt also serves as a lay pastor and a member of the leadership team at a new church he helped to start in Cambridge. The church was started by members of his previous church in response to a need in another part of the city. He and his wife lead a weekly small group in their home and Matt and others participate in volunteer service programs helping to clean, paint and restore living accommodation for disadvantaged local residents. He also sings as part of the church music team.

 “This award gives credit to the people in Mount Vernon - teachers and community members - who have influenced student lives in so many ways,” Matthew said. “As I have reflected on this, I think there are two factors that have prepared me for a life of service in my community, whether in the panhandle of Oklahoma or across the Atlantic in England. First, observing service in others and second, a sense of gratitude for the investment made in me. Growing up in Mount Vernon and in Mount Vernon Schools, I saw service lived out. From my earliest memories, I saw people volunteering all around me: on Saturday mornings at ‘little kids’ wrestling, on school boards, in concession stands, on scoring tables. I saw my teachers giving of their time in order to give us a broader and deeper education. I learned through the example of Mount Vernon parents and teachers that programs for children and young people don’t happen without willing volunteers.”

“And second, I – and many of my classmates -- are inspired to serve out of gratitude for all that has been invested in us. Whether it was a choir contest two hours from home, a late-night musical rehearsal, a cold autumn evening on the side lines, or a long day on the scoring table at the Mount Vernon invitational, I saw parents and teachers giving of their time so that children and young people could grow.”

“Small schools and small communities are great because ‘everyone can do everything.’ If you want to go out for a sport or other activity and you’re willing to put in the time and practice, you can. However, small schools and small communities can only offer what people - on the staff and in the community - are willing to organize and lead. At Mount Vernon, I had the opportunity to take part in many diverse activities because people gave of their time. I am very grateful.”

In high school Matt participated four years in choir, football and golf, earning All-Conference honors in football and golf his senior year. He earned All-State Vocalist (1989) and All-State Speech & Drama (1989) , and was an Academic Decathlon team member, finishing Small School State Finalists his senior year. Matthew was a 1989 Boys State participant. One of his favorite memories were school musicals and drama productions, and he especially loved playing in ‘1776’ with the late Dick Peters when Mr. Peters played Benjamin Franklin. He also participated two years in baseball and one year in wrestling.

MVCSD Community Impact winner Mike Smith from the Class of 1968 was nominated for this award by classmate Barb Thomsen Neal. She says “I have known Mike my entire life. When I think of Mike I immediately think “Mr. Mount Vernon”. Of the many alumni who have continued to live and work in Mount Vernon, I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

Her application recognizes Mike’s love our Mount Vernon: 

Mike’s roots run deep in this town. He is a 3rd generation native and the love he has for Mount Vernon is apparent in everything he has done, and will continue to do. 

Mike is a recognized face on Main Street as the owner of Bauman’s & Company. He remembers everyone he meets and always greets everyone with a smile and a positive comment. He welcomes to Bauman’s basement, the daily gatherings of the “Coffee Club”. 

Mike and his wife, Val, recently completed the historical renovation of the area above Bauman’s, where they now live, and have even opened their home for the annual Mount Vernon After Dark event. 

Mike is an upstanding citizen and devoted husband, father, son and brother. His character is above question. Mike’s love for, and dedication to, our town is palpable. He promotes the community and school in every way possible. He has Mount Vernon merchandise available in his store. He regularly puts a wooden mustang sign on his street corner to advertise athletic events and he is a frequent fan in the stands. If there was a “spirit” award, he would certainly be a contender. 

Mike is the epitome of “Mr. Mount Vernon”. He more than qualifies as someone who has dedicated his life to making Mount Vernon a great place to live and raise a family, always promoting the town and the schools. 

Named a ‘Volunteer of the Month’ by the MV-Lisbon Community Development Group, they describe Mike as a valued part of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community: 

His work with helping began when he helped to start Heritage Days many years ago, but more recently organizing ‘Music on Main’ and helping with the Chocolate Stroll have been noted by many. Mike has lived in the area for his entire life, and he is proud to say he is of the 3rd generation of 4 in his family to live here. Many know him from Bauman & Company in Mount Vernon. He has been associated with the store for over 44 years. He has worked there since 1969 and became the owner in the early 1990s.

When asked why he volunteers, Mike remarked that he enjoys it and got more out of it then he put in. He encourages everyone to volunteer. Not only do you meet interesting people but you can pursue your passions. In his cases, his interests lie in music so he has organized and headed the ‘Music on Main’ events for many years. 

Mike received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce in 1991, and Honorable Mention for ‘Best Business of the Year’ in the Main Street Iowa Program in 2010. He is a Past President of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. 

Mike continues to follow and support Mount Vernon high school sports. Through Bauman & Company, he contributes annually to numerous school activities and fund raisers. 

The Class of 1968 held their 50th Class Reunion during Homecoming 2018, and attended the Hall of Fame Award Ceremony to help Mike celebrate his award.

Athletic Hall of Fame winner Carol Woods-Boren from the Class of 1975 was nominated for this award by both Diane Zinkula ‘72 and former instructor Richard Peters. Diane says “Carol was a phenomenal high school basketball player when girls finally got sports at Mount Vernon, but her years as a volleyball coach and mentor at Mount Vernon has done more for girls athletics than any other graduate.”

Richard Peters explains how Carol played a major role in girls athletics at Mount Vernon:

In the early 1970s Mount Vernon did not have competitive girls interscholastic sports in fields such as softball, basketball, track, and cross country. With the passage of what we now call Title Nine of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, schools were required to adopt similar athletic programs for boys and girls. Carol was at the forefront of voices calling for a complete athletic program for girls including, the adoption of Volleyball. 

Carol was the original key player in all girls’ sports -- the shortstop in softball, post guard in basketball, and middle hitter in Volleyball. Her first-team participation in several sports was certainly instrumental in the success of girl’s athletics; she was a pioneer for girls’ sports in our school. This was a difficult position to take in 1974. With little or no administrative support, opposition from the boy’s programs, insignificant community backing, and of course institutional prejudice against girls’ sports, establishing a girls’ sports program was difficult to say the least. But Carol had been attentive to class work and current affairs, as well as her heart, and she knew the requirements and what was right. 

Perhaps her most significant contribution was her enthusiasm. She influenced dozens of young women to participate and support athletics. I know that these conditions and events are absolutely true because I was a classroom teacher at this time and the first coach of the Mount Vernon Mustang’s Softball team. Carol Woods helped us break new ground and guarantee the current success of all girls’ sports programs.

Carol tells of her high school athletics: 

“My freshman and sophomore year there were no girls sports programs offered at Mount Vernon except for girls golf. I had played on town softball teams since the 5th grade and I loved the team work, friendships and competition involved in playing sports. A movement began between my sophomore and junior year to have a complete girls sports programs at Mount Vernon Schools. I’m sure current players cannot imagine not playing competitive school team sports for the 6 years they can now. I remember going around town asking for signatures on a petition to have girls sports at Mount Vernon. There wasn’t a huge amount of support from the school but school board members were approached by parents and students who wanted this opportunity. Not everyone I asked would sign the petition. I’m not sure the petition would have gained us what we wanted, but the passage of Title Nine didn’t give the school an option. 

Perseverance paid off and Mount Vernon added girls sports. I was thrilled to participate in any way I could. In my junior year we played an extracurricular program of sorts, playing schools wherever we could beg, borrow or steal a playing date in basketball. We wore our gym uniforms and a vest with a number on it. My senior year we were officially in the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye conference, playing a full schedule for basketball, softball and track. Volleyball was still not an “official” conference sport and not all EIHC schools offered volleyball. We still played a busy schedule for volleyball in the fall and were one of the first schools to have a volleyball program in the State. I was the only female athlete in my class to play the four sports. We got uniforms when I was a senior, but we had to use the same ones for volleyball, basketball and maybe track too. Wouldn’t the current athletes and coaches throw a fit about that! Some of our first coaches weren’t given an option to coach us or not. Coach Shirley Ryan wasn’t even paid, but volunteered, while male coaches were paid. Another unacceptable situation that wouldn’t fly in today’s sports scene. 

Carol also says the addition of competitive sports to her school life was a confidence builder. Her confidence level rose to an all time high and suddenly school seemed easier. Some key teachers, Dick Peters, Charles Halsey and Donna Jacob, to name a few, kept telling her she could do more in the classroom, and her success in sports translated to her academics as well. Adrian Ringold, the high school principal, also encouraged her to try out for track, something she hadn’t considered before he expressed his confidence in her. She says “They believed in me and I started to believe what they were telling me. I can never thank them enough for their encouraging words.”

Among her honors are letters in basketball, track, volleyball and softball. In basketball she earned First Team All-Conference, unanimous choice in basketball as a guard, and was Mount Vernon’s first female All-Conference player. In addition she earned Honorable Mention All-State basketball. She led the conference in total rebounds, had the school record in total rebounds and single game rebounds (20 in one game), led the team in total blocked shots and single game blocked shots (9 in one game). In track she was a member of the, 4x220 relay team which was Conference and District champion and also qualified for Mount Vernon’s first state track appearance. In volleyball her team won a good share of their volleyball meets. In softball, their first year, she remembers “we got absolutely pummeled in softball by perennial state champions Clear Creek Clippers, but I loved playing for Dick Peters win or lose.”

Carol is retired (2014) after working for 33 years in the District Office at Mount Vernon Schools. She coached basketball (1981-1987) at Mount Vernon for six years with Jim Bellamy. She was an assistant coach for the first Mount Vernon Girls basketball team to reach the State tournament in 1984. Carol coached volleyball (1988-2010) with Shirley Ryan for 23 years and was an assistant coach when they were State Runner up in 2007 and 2008 and when they won State Championships in 2009 and 2010. Carol was named ‘State Assistant Coach of the Year’ by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association in 2010.

Carol says “I truly love Mount Vernon athletics, boys or girls but I have a special place for the girls program...watching them grow to state powerhouses throughout the years. I loved representing Mount Vernon as an athlete and later as a coach. Some seasons we struggled, but working with coaches like Jim Bellamy and Shirley Ryan makes you work harder to live up to their high expectations. You learn to play for the love of the game, not always the wins and losses. I’d never thought of myself as an advocate and I’m surprised I was brave enough to go door to door to get the whole thing started as a teenager, but I had a burning desire to perform, not just be a spectator. During my years of coaching girls’ sports I occasionally had to point out to administrators, athletic directors, parents and coaches the inequities between how the boys programs and girls teams were treated. I’m happy to say the issues were almost always corrected; some took more time than others - growing pains. There is always a first time for everything and it takes a long time to try and perfect a program. I hope there will always be a fire for Mustang girls’ athletics, and that current athletes will respect those early struggles. Being the mother of three boys I enjoyed my years of coaching teenage girls and felt I had lots of daughters. In 2017 I started coaching volleyball again beginning with the oldest of my six granddaughters. Here we go again.”

2017 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Award Winner Mark Hylbak from the Class of 1973 was nominated for this award by classmate Christine ‘Chris’ Hanson Starkweather.  While growing up in Iowa, Mark went to a lot of movies and watched a lot of television. He always asked himself, “How did they do that? Why is the camera here instead of over there? Why is the lighting from behind?” These questions led Mark to purchase his own movie camera. While in high school he worked at Bob’s Super Value during the school year and cut grass at Cornell College during the summer…finally getting enough money to purchase a camera. His sisters refused to act in movies so he improvised and used G.I. Joe dolls (they call them “Action Figures” today. Ha!). MVHS English teacher Mrs. Rife heard about Mark’s movies and was intrigued. She invited Mark to bring his movies and a projector to school. Mrs. Rife decided to take film-making classes at Kirkwood so she could add movies to her curriculum.  She gave Mark encouragement to pursue his dream of making movies and/or television as a career. 

Mark attended the University of Iowa and received a B.A. in Broadcasting/Film in 1977. He secured an entry level position at KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids: operating a studio camera for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. With his first paycheck, Mark purchased a TV (imagine!), something he never owned while in college. Within a few short years, Mark became a Technical Director and in 1981 he was named Director/Associate Producer of the two evening newscasts. Mark soon became a “news junkie.” He felt a need to know what was going on EVERYWHERE! In Iowa, the US, the world! He was hooked.

“Then I heard about some crazy guy named Ted Turner starting up a 24-hour news channel on cable”, Mark said.  “I joined CNN in Atlanta as a Director in 1983. Covering the world is always interesting and often quite exciting.” Mark was involved in covering just about every major news event for 30 years. “I was actually in the Sports Department for 7 years”, covering everything from Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Championships, Stanley Cups, and World Cups. But news was always my first love. The first Gulf War really put CNN on the map.”  Mark soon was travelling the world. “One memorable trip was rushing off to Moscow in December 1991.” Mark was behind the Kremlin Walls directing for CNN when Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as President and dissolved the Soviet Union on Christmas Day. “Watching the Soviet Union flag come down on Red Square for the last time was amazing.” The next day Mark went to the Russian White House to meet with their new leader Boris Yeltsin and direct the first interview for CNN.  Another unforgettable trip was covering Princess Diana’s funeral in London in 1997.  “There was something like 136 TV cameras to cover the funeral procession. The event was exciting, exhausting, and emotional. Everyone was working 18-20 hours a day. And the day of the funeral was extremely long. There were a few tears in the control room when the funeral procession came out of Kensington Palace and we saw the six black horses pulling a carriage with Diana’s coffin. There was a gasp… and then silence. We could hear the lonely tolling of a single Westminster Abbey bell. I got a lump in my throat when the carriage turned the corner and we saw the words “Mummy” on top of the coffin.” 

At CNN Mark was an integral part of teams that earned three George Foster Peabody Awards (honoring the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media) and two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards (given by the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University which the school considers ‘the most prestigious award in television and radio news, the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.) Mark recently retired after 33 years.  

Not much left on his bucket list, he rode the Zamboni at an NHL game, threw out the first pitch at a baseball game, and has traveled to all 50 states. There are many teachers at MVHS that Mark would like to thank: “Dr. Rife for encouraging me when I was making films. Mr. Peters for a sense of history. Mr. Landis for an understanding of government. Mr. Silliman for showing me that there is a big world out there. And Mr. Stine for being around. Even though I have lived in Georgia for over 30 years, I still tell people that I am from Iowa and proud of it! I still live in Atlanta, but I will always call Mount Vernon home.”

Fine Arts winner John Gaston from the Class of 1982, was nominated for this award by former instructor Don Stine. Don says John was a gifted performer in high school as a four-year trombone player and frequent soloist in Marching, Concert and Jazz bands, and a singer and frequent soloist in Concert Choir. John also participated three years in both Speech Contest and in Theatre. 

Some of the milestones and awards John achieved in high school include All-State Musician all four years (two years in the choir and two years in the band) which was a first in Mount Vernon history, numerous division I ratings in solo and ensemble contest, both vocally and instrumentally, All-Conference Band all four years and first chair in the All-Conference Band senior year. He participated in several select festival choirs, most notably the University of Iowa Honor Choir (1982) and Soloist in University of Iowa Honor Choir Concert. John was awarded a University of Iowa Voice Scholarship. His theatrical recognition includes:  Senior Theatre Award in 1982, principal roles in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “The Crucible,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” John was also the class valedictorian.

After high school John earned a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa. He has worked in information technology for 28 years for companies such as Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), Paramount Pictures, EMI Music, Amgen, and currently for BrightView Commerical Landscaping.

His performing arts activities include singing, acting, musical direction, conducting, and directing for musical theatre productions, and his milestones are numerous. He has studied voice with various master teachers and performed in over 35 principal and featured musical theatre roles in various Southern California theatres. Highlights include Sir Edward Ramsay in ‘The King and I’ with Deborah Gibson, Cabrillo Music Theatre; Father in ‘Ragtime,’ also for Cabrillo Music Theatre; and Captain Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music,’ Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi as well as award-winning performances as El Gallo in ‘The Fantasticks’ and Percy in ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’.  John also has numerous award-winning musical direction credits including ‘Hairspray’ for High Street Performing Arts Center, Moorpark, CA; ‘Footloose’ for Camarillo Community Theatre, Camarillo, CA and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ for Conejo Players Theatre, Thousand Oaks, CA, to name just a few.  He recently made his directorial debut with a hit production of ‘My Fair Lady’.

Highlights of his classical performances include tenor soloist in ‘Mozart Requiem,’ ‘ Handel Messiah’ (selections), and ‘ Bruckner Te Deum.’ Among his opera and operetta roles are Eisenstein in ‘Strauss’ Die Fledermaus,’ and Frederic in Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Pirates of Penzance.’ The Thousand Oaks Acorn calls John ‘one of the best voices not just in Ventura County, but in all of Southern California.’ 

John says ‘Thank you to Don Stine for nominating me for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame Award.  Both he and his wife, Judy, contributed enormously to my musical growth while I was a student in the Mount Vernon schools. I also benefited enormously from the instruction I received from Carolyn Palmer, Lois Nichols, Kathleen Hartzell, and Marv Hippen. These outstanding teachers nurtured my love of music and theatre at an early age. I also remember fondly a number of people who directed and produced some of the earliest Mount Vernon Community Theatre productions in the early 80s:  Barb Colehour, Laura Werkman, Damon Cole, Maggie Ellison, and Cheryl Dyrland, to name a few. They gave me some of my earliest theatrical opportunities and happiest memories. Although I have not made my living as a performer, the performing arts have largely been how I have made my life.

Service Hall of Fame winner Janet Johnston McCannon from the class of 1955 was nominated by both classmate David Van Metre and Barb Neal Hutchins’57. Since high school Janet has ‘lived and breathed’ service to community. She says her favorite quote is ‘volunteerism is the price you pay for the space you occupy.’ 

In high school Janet served as editor of the school newspaper, the ‘Chalk Mark,’ was a member of Velvet Curtain, was the female lead in her junior class play, a member of concert band, a member of the Girls Athletic Association, a cheerleader, a homecoming court attendant and she performed declamation of ‘Joan of Arc’ for speech contest. She attended both MacMurray Women’s College in Jacksonville, IL, where she was active in band, small group ensembles and the aquatics club, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she pledged Delta Gamma, served as Scholarship Chairman and graduated in 1959. Janet continued graduate studies at the University of Iowa and was a junior high school teacher in language arts and social studies in Burlington until 1969. During that time she also supervised student teachers and served on the school’s salary negotiation committee.  

During the 80s and 90s, Janet worked for the Southeastern Community College of Continuing Education where she taught Burlington history, doing both lectures and walking tours. She took this love of Burlington history to the Burlington Convention and Visitors Bureau where she conducted tour guide training classes and became a business owner in downtown Burlington. In 1972 Janet became a department store buyer, traveling four times a year for almost 15 years to New York City to buy for the store, presenting fashion shows and overseeing various departments. Ready to get back into education, she became a substitute teacher and taught sessions on leadership for the Leadership Burlington classes. 

All of these prior experiences led Janet to lead both the Main Street of Burlington and Downtown Burlington Business Association for almost ten years. During that time she was instrumental in helping to redevelop the former Hotel Burlington into 74 units of senior housing. Janet became a contract consultant for the State of Iowa’s Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa. As a member of that team, Janet came to Mount Vernon to perform a community assessment in 2007, which was the beginning of our town’s approach to revitalization.

What makes Janet a Service Hall of Fame recipient is not just her professional focus, but the many years she was involved in a variety of service organizations and projects. This includes her time as President of the Burlington Junior Women’s Club, a member of the Burlington Little Theatre as a costumer and set decorator, a member of the Burlington Fine Arts League, a member of Rotary International, and a Board member of the Des Moines County Historical Society. In 1995 she was honorary co-chair of the Southeast Iowa Area on Aging Senior Olympics. Janet served several years on the ‘Music & Menus’ committee of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra to raise money for the symphony and also co-chaired several Pops Concerts. From 2004-’08 Janet was appointed by Governor Vilsack to serve on the Iowa State Historical Society’s Board of Trustees. In 2006 she co-chaired a capital campaign to build a new library facility in Burlington, and to turn the former library building into the Des Moines County Heritage Center. She then went on to co-chair a campaign to restore the historic Capital Theater in downtown Burlington. One of many supporters of Janet’s nomination wrote “Janet is a whirlwind and a force to be reckoned with. Her contributions have been many, but it is the preservation of old buildings that seems to most easily stir her passion and her energy. Many incredible Burlington buildings would be gone if it weren’t for Janet.”

Janet was a member of the Burlington City Council for six years, also serving on the Burlington Area Development Corporation Board, the Southeast Iowa Regional Plan Commission Board, and the Des Moines County Red Cross Board. 

Among her honors are being noted in the publication ‘Outstanding Young Women of America’ in 1970, being named a Paul Harris Fellow twice by Rotary International, receiving the Greater Burlington Partnership’s Emmy Award in recognition of continued years of community service and vision, and being honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Southeast Iowa. In 2014 Janet received a Governor’s Volunteer Award. 

Now retired, Janet continues to remain active with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra’s POPS Concert Committee, in a variety of community organizations, and to lead walking tours of historic districts and downtown Burlington. She has often been a grant writer for historic projects. She is also a board member of the Apple Trees Trust, an organization dedicated to saving and reusing the home of Charles Perkins, founder of the Burlington Route Railroad, whose home is named Apple Trees.

MVCSD Community Impact winner, the team of Kevin Whitman from the Class of 1976 and Becky Thumm Whitman from the Class of 1977, was nominated for this award by alums Ann McCutcheon’59 Niehaus and Janice ‘Jan’ Lowe’57 Whitman Majors.

Kevin and Becky are familiar faces around Mount Vernon because of their involvement in many organizations and activities. Both separate and as a team, these two have been pillars of service for the Mount Vernon Community. Others explained that “when volunteering for the Booster Club there are folks who volunteer to work games and those who do all the behind the scenes stuff, like ordering supplies, picking up supplies, stocking them, keeping inventory, picking up grills, buying grills, refrigerators, cleaning the concession stands, before and after the season, moving supplies between seasons, etc. Basically much more than working games. The both make it happen. There are talkers and doers, and they are both doers.”

While their two children were in school, Becky was a member of WETAP and PRIDE, serving as the PRIDE treasurer. Kevin served as a volunteer Parks and Rec flag football coach for two years, and Becky as a softball coach for two years. Kevin and Becky have been treasurers of the Mustang Booster Club for the last twenty years. As Booster Club members they worked concession stands, basketball tournaments, golf tournaments, helped host receptions for state champion and runner-up teams, and were involved in numerous other activities. 

In the past few years both were also members of the ‘Save Our Fields’ group that raised over $200,000 to pay for improvements at the football field -- adding a new scoreboard, improved the field lighting, and purchasing and installing new bleachers. Kevin provided labor every weekend for this project from start to finish.

Kevin was a member of the Friday night chain gang for over twenty years, working all the JV and varsity football home games. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Football Coaches Association in March 2017 for his service on the chain gang for over twenty years. 

Both members of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, Becky taught Sunday school for ten years and was an elder for three years. She also served as financial secretary for five years. Both served as ‘friends in faith’ to teens going through confirmation.

Becky was a member of the National TTT Society for ten years, helping to send deserving 10-year-old girls to summer camp who might not otherwise get the opportunity. She was also treasurer for five years. 

In high school Kevin participated in football, basketball, track, chorus, spring musicals, was a member of the yearbook staff, and was a class officer. He was also a member of the 1974 state championship football team. Becky participated in basketball, track, softball, spring musicals, band, speech, fall play, was a football manager, and on the honor roll all four years. Kevin worked for Schwan’s for 31 years as a driver/salesman and now works for Springville Ready Mix as a driver. Becky is an Accounting Assistant and just this fall received a 30-year service award working for Business Services at Cornell College.

Athletic Hall of Fame winner Matt Kroul from the Class of 2004 was nominated for this award by Sean Ellis’03. An athletic standout in high school, Matt was a four-year letter winner in football and wrestling, a three-year letter winner in track, and two-year in Baseball. During his football career at Mount Vernon, as a sophomore Matt was Class 2A District 6 All-District and led all tacklers on the team with 94. As a junior he was named to the Des Moines Register Class 3A 1st Team All-State Linebacker and Class 3A District 4 All-District team. Matt had 879 carries on 173 carries and scored 20 touchdowns. He led all tacklers on the team with 125. As a senior Matt was named to the Des Moines Register ‘Elite’ All-State Team Linebacker, INA Class 3A 1st Team Linebacker, and Class 3A District 4 All-District team. He had 1140 yards on 214 carries and scored 16 touchdowns. He led all tacklers on the team with 116. 

Matt was the 5th highest career rusher in Mount Vernon history with 2,019 total rushing yards. He was also the school’s all-time leading tackler with 335 tackles, and one of only four players in Mount Vernon football history to be named to a Des Moines Register ‘Elite’ All-State Team. 

In high school wrestling Matt accumulated the 4th highest wins in school history with 136, and the 8th highest winning percentage in school history at 86.6% (136-21). His pins during the 2003 season is tied for 1st all-time in school history, his 79 career pins is 2nd all-time in school history, and his 50.3% career pinning percentage (79 pins/157 matches) is 4th all-time in school history. He is one of only 5 four-time state qualifiers in Mount Vernon. 

After high school Matt went on to play Division 1 football at the University of Iowa as a defensive lineman. A four-year Hawkeye letter winner, he holds the Iowa record for 50 consecutive career starts, was team caption in his senior year, was named 2nd team All-Big Ten in 2008, and was a semi-finalist in the national Draddy Award. While Kroul’s on-field stats were impressive, it was the Matt’s leadership on and off the field that stood out to Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes failed to reach a bowl game in 2007 and opened the 2008 campaign with a 3-3 record. With Kroul anchoring the defense as a team captain, Iowa capped off the season winning six of seven contests — including a 31-10 victory over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. “That ’08 team was a huge step for our program,” Ferentz said back in 2012. “That is one of the most rewarding seasons any of us have gone through. It was a heck of a football team, and it’s no coincidence Matt was a captain on that football team (from Mitch Smith, Hawkeye Nation, 2014).” 

From the Hawkeyes, Matt was drafted to the National Football League, NFL, New York Jets where he played 3 seasons. The Jets moved Matt from the defensive line to the offensive line, changing his number from 98 to 66, and spent Saturdays studying offensive terminology. Being able to back up spots on both lines redefined his versatility. 

After three seasons in New York as a member of the Jets, he returned to Mount Vernon to continue a family legacy that’s more than a century old, Kroul Farms. Matt runs the day-to-day operations of the farm that grows produce in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, firewood in the winter, and flowers in the spring. 

Kroul’s daily tasks include checking and filling orders, calling on customers and managing the team that works on the farm. Matt and his wife developed the Kroul Farms website, Facebook page, and Twitter account to better communicate with their customer base. He’s also a certified seed dealer for Beck’s Hybrids, helping other farmers enhance their operation by selling seed corn and soybeans. He also spearheaded Kroul Farms’ first-ever Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSAs allow customers to buy local, seasonal food directly from the farmer. Customers pay a flat fee for a 17-week membership. In return, they receive five to 15 pounds of farm-fresh produce weekly from June-September. They also sell produce to a few local restaurants and grocery stores, but the possibility of expanding to more businesses could be on the horizon (from Mitch Smith, Hawkeye Nation, 2014). 

Matt has also been active in local communities in various ways, such as helping with school reading programs and volunteering at local events. 

2016 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Award Winner Reverend Monsignor Thomas ‘Tom’ Zinkula from the Class of 1975 was nominated for this award by both Darlene Hartl Allard’69 and Betty Pospisil Wolfe’45. Darlene writes, “Father Zinkula is one of our ‘home-grown and raised’ local Mount Vernon boys! He has achieved remarkable accomplishments during his priesthood, and yet cares about our hometown, returning home to serve our local St. John’s Parish whenever possible.”

Fr. Tom is currently Rector of St. Pius X Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa (2014-present) and was awarded the honorary title “Monsignor” in 2013. Fr. Bill Joensen, a longtime priest friend and professor at Loras College, states: “Fr. Thomas Zinkula comes from a large Catholic, farm family of Czech roots that instilled his habits of faith, hard work, and integrity of life. In his role as rector of the seminary he provides direction and a priestly model for men in formation. His competence as both a civil and canon lawyer familiar with Church law is often an asset but he wears his learning lightly. He conveys a sense of equanimity and has a self-effacing sense of humor that is disarming. Seniors, middle-aged folks, and children appreciate him, finding him to be approachable, tender-hearted, and humane. He exudes a spirit of wisdom and paternal solicitude. He is a capable administrator and good steward of human and material resources. Further, his modesty and simplicity of life amplify his witness to the Gospel. He has a genuine passion for the poor and a desire to bring Catholic social doctrine to bear in political society, which takes a measure of personal courage, candor, and consistency in relating to others who may or may not be receptive. He is a ‘man of the land’ who draws great spiritual strength and renewal from his contact with nature.”

Valedictorian at Mount Vernon High School, he was also a recipient of the Iowa State Bar Association American Citizenship Award and cited as a State of Iowa Scholar. Tom went on to earn a BA, summa cum laude, in mathematics and economics/business in 1979 from Cornell College. His college awards include Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, and an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. After graduation Tom worked for a year as an actuary at Life Investors (now Transamerica) in Cedar Rapids and then went on to earn a J.D. at the University of Iowa College of Law in 1983. He was managing editor of the Iowa Law Review during the 1982-83 school year. Tom worked as an attorney at Simmons, Perrine, Albright & Ellwood in Cedar Rapids from 1983 to 1986.

In 1986 after a successful law career, Tom entered Theological College (seminary) in Washington, D.C., and earned an M.A. in Theology at the Catholic University of America. He was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest for the Archdiocese of Dubuque in 1990 and thereafter served as associate pastor in a several parishes. In 1998 he earned a J.C.L. (licentiate in canon law) at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. Afterwards, while also serving as a Judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal, he had assignments as pastor in several parishes. He was Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese from 2000 to 2010. In 2011 he was appointed Episcopal Vicar (archbishop’s representative) for the Cedar Rapids Region, and he served in that capacity until his present assignment.

Fr. Tom has served on a variety of boards, including the Clarke University Board of Trustees, the Archdiocese of Dubuque Priests’ Council, the Priests Pension Plan Board of Trustees, the Personnel Advisory Board, and the Archbishop’s Cabinet. 

He could easily be our Athletic Hall of Fame winner. An outstanding football player at Mount Vernon High School, he was named 1st Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State in 1974. At Cornell College he was a 3-time 1st Team All-Conference noseguard and a 3-time 1st Team Academic All-American, College Division, named Cornell Most Valuable Player in 1977, selected as a member of Cornell’s All-Century Team in 2000, and inducted into the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. 

In high school, Fr. Tom was also a 4-year member of chorus and a participant in various musicals.

Msgr. Zinkula can be reached at DBQSPX@dbqarch.org, or 1235 Mt. Loretta Ave., Dubuque, IA 52003.

Fine Arts winner Richard Nelson (d December 2012) from the class of 1950, was nominated for this award by David Wolfe’50 for his accomplishments in interior decoration, who says “Unbeknownst to us in high school, we didn’t realize how much talent Richard had. I have been amazed over the years about what an exceptional interior decorator he was.” 

After high school, Richard attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, majoring in art and design. He went on to study at the School of American Ballet in New York, but his heart lay in interior decoration. As a result he first started working interior decoration for Sister Parish (Mrs. Henry Parish, II) from 1956 -1963 in New York City, one of the leading decorators in the nation, doing work in the Red Room and Oval Room in the White House when President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy were in residence, also the Kennedy’s family quarters. He also was a consultant to Christine Meadows on the curtain design and wall treatment for the Banquet Hall in Mount Vernon, Virginia. 

Richard opened his own business in New York City in 1963 and moved to Newport in 1977​,​ opening his own business there, The Red Unicorn. Richard did consulting with Newport Preservation Society on the restoration work in connection with Bellevue Avenue mansions,  including the Empire Bedroom and costume cases in “Rosecliff”, the Gothic Room in the “Marble House” and Mr. Berwind’s bedroom at “The Elms”. He also worked on the gallery walls at the National Academy of Design in New York.  His acumen earned him illustrious clients on both sides of the Atlantic.

He was awarded and was published in “House and Garden”, “Interiors”, “House Beautiful” and the New York Sunday Magazine. In 1996 a Newport project in which Richard was the designer was selected for the front cover and featured article in “Architectural Digest”. His own house was a subject for an article in British “House and Garden”.

Jennifer Boles, book author, designer, and blogger of ‘The Peak of Chic’, wrote this about Richard in 2012:​  (Blog at http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-tribute-to-richard-nelson.html)​

​“​A few weeks ago, I learned of the recent death of designer Richard Nelson. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, Richard was a man of great style and immense charm. Having started his career with Sister Parish (even assisting her during the Kennedy White House redecoration,) Richard eventually moved to Newport where he set up his interior design business and became a much sought-after designer. He also became a fixture on the social scene there, making many friends who remained close to him until the very end.

Although I never met Richard in person (and that is something which I greatly regret,) we had an email friendship over the past few years, touching base from time to time and discussing design...I wrote about Richard a few years ago when I covered a late 1960s Christmas party that Richard had hosted, one which was featured in an issue of House & Garden. (You can see a few photos from that article, including one of Richard, above.) The details of the party impressed me as few people host such elaborate parties anymore.  In fact, when speaking with Richard in anticipation of that post, he mentioned that while he lived in New York as a young man, he hosted guests at his home four to five nights a week!  I can only imagine that this exuberant style of entertaining held him in good stead upon his move to Newport.

Over the years, Richard’s work was featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest. In 1998, the Colonial-era Newport house in which he lived with his partner was featured in British House & Garden. I​ am showing that article’s photos below as I think Richard’s house is a testament to the warmth and personality that traditional interiors do have when decorated well. I admire that Richard stayed true to the house’s period and architectural style rather than attempt to turn it into something that it wasn’t.

I know that a number of Richard’s friends read my blog, and to them, I extend my deepest sympathy. Richard was a decorator of the old-school and a bon vivant to boot, and they just don’t make them like Richard anymore.”

Classmate De De Hicks remembered “He used to do ballet in our kitchen while Mom was cooking or when I was baking. Mother was so patient and never said a word about it even though she had to plan her moves around him. He loved doing ballet. Another time I thought my bedroom should be redecorated​,​ so Mother bought beautiful fabrics that I had picked out. Richard (at that time we called him Rick) couldn’t wait to help me start the redecorating process. His decorating skills were a big help for me on other occasions. One time Farm Journal magazine planned to do an article on the parties I gave for all the kids in high school. Rick was so excited as they were filming in July for the December issue and they wanted to have a December theme​,​ so he and I decided to decorate the whole house for Christmas although it was July. Finding a live Christmas tree at that time of the year wasn’t easy but we did get one. Anyway, he worked so hard, making sure that every decoration was just perfect and that every room was decorated to the hilt. We even put a Christmas wreath on the front door. On the day of filming it was 90 degrees but kids wore sweaters and winter clothes to completely make it authentic.  He also decorated the gym (or oversaw it anyway) for big dances. Later, when I would come home from college he and I would so enjoy hosting parties for college friends and sometimes they were written up in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and that was big time!”

Classmate Wiladene Willming remembers that ‘He was involved in mixed choir, boy’s choir, Velvet Curtain (the dramatic group), and the Chalk Mark (school paper). He had a stage that had been built in their house basement. He had lots of costumes that could be worn for plays or dress-up occasions. 

I remember Richard having a dinner party at their house, I think when I was a senior, and he asked me to be his hostess. I have no further recollection or who the other guests were, but knowing Richard it was a dinner party worth remembering!  Richard skipped his high school senior year and went directly to Cornell. Richard was a quiet individual, but charming. Even when he became successful in interior decoration, he never bragged about his success. Jennifer Boles’ article about Richard ‘kind of sums up his life, his talent and his brilliance.”

Richard’s partner Jim Michael can be reached at 3 Bridge Street., Newport, RI, 02840.

Service Hall of Fame winner Carol Croft Kent from the class of 1951 was nominated by David Wolfe’50 and classmate and 2013 Service Hall of Fame recipient Dick McKeen. David says “Carol is a person who ‘walks the talk’, showing passion for her profession of nursing, going the extra mile in all that she does, and just plain cares about people.”

After high school Carol received an RN from Mt. Mercy School of Nursing. She married fellow Mount Vernon graduate Jim Kent from the Class of 1950, and after several moves throughout the U.S. and four children, they settled in Winchester, Massachusetts. 

When her youngest daughter started school, Carol started her nursing career as a school nurse in Winchester Schools. In 1994 she was honored as the Massachusetts School Nurse of the Year. Principal of her school, Chuck McInnis, wrote that “Her input is valued by teachers and staff throughout the school because of the scope of her knowledge and the depth of her caring. Carol is a community resource outside of the school through her involvement on many town-wide committees focusing on helping those who need assistance of any kind.”  Carol helped develop the school nurse program in Winchester that lead to each school being covered at least part of every day by a registered nurse. Carol was cited for her ‘great ability to network and gain services for people in need,’ and for her programs involving food donations, clothing, a giving tree, along with implementing the mandated programs of hearing, vision, and health screenings. 

This was only the beginning of Carol’s many honors for her service to the community. She has been a long-standing member of EnKa, a women’s society group that raises money for charitable organizations, where she has been involved with book sales, an annual fair, and in their resale shop.  Carol has also chaired the Winchester Scholarship Committee, and been a member of the Winchester Trails, the Red Cross, the Hospitality Committee at church, and was a Girl School Leader and a Den Mother for Cub Scouts. Carol, along with her husband Jim, were one of the first host families for the ABC Program, hosting minority students to provide them with the opportunity to attend Winchester High School. Over the years they also hosted twelve international and American students for periods of a month to four or more years. 

‘A Tribute to Carol Kent’ event was given by the Winchester Community Music School to thank her for her many contributions over twenty-five years. A new school in 1981, Carol helped to identify students who would benefit from scholarships for music lessons. From 1998-2004 she was a Trustee of the Music School, transitioning it from an after-school to an all-day music school in a newly remodeled estate building, with classes six days a week. From 2000-2004 Carol was Chair of the Board, ‘leading it with wisdom and humor.’ Carol then continued on as an Advisory Committee member. 

Carol is on the education committee, and currently chairman of the education program, ‘The Jenks Learning Connection,’ JLC, at the Jenks Senior Center. JLC offers continuing education opportunities to Winchester seniors. 

She received one of her most prestigious awards in 2008 when the Winchester Chamber of Commerce named Carol ‘Outstanding Citizen of the Year.’ Carol was praised for her life-long work in the schools and community, ‘along with performing countless kind and helpful deeds in her quiet, unassuming way.’

In high school Carol was involved in band and chorus. Carol loves music and continues to take piano lessons.

Carol can be reached at jecsk@verizon.net or 171 Swanton Street, #63, Winchester, MA 01890.

MVCSD Community Impact winner ‘The Stompers’ band, with members Bill Bauman’66, Steve Edwards’65, Brian Harman’69, Greg Harman’65, and Randy Harman’68, was nominated for this award by both Jo Ann Kroul Clark’64 and band member Steve Edwards. While The Stompers could easily be our Fine Arts recipient, they were selected for Community Impact. Jo Clark says “Before there was a Mount Vernon High School Alumni Association, there were the Stompers. This group of MVHS graduates is more than a senior citizen high school rock ‘n’ roll band. The Stompers have served as a bond between Mustangs since 1963. The Stompers returned to Mount Vernon every fall for over twenty years, bringing people from all over the United States for their performances. Classmates who hardly knew each other in high school often become friends at a Stompers Reunion Concert. The music is important, but not the most important thing in these gatherings. The spirit and camaraderie of the room trumps all. The Stompers will tell you they don’t sound like they did in the 60s, but you never hear anyone complain. To many of us, it’s almost like a fall evening at Manny’s Corner on Main Street in 1963.”

Featured in the Cedar Rapids Gazette by Dave Rasdal in 1996 when The Stompers reunited for a performance in Lisbon, he wrote:

“Mothers, don’t let your children grow up to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band. After all, they might turn out to become lawyers, stockbrokers, massage therapists and trainers at a nuclear energy facility. That’s what happened to The Stompers. While rock ‘n’ roll has been here to stay for decades, most regional groups of the 60s that ever reached the upper echelon , the level of, say, ‘the Dave Clark Five or the Rolling Stones...disbanded long ago.

From 1963 to 1965, the Stompers stomped. The boys from Mount Vernon toured Eastern Iowa ballrooms, Danceland in Cedar Rapids, DanceMor in Swisher, and more. It all started at Manny’s Corner, an unpretentious little pizza parlor, just down Mount Vernon’s Main Street from Cornell College. Friends grew to crowds, grew to lines on the sidewalk. The raw combination of blues, rhythm and blues, and good old rock ’n’ roll packed them in that winter of 1963-64.

As the British invaded, The Stompers grew their hair long. They wore tight pants, ankle boots, and turtleneck sweaters. They sang and screamed and duck-walked across the stage like animals.

The Stompers are Steve Edwards and Bill Bauman on guitar with brothers Greg and Randy Harman on bass and drums. 

Steve now practices law from his office on Park Avenue in New York City. Bill is a commodities trader in Chicago. Greg is an instructor at the training center of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near palo. Randy is an Cedar Rapids massage therapist.

Turn back the clock 33 years. Steve Edwards moves from Mississippi to Mount Vernon with his parents, who are trained in classical music.  While mom and dad take positions at Cornell College, Steve walks into Mount Vernon High School. He’d left behind ‘The Windsors,’ a Southern blues and rock band...With Steve’s influence and a name pilfered from the recently disbanded Eddie (Piccard) and The Stompers, Steve and some of his new classmates began to practice.

Their performances at Manny’s Corner put them on the Eastern Iowa map. Before long, The Stompers had gigs every weekend and on many week nights. They earned $100 to $150 per performance. Their original song ‘I Know’ made it to the local airwaves. Girls screamed at every venue. The Stompers had fronted the likes of The Animals, the Everly Brothers, and Chuck Berry.”  

In the fall of 1964, the Stompers recorded for the first time in Minneapolis producing “I Know” backed with “Hey Baby”. “I Know” was an original song written by Greg and Randy Harman which gained a notoriety long outliving the band. “I Know” made it as high as #19 on a number of regional charts. In recent years, “I Know” has surfaced on garage-band-loving stations. “I Know” is considered by many a collector’s item and has been featured on EBay and on-line garage-band forums such as GaragePunk.com.

The summer of 1965 brought the release of a second record “You’re Gone” backed with “I Still Love Her” (two Greg Harman originals). “You’re Gone” peaked at #24 on regional charts

The Edwards, Bauman, Harman, and Harman version of the Stompers ended in the fall of 1965 with the departures of Edwards and Bauman for college.  Greg and Randy Harman reformed the band and continued with The Stompers until the fall of 1966, following an extended stay in New York City working as house band for a club in Greenwich Village. The time in New York included playing a show for a number of record company executives. On the bill along with the Stompers were Bryan Highland, Tiny Tim, The Cyrcle, and the Tokens.

In 1969, Steve, Greg and Randy  reunited, and with young brother Brian Harman joining the band, opened a show for The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at Vet’s Coliseum in Cedar Rapids. Brian, who was too young to play with the Stompers when they were in high school, went on to become a top jazz guitarist in Kansas City. This turned out to be the precursor to a series of annual reunions that continue to this day. In September of 2004, Edwards, Harman, Harman, Harman, Bauman and Kansas City keyboardist Everett DeVan recorded a group of original songs by Steve Edwards for distribution among friends. The band has also written and recorded a song, fittingly called, ‘Mt. Vernon.’ 

In 2006 The Stompers band was inducted in the Iowa Music Hall of Fame. Individually, some of the Stompers continue their varied musical interests. 

On Friday evening September 30th, beginning at 9 pm after the High School football game, you can listen and dance to The Stompers, live and in person, at the First Street Building gym. Open to all, no charge. Playing their hits and 60s music that all ages will enjoy!

The Stompers can be reached at: Bill Bauman, wcbauman@hotmail.com; Steve Edward, stevenedwards@quinnemanuel.com; Brian Harman, c/o 2020 Pembroke Cres. W, Independence MO 64057; Greg Harman, gsh@mchsi.com; and Randy Harman, rjharman899@aol.com.

Athletic Hall of Fame winner Vic Wallace’61 was nominated for this award by classmate and 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Randy Hoidahl. Randy says in high school Vic ‘was a good athlete, an excellent teammate, and a fine representative of Mount Vernon schools.’  A successful athlete in high school, Vic played 4 years of football, basketball, track and baseball, and 2 years of golf. In football he was a 3-year starter at Halfback and Defensive Back, earning both All-State and All-Conference team honors. In basketball, track and baseball he was a 4-year starter. Vic also was in the band 4 years and chorus 1 year.

Vic’s love for athletics led him to Cornell College where he played football 4 years, track 3 years, basketball 2 years and baseball 1 year. His major college sport was football and his major position was Fullback. He often played two ways: Fullback on offense and Linebacker or Cornerback on defense.  Vic was a member of Cornell’s 1964 Mid-West Conference Football Championship team and in 2004 was inducted into the Cornell College Sports Hall of Fame. Vic graduated from Cornell in 1965 and earned his Masters Degree from Northern Iowa in 1971. 

Vic went on to coach for 48 years, retiring in December of 2014. In his 48 seasons, he served: 1 year as an Assistant Junior High Coach, 9 years as a Head High School Coach, 7 years as an Assistant College/ University Coach and the last 31 years as a Head College/University Coach. As an assistant college coach, he coached 3 years at D-III, 2 at D-II and 1 year at D-I. His 31 seasons as a head college coach were at: William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, Lambuth University in Jackson, TN and Rockford University in Rockford, IL. In the 7 years Vic was an Assistant FB coach in college, he was also the Head Wrestling Coach for 5 years, 3 at D-III and 2 at D-II.

When Vic retired his head college football coaching record was 176-109-5, ranking him #4 in the number of wins of all active NAIA coaches, and #23 in number of wins of all active NCAA coaches. 

In his 31 years as a head college coach, Vic’s college teams won 9 conference championships and made the National Playoffs 10 times reaching the National Finals once, the Semifinals 4 other times and the Quarterfinals 2 other times. Wallace was conference coach of the year 7 times and National Region 4 coach of the year 3 times. In 1997 the Memphis Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame presented Vic with the “Contribution to Amateur Football Award” at the Liberty Bowl. In 2011 the William Jewell College team he coached in 1983, along with the coaches, were inducted into the William Jewell College Hall of Fame. In October of 2015 Vic was honored as a ‘Person of Influence’ in the History of Lambuth University where he coached for 15 seasons; and, was also the Athletic Director for 3 years and Special Assistant to the University President for 3 years.  In April 2016 Vic was inducted into the Jackson-Madison County, TN Hall of Fame.  

During the summer of 1983 and again in 1984 and 1985 Vic directly contributed to the growth of American Football abroad. Wallace took college teams to play football against teams in Finland, Germany, France and Switzerland.  In the summer of 1984 he received a United States Government Grant to spend a month in Finland teaching American Football to Finnish coaches.  In July of 1984, Vic was an assistant coach for the Finish National Team that won the “European Super Bowl” played in Milan, Italy.  In 1985 he arranged for an alumni team to play 2 games in New Zealand.

During his career, Vic was also the Head Coach of four College All-Star Teams and two High School All-Star teams. The high school games were played in Hawaii.

Vic and his wife Dee have been married 48 years. Vic’s brother Jim’64 and his sister Gayle Wallace’68 are graduates of Mount Vernon High School and still live in Mount Vernon. Vic’s father, Chet, now deceased, was a long time head basketball coach and history teacher at Mount Vernon High School.  Before her death, Vic’s mother, Mary, worked for Mount Vernon schools as a secretary. Vic can be reached by cell at: 731-394-3370, email at: coach.vicwallace@gmail.com or by mail at: 120 Oakslea Place, Jackson TN 38301

2015 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Award Winner Joan Suchomel’74 was nominated for this award by her sister, Rita Suchomel Dudley, from MVHS class of 1968. Rita says, “Joan graduated with top honors and a history of good works and accomplishments during her high school years. She was first chair clarinet in high school band and even designed a t-shirt for band members to wear while on tour. That t-shirt design portended her future as a designer, which has been her lifetime career.” A straight-A student, Joan was named a National Merit Scholar and a State of Iowa Scholar.

Joan was one of the few women to major in architecture in the 70s at Iowa State University. In 1975 and 1976 she placed among the top 2% of students in ISU’s college of engineering. She graduated in 1978 With Distinction, with a BA in architecture, one of only a handful of women in her class. Rita says “People had told her that architecture was a ‘man’s field’ and that making a career in it would be a daunting challenge. She decided not to listen to those people, because she didn’t see any reason why she shouldn’t choose whatever career she wanted. Getting through architecture school took a lot of hard work, but Joan excelled at ISU like she did at MVHS, helped a lot by the great educational foundation that her Mount Vernon schooling provided.” 

After a few years of work learning to design hospitals at Hansen Lind Meyer in Iowa City, Joan went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to earn her Master of Architecture. She continued in the Milwaukee area, working at St. Mary’s Hospital and then Kahler Slater Architects. By this point in her career, when she could navigate a construction site as well as anyone, she knew that she could meet the challenge of being a woman in a man’s world. In 1997 Joan moved to the Chicago area to take a position as a master planner/architect with a healthcare consulting firm. After a few years she missed the design environment and resumed working in architectural firms. She was promoted to Director at Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 2013.

Her career in architecture, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare planning and architectural projects throughout the U.S., has earned Joan a reputation for exceeding client expectations in developing programs and space plans that result in “humane, operationally efficient healing environments, even with the most challenging technical and regulatory requirements.” She leads teams of designers and heads projects that involve constant collaboration, communication, and research into the latest needs of patients in designing health care facilities. She is also an author and speaker. 

Joan serves on the board of the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health, and will serve as President in 2016. She is a Founding Member of the American College of Healthcare Architects. Other volunteer activity includes extensive involvement at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Oak Park, IL, particularly two stints as President of the board. She is passionate about international travel, and enjoys gardening and being Auntie to eleven nieces and nephews. Joan has also provided many years of support for the Suchomel Family Scholarship Fund for graduating MVHS seniors.

Joan would like to note in particular the encouragement she always received from her dad, Harry Suchomel, who passed away March 16. He would have been so proud to see her receive this award.

Joan can be reached at jsuchomelbus@comcast.net, or 736 S. Taylor Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304.

Fine Arts winner Alex Morf’99, was nominated by alum B.J. Leeper’97, who says “Alex is so well deserving of this award. Having had the pleasure of being in several musicals and All-State choirs together, the spotlight has always gravitated toward him. He’s talented in so many ways, you could never put him in any one box. From an outstanding collegiate wrestler to a starring role on Broadway, he’s always succeeded in everything that he does. His acting accolades are numerous.  But, more importantly, he’s always had the ability to connect to those around him not only on stage, but with his friendships off the stage. I’ve never seen someone handle the spotlight with more class and humility. Many, including myself, would say that they’re so proud to know Alex. Because, as great of an actor as he is, he’s an even better person and friend.” A fine arts stand-out in high school, Alex now gets to live out his dream and make his living doing what he loves -- acting.

During high school, Alex participated in plays and musicals, speech contest, choir, four sports, and was president of Student Council. Among his high school fine arts honors were 3 years of All-State choir, 1 year of All-State speech, and graduating as an honor Thespian. 

Alex is a graduate of St. Olaf College where he double majored in English literature and Theater and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was also the 2003 St. Olaf College Poet of the Year and a nationally ranked wrestler. He received his Master of Fine Arts from The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and was given the Carol Channing Award for excellence. 

Alex is now based in New York City.  He has performed on Broadway, playing Curley in ‘Of Mice and Men’, starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd, and also starred in the first national tour of the Tony Award winning play War Horse. He’s performed in dozens of plays both Off-Broadway and at regional theaters across the country. He’s been nominated for a Bay Area Critic’s Circle Award, a Helen Hayes Award, and various regional BroadwayWorld.com Theater Awards. On television, he has had roles on shows like ‘The Good Wife,’ ‘Tin Man,’ ‘Elementary,’ ‘Turn,’ ‘Daredevil,’ and can be seen on the upcoming season of ‘Madam Secretary’ on CBS. He also has featured roles in the upcoming films In ‘Dubious Battle’ and ‘The Long Home’ (both directed by James Franco) as well as ‘Maggie’s Plan,’ which recently premiered at the Toronto and New York film festivals. 

Alex says the most meaningful work he gets to do is through an organization called Outside The Wire, which performs readings of classic and ancient texts for various communities as a way of opening up a dialogue about issues like PTSD, substance abuse, imprisonment, and palliative care. The project has allowed him to perform on military bases around the country, community centers, prisons, hospitals, and natural disaster sites, and to meet an “amazing array of heroic people from all different walks of life.”

This fall, Alex will be performing in the Arthur Miller classic, Incident At Vichy, at the Signature Theater Off-Broadway, and Alex invites all mustangs to visit. Alex can be reached at alexmorf@hotmail.com. Watch his acceptance video online, find a link on our website or directly at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VwVaRvN1p7M

Service winner Chris Lyon’81 was nominated for this award by Mount Vernon Fine Arts President (2014-2015) Karla Steffens Moran. In addition, nominations and recommendations were received from a multitude of supporters and Mount Vernon staff members. A software engineer by day, Chris is an avid volunteer and supporter of many organizations, primarily Mount Vernon science, Robotics and Fine Arts organizations. 

Moran says Chris ‘is a true friend to education in Mount Vernon. He has served on countless volunteer committees over the years, and he is, in a word: extraordinary. He serves above and beyond, writing grants, scheduling concessions, volunteering time with Robotics and Academic Decathlon, Fine Arts and Booster. He does all this on top of an incredibly demanding work schedule and he does so with a kind and gracious spirit.

“He has brought literally thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars into our music and arts programs and with a rare sense of humility. He does not bring attention to it, he simply sees need and addresses it... We have grown to depend hugely on the great effort he makes and the willingness to pitch in and the kindness and care he exudes and future inspires.”

Nominator and Robotics Club sponsor Richard Scearce says ‘for over six years as a robotics mentor, he arranged to leave his job as a software engineer early 2 days a week to provide the computer programming instruction and technical support that our Robotics Club need. He provided transportation for students and robotics gear to every tournament, and if any part or tool was needed, he loaned it to the students or bought it for them. He played a major role in establishing Mount Vernon as one of the most successful FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams in the Midwest, including 4 appearances at the FTC World Championships. In addition, with Chris’ sponsorship through Intermec Foundation, the Robotics teams were awarded thousands of dollars in grants. Because Robotics is not a school-funded program, we relay totally on our mentors and fundraising for support. Without Chris Lyon, our award-winning Robotics program would not exist.”

Nominator and Washington Elementary teacher Nannette Gunn says “Chris has been a valuable resource both while his children were in elementary school and forever after. He was always willing to share his STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) background in many ways, donating his time and technology, and by donating materials.”

Nominator and High School Choir director Thad Wilkins says “I simply cannot remember all the ways in which he has donated time, money, and expertise to help our kids... His initial help to me was centered on helping to launch our vocal jazz group... His dedication to the fine art program has been nothing but stellar. He consistently goes far above and beyond the traditional role of volunteer. The hours he has given to our kids are immeasurable.”

Chris has written six grants for Fine Arts and Robotics for a total of $15,000, has been a member of Mount Vernon Fine Arts Assoc. for six years, raised over $60,000 for Mount Vernon fine arts with his company’s matching gift program, and formed his own company, Iowa Ice Cream, to fund raise for Mount Vernon schools.

Other stories include purchasing a weather station for the Middle School, teaching an after-school digital electronics class to 6th graders for several years, purchasing computers for the Middle School, working with post prom, Boosters, and Archery Club by donating his ice cream machine to earn several thousand dollars for the groups, making hot cocoa for Magical Night, demonstrating his wind turbine and electric bike, creating power points and giving presentations about needed auditorium repairs, spending 7 hours to relocate a projector and repair speakers, and master mind of many fund raisers. One nominator said Chris is a ‘true friend and a great alum!’

After graduation, Chris earned a degree in computer science at Coe. He then took a job at Norand / Intermec corporation. He moved from Cedar Rapids to rural Mount Vernon in 1999 to raise his children in the school district. He is presently employed at Rockwell Collins. Among his honors are recipient of the Citizenship Award from the Iowa Bar Association.

Chris can be reached at lyoncf@gmail.com or 1214 Holman’s Road, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

MVCSD Community Impact winner Dan Gaines’77 was nominated for this award by both classmate Steve Thomas and alum Julie Atherton Lane’82. His passion and time spent with the Mount Vernon Fire Department are the hallmark of what made Dan the favorite for this year’s Community Impact recipient. After 30 years as a volunteer with the Mount Vernon Fire Department – over 10 years as chief – lifelong Mount Vernon resident Dan Gaines retired from the department earlier this year. Steve notes that Dan is an exceptional role model and leader for youth in the Mount Vernon community.

Dan was featured in the January 2015 issue of the Sun. Following is information excerpted from that article: 

Dan said his love of the fire department began as a young boy. “I grew up with Dad going to fire calls.” His dad Jim served for 15 years and his uncle Paul was on for 38 years, his brother Doug’75 served for 20 years. Three years after high school, Gaines applied to join the department. There was room for 25 members, and he had to wait “Thirty years, one month and six days,” he said. He finally got on in 1982. He attended his final fire department meeting Jan. 6, officially retiring as a volunteer.  Gaines was a leader as chief for 10 1/2 years and assistant chief for four.

Nate Goodlove’99, who took the chief’s reins from Gaines in 2012, praised Gaines’ “innate ability to create great morale among our members.” Goodlove, who also works as paid firefighter in Cedar Rapids, added, “I would not be where I am today as chief, or as a professional firefighter, if I had not been given the opportunities and advice (Gaines) afforded me over the years.”

Although he considers himself an “old timer” now, Gaines has never wavered from finding ways to improve the department. When first on the department, Gaines and other volunteers used front-mount pumps and booster hose lines that sprayed just 30 gallons a minute. Today, the largest hoses have a 250- gallon-per-minute output. In the early years, there were just six air- packs for 25 volunteers. Today, there’s a one-to- one ratio. Trucks have changed, too. The first truck purchased under Gaines’ leadership was $138,000 20 years ago. The most recent rig, bought in 2012, was $330,000. Gaines was also chief during the years-long process to construct the new fire station, which opened in 2012.

Gaines is proud of all that’s been accomplished over the years. But he’s mostly passionate about service. “Dan has given countless hours to the Mount Vernon community, putting his chief and firefighter duties ahead of his family and job most days,” Goodlove said. Gaines said he spent 30 years as a volunteer because of those he served with. “I love the people on the department,” he said. “I love going out and helping people.”

Even a dream job couldn’t keep him away. In the earlier years, Gaines thought about leaving his drywall business to become a paid professional firefighter. He tested for several departments, and got a start date – April 12, 1990 – at one, for the City of Milwaukee. He said he quickly realized he couldn’t leave his hometown. He has loads of memories, particularly some of the biggest events in the community’s recent history – the 1996 Pizza Palace fire, the 2006 J&D Locker fire, the 2008 Scorz fire, the ice storm of 2008, and the floods of 1993 and last summer.

Dan was one of the organizing members of the Linn County Hazardous Materials response team.  He served from 1986 to 1994.  

 In addition, Dan was cited by his nominators for his commitment to Scouts as a Boy Scout leader, something he’s done for 18 years. Dan himself was a boy scout then got involved once again when his nephews Michael Conley’98 and Ben Walton’03 were scouts. Dan then went on to become a leader when his son Kurt, class of 2010, became a Tiger Cub. Currently he is the canoeing instructor and the Eagle Scout Mentor.  Dan has helped with over 21 Eagle projects in the community. A few of the projects have included the gazebo in Sautter Park, and the pavilions at Davis Park, Bryant Park, Elliot Field, and the Nature Park. His construction background has been invaluable to the scouts allowing them to tackle big projects and learn a little about construction in the process. Dan has been to the Boundary Waters 4 times, organizing the trips the last 3 times. 

Dan also coached soccer, t-ball, and baseball for ten years when Kurt was growing up. He loved working with the kids and seeing them get better. He tried to instill sportsmanship into them.  

Dan married alum Linda Conley Gaines’79 in 1981. Dan continues to operate his construction business which he started in 1982.  Kurt became an Eagle Scout and graduated from the University of Iowa.  

Dan can be reached at gainldk@msn.com or at 304 3rd St SE, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

2014 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement Award Winner Lindsey Borg’83 was nominated for this award by his father, Dean Borg. Lindsey’s career has combined journalism, governmental strategic communication, academic learning and teaching at the nation’s most prestigious universities, as well as deployment to the most dangerous combat environments in the world.

Lindsey is a communications professional with a diverse background in public affairs and policy, corporate reputation and issues management. For more than 25 years he has served political, governmental, military and commercial clients  with strategy development, crisis planning and response, Congressional, civic and media relations, and employee engagement.

Lindsey rose to the rank of colonel in the United States Air Force before retiring from active duty in 2011 to pursue professional interests.  He is the director of integrated communications for Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business.

Before joining Raytheon, he led corporate international communications for Lockheed Martin. He also led corporate communications and operations for Strategic Social, a provider of audience analysis and communication strategy.

During his 21-year military career Lindsey, gained extensive international experience as he led communication for organizations of various complexities.  He directly advised the NATO commander during the alliance’s operations in Kosovo and later helped to lead communication efforts from Pristina.  He also served as NATO’s spokesman to the international community concerning the contentious issue of depleted uranium munitions use.  In addition, he earned the Bronze Star Medal during a one-year deployment to Baghdad where he led communication efforts to prepare for and conduct the country’s pivotal 2010 elections and the withdrawal of U.S. forces. Lindsey also directed public affairs for the Air Force’s global mobility organization and led a team of Congressional liaisons for the Secretary of the Air Force.

Prior to earning his commission as an officer, he gained communication experience in the White House Press Office during the Reagan Administration, at CNN’s Washington Bureau, and in the Iowa governor’s office.  He also held newspaper reporter positions with three newspapers.

Lindsey is a former fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs where he researched and published a paper on the Department of Defense’s efforts to build strategic communication processes. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University, a Master of Arts degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Military Art and Operational Science from Air University. In addition, he completed specialized communication and Congressional affairs seminars at The Wharton School and Georgetown University.

In high school, Lindsey was a four-year, three-sport athlete as a member of the football, wrestling and track teams. He served as his class’ vice president and as the president of his local and county 4-H clubs. Although athletics were the focus of his extracurricular time, as a freshman he played the saxophone in the marching band and sang in the chorus. He also was on stage as part of his senior class’ performance of ‘Annie Get Your Gun.’ Lindsey also was an exchange student to Japan through the Iowa 4-H Clubs.  A year later, his Japanese host was a guest in the Borg home

His wife, Deb, is a graduate of Cedar Falls High School and Iowa State University. They have two sons.

Lindsey can be reached at 3163 Ironhorse Drive, Lake Ridge, VA, 22192, phone 703-491-3046, by email at lindsey.borg@icloud.com or on Twitter @ljborg.

Fine Arts winner Dr. Paula Holcomb’72, was nominated for this award by Jean Kuntz Bowman’64, who says Paula ‘was very impressive in a broad range of fine arts endeavors during high school, and has used this as the foundation for a career full of stellar academic and professional accomplishments’.During high school Paula’s fine arts activities and awards included All-State Band (2 yrs), All-State Orchestra (1 yr), student director for a play, State Speech, member of many honor bands and recipient of superior contest ratings in horn, voice, chamber ensembles, speech etc.

Dr. Holcomb says “As I reflect, I realize it really did take a village to get me out the door! From the extraordinary Lois Kopacek coming to my home to work with me as an accompanist and teacher, Ken Smykil teaching my first lessons, Don Stine as my high school director, and Lois Nichols as an amazing choral director, I was fortunate to work with gifted musicians/educators. Beyond the music department, from Mrs. Davis and Norton to Mr. Ringgenberg and Craig, each molded me into the person I am today. Regardless, please know that Mount Vernon Schools are world class!”

Dr. Paula Holcomb is currently Director of Bands at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Dr. Holcomb conducts the Wind Ensemble and musicals, and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. Additionally, she initiated the conducting program as part of the Master of Music in Performance. She has been at State University since 1999 after serving in a similar position for 20 years at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Under her direction at Central College, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band toured internationally to Canada, Europe, and Mexico and performed at Alice Tully Hall of New York City’s Lincoln Center. At SUNY Fredonia, the extensive band program consists of four concert bands.

Highly sought after as an adjudicator and guest conductor, Dr. Holcomb has conducted bands and orchestras in 42 states, South America, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, Europe, and Canada. She has presented Conducting Symposiums in Hong Kong, China, Europe, Canada, South America, Australia and the United States. Dr. Holcomb is former assistant horn of the Des Moines Symphony and past president of the Iowa Music Educators Association. She received the A. Frank Miller award from Kappa Kappa Psi, served on the Council and Artistic Planning Conference Committee for the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, served on the board of the Conductors Guild and was Northeastern Division President-elect of the College Band Directors National Association. Among her current research, Dr. Holcomb is currently gathering a collection of materials for future publication of a ‘Guide to Successful Ensemble’ and ‘Verbal Rehearsal Techniques of Exemplary University Wind Conductors.’

Paula received her Doctor of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Northwestern University, and her undergrad and masters from Drake.

In high school Paula was also senior class president and in the National Honor Society.

Paula can be reached at 5710 Park View Lane, Fredonia, NY 14063, phone 716-672-9153, or by email at holcombp@gmail.com.

Service winner Myrt Clark Bowers’57 was nominated for this award by Leona Reyhons Smith’56. A long time Mount Vernon resident, Myrt has a solid and varied history of service to both the Mount Vernon community and Iowans.  Myrt retired at age 75 following 53 years of career accomplishments as a Professional Nurse. For 40 of those years, Myrt made a difference in the healthcare of Eastern Iowa residents through outstanding nursing practice. She started a second career at age 62 and spent 13 years creating and implementing a holistic model of “Aging in Place” for senior citizens.

Mryrt attended 9 years at a rural one-room school and then 4 years at Mount Vernon High School. She says “My professional journey was successful due to the outstanding educational program lead by quality and caring teachers (at Mount Vernon Schools)...they provided me with the foundation to be a persistent learner. Among these I learned to understand the importance of hard work, collaboration, and community involvement..”   She graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1960 and received her Bachelors of Nursing in 1990 from Coe College.

Myrt’s 36-year nursing career at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids included a variety of leadership roles, with her last 8 years as Vice President of Patient Care Services. She has received the Voluntary Hospitals of America Board of Nursing leadership award and was a 2010 recipient of the ‘100 Great Nurses of Iowa’ award.  

In Myrt’s second career she served as executive director at Witwer. Under her leadership the organization achieved the Magnet Certification as a Meals on Wheels provider (which was the first in Iowa to achieve this certification), and also secured a HUD Grant of $295,000 for new Senior Center Kitchen and Dining Room. Myrt became certified as a trainer for three national evidenced based health education classes for senior citizens, the “Matter of Balance”, “Brunch for the Brain”, and “Living Successfully with Chronic Conditions”.

Myrt has always found time to volunteer. While at St. Lukes, she also served as a Board member on the Witwer Senior Center (which led to accepting the position of Executive Director for 13 years). Myrt has been recognized for her service to the Linn County Board of Public Health President for 6 years, by Cedar Rotary for Community Service Award following the City of Cedar Rapids Epic Flood 2008 flood, and her leadership in fundraising over $480,000 to recover lost contents due to the flood, was awarded the Linn Nichols Leadership Award by The United Way of East Central Iowa, received a Certificate of Appreciation for work on Aging by the Older Iowans Legislature, served 6 years as a member of the Mount Vernon City Council, and co-lead an initiative with Lisbon and Mount Vernon citizens to organize a vote to merge both school districts which failed to pass.

Myrt has served on a number of community boards including: Abbe, Inc Board, Abbe Center for Community Care, St. Luke’s Child Protection Center, Voluntary Hospital of America Board of Nursing, State of Iowa Nurse Executives (President), Iowa Senior Center Association-President, Cedar Rapids Ambulance Association, and United Way of East Central Iowa.

In high school Myrt was active in school activities such as drama, state speech, and all school sport event planning. She was President of Junior Class and responsible for planning Junior-Senior Prom for classes 1956 and 1957, achieved academic honor roll status throughout four years, was Homecoming Queen 1956, and achieved academic achievement 5th of 48 class students

Myrt can be reached at 203 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon, IA 52314, 319-895-8515, or by email at myrtb203@mchsi.com.

MVCSD Community Impact winner Ann Koppenhaver’78 was nominated for this award by both her father Don Koppenhaver, and her classmate Cynthia Deskin Halbmaier. Cynthia says “For those who like to be involved, it’s one thing to be active while in school yourself, and when your children are students, but for Ann to remain so involved in The Foundation, The Booster Club, & facilities renovation beyond her children’s graduation is admirable.  Ann has done all these for Mount Vernon High School!”

Ann has lived in Mount Vernon all her life and attended Mount Vernon Schools K-12. .  After college she lived and worked in Des Moines for five years as a certified public accountant before joining her father and has practiced in Mount Vernon since 1987.  She raised two ‘Mustang’ children, Aarika and Beau, and is an active member of the community.  Ann says “I have always supported the school district and feel it is important to the Mount Vernon Community. I do encourage others to devote time and talents to this worthy cause! My children attended K-12 at Mount Vernon and I am proud of the education they received.”

Among Ann’s service to Mount Vernon Schools are serving on the Foundation Board since 1996, of which she has been President of this Board since 1999. She is an actively involved Booster Club member, for which she sells advertising and designs and updates program for athletic events. She also sponsored athletic team photo posters for years.  She has been a presenter for the Fine Arts annual fruit sales kick off -- once as a bunch of grapes and another as a nut. Ann has worked alongside her partner, Mike O’Brien, on several school facility improvement projects, including the complete reconstruction of the softball field.  She is also currently donating her own time, funds and labor, as well as helping coordinate volunteer labor and funds, to the Save Our Fields campaign, which includes updating the football field and bleachers. You will find Ann in attendance at most school events.

Through her business Koppenhaver and Associates, PC, Ann donates the preparation of tax returns for the School District Foundation.  She was also instrumental in encouraging her family members to make a sizable, combined financial donation to the new high school, which resulted in the kitchen being designated the ‘Koppenhaver Kitchen.’ She purchases advertising to support athletic and fine arts programs, is a gold sponsor for the year book, an advertiser in the Alumni Newsletter, and supports Community Action for Youth for Post Prom.  In 2007 and 2008 as her new business building was being built, she attempted to use as many local contractors as possible and her interior is adorned with original artwork of local artists and clients.

In the community, Ann is a past president of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and past chair of the Heritage Days Committee.  She organized the Heritage Days 5k Run for many years.  She is also involved with sponsoring many Community Development Group activities, including the Annual Christmas Silent Auction Baskets, Chocolate Stroll, Chili Cook-off, Heritage Days and Uptown Music.  Ann also supports Cornell College on their athletic posters.

In High School Ann was involved 4 years in basketball, theater, choir and Mouseketeers, on the honor roll and was a football cheerleader. She was involved 5 years in softball, 2 years in track, was an All-State Thespian, was honorable mention All-State in softball and 1st team Conference in Softball.

Ann can be reached at 304 Wolfe Lane NE, Mount Vernon, IA 52314, phone 319-895-6001, or by email at ann@koppenhavercpas.com.

Athletic Hall of Fame winner Greg Randall’82 was nominated for his award by fellow alums Paul Hufford’80 and Eric Siggins’82. Local sports historian David Ryan’85 states,  “Randall’s NCAA wrestling and NCAA coaching career have been stellar.  Interestingly, he is known in wrestling circles as an early inventor of the ‘take ‘em down and let ‘em up’ wrestling style that is still prevalent today.  People forget that not only was Randall one of the best wrestlers in SE Linn County... he was a blue chipper and considered one of the best in the nation coming out of high school. Randall went on to be a 4-year starter at The University of Iowa and a three time All-American, competing for a wrestling team that won 3 NCAA Titles during his time there. After college, he competed internationally and in the Olympic/World Trials.  You can compare all you want, but very few MVHS athletes have ever competed at the level Greg Randall has.  He was an incredible athlete....one of the finest in MVHS history!”

In high school football, Greg was named 1st Team All-EIHC Conference Linebacker in 1981. In wrestling, Randall was a four time EIHC conference champion and four time Class 2A state champion:  1979@98 lbs with record of 28-2-2, 1980@112 lbs with record of 32-1, 1981@126 lbs with record of 33-0, and 1982@132 lbs with record of 27-0.
 
Greg was the State of Iowa’s 5th four-time state wrestling champion. His 96.0% high school winning percentage (120-3-2) is the best all-time in school history, a record that has been untouchable over the past 32 seasons. At the University of Iowa, Greg earned three NCAA All-American awards -- placing 2nd in 1984, 5th in 1985, and 2nd in 1986, all at 134 lbs for the Iowa Hawkeyes with career record of 109-26-3.

In 2008 Greg was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. In his bio for this induction Greg says:
“My (high school) coach, Tim Johnson, was good at scouting and when I met someone who was good on the mat he would tell me to do that,” recalls Randall. “One of my most memorable matches I wrestled was in the semi-finals at state against the number one ranked kid in the nation. I was a freshman and I beat the tar out of him 25-5. My strength was wrestling from my feet so we took advantage of it.”

Three more state titles followed for Randall who went 120-3-2 over his high school career. At the time the technique met with mixed reviews from fans but Randall stressed that he never wanted to embarrass his opponent. “I always respected my opponent, I wanted to dominate but I also realized that you had to go for the pin when it was there,” he recalled.

Randall credits his parents for the success he enjoyed as he recalled starting wrestling in second grade at a Mount Vernon club tournament. “My dad taught me to give it 110% all the time. That was the way I was brought up. He would take me to tournaments no matter where and he told my to have fun and give 110%... and Mom was the one who did the driving.”

One of those earlier little kid matches also helped shape the character of Randall. “I was eight years old and had to wrestle a kid from Cedar Rapids who was a year older. I was nervous but I pinned him. He jumped up after the fall and gave me a hug and said ‘great job.’ He showed me sportsmanship is number one and to handle losing just like winning.”

Randall recalls feeling the pressure of being the fifth wrestler in the state’s history to win four state titles. “I used the pressure to my advantage. I thrived on pressure... the more pressure the harder I worked,” he said.

Success followed Randall into college under coach Dan Gable at the University of Iowa. Randall was the NCAA runner-up at 134 pounds in 1984 and 1986 while placing fifth as a sophomore. Competing on the international level in 1989, Randall captured the gold medal at the Pan American games. he was also a runner-up at the U.S. Open Nationals, and placed second at the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival. Randall also served as an assistant to Gable at the 2003 World Cup.

Greg is currently an 11-year coach for Boise State’s wrestling program. There Randall has established himself as one of the top collegiate coaches in the country. He has led the Broncos to the top of the Pac-12 Conference four times, to go along with six top-25 finishes at the NCAA Championships. In his eleven seasons since being promoted to head coach, Randall’s teams have finished in the top-three at the conference tournament nine times, while taking home 26 individual Pac-10 titles.

In 2007-08 Randall earned his first Pac-10 Coach of the Year award, which came in part to his team’s dominating performance at the league championships. Boise State scored the third-highest Pac-10 tournament score in history with 152.5 total points. With the win the Broncos also sent nine wrestlers on to the national tournament, which was highlighted by Kirk Smith’s eighth-place finish at 184 pounds. A year later, Randall would repeat as Pac-10 Coach of the Year, winning the conference championship and crowing six individual champions. In 2006 Randall guided his first NCAA individual champion as a head coach with Ben Cherrington capturing the national title in the 157-pound weight class.

Greg can be reached at 4540 S Carie Way, Boise, ID, 83709, 208-323-1999, or by email at grandall@boisestate.edu.

2013 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES
2012 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement winner Graham Harman’86 (Greg)  traveled all the way from Egypt to accept his award. Graham is currently the Associate Provost for Research Administration and Professor of Philosophy at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.

Graham is a contemporary philosopher of metaphysics, who attempts to reverse the linguistic turn of Western philosophy. Harman is associated with Speculative Realism in philosophy. He works on metaphysics, the study of the ultimate nature of reality, which he pursues in the form of an object-oriented philosophy.

After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1986, Harman attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, receiving his B.A. in 1990. He then pursued graduate study under philosopher Alphonso Lingis at Penn State University, receiving his M.A. in 1991. He transferred to DePaul University in Chicago where he received his Ph. D. there in 1999. While in Chicago, he worked briefly as a sportswriter for sportsextra.com (now defunct). Since 2000, he has been a member of the Department of Philosophy at the American University in Cairo.
Graham is the author of 10 philosophy books and more than 80 articles, the co-editor of another philosophy book, and the translator of 3 books from German into English. He is a popular conference speaker and symposium paper author (with over 120 international lectures on five continents), and a 2009 winner of the AUC Excellence in Research and Creative Endeavors Award.

Graham can be reached at The American University in Cairo, Provost’s Office, AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, 11835 New Cairo, Egypt, or by email at cairoharman@gmail.com You will find his Philosophy Blog at http://doctorzamalek2.wordpress.com/

Fine Arts winner Margaret ‘Maggie’ Quinn Ellison’62 was a familiar face around Mount Vernon until her death in 2011 at the age of 67. Maggie was nominated for this award by her son, Vince Ellison’92. As a student Maggie was involved in high school Fine Arts activities including the Velvet Curtain, Talent Show, Mixed Chorus, Girls’ Glee, All-School Play, Declam (speech), Pep Band, Marching Band, Concert Band, and the Chalkmark. She was also involved in varsity cheerleading and was a member of the Homecoming Court.
   
Maggie’s love for drama continued on. She received her degree in teaching from Drake University in1966, then taught in California, Maine, and for ten years as a professor at Cornell College before coming back to Mount Vernon High School.  She taught English and drama, and directed a fall play (except for one year) and a spring musical each year for 25 years before retiring in 2008.  After retiring she immediately became re-involved with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre as both a board member and participant in productions.

Maggie loved Mount Vernon as her home town. Her grandmother arrived here in a covered wagon, and Maggie’s mother, herself, and her children are Mount Vernon alums. Donna Jacob, a retired MVHS English teacher, said Ellison likely became interested in teaching because of her own high school teacher, Gladys Rife. Her son Vince wrote that ‘Maggie was loved by her students, and she sincerely loved them back. For Maggie it was never about who got the accolades, but about getting in the game and participating. She encouraged involvement in the fine arts no matter how small the role or contribution.”  Alex Morf’99 wrote “Mrs. Ellison had a profound impact on me...and was one of the biggest supporters of my interest in the theatrical arts. I owe a great deal of my success and drive as an actor to the nurturing I received from her. As someone who lives and breathes the fine arts every day of his life, I know of no one more deserving (to receive this award).”  Former MVHS principal Tom Madson said “Maggie was the key element in making the speech and drama programs excel year after year.” A scholarship to honor Maggie was given for the first time this year to a MVHS grad ‘with a dedicated interest and passion in the humanities.” 

Vince will be receiving the award on behalf of his mother. Vince can be reached at 1535 Poplar Lane, North Liberty, IA 52317, 319-887-4148  or by email at vellison74@yahoo.com.

Service winner Dolores ‘DeDe’ Staskal Hicks’50 will be flying from California to receive her Hall of Fame Service Award. She was nominated by classmate David Wolfe. While most people from the Class of 1950 are enjoying a leisurely retirement, DeDe spends her days as President and CEO of The Volunteer Center for South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach where she is responsible for total administration and operations of this non-profit organization which serves as the hub of volunteer activities for 600 nonprofit organizations in 43 cities. In addition DeDe has also spearheaded many fund-raising activities, including a million dollar Capital Campaign and instituted improvements in existing programs and developed new programs through an active community outreach campaign. The Center has been recognized as the #1 Volunteer Center in the United States. The Hall of Fame Award for Service though does not recognize these amazing accomplishments, but rather is given to recognize her volunteer background.

In her volunteer work De De has played a continuous leadership role in numerous charities and nonprofit organizations. Her long list includes Past President of the Community Association of the Peninsula, CAP,  where she coordinated all of activities of this largest volunteer group on the Peninsula with a membership of 1,400 families, assets of $5.4 million and an annual operating budget of over $500,00. CAP received President Reagan’s Presidential Citation for its model youth program.  In addition she has been a board member for the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Alumnae Association, Founder of the Information Center for the Peninsula Community, Founder of Legacy (promotes donor organ transplant education), and is a past president for a variety of Associations, Councils, and Clubs including the Associates of Palos Verdes Community Arts Association and League of Women Voters of the Palos Verdes Peninsula with a total 200 members. She is a past board member of the Norris Theater for the Performing Arts, and Charter member of Act II (support group for the Norris Theatre) and League of Women Voters.

De De is also served as a member of the Marymount College Steering Committee and the Harbor/UCLA Medical Center Community Alliance. She has been involved in a multitude of other civic activities including the Private Industry Council, Community Advisory Council for Dow Chemical, local Chambers of Commerce, United Way, Peninsula Seniors, founder of Four Circles (assistance for orphanages), Stoneridge Homeowners Association and Care Clinics for Women.

Among her over fifty honors are YWCA Woman of the year, Everyday Hero, Magnificent Woman Award, Media Arts, Marquis ‘Who’s Who of American Women’, ‘Who’s Who in Finance and Industry’, ‘Who’s Who in the World’, Katy Geissert Volunteerism Award, VanDine Americanism Award, Most Outstanding Volunteer Award by the Torrance Area Chamber, and most recently in 2009 the Citizen of the Year award by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Lions Club.

De De can be reached at 32859 Seagate Dr, No 108, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-5861, 310-377-4930, or by email at de.de@cox.net

Athletic winner John Hearn’75 was nominated for his award by his father, Raymond Hearn. John is an individual who loves athletics and had excelled as a student and now as a Coach.  During his High School career, in Track and Field, John earned 35 Individual Meet Championships, was Drake Relays qualifier, 7 individual District Championships and collected 5 State Place Finishes. During his junior and senior year was ‘Most Valuable Track Athlete’ and Team Captain,  he set four track records; in the 880 Yard Relay, the 440 Yard Dash, the One Mile Relay, and the Mile Medley Relay.  He was the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference, EIHC, and Indoor Champion of 60 yard High Hurdles, Medley Relay and Mile Relay. During his high school years John earned letters in Football and Track. He was a member of the State Runner -Up Football Team and the State Champion Football Team. In his senior year of football, he earned both EIHC 2nd Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State recognitions.
 
John then graduated from Coe College in 1979 where he was also active in football and track and field. As a junior and senior at Coe, John earned the Clem Wilson Award as Most Valuable member of the track team and the Thelma Lab Award for most dedicated in Track and Field. The Midwest Conference Championship won in John’s senior year was the eight consecutive Midwest title won by the track and field men for Coe College and was voted Team Captain. He also finished 8th place at the Division 3 National Championships in the 4x400 relay. John earned three varsity letters in football and four in track. In track he ran the 400 meters and was 2 time Midwest Conference Champion and 4 time Midwest Conference Champion in the 4x400 relay. He was a school record holder in both 400 meters and the 4x400 meter relays. In football he was defensive safety and was 1st Team All-Midwest Conference; Defensive Back his senior year. He was inducted into the Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

Following his heralded high school and college career, Coach Hearn began his Science teaching career at Dubuque Senior High School in 1979. He was named head cross country coach in 1979. During his tenure at Dubuque Senior High school he has coached wrestling from 1982-1985, football from 1980 to 2000- and 2009 to present and track and field from 1980 to present. He was Mississippi Valley Coach of the Year in Track and Field in 1993, ‘94 ‘95, ‘96 and ‘98. He was Iowa Association of Track Coaches, Assistant Coach of the Year: 1987, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996. He was awarded the Iowa Football Coaches Association Service Award for 15 years of service and a 25 year Service Award from the Iowa Association of Track Coaches. John was also Runner-Up Teacher of the Year for Dubuque Community Schools in 2004.

John and his wife Ann have three grown children. John can be reached at  8705 Jessica Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003, 563-556-1855 or by email at jhearn@dbqschools.org

2011 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement winner John Rife’60 is a friendly and familiar face around Mount Vernon, but also a prominent figure from the world of insurance. Nominated by classmates Annamae Stoneking Baker’60 and Dorothy Wolfe Welsh’60, his professional history shows a successful, humorous, and humble man who attained the rank of CEO by working up from a training director position. John joined United Life Insurance Co. in 1976. In 1984 he became president of United Life, then was also appointed president of United Fire in 1997 and CEO, chief executive officer, of United Fire in 2000.  Under Rife’s leadership United Fire experienced record levels of growth and profitability -- tripling the company’s total assets. In the 25 years that John led United Life, the company’s total assets increased from $42 million to $1.3 billion. Now retired, John continues to serve as vice chairman of the board of Directors of United Fire.  He also serves as president of the McIntyre Foundation which supports arts and human services. 

Fine Arts winner Mark Benesh’83 is also a Mount Vernon resident. He currently teaches at Lisbon Community Schools as their K-8 art teacher. Nominated by his father, Frank Bensh’56, Mark’s paintings can be seen all over the Mount Vernon area. Some of his latest works are the large scale mural paintings on several barns including the American Gothic reproduction along Hwy 30 and on several downtown business walls. Mark also painted the mural that hangs on the entry way hall of the High School. He is President of the Mount Vernon Arts Council and organizer of Chalk the Walk.  During high school Mark was known for his creativity and skills in the art room. 

Service winner Millicent Hoggard Zenishek’47 is a Mechanicsville, Iowa, resident. Nominated by her sister, Wiladene Hoggard Willming’50, Millicent is a role-model, especially for women in agriculture, for her accomplishments which might be described as pioneer. A farm wife and active volunteer while her children were growing up, her real service accomplishments came after they were grown. In 1980 she became a member of the Cedar County Farm Bureau Womens Committee and was the Chairman for Conservation. In 1986 she became Assistant Commissioner of the Cedar County Soil Water Conservation District; then elected Commissioner the next year. For her service as commissioner she received the Award of Merit in 1986 and 1992 and the Distinguished Service Award 1986-1992. She was also Chairman of the Cedar County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee from 1995-1998 and their educational outreach led to a variety of programs that has touched the lives of thousands of students.  

Athletic winner Randy Hoidahl’61 was nominated by Dr. Gary Knutsen’65 and Vic Wallace’61. In Dr. Knutsen’s nomination he says “Integral to Mustang team success is a growing number of truly exceptional Mustang athletics and among those stars, there is a very short list of exceptional Mustang athletes who have achieved elite status in multiple sports. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the graduation of one such elite Mustang athlete who still today remains undeniably the most versatile Mustang to ever pass through Mount Vernon High School...my long time Mustang idol, Randy Hoidahl.” During his Mustang career Randy was awarded 15 varsity letters in an unprecedented six sports, including five varsity letters in baseball as their star pitcher and leading hitter. He was the #2 runner on the Mustang State Champion Mile Team (Cross Country). In track and field he was Frosh-Soph conference champ in mile run and pole vault (set conference record) and won conference championship in pole vault and as member of a relay. In golf Randy played #1 and and after graduation won the Hillcrest Club Championship in 3 of next 6 years. In football he was the starting quarterback and standout defensive back. However it was Randy’s remarkable talents on the basketball court that were most memorable to Gary and Vic. Gary says “his heroics kept the hearts of all Mustang fans racing game after game.” Randy was a basketball four-year letter winner, three-time all-conference and all-state and all-Eastern Iowa selection. Randy was 1 of top 35 basketball players (out of over 3300 starters) in entire state. He followed this with an academic scholarship to the University of Denver, earning both a successful college athletic career and then professional career in finance. 

2010 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

Achievement winner Leo Beranek'31 is best described as the pioneer of modern acoustics and an early contributor to the development of today’s Internet. Leo graduated from Mount Vernon in 1931and went on to study at Cornell College while working as a radio and small appliance repairman. He received a doctorate from Harvard University, then during World War II managed Harvard’s electro-acoustics laboratory, which designed communications and noise reduction systems for World War II aircraft as well as other military technologies. Beranek remained on staff at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as professor of communications engineering from 1947 to 1958. In 1948, he helped found Bolt, Beranek and Newman, serving as the company’s president from 1952 to 1971. This company is known for inventing the internet and email; sending the first email ever and the development of the @ symbol in email as well as the first Internet protocol router. His book, ‘Acoustics’ is considered the classic textbook in the acoustics field. His book ‘Music Acoustics and Architecture’, developed from his analysis concert halls throughout the world became a classic and he has participated in the design of numerous concert halls and opera houses world-wide.

Among his honors are Gold Medals from the Audio Engineering Society and the Acoustical Society of America, honorary membership in the American Institute of Architects, and recipient of the 2002 National Medal of Science in Engineering, the Per Bruel Gold Medal of the A.S.M.E in 2004, and the Eta Kappa Nu Vladimir Karapetoff Award in 2008. The Eta Kappa Nu’s most prestigious award is given annually to an electrical engineering practitioner who has distinguished him/herself through an invention, discovery or development that has demonstrated a long-term positive impact on the welfare of society. He is past president of the  President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Current  President James O. Freedman said “Leo Beranek’s wide-ranging work in science and engineering has helped shape the world, from the beginnings of the Internet to the architecture of concert halls and opera houses...(he is) a scientist and business man who has achieved great distinction in his profession and a concerned citizen who has served countless education and cultural institutions.”

Fine Arts Award Winner Elizabeth Stoner'97 was selected for her award because of both her high school fine arts achievements and her commitment to her current vocation as an educator and performer. Highlights of her High School achievements in theater and speech are noteworthy; four years of IHSSA competition in storytelling, acting, literary program, one-act play, reader’s theater and musical theater. A class Salutatorian, she earned some fifteen Division 1 ratings at District and State levels of competition and received the All-State Outstanding Performer recognition for her performances in readers’ theater, literary program, and acting. She earned Thespian Honor Status and the Best Thespian Award.  Her achievements in vocal music and orchestra matched those in the speech/theater fields, where she earned twenty-five Division 1 ratings in solo and ensemble music contest and was named to the All-State Chorus for three years and the Iowa Honors choir for four. Elizabeth was also selected as a soprano soloist with the Iowa Ambassadors of Music in 1994.

Elizabeth completed a double-degree program in theater and vocal performance at Lawrence University and Conservatory of Music, graduating magna cum laude. She earned her masters from the Manhattan School of Music and her Doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Music and Dance. Elizabeth performed in twenty-five major and secondary roles while in college. She has also directed, conducted, and planned the costuming for several productions. Elizabeth is currently teaching at Grand Valley University, Western Michigan University, and is the Soprano Soloist with the Spectrum Brass Quintet. She performs acting and operatic rolls and holds workshops around her teaching schedule. Commenting on Elizabeth’s ‘Gershwin’ release, Timothy X. Troy (Professor of Theatre Arts and the J. Thomas and Julie Esch Hurvis Provessor of Theater and Drama at Lawrence University) says “I’m especially impressed by her latest success, collaborating with the Spectrum Brass Quintet. Her work on Gershwin’s songbook adds a great deal of understanding of this iconic American sensibility. We’re all enriched by her honest, passionate and sensitive interpretations...we are proud to count her among our most successful students.”

Service Award Recipient Dave Van Metre'55 is well-known in the Mount Vernon School district for his high school athletic abilities and generous donation of equipment to the High School; and in Omaha where he currently lives because of his ability to organize and promote improvement projects at schools throughout the Omaha Public School district. He has turned his focus from success in the business world to success in improving facilities and fitness in students.  Dave provided personalized Mustang weight training and fitness equipment in Mount Vernon at the High School in 2000 (now the middle school) and to the new High School in 2005. Dave has provided new weight training and cardio equipment to the Omaha School District’s seven high schools and eleven middle schools, as well as to both the North Omaha and to the South Omaha Boys & Girls Clubs.

Dave got his idea for the projects when he was home in Mount Vernon for a Cornell golf outing and was invited to the former high school by the principal. He noticed that the weight room was old and not in very good condition and decided to remedy the situation. Former Mount Vernon District Superintendent and Athletic Director, Jeff Schwiebert, noted that the school’s football team was the Iowa Class 3-A runner-up in 2002 and in 2003, a feat he attributes partly to the upgraded weight room and says, “The world is certainly a better place because of Dave Van Metre’s dedication to fitness and his generosity in giving students the chance of a lifetime to get in shape.”

More recently Dave has spearheaded fundraising efforts for three high school football/soccer/track stadiums and a number of baseball and softball competition fields. The most recent project, Collin Stadium at Omaha South High School, replaced a scruffy practice field called “the hole.”  The new field has received numerous design and engineering awards; most recently receiving the Omaha by Design’s Civic Leaf Award.

Dave attended Colorado College on a football scholarship and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, served in the U.S. Army, retired as a manager from Smith Barney and was a co-owner of the travel agency, Travel and Transport, Inc., the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. Among his awards are Nebraska Baseball Coaches Association Man of the Year, Benson High Centennial Award, South High Packer Great, Central High School Hall of Fame, Omaha Public Schools Hall of Fame and UNO Maverick Club Man of the Year.

Athletic Award recipient Joy Jordan'87 was a leader in Volleyball, going with her team to the State Tournament in Volleyball 3 years. As a sophomore the Mustangs won the Class 1A State Tournament (only 2 classes at that time) and she was named to the All-Tournament Team. As a junior she was again named to the All-Tournament Team while her team placed 2nd in the State Tournament. Both as a junior and a senior she was named to the 1st Team All-State Class 1A, and also named to the Elite Team(all classes), and was named Class1A Player of the Year as a senior. The three year volleyball team record of 116-8-8 (0.879) stood as the best three year record in Mount Vernon volleyball history for 25 years until it was broken, appropriately enough, by last year’s state championship team which compiled a three year record of 109-11 (0.908). Joy earned 12 Varsity Letters - 2 in Softball, 4 in Tennis, 3 in Basketball, and 3 in Volleyball, and was All-Conference in volleyball as a sophomore, junior, and senior; in basketball as a junior and senior. She was named the 1987 Cedar Rapids Gazette Female Athlete of the Year. In addition, she was Senior Class Valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA  and winner of the Margaret Garry Award. 

She went on to play Volleyball at Indiana University with a full scholarship, playing setter. One of the top setters in Indiana school history, Joy Jordan appeared in every match during her collegiate career from 1987-90. Currently fifth on Indiana’s career assist list with 3,129, her total of 1,441 assists in 1990 is the third-highest single season total in school history. She earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 1990. In 1988, Jordan earned second team Academic All-America honors and received first team recognition in 1990. In addition, she garnered Academic All-Big Ten accolades three times and earned the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1990. She also won the Aline Robinson Mental Attitude Award in 1989 and the Anita Aldrich Award in 1990. Head Coach Tom Shoji said “ I have coached some good leaders in my career, but Joy is the best one I’ve ever had and that’s saying a lot because I’ve had some great ones...Our successes have been due to her.” Joy earned her Ph. D. in Statistics from the University of Iowa and is currently Associate Professor of Statistics at Lawrence University. She was a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at Lawrence from 2000-2007. Among her awards are 2001-2002 Lawrence University Outstanding Young Teacher Award, 2005 Lawrence Mortar Board Honorary Award and the American Statistical Association’s 2006 Waller Education Award.  Most recently Joy was inducted in the Iowa High School Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2006. 

2009 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

to come

2008 HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHIES

to come