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Copyright 2010 | Volume 14, Edition 2 | FALL 2024
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Curt Nelson, a 98-year-old resident at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Brainerd, talks with Brainerd Learning Center students Adeline Rohde and Izabell Derosier on Monday, March 4, 2024. The students are interviewing residents at Edgewood Vista Senior Living for a social studies project. Photo by Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch
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Welcome Fall 2024
Superintendent’s Letter By Interim Superintendent Peter Grant
Delectable dishes and options galore greet students in 2025 By Sheila Helmberger
Building connections and community, one story at a time By Jodie Norquist
A wet nose to read to By Sheila Helmberger
Battle of the Books By Sheila DeChantal
Building career bridges between students and businesses: Warrior Career Pathways By Rebecca Flansburg
Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame inductees
Legendary Women, Dr. Jennifer Person
Adventures at a Glance
BY PETER GRANT, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
A Place To Belong…Brainerd Public Schools Welcome, Fall 2024
Hello. My name is Peter Grant, and I am the new Interim Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools. It is with great pleasure and honor that I have the confidence of the School Board to lead the district for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
A few details about me: I have been an educator for 40 years. I have been a Language Arts teacher, an assistant principal, and a superintendent during those 40 years. My most recent position was superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools from 2012-2017. My wife Shelley and I reside in East Gull Lake. We have six children and 10 grandchildren. We truly enjoy living in the Brainerd lakes area. Certainly, in my opinion, it is the “sweet spot” in Minnesota.
The coming school year brings a plethora of exciting opportunities not only for me but also for our staff and certainly for our students. We have remarkable facilities for our students to enjoy and have wonderful experiences throughout the year. As I have explored the school sites around the District, I have been very impressed with the outcomes of “Blueprint 181.” As residents of the District, you should feel proud of what you have accomplished.
My role for this year is to ensure our educational plans provide the best academic opportunities for our students to continue in a positive fashion. I will work with administration and staff to help them achieve their goals and provide our students with a wonderful experience this academic year.
The start of a new school year brings excitement, preparation for a change in daily routines for parents/guardians and students, and the beginning of all kinds of activities your student(s) can participate in. I encourage you to involve your kids in as many activities as possible. My experience has shown students engaged in school activities have a more positive experience in school and achieve higher outcomes.
For parents and guardians, I encourage you to visit your child(ren)’s school and become acquainted with the administrators and office staff. Take a tour if you are not familiar with the school. Certainly, feel free to ask questions of staff to help you feel comfortable with the school.
I wish you and your children a wonderful school year. We can make a difference if we partner to provide the best educational experience for your child(ren).
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Delectable dishes and options galore greet students in 2025
BY SHEILA HELMBERGER
When the menu includes sushi and smoothies, teriyaki chicken and dumplings you might think you are reading selections for a new restaurant in town.
These are just a few of the items included in the school offerings this year in Brainerd Public Schools. It is safe to say today’s school students are eating a lot differently than they did 20 or even 10 years ago. There is a lot to look forward to for students heading back to school this year, including what they will find in the school cafeteria.
Serving over one million meals a year: 5,000 lunches and 2,000 breakfasts a day, is a big job and the staff in the district does it well. Today’s meals include
numerous options made from scratch or semi-scratch, cooked in-house, and grown fresh from local sources.
Sushi will be offered in the snack line at the high school this year as an exciting new addition for students as well as Asian style dumplings and noodles, cheesy pull apart bread and the Warrior breakfast sandwich as a lunch option. A chocolate and apple chickpea spread is also new and can be used for dipping apples, graham crackers and carrots. The grill and pizza line will offer more grab and go meals,
also known as power boxes, for students and a new fava bean crisp will be coming later in the year. Ingredients are being sourced to offer ramen and poke-style bowls.
Some favorites that debuted last year, such as meatball subs, flatbread pizza and quesadillas, will make a return to the lunchroom this fall.
Alissa Thompson, Nutrition Services Director for Brainerd Public Schools, says special attention has been given to the breakfast offerings for students.
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“We believe breakfast is a vital part of a student’s day and we want to make sure they have options in the morning. We will be expanding our smoothie line and fruit bakes and will be offering overnight oatmeal in K-12. All cereals have reduced sugar options, and we are introducing more protein in our breakfast items when we can.”
Items prepared by scratch in the district include overnight oatmeal, turkey gravy, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, Italian dunkers, chili, sloppy Joes, coleslaw and more. Food prepared semi-scratch includes flatbread pizza, chicken alfredo, meatball subs, quesadillas, tacos and more.
With most schools having close to full kitchens, Brainerd Public Schools can bake its own bread including hamburger buns, banana bread, muffins, rolls, tea biscuits, kaiser buns, Italian loaf bread and more. The kitchen at Forestview Middle School can bake over 2,000 buns a day.
Brainerd Public Schools is in the final year of a 100K Farm
to School Grant ending in February. Alissa says the money has made it possible to purchase new equipment as well as to source local foods through the Sprout food hub.
“We have been active members of the farm to school movement but never delved into local meats and dairy,” she says, “With this grant we have been able to start procuring beef and pork. This has allowed us to create new recipes and offer enticing choices to our students.” Local farms and other sources have also been able to provide fresh menu items and ingredients depending on the season, which include honey, apples, tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, peppers, berries and cucumbers.
Depending on the age of a student the number and type of menu options can vary. Kindergarten through fourth grade students have two choices at breakfast and a mainline lunch or Warrior cold lunch bag. Fifth through eighth grade students get two choices for breakfast. Lunch choices include
a full salad bar, mainline lunch and a pizza line. Students at the high school are offered two choices for breakfast as well as a snack line breakfast. Lunch features a full salad bar, grill line, main line, specialty line and snack line. An order ahead option for subs or a chipotle burrito bowl will also be included some days.
All of this is accomplished daily by a staff of around 50 cooks, including site supervisors and program operators. If you have ever considered working for the Brainerd Public Schools food service, they are currently hiring. The job can be a good fit for almost any schedule with no nights and no weekends. The hours accommodate those with students in the schools and training is done on the job.
Building connections and community, one story at a time
An intergenerational social studies project forged friendships between students at the Brainerd Learning Center and residents at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Brainerd
BY JODIE NORQUIST
When Jana Stroot introduced a new intergenerational class called “Life Story” at Brainerd Learning Center last spring, she had several goals.
Brainerd Learning Center students Emma Voss, left, and Bella Luehring, right, meet with Edgewood Vista resident Jackie Hambleton on Monday, March 4, 2024, for a social studies project. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The social studies teacher wanted her students to connect emotionally with the senior residents they would be paired with for a special project. The students met weekly with nursing home residents and asked them questions about their lives. By the end of the semester, the students created a book filled with stories and photos for each resident and their families and presented it to them.
“I was hoping for the emotional connection, and I saw it happen,” Stroot explained of the friendships that developed across the generations during this project.
She wanted her students to strengthen their communication skills through interviews with the residents and to develop their writing skills by collecting and telling their stories in digital book form. She also hoped their senior partners would feel valued and important in their community.
Resident Curt Nelson holds his memory book given to him by student Izzy DeRosier as part of the intergenerational class she took at Brainerd High School. Submitted.
Photo by Steve Kohls/Brainerd Dispatch
And she saw that happen, too.
Stroot was inspired to bring this project to Brainerd after learning about her nephew’s similar school experience at his graduation party. “I loved the idea and knew I could implement it here despite some initial roadblocks,” she said.
She had six students enrolled in this first class last spring, all juniors and seniors, and initially, they were nervous. However, each trip to Edgewood Vista lessened their anxiety as they all got to know each other through their weekly visits.
Kendall Lindberg, now a senior, and two classmates were matched with Curt, who was 98. She began to look forward to her Monday visits with Curt.
“I had a lot of fun,” Lindberg explained. “It was nice to go and hear about things he did in his childhood. It was amazing, and I felt like they looked forward to us coming there. We got attached. We really got to know them.”
Ainslie Hudalla, a senior, was assigned to Lucia, who grew up in Mexico. Lucia shared how she married at age 14 and had 11 children. She was in her 90s.
“We just had a great friendship. She was very sweet and easy to talk to, and it was just awesome listening to her life and everything that had happened,” Hudalla said of Lucia. She and another classmate were paired with Lucia. “It was amazing to see how she was able to turn everything around and get to the U.S. She was from Mexico and had to leave her children there. She taught me that you can go through anything in life and still become the person you want to be. She was very strong.”
Hudalla said it was nice to write about someone you could
talk to every week. Plus, Lucia would hug the girls every time they left. She and her partner, Adeline Rohde, planned to visit Lucia and maintain their connection.
“Meeting with Curt every Monday, I got to know him well. Sometimes, he would repeat himself, but it was amazing to hear about his life,” Lindberg reflected. “He shared so many incredible stories from his childhood and how different it was from mine. It made me think about how we need to do our living and not just sit in our rooms and be on our phones. We need to experience life.”
Lindberg said organizing Curt’s memories and photos for the book was challenging for her and her class partners but also fun and rewarding. While this was a social studies project, the students gained a broader education from the experience.
At the end-of-the-semester party at Edgewood, the students
Curt Nelson, a 98-year-old resident at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Brainerd, talks with Brainerd Learning Center students Adeline Rohde and Izabell Derosier on Monday, March 4, 2024. The students are interviewing residents at Edgewood Vista Senior Living for a social studies project.
Submitted.
Student Emma Voss poses with resident Jacqueline Lee Hambleton. studies project.
presented their books to the residents and their families. Family members were thrilled to receive the books and stories the students collected, and they told Stroot they hope the program continues.
“I would personally like to grow the program,” Stroot said. “I see so much value in it, and I think it’ll gain momentum. At first, residents, too, were nervous. They didn’t know what this was all about, but after we started coming, a lot of them said they wanted to do it, too.”
Stroot said this experience gave her students a personal perspective of history, and perhaps some of them may investigate future careers due to this class. The course will be offered again in the spring, and Stroot hopes more students will enroll this year. Students became invested not only in the project of creating the books but in the friendships that were forged along the way.
“Some of the kids were in tears when we gave them their books. Some wanted to keep visiting even after the class ended,” Stroot said. “One gentleman said it made him feel
Some of the kids were in tears when we gave them their books. Some wanted to keep visiting even after the class ended. One gentleman said it made him feel special or valued, and it gave him something to look forward to each week.
- Jana Stroot
special or valued, and it gave him something to look forward to each week.”
The “Life Story” project bridges generations and highlights the timeless value of sharing and preserving personal histories.
Emma Voss, left, Bella Luehring, Adeline Rohde, Ainslie Hudalla and Izzy DeRosier were part of the Intergenerational class taught by Jana Stroot. Submitted.
BY SHEILA HELMBERGER
Whoever said ‘Happiness is a wet nose and a wagging tail’ may have known what it would be like in a Brainerd school on a day that Rosie or Georgia came to visit.
Rosie, a mini goldendoodle who turned eight in March, belongs to Michelle Brekken, and Georgia, a 10-year-old English Bulldog belongs to Holly Holm. Each dog and its owner are a certified therapy team.
A visit from one of the twosomes to a classroom in the district is a highlight of the school week for students.
Michelle was a middle school social worker in Little Falls. After they became certified, she started bringing Rosie to school with her once a week to spend time in the classrooms there. She would interact with students, some who were struggling, and Michelle noticed the experience was a positive one. “Watching how Rosie and the students connected was pretty cool,” she says.
When Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, she took time off from her job. She says she retired earlier than she had planned but today she is cancer free. She serves as a member of the Brainerd School Board and visits elementary schools in the Brainerd school district regularly with Rosie.
Their first visits were to Lowell Elementary School and the Lincoln Education Center where Rosie interacted and played games with special needs students. The two spent time in a special education classroom at Forestview Middle School, and at Riverside Elementary Rosie became her own ‘station’ during station time where students could read to her. This past year the two made weekly trips to the elementary school in Baxter. A couple of years ago a visit from the mini goldendoodle helped to console a class at the school after their teacher passed away. “Dogs can kind of take on the emotions of people,” says Michelle. “After that visit she was exhausted, but it was comforting for the students.”
When in the schools Michelle uses the time to talk about being safe with animals and treating them with gentleness and kindness. She has used a slideshow to show students some of Rosie’s favorite things. Michelle talks with students about bad experiences they may have had with other dogs and helps explain it is never OK to pet a dog without first asking the handler.
Michelle says she could have chosen other places to take Rosie once they had their certification, and they did go to a few other places, but she has a soft spot for going into the schools.
“It’s an environment that feels good to me,” she says of the years she spent working in one. It is a good fit for Rosie, too. “She has a little vest. She knows when that goes on, we are going to school. The students find it easy to establish a connection with a dog. They just really feel a sense of calmness when they are around.”
Holly Holm and Georgia have been visiting fourth graders at Harrison Elementary School since 2021.
When Holly adopted Georgia after losing another special dog, she says the two had an attachment from the very beginning. “Georgia was 4 years old when we got her. When we picked her up, she was in rough shape. She was overweight, she had double earinfection, and she smelled bad, but she was the sweetest thing ever. She was just so chill. I don’t know what her life was like before we got her, but she was very timid and scared of everything. After a while she came out of her shell.
Then I realized that was just her. She was so mellow. Everybody loves her. Then I started to think how cool it would be for me to be able to help other people with her.”
Holly says she has never forgotten how much she hated it when she would have to read aloud in front of the class when she was in school. She wondered if she could make the experience a little easier for students who might feel the same way.
“I thought if I could bring her into these schools and students could read to her, who wouldn’t love to do that? Georgia could help build up their
confidence.”
They went through training and became certified as a therapy team. Georgia is also certified as a Canine Good Citizen.
“My favorite part of going to the schools is the first day when we do the meet and greet. The students are so excited. They ask the best questions. We have had students say they practiced reading at home because they knew they were going to read to Georgia.”
A teacher chooses the students that get to read to Georgia for 15 minutes. They go into a quiet room without distraction. “I tell the students to sit on
My favorite part of going to the schools is the first day when we do the meet and greet. The students are so excited. They ask the best questions. We have had students say they practiced reading at home because they knew they were going to read to Georgia.
- Holly Holm
Georgia’s bed before she does or she’ll probably take all of it,” she says. “Once they are settled in, she will plop down beside them. Occasionally, she might enjoy a story so much she will relax and nod off. And she is a snorer,” laughs Holly.
“The students absolutely love seeing her. They will yell, ‘Hi Georgia!” across the school yard if they’re outside when we get there.” At the end of the year Holly says she reminds students that they can read to their own pets at home too, and even if they don’t have a pet, stuffed animals like stories, too.
Maybe belly rubs and naps should be a part of the day for everyone.
Battle of the Books
Bringing up future generations of readers
BY SHEILA DECHANTAL
Remember summer as a kid?
You couldn’t wait to get out of school, sleep in, go swimming, play ball with your friends, maybe go camping. Now imagine that summer includes reading great books, winning prizes, meeting authors and connecting with friends — both old and new.
Hard to imagine? It doesn’t need to be. We have it right here, in Brainerd, and it’s called Battle of the Books.
In the fall of 2022, Friends of the Brainerd Public Library Board Member Laurie Wig had a vision. The Friends had just wrapped up their 10th year of bringing Wine and Words to the Brainerd lakes area. Over the course of three summer days, Wine and Words had gathered more than 800 adult readers to Grand View Lodge. There they socialized, met authors and built their book collections as they celebrated their love of reading. As a recently retired 5th grade teacher, Laurie couldn’t help but wonder how the Friends could replicate this joy, and the importance of literacy, with young readers.
Over the next several months, the idea was discussed at meetings and what it could be. Many thoughts were added to paper and many papers were thrown away. Yet the idea was there and it wasn’t letting go.
Following the October Minnesota Association of Library Conference, then President of the Friends Board, I excitedly shared a spark of an idea. I attended a session called Battle
of The Books. That group invited readers to read four books throughout the summer, then they gathered them together, created teams and played a game in which they battled their book knowledge. Was this what they were looking for?
Yes and no. Yes, they wanted kids to read, but given Laurie’s background in education, she felt it important to bring the readers together to introduce and discuss the books along the way. Additionally, the highlight of Wine and Words was the authors. Young readers needed to meet the authors, or at least one of them. And, a huge goal was to include ways to connect our young readers to the public library.
And so it began. Goals were set, plans were made and the idea was shared with The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library. Their conclusion? Let’s give it a try and see where it lands. Upon the approval, the board budgeted for two sets of four books, materials and one author visit for 80 kids. Laurie and I crossed their fingers and moved on to “Step Two, Invite the Readers.”
Still working part-time with Brainerd Public Schools, Laurie also shared the idea with Jessica Gangl of the Brainerd Public
Schools Foundation and District Administration. Would they partner in this endeavor? Could they provide assistance and resources? In February of 2023, BPSF gave Laurie and Brainerd’s version of Battle of the Books a spotlight at their Big Event. After her short speech, attendees responded with $1,200 on the spot.
Additionally, Laurie was informed the program fit perfectly with, and would be approved for, the use of the District’s Learning Loss Dollars, dollars intended to inspire learning and close gaps outside the normal school day. The district’s message was “Open it wide! Invite every Brainerd area student.”
Armed with this information, a committee carefully fleshed out the details to be inclusive of all and free to all. The target age group was third through seventh grades with hopes of catching the early as well as the more advanced readers. Engaging, entertaining and thought provoking books were chosen — two different sets — one set for grades 3-7 and the other for 5-7. Invitations to school staff were sent. Would they lead discussions with small groups of readers through the summer? Yes!
Authors were invited to attend, if not in person at least via ZOOM, to tell the students about the writing process and answer their questions. All eight said yes, with some even waiving and/or lowering their fees. Six of the eight were from Minnesota and agreed to attend in person.
Add-ins, such as Kahoot, an online multiple choice game, prizes and support from the community, were discussed. With connections to local restaurants, I reached out with a request.
Would they provide food making it easier for parents to bring their kids? Yes — the answer was always yes.
In March, Wig spoke at each school, tirelessly sharing the vision through Google Slides decks of authors and book trailers with each and every third through seventh grader. When the dust cleared from the whirlwind of school tours and answering of questions, 405 readers had signed up.
The following books went out in June 2023, followed by event after event of reading, discussing, socializing, meeting authors, eating good food, winning prizes and heading to the public library for summer reading.
Set 1 (Grades 3-7):
“A Rover’s Story,” Jasmine Warga “Maizy Chen’s Last Chance,” Lisa Yee “Pencilvania,” Stephanie Watson
“Chasing Bigfoot,” Art Coulson
Set 2 (Grades 5-7):
“The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly,” Rebecca Ansari
“Controlled Burn,” Erin Soderberg Downing
“Windswept,” Margi Preus
“The Hidden Room,” Bill Durbin
In September 2023, as the program concluded with the grand battles, 245 students had regularly participated throughout the summer.
For year two, summer of 2024, tweaks were made to better accommodate families, groupings were adjusted, an eighth grade group was formed, and the goal was 300 active participants and 547
students signed up to read the following books. At the time of this writing, here are the stats:
Blue Set (Grades 3-5): 270 active participants, 3 authors via Zoom, 1 in person
“Your Pal Fred,” Michael Rex
“The Real Deal,” Lindsey Stoddard
“The Last Mapmaker,” Christina Soontornvat
“Fearless,” Kristin F. Johnson
Green Set (Grades 5-7): 130 active participants, two authors via Zoom, two in person
“Speak Up,” Rebecca Burgess
“The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle,” Taryn Souders
“Secret of the Shadow Beasts,” Diane Magras
“Just Keep Walking,” Erin Soderberg Downing
8th Grade Set: Eight active participants, two authors via Zoom
“A Good Girl's Guide to Murder,” Holly Jackson
“Salt to the Sea,” Ruta Sepety
“Deep Fake,” Sarah Darer Littman
“Look Both Ways,” Jason Reynolds Brainerd’s Battle of the Books has gone above and beyond the early expectations. Wig says, “In addition to developing reading skills, a love of reading, and library habits, the readers have become more empathetic and compassionate as they see themselves and others in the books. Sharing ideas and listening to others’ thoughts, have developed social skills and civil discourse. Readers have learned to understand others’ perspectives and their world views have grown wider.”
From the beginning, I’ve said this may be the most important thing the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library and the community have ever done. Putting 200-plus kids in a room where they are excited about books and excited about authors, is honestly, unreal. It is hard to explain this program. Having more people come and see what was happening was, and still is, important. Having community involvement was important in the beginning, and it really is now.
In September, readers will participate in 2024’s Grand Battles — at the same time that access to Learning Loss Dollars comes to a close.
To all of those who worked to provide Battle of the Books there is the question of what the future holds for this incredible program. After all, what other Minnesota community can boast that more than 400 of their kids, aged 9-14, read and discussed books all summer long?
STUDENT CHECKING REWARDS PROGRAM
Building career bridges between students and businesses: Warrior Career Pathways
BY REBECCA FLANSBURG
What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Many of us recall being asked that same question as a small child. In those days, common answers were firefighter, ballerina, actress or astronaut. But as we moved through our school years, that question resurfaced and took on a more serious tone. As high schoolers, many of us were left anxiously thinking, “What do I want to do after graduation? What career path is best for me?”
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The Brainerd public school district is rethinking what high school education can be from a student-centered perspective to help students focus on their future and make more informed decisions on the best career choice.
Established in 2007, the Bridges Career Academies & Workplace Connection was designed to help students explore careers and plan for their goals after graduation. Now known as Warrior Career Pathways (WCP), the program has been expanded and offers specialized courses that provide students with exciting hands-on learning experiences in 23 different areas of concentration. These courses include local speakers, business tours, career or job fairs, informative interviews, virtual career exploration experiences, industry-recognized certifications and internships.
the program. This collaborative effort includes developing relevant pathways, identifying and outlining required courses, partnering with local businesses, and creating a branding strategy to communicate each pathway’s purpose.
Throughout high school, taking various Warrior Career Pathway business classes helped prepare me for the accounting degree I plan to complete at NDSU.
- Owen Brainerd
As a Sourcewell Career Consultant and Warrior Career Pathway committee member, Amy Sjoblad works closely with high school staff and district leadership to guide and support
The goal of the Warrior Career Pathways program is to support all students in building a plan for their unique and chosen future path by fostering connections between businesses and students. She went on to share that, even though all courses are aligned with a career pathway at the Brainerd High School, WCP also focuses on continuing education opportunities via dualcredit enrollment during high school to support students in their journey to enter the Brainerd lakes area workforce with industryrecognized skills.
“Too often, students graduate from high school with little planning for their future,”
Brainerd High School Principal Andrea Rusk shared. “The WCP program is centered around exposure to multiple career pathways to help in decision-making after high school.
Kelly Humphrey/Brainerd Dispatch
Career Pathways Program Components
Sometimes, this will mean exploring careers students do not want to pursue in the future, which is also helpful to prevent spending time and money on a college preparation program that they determine later is not aligned with their skills and talents. One of our goals for the future is to have all students complete a WCP. We want to ensure all students have school experiences exploring future careers.”
The BHS Warrior Career Pathway committee includes the following BHS staff: Andrea Rusk, Angie Andrist, Brian Bordwell, Christina Lundgren, Emily Neistadt, Landon Brainerd, Shelly Streed, Wendy Vandeputte and Sourcewell Career Consultant, Amy Sjoblad. Maggie Valesco is another essential and integral part of the WCP program. As Sourcewell’s
Director of Career and College Readiness, she shared the Career Pathway program was created by sunsetting two impactful programs.
“This program started with innovation funding through Sourcewell: Rural MN CEP Career Advising and Bridges Career Academies. As the two programs were melded together, we wanted to maintain the positive impact of having a dedicated, embedded point person within schools and providing experience-based pathways to career opportunities,” Valesco added.
Sourcewell’s team collaborated in the program’s first few months to listen, learn and find ways to ensure student impact was central to the program’s mission, vision and
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structure. The Redefining Ready metrics provided the program with the impact measures element it sought. Using those metrics, they combined the embedded Career Consultant with the following components:
Owen Brainerd, 2024 BHS grad who completed the Business, Administration, Management, and Marketing WCP, said, “WCP allowed me to be recognized for the achievements and work I put into the various elective classes I took to obtain my pathway. Throughout high school, taking various Warrior Career Pathway business classes helped prepare me for the accounting degree I plan to complete at NDSU.”
Students can currently earn certifications and licenses in food safety, lifeguarding, aviation, and nursing assistant, with additional certification options in the works. Credits gained through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, PSEO (postsecondary education option, and CIS (College In Schools) will accompany a student if they advance on to college. WCP added a new experience in 2024 for students who wanted to
explore medical career fields under the guidance of Essentia Health Brainerd. Brainerd High School also has partnerships with North Point Aviation, Brainerd YMCA, Advanced Care at Home, LLC, Brainerd Lakes Chamber, Good Samaritan Society, and Lakes Area Music Festival to provide career experiences within the classroom and is actively seeking more local businesses or organizations to partner with.
When asked what the future will hold for WCP, Christina Lundgren, ISD181 Director of Teaching and Learning and WCP committee member, said, “Too often, students graduate from high school with little planning for their future. The WCP program is centered around exposure to multiple career pathways to help in decision-making after high school. Our community needs BHS graduates who are ready to enter the workforce. Through the Warrior Career Pathway program, area students will also gain experiences that help them identify their talents and skills and guide them to a career and a promising future.”
Career-related coursework within 23 areas
of concentration
· Career experiences such as speakers, tours, career fairs, informational interviews, job fairs, internships, etc.
· Digital career portfolio within SchooLinks, a comprehensive online career and college platform
· Industry-recognized credentials such as ServSafe, OSHA 10, CNA, etc.
· Access to dual credit courses that provide high school and college credit.
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Distinguished Acheivement Hall of Fame
Since 1999, the Brainerd Public Schools Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame has inducted graduates of Brainerd High School, and two legendary Brainerd Public Schools administrators, to this select body of extraordinary men and women.
The Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame is an honor which has been bestowed upon approximately 80 of tens of thousands of graduates from Brainerd Public Schools over the course of its 150 years of providing public education to the youths of Brainerd, and for some 500 square miles of central Minnesota and parts of several adjacent counties.
Because of special circumstances, Joey Halvorson (BHS 1961) was inducted as a member of the Brainerd Public Schools Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame in a separate ceremony in April 2024.
The following are this year’s inductees:
Distinguished Acheivement Hall of Fame
Eric Ward (BHS 1996), Honor Graduate, athlete and leader in high school, never stopped. Senior class president and student council vice-president, he was selected by faculty to be a student speaker at graduation. A threeseason athlete (football, wrestling, track), he joined the Army National Guard (field medic) in high school, then served for six years.
Ward’s high school football coach called Ward “a remarkable young leader,” “with exceptional qualities,” who “symbolizes the very qualities the Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame recognizes, embraces and honors,” an “inspirational” leader, “dedicated teammate” and “fierce competitor.” Ward’s “roots are respect, loyalty, service, compassion and a standard of excellence” carried out “quietly,” “humbly,” with a “willing heart to learn.”
Sockeye specializes in technology to improve business operations and finances across industries and nonprofits, governor’s offices in 3 states, state and federal agencies, oil field support companies and the Alaska Native Corporation, consulting and supporting in business analysis, systems design and implementation, training, documentation and platform integration.
Sockeye now has approximately 50 employees in 30 states, customers across the U.S. and Canada and has served clients from Barrow, Alaska, to San Juan, Puerto. It has grown organically and by acquisition. Sockeye has received industry awards placing Sockeye at the top of its field, nationally, and Ward regularly speaks and presents at national software conferences.
Eric Ward | BHS, 1996
His high school track coach described Ward’s dedication, determination, tenacity and heart as “second to none” as an eminently coachable athlete who overcame lack of size and lesser physical abilities, a role model, ultimate teammate and captain of the team.
A North Dakota State University (BS, Mathematics; BA Education) graduate, Ward entered the software industry (Microsoft, in North Dakota). While with Microsoft, he received the Bill Gates Award for intellect, mastery and interpersonal skills.
Soon, Ward (and his 7 months along pregnant with first child wife) moved to Alaska to join an accounting firm to apply his math/software skills. Soon, Ward and two partners started a business software company, Sockeye Business Solutions, in a rented basement, with Ward as president. He holds major software certifications.
Others have described Sockeye as an extension of who Eric Ward is, given its business model based on character, empathy and expertise, but also because of its respectful regard for its employees and its mantras: “Believe that it is possible.” “Live with integrity.” “Value your work.” “Challenge the status quo.”
Ward is a volunteer coach for his children’s high school track and soccer teams, teaches preparatory confirmation classes and is his church’s technology go-to person, fundraises and chaperones for World Youth Day and conferences across the country, is a lay Eucharistic minister, involved in men’s retreat and serves on the board of education of his children’s school.
Ward’s personal skills, centered on kindness, respect, discipline, determination, innovation and grit, are the “through line” describing the teenage Eric Ward and the Eric Ward of today.
Distinguished Acheivement Hall of Fame
In early indications of the superlative career Ann Nelson (BHS 1962) would have with US West Telephone, she participated in Future Teachers of America and was the business manager of the BHS student newspaper. Similarly, but later, with her Bemidji State history major.
For decades after her US West retirement, Ann has been a key researcher and writer regarding the now over 150 years of Brainerd history, principally volunteering for the Crow Wing County Historical Society, Brainerd Public Schools Archives, the Evergreen Cemetery Association and the widely used online service Find-aGrave.
Ann’s working life began as a classroom teacher. Although she was a K-12 teacher 60 years ago, Ann recently received the highest of honors to be bestowed on a teacher: A student from Ann’s past recently sought out Ann to visit her.
responsible for training and workshops regarding racism, sexism and gender awareness for all US West employees, covering most of the mid-western and western states, from Canada to Mexico.
She promptly then became US West’s District Accounting Manager, with 500 employees in her office, responsible for payroll, accounts payable and billing in US West’s Omaha, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver and Salt Lake City offices. Shortly after that, she became the director of accounting, with all accounting duties plus development and implementation of an accounts payable system for all of US West.
Ann Nelson | BHS, 1962
Ann always has been a “pioneer,” her “can do” approach to life helping her break corporate glass ceilings in US West. She began as what was once known as an “operator” in the Brainerd office of the then Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, then immediately and steadily rose to managerial positions in Operator Services covering increasingly expanded geographic areas, including Duluth, Minneapolis and Omaha.
Her teaching and efficiency skills were noted, causing her promotion to district manager for organizational effectiveness and human resources for all Northwestern Bell departments only after 10 years from her operator start in Brainerd. When the Bell system was broken up and US West created, Ann was made
Ann’s proudest moments from her US West career were when three of her subordinates became chief financial officer of Des Moines Public Schools, chief financial officer of the largest newspaper in Nebraska and initial designer — manager of Hennepin County’s first 911 office.
Ann’s “labor of love,” however, has been building free and accessible computer access to an enormous Brainerd and Crow Wing County historical database, thousands of pages of text and images, requiring several years of Ann’s life to complete.
Her history work has included writing articles appearing on the CWCHS website, narratives for select periods in Brainerd history and use in Brainerd History Weeks, short biographies for select individuals buried at Evergreen and a lead article for The Mainstreeter, the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association’s magazine.
Ann Nelson: Exemplary educator, historic business leader and leading edge historian.
Distinguished Acheivement Hall of Fame
John Mahlum (BHS 1912) was a star at Brainerd High School, then at Georgetown University School of Law, and finally as a high-ranking enlisted man in Gen. John Pershing’s headquarters during the American breakthrough signaling WWI’s end.
Sergeant Major Mahlum died, very likely of “Spanish flu,” within days of falling ill shortly after the November 1918 German surrender. His brother, also a volunteer in America’s defense of Europe, dug Mahlum’s grave in France. Always a presence, one word consistently followed Mahlum, known as “Moxie” in his early years on Brainerd’s northside: “Leader.” Mahlum was tall, blond and muscular (his family owned timberland, which he worked). Newspaper reports of the time frequently describe Captain Mahlum’s stalwart exploits at quarterback and linebacker, frequently combining explanations of his skills and power with descriptions of his field leadership.
as a starter for the Georgetown football team, where he was voted by his teammates to be captain in his senior year, and he graduated as a lawyer.
At Georgetown, Mahlum was everywhere, in law societies and classrooms, and acquired a new nickname: “Blondie,” from Brainerd, Minnesota. Photographs show Mahlum in full formal dress with other men of Georgetown Law and make clear that his physical presence was extraordinary. In a major win, he was selected by peers to organize and lead the social event of the Georgetown year, a formal ball held at the Willard Hotel, across the street from the White House.
John Mahlum | BHS, 1912
Brainerd was an early hotbed of baseball, which Mahlum played at least in high school with “Bullet Joe” Bush of professional baseball fame, including as a teammate of the Babe Ruth Yankees. Wherever Mahlum went, others followed. In a three-sport only era, Mahlum was a guard on dominant BHS basketball teams. Little known, but predictable because of his vocal talent, is Mahlum’s documented presence in every imaginable BHS choir.
Despite the significant leap from Minnesota to the challenge of a top East Coast law school with students drawn from great Eastern private and prep schools, Mahlum prospered at Georgetown. Georgetown records clearly portray his importance
With a focus on his heightened speaking skills, Mahlum was consistently said to be both popular and expected to become a member of Congress. But it was not to be.
He was called home to help run the lumber business, resigned from the football team, including his captaincy, and within a year volunteered for the Army and was sent to France. Not as a private in the trenches, but given his intelligence, Georgetown law degree and leadership skills, as a sergeant major for Gen. Pershing.
Years after his burial, Mahlum was returned home. A military funeral service at his parents’ home was reported extensively in Brainerd’s newspaper, as were orations about his commitment to democracy, his lifelong contributions to others, and his leadership.
Mahlum’s stellar accomplishments in life are recognized on the outside of Brainerd’s VFW post, partially named after him, forever.
‘93
Correction
Class of 2024 Legendary Women
Dr. Jennifer Person
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
AA Degree, Brainerd Community College 1996
BA Degree in Biology, Hamline University 1999
From Northwestern Health Sciences University: BS in Human Biology 2002
Doctorate in Chiropractic Sciences 2002
Board Certification in Acupuncture 2009
Board Certification in Dry Needling 2020
National Board Certified 2002
Physiotherapy Board Certified 2002
Canadian Board Certified 2002
AWARDS AND HONORS
Minnesota Top Chiropractors 2019, 2023
Paul Harris Service Above Self Award, Brainerd Rotary, 2023
Outstanding 75 Alumni Award of Central Lakes College, 2014
National Science Achievement Award
“Knowledge is power. It can help you overcome any fear of the unexpected.”
Jay Shetty
Dr. Jennifer Person (BHS 1993) believes in the adage “Knowledge is power.” She notes, “Knowledge helps you make decisions. Taking time to gather information may be harder and more time-consuming, but it helps me make better decisions. I use this philosophy in my everyday life and especially with my patients.” Currently, Jennifer is partner and Doctor of Chiropractic and Acupuncture at Family Chiropractic in Baxter, returning to her hometown from her prior position as business owner and Chiropractic Physician in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Jennifer earned her first BA degree in biology from Hamline University in 1999 and her second BS degree in Human Biology with a Doctorate in Chiropractic Sciences in 2002 from Northwestern Health Sciences University. She holds certifications in Acupuncture and Dry Needling, and is also National Board, Physiotherapy Board and Canadian Board certified. She has received training on techniques to treat and support ALS.
Jennifer was selected as one of Minnesota Top Chiropractors, 2019-2023. She was a recipient of the “Outstanding 75 Alumni” Award of Central Lakes College in 2014 and received the 2023 Paul Harris “Service Above Self” Award from the Brainerd Rotary.
Selected to travel extensively for a year performing with the international music group “Up With People,” Jennifer stayed with host families and participated in community service projects. Her work also included being a vocal instructor, teaching a 2.5 hour contemporary musical show to the cast, who were all from different countries. She says, “Having this background has given me the ability to be open to new ideas and experiences, to seek out uncomfortable and unfamiliar territories, and say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’ to opportunities that appear on my life’s journey.”
Throughout the Brainerd lakes area and Canada, Jennifer is a piano accompanist for choirs, churches and community events and is a musical theater vocal director. She currently serves as vice president on the board of the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota.
Jennifer has been featured in Lake Country Journal magazine in a 2018 article entitled, “No Drugs No Surgery Less Pain,” in Her Voice magazine in a 2015 article entitled, “Blending East and West,” and in Central Lakes College Alumni magazine in 2014 for “The Ripple Effect.”
Near and dear to Jennifer’s heart is being a part of the development and coordination of Camp Journey, a Brainerd Rotary program to help youth who have experienced a loss in their life. Since 2009, she has been chair of Camp Journey Grief Camp located in Brainerd.
For their influence in her life, Jennifer credits her parents saying, “‘Education was a gift;’” her mentor Sarah Aamot for “‘Giving me, as a music student, an opportunity to grow in something I loved;’” and mentor Jan Kurtz for “‘igniting the fire in me to explore other places and cultures.’”
Jennifer adds, “I try to remind myself how important it is to never lose sight of what and who you love.”
That knowledge is powerful.
Dr. Jennifer Person (1993) was one of five women inducted into the Legendary Women Hall of Fame. Established in 2018, the Hall of Fame celebrates
female graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, and service. On page 22 of the spring issue of this magazine,
her bio was inadvertently left out and another was put in its place. We regret the error.
