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By Ayanna Eckblad

The Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Area Schools on Thursday honored the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators of Albert Lea Area Schools in a reception at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course.

“Standing here tonight, I am filled with deep humility and gratitude to speak in recognition of these extraordinary individuals,” said Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Ron Wagner. “They have paved the way for excellence we see in our schools and in our community today, and it is truly a privilege to follow in their footsteps.”

Recipients were awarded and recognized with commemorative plaques.

Recognized as Distinguished Educators were Bob Berthelsen, Charles “Chuck” Carpenter, John Cliff and Glen Parsons.

Berthelsen was recognized as a 2024 Distinguished Educator for his work as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal at Southwest Junior High School. Because he passed away in 2007, his wife, Erna Berthelsen, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Erna spoke briefly about her husband’s love for shaping the minds of teenagers and leading the school with grace.

Carpenter was recognized as a Distinguished Educator for his work in science education. David Frame, one of Carpenter’s mentees and work colleagues, spoke about his friendship with Carpenter and the work he did with science camps every summer.

Frame said many of the students who attended the camps eventually went on to pursue science related careers.

Carpenter’s daughter, Joann Amundson, accepted the honor on her late father’s behalf.

Cliff was nominated for Distinguished Educator for his long teaching career in math education and coaching. He spoke about his career, which began in 1966, and described how he tried to teach subjects like algebra as a game to keep students engaged in the subject. He also thanked his family and Albert Lea Area Schools and credited his success to them.

David Larson spoke on behalf of Parsons, who was unable to attend the event due to health reasons. According to Larson, Parsons told him he would not be able to come to the reception Thursday because the doctors “wouldn’t give him a hall pass.”

Larson asked the guests present at the reception to think about the hundreds of students Parson had an influence on throughout his teaching career. He described his optimism as education in action and complimented Parsons’ dedication to serving on boards, volunteering and other community work.

“Everything he touched turned to gold, except the Marion Ross statue, which was bronze,” Larson said.

Recognized as 2024 Distinguished Alumni were Grant Arends, Duane Arens, Tom Butsch and Ted Unseth.

In addition to his work in finance and investment management, Arends spent years in Malawi doing humanitarian work that mainly consisted of providing clean drinking water to those who do not have access to the resource. Arends also gives motivational talks about finding purpose, citing how his work in Malawi helped him find his life’s purpose.

Arens was introduced at the ceremony in the form of a letter written by former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, whom Arens previously worked for. Following the letter, Arens talked about growing up with parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic, sending out 176 job applications following college and his mother being his biggest fan.

Butsch was recognized for his work as a scenic artist.

In his speech, Butsch described his childhood and school career growing up in a military family. Although he lived many different places, he said he and his family always had a special connection to

Albert Lea because it was the town his mother was originally from. Butsch got involved in theater during high school, finding it a good way to make friends in a new environment, and it eventually led him to his career as a scenic artist.

Notably, a backdrop he was involved in painting for the show “Guys and Dolls” was later rented out and used as a backdrop for the Prince album, “Sign O’ The Times.”

He also did work for Disney theme parks live events.

Neal Skaar concluded the evening by accepting the nomination of Distinguished Alumni on behalf of Unseth, who was not present. Skaar described Unseth as a brilliant musician and spoke about his career as a singer/songwriter and work in authentic and original jazz music. Skaar also talked about personally delivering the commemorative plaque to Unseth at his home and getting to spend the afternoon with him.

Following the reception, nominees and those accepting recognitions on their behalf gathered for photos.