Honoring Outstanding Alumni
and District Supporters
Distinguished Alumni Recipients
2019 – Cory Bartholomew (1979)
2018 – Gloria (Ruter) Hanna (1965)
2017 – Steve Mengelkoch (1968)
2016 – Dr. Alex Knodell (2003)
2015 – Arlene Mutterer (1958)
2014 – Sandra Lupino (1961)
2013 – Dr. Perry Buffie (1982)
2012 – Helen Scharber, PhD. (1999)
2011 – Bernard Lieder (1940) and Ruth Orrick (1976)
Honorary Diploma Recipients
2019 – Rick Martinson
2018 – Steve Huston
2017 – Chuck Grabowski
2016 – Dr. Allen Moen
2015 – Marlys and Gordy Thomas
2014 – Marilyn Nelson
2013 – William Halverstadt
2012 – Erica Cates
2011 – Margaret Gates and Laura Francis
Activities Hall of Fame Recipients
2018:
Nick Haugen (Athlete 2008)
Nathan Maher (Athlete 2008)
Daryl Patnode (Athlete 1980)
Sarah (Lincoln) Schieck (2005)
Eric Schroeder (Former Teacher and Cross Country Coach)
2016:
Krissy Toijala (Athlete 1991)
TJ Hanson (Athlete 1985)
Kyle Seiler (Athlete 2005)
Steve Voss (Band Instructor)
Maurice Melchert (Coach)
2014:
Mark Anderson (Athlete)
Karlee (Simonson) Anderson (Athlete)
Joanna Jahn (Fine-Arts-Drama/Choir)
Rosemary Tabbut (Choral Director)
Gordon Schmidt (Wrestling Coach)
2012:
Kari (Bakker) Esslinger (Athlete)
Miles Johnson (Football Coach)
John Klinge (Music/Band Director)
Joel Miller (Fine Arts-Drama/Music)
Information and Nomination Forms
The Tradition of Excellence committee chooses from nominations, persons worthy to be named for Distinguished Alumni, Honorary Diploma and Activities Hall of Fame awards. Recognition of the Distinguished Alumni and Honorary Diploma award recipients is held at the Superintendent’s Dinner and the commencement ceremony. The Activities Hall of Fame ceremony are held every other year in the fall before and during a Rockford football game.
Distinguished Alumni recipients are selected annually based on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as achievements in national, regional, or statewide prominence either in their professional fields or through their involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities.
Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form
An Honorary Diploma is annually conferred to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements as a way of honoring the distinguished citizen’s contribution to the district. Notable contributions can include, but are not limited to, financial support that impacted students, volunteer time supporting academic achievement, or academic support for initiating programs.
Honorary Diploma Nomination Form
The Rockford Activities Hall of Fame began in 2012. Inductees represent individuals who have excelled in Activities including but not limited to, athletics, fine arts, coaching, teaching, volunteering, community contributions, etc. The induction ceremony is held on even years at a community event during the fall or winter.
Questions: email Kathy Ehlers ehlersk@rockford.k12.mn.us
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