Last October, the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Albert Lea Area Schools introduced the Pathways to Success program to the community. Pathways to Success is a program that recognizes and honors graduates of Albert Lea High School who have become significantly successful in their lives. Their success may have been in business or professional pursuits, or in public service or humanitarian activities. They may have stayed here in the Albert Lea area or moved far away.

A committee comprised of representatives from the Education Foundation of Albert Lea, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, and the Albert Lea Area Schools selected the 2007 honorees from a list generated by a number of area residents. The 2007 honorees were Dr. Sara Janson, Class of 1891; Frederick Kappel, Class of 1919; Paul Overgaard, Class of 1947; Bryant Pickering, Class of 1947; Donald Draayer, Class of 1953; Jerry Tostrud, Class of 1956; Sid Verdoorn, Class of 1957; and Gerry Vogt, Class of 1963.

This year, the committee is seeking nominations from the entire community. It is likely that many area citizens have classmates worthy of recognition. If you know of someone you would like to nominate, please contact the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce with the person&8217;s name, year of graduation, and a brief statement explaining why you believe the person would be a worthy candidate. The phone number for the Chamber is 373-3938; the address is 504 Bridge Ave. The deadline for submissions is May 15.