Celebrating a Legend

In June, alumni, staff, faculty, friends, and family gathered in the Ellwein Center to celebrate the 43-year ministry of Miss Nancy Paul upon her retirement.

Trent Rush ’10, host of AM830’s Angels Recap post-game show, served as emcee and welcomed multiple guest speakers to the stage to honor Miss Paul. Speakers included former football coach Jim Kunau, former Boys Basketball Head Coach Shawn Cassidy, former Principal and Executive Director Gregg Pinick, and Bev Arnett, who coached multiple girls teams. Former Boys Basketball Head Coach Jerry Simmons and former football coach Chuck Petersen addressed the crowd through pre-recorded messages.

Nancy Paul talks to a guest ahead of the recognition ceremony.

Photo by Crystal Worley Photography

“Nancy Paul is a role model for all ages, consistently exhibiting the traits of our Lord,” Arnett said to the audience. “[She] is a finely tuned instrument of our loving God.”

During the ceremony, Athletics Advancement Coordinator Chris Nordstrom announced that the number 43 has been retired from all sports in her honor.

Nancy Paul stands on her eponymous court in the Ellwein Center, which was dedicated in 2011.

Photo by Crystal Worley Photography

All net proceeds from the event were donated to the Nancy Paul Teaching Scholarship, which was created in 2008. It honors the legacy of its namesake by providing financial aid to a graduating senior from Orange Lutheran who intends to pursue a career in education. The scholarship recipient, chosen by a committee following successful submission of an essay, application, and completion of an interview, receives a $1,000 scholarship upon enrollment in the college of his or her choice and additional money for their student teaching semester.