Our community has much to be proud of, which was proved once again by the incredibly talented NRHEG girls’ basketball team’s second state championship in a row. Not only did they make history, they received deserved admiration in our area, statewide, and beyond.
I couldn’t express the positive feelings I have for John Schultz and the team as a whole. I could not possibly repeat the many accolades that were expressed by the media, strangers and even the opposing teams. The real honor is more than all the wins and records set — it was the girls themselves. What a close-knit unit. Their conduct on and off the court was, in my opinion, greater than any trophy they received.
Carlie Wagner, always humble, was quick to share and give credit to her teammates. It was interesting that she was almost apologetic about breaking Janet Karvonen’s record. All of the girls showed admirable sportsmanship and never got big-headed, despite their success. We can all be proud of how the girls put NRHEG on the map.
I am proud of our spectators; it was great to see the support of our community, something else the media emphasized. Carlie and Jade will stay close to home as Golden Gophers at University of Minnesota next year, which wasn’t a difficult decision. They are loyal to their family and friends and it shows.
The tears shared when the girls realized this was their last game together really showed how much they care for their school, and for each other.
Pride also goes to another young individual, Jake Langlie, who received an EXCEL Award at the state tournament. It came as no surprise to those who know this young man, and it was an honor much deserved.
I am reminded of one day he joined a group of volunteers who were helping senior citizens with tasks that needed to be done before winter. Most of the volunteers were older, but there was Jake, a youngster, who was not only working hard but smiling, joking and obviously enjoying what he was doing — tasks that most young people would have passed on.
It’s amazing what young people can accomplish. These are the leaders of our future with the personality and pride that makes our community worthy of recognition. With young people like them the future is brighter and filled with promise, and sometimes we lack in giving them the credit that they are due.
My uncle, Paul, had a philosophy. Whenever his kids wanted to do something and asked for permission, he replied, "Your mother and I will talk about it,” followed by, "Yes, if you have the time, energy and money to do so."
His idea was that if the child wanted something bad enough they would be able to achieve it and in so doing they would realize their own ability. He showed respect and faith in their competence and desire. Though criticized by family that said he was expecting too much, his method produced results. His kids spent summers in Mexico studying at an early age because they earned money doing odd jobs, babysitting, etc. Jim, the oldest, earned his pilot’s license before he had his driver’s license, and rode his bike 10 miles to Albert Lea, one way, where he mowed lawn and did odd jobs at the Albert Lea airport. He went on to accomplish much in life. His parents had faith in his ability and desire.
Sometimes we don't give children an opportunity for independence by stepping in to help, or by teaching our own methods, when sometimes, it’s best to let them go about it in their own manner.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, April 3rd: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Jase Dean Knudson, Kevin Born
• Friday, April 4th: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Roades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff
• Saturday, April 5th: LaVada Jensen, Colette Bauers, Samuel Thompson, Alyssa Haried, Brian Schultz, Duane Nelson, Mike Johnson, Gary & Sue Hunnicutt, Dick & Judy Wacholz, Dale & Nancy Kelly
• Sunday, April 6th: Skip Cromwell, Spencer Kubat, Eric Crabtree, Duane Lembke, Dean Westrum, Andrew Haried, Paul Underland, Laurie Wayne, Paul Highum, Chris Phillips Carlson
• Monday, April 7th: Janye Villarreal, Janice Jensen Skovera, Lou Hanson-Vu, Katie Lembke, Michael & Kari Ingvaldson, Gary & Sonya Peterson
• Tuesday, April 8th: Sarah Collins, Ivy Obermoller, Dick Tracy, Nick Vreeman, Tim Stollard, Mark Hemingway, Sherri Carlson, Karen O'Byrne, Bob Donovan, David Pitcock, Alice Grosland, Dale & Vivian Dulas, Paul & Karissa Dolan
• Wednesday, April 9th: Becky Larson, Justin Tufte, June Lageson, Abby Paige Christopherson, Raianna Thomas, Jim Kaplan, Kiersten Knudson, Mike Nechanicky, Larry Sarver, Clarice McGrath, Tiffany Chrz, Joe & Mandy Moon
It is your special day — take a break and celebrate!
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.
