If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
Mark you calendars for Friday, September 6th, for a free-will donation lunch hosted by Equinor to raise funds for the current capital campaign to turn the Hagan Pool into an Innovation Academy.
Equinor will be providing the meal from 11:30 am -1:30 pm in the Hedderich’s lot, and they have graciously offered to match donations received up to $10,000. As of September 1st, multiple other companies have jumped on board the project, pledging to “match the match.” Purity Oilfield Services and Busy Bees Hot Oil both will give up to $2500, while Well Pro and Stellar Field Service have both announced they will match the entire $10,000 original pledge.
For more information about the proposed project, please visit our website, and we hope to see you downtown on Friday!
H.L. Pedersen Set to Become 1st Ever Coyote Legend
Homecoming 2019 will be even sweeter for Coyote alumni who are coming back to visit their alma mater. For the first time, we will be including a ceremony prior to the game to honor former Coyote greats who have made a lasting impact on the Coyote family. This year, our very first Coyote Legend, is H.L. Pedersen.
Harold L. Pedersen was from Valley City, North Dakota. He was an outstanding athlete and student. He came to Williston in 1950, where he spent 13 very productive years. In his time at WHS, he was the athletic director, head football coach, track coach, basketball coach, and head wrestling coach. In fact, he started the wrestling program in Williston and was often referred to as the Father of Wrestling in North Dakota.
As a head football coach, his teams were always fiercely competitive, well-coached, and always near the top in the win/loss column. H. L. was responsible for moving Cutting Field from Harmon Park, which was a dirt field to behind the now middle school, where it remained for decades.
H.L. Pedersen, a former marine in WWII, is among the top football coaches of all time in North Dakota history.
Included in the festivities will be the Homecoming Parade, set to begin at the Raymond Family Community Center, followed by a social in the commons of Williston High School, and a presentation immediately prior to the WHS football game.
All are welcome to attend to help us celebrate H.L. Pedersen. Please click the here to RSVP so we can get an idea of attendance for planning purposes.
***If you hear of any alumni deaths, please feel free to email them to us at codi.austreim@willistonschools.org so we can share them in our newsletter.
Gifts to the Foundation:
Knapp Oil Corporation, for the Innovation Academy
Robert Torgerson
Dick and Marg McKennett, for the Innovation Academy
Frank and Barb Underhill, for the Hank Ceglowski Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Cathy Ceglowski
Paula and Russell Schilke, for the Todd Gaudreau Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Bette Watts
B Safe Consulting and Training, for the Innovation Academy
Mary Stenberg, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Kami and Jeff Dornfeld, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Heidi Thomas, for the Innovation Academy
Darcy Olsen, unrestricted
Jaden and Codi Austreim, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Ronelle Gravgaard, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Judy Barbot, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
John & Lorraine Quie, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Ed and Susan Sisola, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Larry and Carol Mockel, for the Hank Ceglowski Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Cathy Ceglowski
Robert Erdahl, unrestricted
Debra Pankow, in memory of John Willis Fougner — Class of 1949
Bruce and Charlene Ough, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
David and Carol Hauser, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Lyla Semenko, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Tom and Jan Winzenburg, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
David and Bridget Kjorstad, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Brandon and Sam Blomberg, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Casey and Abbie Axtman, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Steve and Lisa Peterson, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Bob Rutledge, in honor of H.L. Pedersen
Jake and Rheanda Axtman, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy, in memory of Tyler Jangula
Rolf and Mary Gjorven, PLATINUM DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Tucker Overland, BRONZE DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Diane Hagen, for the Innovation Academy
Mark and Kari Kringen, SILVER DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Chuck and Sylvia McCauley, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough
Mary Conlin-Warner, in memory of Kathy Coughlin, Class of 1969
Paul and Pat Arnson, for the WHS Class of 1966 Memorial Scholarship
Henry and Randi Jangula, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy, in memory of Tyler Jangula
David and Lori Geltel, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Doug and Donnette Taylor, SILVER DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Denise Pippin, SILVER DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Larry and Elaine Doeden, for the Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Robert Ough and for the H.L. Pedersen Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Warren Beckman
Carol Sandvik, for the Hank Ceglowski Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Cathy Ceglowski
Jared and Alyssa Suess, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Travis and Lainey Lingenfelter, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Bill and Laurie Carl, BRONZE DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Neff, Eiken, & Neff, BRONZE DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Haux Family, GOLD DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Nate and Karmyn Tesoro, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Howard and Melanie Klug, GOLD DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Martin Lutz, for the WHS Class of 1980 Memorial Scholarship
Scott Larsen Family
Wanda and Marty Hanson, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Darold Hornstein
Cardon Global, GOLD DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Patricia and Jerome (Sonny) Hanson, PLATINUM DONOR for the Innovation Academy
Paula and Russell Schilke, in memory of Lucille J. Anderson, Marvin P. Baarstad, and Barry T Nelson
Colby and Tarren Rehak, “Do the Math Challenge” for the Innovation Academy
Aaron and Kristal Schmidt, BRONZE DONOR for the Innovation Academy
We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts.
We are thrilled to announce that we have set up two qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation: The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment and the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools. The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WPSD #1!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 27th! 2019 WHS HOMECOMING festivities will culminate with the traditional parade and football game, but this year, there’s an added bonus that pays homage to the storied heritage of the Coyotes!
We are excited to announce that every year, at Homecoming, we will be honoring Coyote Legends on the field just prior to the football game. Thanks to a strong push from some Coyote alum to get the project going, we will be able to pay our respects and remember the outstanding tradition of excellence that came before us.
This year, our first ever Legend is H.L. Pedersen. Harold L. Pedersen was from Valley City, North Dakota. He was an outstanding athletic and student. He came to Williston in 1950, where he spent 13 very productive years. In his time at WHS, he was the athletic director, head football coach, track coach, basketball coach, and head wrestling coach. In fact, he started the wrestling program in Williston and was often referred to as the Father of Wrestling in North Dakota.
As a head football coach, his teams were always fiercely competitive, well-coached, and always near the top in the win/loss column. H. L. was responsible for moving Cutting Field from Harmon Park, which was a dirt field to behind the now middle school, where it remained for decades.
H.L. Pedersen, a former marine in WWII, is among the top football coaches of all time in North Dakota history.
Check out this month’s newsletter to learn more about why so many people consider Pedersen to be amongst the greatest Coyotes to walk to halls of WHS during his tenure leading the football team and starting the wrestling team!
We will share more details about the ceremony in our newsletter, so stay tuned and plan on attending!
NOTE: We are currently raising funds to purchase a plaque and add signage to the existing football field. If you are interested in knowing more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us today!
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
Goal: Raise $5 million to support renovation of the old Hagan pool building into an innovation academy for 5th-8th grades and turn 7,000 square feet of old auto shop space into core classrooms and a robotics lab for the Middle School.
Purpose: WPSD#1’s enrollment continues to increase and we need more space! The old Hagan pool is not in use and the building is in good condition. By filling in the pool and adding a second floor, we can turn a pool into a school to accommodate 400 students. That reduces the population of students in core classes at the Bakken Elementary and Williston Middle School.
Benefits: WPSD#1 has embraced personalized learning for students in grades K-12 over the past year in recognition that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to education does not provide the best student outcomes. All students are unique in their interests, their learning styles, and their learning pace. The renovated pool building provides a wonderful opportunity to design a learning environment that supports and enhances the delivery of student-centered learning. Large, collaborative settings combined with smaller break out spaces promote project-based learning, self-pacing, working in multiple subject areas, and cross-curricular teaching. Teachers, staff, and administrators will be able to visit the innovation academy to observe how personalized learning can be implemented.
Innovation Students: During the 2019-2020 school year, the Bakken Elementary will continue a personalized learning pilot for 5th and 6th graders. For the opening of the innovation academy in the Fall of 2020, students from 5th, 6th, and 7th grades will be selected based on an application process. 8th grade students will be added in the Fall of 2021. Just as not all students learn best in a traditional setting, not all students learn best in a personalized learning environment. Therefore, teacher and parent recommendations will be considered in determining which students attend the innovation academy for their core classes. Students in the innovation academy will participate in music, band, phy-ed, and other electives at the Bakken or Williston Middle School. Peer tutoring, small group instruction, one on one instruction, and tiered interventions will be available for students in the innovation academy.
Timeline: Significant funds will have to be pledged by mid-August for the School Board to be able to authorize construction on the project to move forward in time to be completed by the Fall 2020 school year. The current building fund balance is not sufficient to cover the $13.8 million needed for the innovation academy and CTE space renovation at the Middle School.
Long Term District Strategy: Our number one goal is to increase capacity throughout K-12 to accommodate our increased population. The innovation academy will add 400 seats to that capacity and reduces the number of seats that we will need to create in the future. The design features used in the renovation provide maximum flexibility for future uses of the building. At a cost of $12 million, the renovation of an existing asset provides significant cost savings over new construction and the purchase of land. Finally, the project re-purposes an obsolete building that may otherwise fall into disrepair.
Donations: All donations are accepted and can be made through the Williston Coyote Foundation, a nonprofit organized, registered 501(c)(3) entity through the IRS. http://willistoncoyotefoundation.com/. Please designate your donation "innovation academy."
More Information: Please visit our website at: https://academy.willistonschools.org/home To schedule a presentation on the academy and/or discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact School Board President Joanna Baltes at Joanna.baltes@gmail.com, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thake at Jeffrey.thake@willistonschools.org, or Codi Austreim, Executive Director of the Coyote Foundation at codi.austreim@willistonschools.org
Arvid and Judy Johnson, in memory of Jerry Martinson Class of 1964
Roger and Sandy Kohlman, in memory of Warren Beckman
Arlan and Gayle Arnson, in memory of Jerry Martinson Class of 1964
Pete and Kristen Conlin, in memory of Jerry Martinson Class of 1964
Tim and Jill Kleven, for the Jim Haugen Memorial Teacher Fund
Tim and Jill Kleven, for the Innovation Academy capital campaign
Don and Mary Ann Richardson, in memory of Ellen Lynch -- Class of 1957
Mark and Shelley Ellis, in memory of Jerry Martinson
Marty and Wanda Hanson, in memory of Elaine Sinness and Jerry Martinson, for the WHS Class of 1968
Dave and Tina Hanson, in memory of Jennifer Anderson, for the Anderson Family
Mark and Shelley Ellis, in memory of George Turcotte
Gerald Charles Miller, LLC, for the Innovation Academy capital campaign
Paula and Russell Schilke, in memory of Patricia Jo Evenson, Marion Louise Paulsen, Sharon Carns Beutler -- and in honor of Larry and Sandy Schilke's 50th wedding anniversary, for the Innovation Academy capital campaign
David and Veanna Selid, in memory of Doug Ganje
Elaine (Nelson) Sommers, in memory of Jerry Martinson
Craig McIvor, in memory of Jerry Martinson, Vern Owan, Elaine Sinness, for the Ben McIvor Memorial Scholarship
Did You Know?
We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts.
We are thrilled to announce that we have set up two qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation: The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment and the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools. The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WPSD #1!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
From Pool to School:
WPSD #1 Comes Up With a Unique Solution
After multiple failed attempts to pass a bond referendum that would build schools for Williston Public School District #1, the school board went back to the proverbial drawing board. And the solution? Well, it’s more like a diving board.
The District recently announced its intentions to spring into action, with a goal of raising $5 million to turn the old indoor pool, the E. J. Hagan Aquatics Center, into a 2-story “Innovation Academy” that would take 400 students out of the existing Bakken Elementary and WMS, alleviating the over-crowding in 2 of the district’s buildings, and paving the way for a pilot program of the district’s intentions of providing personalized learning to all its students.
The construction proposal, which would have a total price-tag of $13.8 million, will also convert unused “shop” facility in the Bakken/Middle School campus into classroom space, further helping the two schools with seating capacity. With the help of monies from their existing building fund, the school board is hopeful that the mixture of industry and community members can come together to cover the difference and make this project a reality.
With hopes of breaking ground yet this fall for a 2020 opening of the “innovation academy,” the district is ready for a sprint when it comes to fundraising. Their goal is to have at least $3 million in pledges or donations by August to be able to confidently authorize the project to be put out for bids and begun before winter.
The Williston Coyote Foundation has been a long-time supporter of WPSD #1, through our scholarship program for both teachers and students, through grants for teachers, and through funding for the schools. Our mission is “to promote and support Williston Public Schools…” and we strongly believe that this proposal is worthy of our support.
If you want to help in the efforts for this capital campaign, either monetarily or otherwise, please email me at codi.austreim@willistonschools.org.
Personally, I’ve never known of a community better than ours at coming together in a time of need. If any town can make this proposal happen, it’s Williston. Together, we can make a big splash and provide a viable solution to a real problem facing our hometown.
Linda Hotchkiss, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Don Urbatsch
Linda Davis, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Don Urbatsch
Renee Smedsrud, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Don Urbatsch
Boy Scout Troop 368, for the Lanny Holgerson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Mack, for the Anderson Family Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson (from Lisa, Shelly, Charlie, Shelby, Nicole, Karin, Sheri, Angie, Kathy, and Hannah)
Gayle and Arlan Arnson, in memory of Dennis Olson and Cheryl Wang Nelson
The Perioperative Services Department at CHI St. Alexius, for the Anderson Family Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Candy and Jamie TeSoro, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Don Urbatsch
Linda Corner, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Don Urbatsch
Terri Otley, for the Anderson Family Scholarship, in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Boone and Susan Herring, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Karen and Larry Skaare, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Alan and Debra Fedorenko, in memory of Jackie Buschta and Don Urbatsch
2019 Reunion Updates
Reunion season is in full swing, so here's your latest updates!
WHS Class of 1969: the date is set for Homecoming this fall! See the picture below for contact information, schedule of events, and more information.
WHS Class of 1979: the dates are July 12-13.
Schedule is as follows: July 11 (Street Dance 5:00-9:00 downtown - wear your Class of ‘79 T-shirt (for those coming early) Friday July 12 Mixer and class pictures. Saturday morning school tours (by bus) Saturday night casual meal and video presentation.
We need the number attending each event (excluding street dance) Cost $50 which can be paid by mailing in, Venmo or at event. Contact is Deann Long or Jill Kleven
WHS Class of 1989: the dates are July 25th and 26th and they have a Facebook page called Williston High School Class of 1989 or you can contact Shawna Kirby Kleven.
Class of 2009: The date has been set for Homecoming -- September 27th and 28th. Haley Njos Flaten is the contact person.
Heritage Committee Members Sought
Reprint from last month -- still searching for committee members!!!
As previously announced, an effort by several Williston High School Alumni from the 50’s and 60’s to name the football field at the new high school “Legends Field” and to display a plaque at WHS with names of individuals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of students who attend(ed) Williston High School. Their intentions were to honor the proud heritage of Williston High School and recognize a legend from their time as Coyotes.
In October of 2018, the naming of the football field went through and was unanimously approved by the School Board. Then in February of 2019, the criteria of how a person could be nominated went through unanimously as well. With this approval, the first name was selected for the Legends Field plaque; that person is H.L. Pedersen, WHS staff member from 1951-1963.
In an effort to honor H.L. Pedersen and future Legends selected to receive the honor, the Coyote Foundation and the WPSD #1 School Board is asking for volunteers to start a "Heritage Committee." The committee will assist with the name selections for the Legends Field Plaque, plan events in conjunction with the honoring of individuals selected to be on the plaque, and assist with all aspects of the Legends Field project including the metal works and signage that needs to be added to the football field.
If you are interested in assisting with the creation of the WPSD #1 Heritage Committee for Williston High School, please email us at codi.austreim@willistonschools.org. We appreciate your willingness to help us honor and preserve our strong heritage at WHS.
Did You Know?
We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts.
We are thrilled to announce that we have set up two qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation: The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment and the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools. The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WPSD #1!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
Thanks to the generosity of Williston Public School District 1's alumni and friends, 60 WHS graduates received scholarships from the Williston Coyote Foundation, totally over $80,000, at the May 8th award ceremony.
A heartfelt thank you to all our outstanding donors for making this event possible, and a warm congratulations to the students who were selected to receive scholarships based on their academic excellence, their athletic accomplishments, their musical talents, and their citizenship:
Brady Aberle -- Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000; Dana Ebel Memorial Baseball Scholarship $500
Carson Arndt -- Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Hugh Long Family Scholarship $500; Josh Drew Turn It Around Scholarship $300
Samantha Barrett -- Rita Anseth Memorial Scholarship $500; Eleanor and Jack Snyder Sr. Memorial Music Scholarship $750
Apollo Beck -- David “Jorgy” Jorgenson Memorial Scholarship $500; Cody Wentz Memorial Scholarship $500
Kinsley Bendixson -- Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Robert and Sharon Herman Memorial Scholarship $500; Gene and Elsie DeLorme Memorial Scholarship $500
Luca Beretta -- Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship $500; Taylor Nelson Memorial Scholarship $300; Nina Kjorstad Shelby Memorial Scholarship $500
Erick Bickler -- Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000; Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Lanny Holgerson Memorial Scholarship $500
Braedon Borseth -- Norm and Cleo Furuseth Memorial Scholarship $500; Lexi Meduna Memorial Scholarship $1000
Precious Dada -- Dr. Bob Olson Memorial Scholarship $500
Nash Dietz -- Charmaine Krenz Memorial Scholarship $1500
Brady Doeden -- Todd Gaudreau Memorial Scholarship $500; Robert and Sharon Herman Memorial Scholarship $500; Marty and Arlis Haug Family Scholarship $1000; H.L. Pedersen Memorial Scholarship $500
Jacob Donner -- Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship $500; Josephine and Don Stockman Memorial Scholarship $500
Rhys Enget -- Robert and Sharon Herman Memorial Scholarship $500
Abigail Fagerland -- WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship $500; WHS Class of 1980 Memorial Scholarship $500
Katherine Fearing -- WHS Class of 1975 Memorial Scholarship $1000; Greg Ough Memorial Scholarship $500
Lauren Fearing -- Polivka Family Nursing Scholarship $1000 *renewable one year
Sydney Fearing -- Marek Trust Memorial Scholarship $500; Roger Breezley Memorial Scholarship $500
Justice Ferrell -- WHS Class of 1996 Memorial Scholarship $500
Jacob Geiss -- Charmaine Krenz Memorial Scholarship $1500
Hudson Gendreau -- Marek Trust Memorial Scholarship $500
Kennedy Gerbig -- Charmaine Krenz Memorial Scholarship $1500; Bob Abernethy Memorial Scholarship $500
Chase Glueckert -- Aric Quarne Memorial Music Scholarship $500; Ben McIvor Memorial Scholarship $500
Madison Gutknecht -- Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000
Reed Hanson -- Sonny and Patricia Hanson Scholarship $500; Oliver & Hilda Hanson Memorial Scholarship $500; Dana Ebel Memorial Basketball Scholarship $500; Arlo Hendrickson Memorial Scholarship $500
Samantha Hazzard -- Carole Amb Memorial Teaching Scholarship $300; E. Clare Stepanek Memorial Scholarship $1200
Nikole Hellen -- Floyd and Hildegarde Penfield Memorial Scholarship $500; Cathie Carl Gendreau Memorial Scholarship $500
Jalyn Helstad -- Donn Skadeland Memorial “Player of the Game” Basketball Scholarship $500 (3x winner); Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000; Riewe Sisters Memorial Girls Basketball Scholarship $250
Jana Horob -- John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment Scholarship $1000
Hayden Kemp -- Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000; Donald Stewart Memorial Scholarship $250; Janet Hughes Laqua Memorial Scholarship $1250
Riley Kemp -- Tyler Jangula Memorial Scholarship $500; Robert Barkie Memorial Scholarship $500; H. L. Pedersen Memorial Scholarship $500
Olivia Karwoski -- E. Clare Stepanek Memorial Scholarship $1200
Samantha Krogfoss -- Anderson Family Scholarship $1000
Camberly Lerbakken -- Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Ted Schmitz Memorial Scholarship $1000; Annie Barkie Memorial Scholarship $500
Jadyn Linnehan -- Cheri Fay Brakey Memorial Scholarship $1000
Emily Lux -- Gene and Elsie DeLorme Memorial Scholarship $500; Nelson/Freeman Memorial Scholarship $500
Karter Mack -- Tyler Jangula Memorial Scholarship $500; Alfred and Jennie Solberg Memorial Scholarship $1000
Jolyssa Marquardt -- Annie Barkie Memorial Bunko Scholarship $1000; Rick, Debbie, and Josh Waitman Memorial Scholarship $500
Abigail Martin -- Lloyd Larson Memorial History Scholarship $500; Lexi Meduna Memorial Little Scholars Scholarship $500
Conner Martin -- Eleanor and Jack Snyder Sr. Memorial Music Scholarship $750; Nelson/Freeman Memorial Scholarship $500
Colette Mattila -- Charmaine Krenz Memorial Scholarship $1500
Kyla Melland -- Jim Geierman Memorial Scholarship $1000; Neff, Eiken, & Neff Law Firm Scholarship $500
Stacey Meyer -- Lavonne Lowe Nelson Memorial Scholarship $500
Alli Monson -- Roger Breezley Memorial Scholarship $500; Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship $500
Thaddeus Moore -- Galen Germundson Memorial Scholarship $1000
Bailee Murray -- Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Dwight and Carole Montgomery Memorial Scholarship $500
Carly-Anne Nicholson -- Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Doug and Donnette Taylor Family Scholarship $1000
Ellie Ogaard -- Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship $500
Juanita Pina -- Annie Barkie Memorial Scholarship $500; Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship $250; Kristi Grove Wells Memorial Bunko Scholarship $1000
Ann Reinke -- Dr. Jerry Olson Memorial Scholarship $500; Brian Shirley Memorial Scholarship $500
Alexis Renner -- Dr. T.C. Ritter Memorial Scholarship $950
Peyton Richardson -- Rita Anseth Memorial Scholarship $500; Lois Schmitz Memorial Scholarship $1000
Matthew Richter -- Janet Hughes Laqua Memorial Scholarship $1250; Williston Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship $500
Shannon Ring -- Cathie Carl Gendreau Memorial Scholarship $500; Dick Jensen Memorial Scholarship $500
Sariah Sanders -- Eleanor and Jack Snyder Sr. Memorial Music Scholarship $750; Virgil Syverson Memorial Music Scholarship $500
Christopher Sathe -- Ron Martin Memorial Baseball Scholarship $500; Kim Pflepsen Memorial Scholarship $1000
Anna Scallon -- Upper Missouri United Sportsmen Scholarship $1000; Lexi Meduna Memorial Scholarship $1000
Mirada Senior -- Anderson Family Scholarship $1000
Taylor Swenson -- Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship $500; Charmaine Krenz Memorial Scholarship $1500
Katelyn Way -- Henry Ceglowski Memorial Scholarship $500; Ruth Hegge Fay Memorial Scholarship $1000
Jessie Yeager -- WHS Class of 1962 Memorial Scholarship $500
OneOK has gifted Williston Public Schools a donation of 5 300E Chromebooks with licensing and starter packs for the district's elementary schools. With the district working towards the goal of 1 to 1 technology, this donation will help provide support for the initiative.
This is the 2nd year in a row that OneOK has awarded a grant to the Williston Coyote Foundation on behalf of Williston Public Schools, and we are grateful for their support of the "Coyote Family"!
Amanda Simard & Alexa Stevens, to start the Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship in memory of their father
Larry and Maureen Laqua, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Lewis and Clark PTO, for the Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship
Lewis and Clark Activity, for the Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship
Sheila and Brian Haaland, for the Annie Barkie Memorial Scholarship
The Bunko Gals, for the Annie Barkie Memorial Scholarship and the Kristi Grove Wells Memorial Scholarship
David and Jean Nelson, in memory of Dennis Olson -- Class of 63
Arlan and Gayle Arnson, in memory of Schawn Schmitz
Roger and Ellen Britton, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Greg and Kay Anderson, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Gerald and Cheryl Fleck, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Clyde and Janell Sailer, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Barkie Family Trust, for the Robert Barkie Memorial Scholarship
Greg and Kim DeLorme, for the Gene and Elsie DeLorme Memorial Scholarship
Josh Drew, for the Josh Drew Turn-It-Around Scholarship
Arvid and Judy Johnson, in memory of Dennis Olson -- Class of 63
Dawn Hustad and Kris Meduna, for the Lexi Meduna Memorial Scholarship, in memory of their daughter, Lexi Meduna
Loree Olson
Mike and Christina Jungels, for the Todd Gaudreau Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Kevin Bercier, Stacy Lutz Johnston, Scott Lippert, Jared Schwann, Alexis Meduna, and Todd Gaudreau
Darla Whitty, for the WHS Class of 1980 Memorial Scholarship
Kurt Stoner, in memory of Carole Sinness
Larry and Elaine Doeden, for the H.L. Pedersen Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Roger Altenburg
Chad and Erin Thuner, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Monica Jeanotte, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
David and Diane Clinton, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Deb Richter, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Rick and Janet Tangedal, for the Donn Skadeland Memorial Basketball Scholarship, in memory of Baby K Magalei
Franklin McCoy, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Dan and Chris Will, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Joe and Wanda Meyer, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Ken and Darci Kjos, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Christine Glueckert, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Christie Lininger, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
WHS Staff, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Wayne Anderson, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of his wife, Jennifer Anderson
OneOK, grant for 5 Lenovo 300E Chromebooks
Williston Middle School's National Junior Honor Society, for the Taylor Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Lowell and Carol Sandvik, in memory of Roger Alternburg
Darryl and Carolyn Whitecloud, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
John and DaVee MacMaster, for the Anderson Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Jennifer Anderson
Paula and Russell Schilke, for the Todd Gaudreau Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Bruce Vig, Elva "Jean" Nelson, Schawn Schmitz, Janet Whritenour, and Betty Salvevold
Heritage Committee Members Sought
As previously announced, an effort by several Williston High School Alumni from the 50’s and 60’s to name the football field at the new high school “Legends Field” and to display a plaque at WHS with names of individuals who have made an exceptional difference in the lives of students who attend(ed) Williston High School. Their intentions were to honor the proud heritage of Williston High School and recognize a legend from their time as Coyotes.
In October of 2018, the naming of the football field went through and was unanimously approved by the School Board. Then in February of 2019, the criteria of how a person could be nominated went through unanimously as well. With this approval, the first name was selected for the Legends Field plaque; that person is H.L. Pedersen, WHS staff member from 1951-1963.
In an effort to honor H.L. Pedersen and future Legends selected to receive the honor, the Coyote Foundation and the WPSD #1 School Board is asking for volunteers to start a "Heritage Committee." The committee will assist with the name selections for the Legends Field Plaque, plan events in conjunction with the honoring of individuals selected to be on the plaque, and assist with all aspects of the Legends Field project including the metal works and signage that needs to be added to the football field.
If you are interested in assisting with the creation of the WPSD #1 Heritage Committee for Williston High School, please email us at codi.austreim@willistonschools.org. We appreciate your willingness to help us honor and preserve our strong heritage at WHS.
Did You Know?
We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts.
We are thrilled to announce that we have set up two qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation: The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment and the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools. The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WPSD #1!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
With May upon us, we are only a week away from the 2019 Williston Coyote Foundation Awards Night. This year, we have 60 students who will receive scholarships to further their education. And with over 100 scholarships to give away, it is sure to be an amazing night for all involved. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the Williston High School Class of 2019 on Wednesday, May 8th, at 7:00 pm in the Williston High School auditorium.
Gifts to the Foundation:
Ann Carns, in memory of Wally Hapip
Cheryl Nelson Harris, Calvin Nelson, and Curtis Nelson, for the Lavonne Lowe Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Paula and Russell Schilke, in memory of Delores Weyrauch, Joan Bekkedahl, and Olga Sundet -- for the Todd Gaudreau Memorial Scholarship
Robert Erdahl, for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship
Jean "Jamie" MacMaster Quinlan, in memory of Verona Wegley Lechler -- for the Neva MacMaster Memorial Scholarship and the Bud MacMaster Memorial Scholarship
Stan and Amy Reep, in memory of Marion Olson and Cheryl Nelson
Luella Krabseth, in memory of Marion Olson
CCP Properties, in memory of Dr. Bob Olson -- for the Bob Abernethy Memorial Scholarship
Gerald and Aileen Behm, in memory of Olive Kirby Larson
Ann Holmen, for the Gene and Elsie Delorme Memorial Scholarship
Boone and Susan Herring, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Little Scholars Preschool, to create the Lexi Meduna Memorial Scholarship
Larry and Elaine Doeden, in memory of Cleo Lowe -- for the H. L. Pedersen Memorial Scholarship
Richard Ness
Marlene Teske, in memory of Cheryl Nelson
Jay and Amy Wells, in memory of Lexi Meduna, Todd Gaudreau, Bob Olson, and Cleo Furuseth
Neff, Eiken, and Neff Law, PC., for the Neff, Eiken, and Neff Law Scholarship
Gayle and Arlan Arnson, in memory of Lexi Meduna and Joe Jackman
Merri Jo Hendrickson, for the Arlo Hendrickson Memorial Scholarship
Sarah Sando, to create the Anderson Family Scholarship
Wayne and Jennifer Anderson, to create the Anderson Family Scholarship
David and Jean Nelson, in memory of Cheryl Nelson
Donna and Wayne Barke, in memory of John Fougner
Mike and Lori Erickson, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Upper Missouri United Sportsmen, for the UMUS Scholarship
Margaret Conlin, in memory of Viola TeSoro, Wally Hapip, and Olive (Kirby) Larson -- for the WHS Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship
Mikaela Rehak, for the Leslee Bublitz Memorial Scholarship
Joyce McCoy and the Potluck Girls, in memory of Cleo Lowe
Lewis and Clark PTO, for the Lewis & Clark Explorers Alumni Scholarship
Amanda Simard & Alexa Stevens, to create the Doug Stevens Memorial Scholarship
Larry and Maureen Laqua, in memory of Harold Tvedt
Alumni Deaths:
Kevin Bercier, Class of 1981, died 4/11/2019, in Williston, ND https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/kevin-bercier/article_abb2ddb6-6076-11e9-aae5-17c2dedbfff8.html
Susan Brostuen, Class of 1979, died 4/9/2019, in Denver, CO https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/susan-elaine-brostuen/article_cbc40a22-5f3f-11e9-bc96-f73bd64a5395.html
Alexis "Lexi" Meduna, WHS student, died 4/7/2019, in Williston, ND https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/alexis-lexi-meduna/article_08b92262-5bd7-11e9-89f7-c313e5a5454d.html
Cheryl (Wang) Nelson, Class of 1963, died 3/31/2019, in Minot, ND https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/cheryl-nelson/article_546f5eb4-57e1-11e9-9013-2f75054de77a.html
Tim Wentz, Class of 1989, died 4/20/2019, in Carolville, ND https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/timothy-tim-wentz/article_d092c432-65e1-11e9-b9d9-fb95c4bc33eb.html
Wally Hapip, Class of 1971, died 3/27/19, in Bismarck, ND https://www.willistonherald.com/obituaries/wally-hapip/article_da9c34ca-524c-11e9-95ed-bb0b739a2041.html
Marion Olson, Class of 1951, died 3/29/19, in Williston, ND https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/marion-olson-obituary?pid=192036110
Student Spotlight: Skills USA Students in the Williston High School Construction Trades and Auto Technology classes competed at Skills USA in Wahpeton, ND, this April. Multiple students placed 1st or 2nd in their events.
Construction Trades:
-Teamworks A. took 1st: Alex Lund, Joe Leonard, Tucker Jackman, Darion Sims.
-Team B. Took 2nd: Trevyn Sundby, Izrehias Diaz, Braden Decker, Dawson Tangedal.
-Seth Brunelle took 1st in Plumbing
-Jorge Sanchez took 1st in Electrical, Edgar Gutierrez took 4th
-Ethan Jones took 15th in Carpentry
Auto Tech: -Corbin Peter's took 2nd, Riley Kemp 16th, Zach Holland 22nd.
Congratulations to all of these hard-working students! What a great accomplishment for them!
Bond Referendum Fails --
District Forced to Wait Full Year Before A New Vote
Falling just shy of reaching a "super majority," the Williston Public School District #1 bond referendum to build 2 new elementary schools and add on to the high school failed and cannot legally be brought back to the public for 365 days.
School board members and school officials are now left to come up with temporary solutions to fix the over-crowding in the district's schools. One way they will attempt to relieve some space issues is to apply for a $3.1 million grant from the state of ND. See the full article in the Williston Herald below.
We do so much more than scholarships at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We also look for ways to help the schools through unrestricted funds donated to our Foundation, grants written on behalf of the schools, and donor-specific gifts.
We are thrilled to announce that we have set up two qualified charitable endowments through the Williston Coyote Foundation: The Nadine Sukut Bloomquist Memorial Endowment and the John and Cathy Schmitz Endowment for the Betterment of Williston Schools. The State of North Dakota offers a tax credit for donations of $5000 or more to a qualified endowment, and we would be happy to discuss how your donation can be utilized in the best possible way for both you and the schools, students, and teachers at WPSD #1!
If you or your company would like to know more about ways you can help Williston Public Schools, please feel free to contact us at the Williston Coyote Foundation. We would love to visit with you about how your donation can be used for the benefit of the schools, students, and staff of WPSD #1.
As always, your donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated. You can donate conveniently online or can mail any donations to our address listed below. We could not continue our mission of promoting and supporting Williston Public School District #1 without the help of our generous donors!
