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< Hall of Fame Duane Bobick Class of 1968 Inducted May 2010 Duane Bobick is a 1968 graduate of Royalton High School where he excelled in three sports. Ironically, it was a sport that he did not play as a high school student that brought him worldwide fame, boxing. Bobick was a boxer who became the World Amateur Heavyweight Champion in 1971, and also won the gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games. He fought for the United States at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. Bobick had an outstanding amateur career that included a win over Cuba's famous Teófilo Stevenson at the 1971 Pan American Games. Bobick took down another future champion when he defeated Larry Holmes to be named to the 1972 U.S. Olympic boxing team. Bobick trained with and was managed by heavyweight legend Joe Frazier. He had a tentative contract with Muhammed Ali in 1976, but the fight never materialized. He took a 38-0 record with 32 KO's into the ring against powerful Ken Norton, who was later the heavyweight champion, but lost the bout. Bobick’s pro record was 48-4 with 42 KOs with wins over several notable contenders. Bobick returned to Minnesota and worked in heavy equipment work before a machine accident nearly killed him in 1997. After that he went into coaching and public speaking, using his celebrity to encourage and help others. Bobick was a 1997 Acts of Kindness: Governor's Volunteer Award Winner for his service as a volunteer which included school, church and hospital volunteer work. In November 2006, Bobick was elected as a city councilman in Little Falls. Duane has been married to his wife Debi for over 20 years, they have two daughters.

< Hall of Fame Tom Sobieck Class of 1968 Inducted May 2016 Tom Sobieck was a 1968 graduate of Royalton High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Tom was very involved in the arts. He was a member of the chorus and played baritone in the band and marching band. Tom also spent some time on stage and played the role of a bum in a production by O. Henry, titled Full House, in his senior class play. Following graduation from Royalton High School, Tom attended Bemidji State University where he obtained a degree in Earth Sciences. Upon graduation from college, he joined the Navy and was commissioned as an Ensign O-1 in March 1973. Tom received his Naval Flight Officer Wings later that year and scored high enough in performance in the Training Command to be selected to fl-y F-4J Phantoms. Tom’s first deployment was to Vietnam and at the time of his assignment the war was winding down. Tom transitioned to flying the F-14 A Tomcat and made several deployments to places such as Eastern Pacific, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. In Tom’s climb up the Navy ranks, he was selected as an instructor in the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and was promoted to the Executive Officer position. Tom also showcased his skills as an enemy (Soviet) in the little Black F-5’s for the movie Top Gun. In 1989, he was selected for Command of a Fleet Fighter Squadron as well as the VF 51 (The Screaming Eagles). Tom attended US Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island receiving a Master of Arts in National Defense and Strategic Studies. He was promoted to bonus Command of the Navy’s largest F-14 Fighter Squadron VF-124. To give you an idea of this position, Tom directed this squadron that had fifty two aircraft and more than twelve hundred men and women assigned to train new Fleet Replacement Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Tom retired from the Navy with twenty five years of service in August of 1998. In describing his achievements in the Navy, Tom has this to say, “None of the aforementioned accomplishments would have been possible without the foundations for study and discipline I learned during my years growing up and being educated by those hard working and little appreciated teachers and administrators at Royalton High School.” Tom is very proud of his heritage and upbringing and it can be summed up in this quote: “I have had the opportunity to see thousands of people in my lifetime and very few individuals measure up character wise to those of us who had the good fortune to attend a school like Royalton.” Tom and his wife Bonny live in Paseo Cardiel, California. They have two children, Kristen and Erin and spend as much time as they can with their five grandchildren.

< Hall of Fame Jennifer Fussy Class of 1988 Inducted May 2015 Jennifer Fussy was a 1988 graduate of Royalton High School where she excelled in athletics and in the classroom. Jennifer was a driven student athlete and never backed down from a challenge. Jennifer was a very decorated student athlete, she was a two-time letter winner in Cross Country, and a four-time letter winner in basketball. She also was an All Prairie Conference award winner her sophomore, junior and senior year and was All State Honorable Mention in Class A. However, Jennifer’s true passion really came to life on the baseball diamond. Jennifer entered onto the varsity baseball team her freshman year and played stints at first base where she proved to be an excellent fielder. She made her debut on the mound as a relief pitcher during her freshman year against Grey Eagle. In her sophomore year, she started as a pitcher and was able to record her first W. According to the MSHSL, to this date Jennifer is the only female to record a pitching win in a high school baseball game. Jennifer went on to letter in baseball her freshmen, sophomore, and junior year. In her senior year, Royalton fast pitch softball program was in its second year and Jennifer was able to participate with her female peers and she earned All Prairie Conference honors. Her athletic achievements and involvement in student activities did not stop there. She was selected as the female Athlete of the Year her junior and senior years, President of the Letterman’s Club, Student Council Representative, Art Club Member, and earned numerous scholarships. Following graduation from Royalton High School, she attended St. Cloud State University where she majored in Special Education. Jennifer graduated in May of 1994 and accepted a job at Mora Public Schools that fall. While at Mora Public Schools, she has taught Special Education in all levels and facets for their K-12 education. Jennifer directs the Focus program for Mora High School which she developed in 2008 and modeled after other successful programs supporting the at-risk population. In this capacity, she and the Mora ALC staff have worked together to provide interventions and support to the at-risk students improving attendance and graduation rates. On a daily basis, one can witness her effectiveness with this population of students. She is truly interested in each student’s needs and interests, forms lasting relationships, and because of this, her students work hard to pass classes and stay in school. Jennifer recently completed her educational administration certification with hopes of becoming a school leader. Jennifer has numerous positive attributes; many of those she will admit were instilled during her involvement in athletics at Royalton High School. She is described by her coworkers as being exceptionally organized, a strong team player, a motivating leader who effectively communicates and collaborates with teachers, staff, and parents. Jennifer is an avid outdoorsman, and volunteers in the summer recreation youth baseball and softball programs. She and her husband Troy, reside in Mora, with their children, Riley and Rita.

< Hall of Fame Tim Prom Class of 1987 Inducted May 2017 Tim Prom was the fifth child in a family of ten brothers and sisters. The Don and Mary Prom family lived west of Bowlus on a family farm and instilled the values of hard work, commitment, and being a team player. These attributes helped mold Tim to be the educational leader that he is today. Tim Prom graduated from Royalton High School in 1987 where he took an active role participating in a multitude of activities that school had to offer. He honed his athletic skills and excelled in football, basketball, track & field, and baseball. Tim earned nine varsity letters and seven All-Conference awards. Tim was involved in the arts through Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Drama Club, and participated in the school plays. He was also a class officer in Student Council, in the Letterman's Club, and the Homecoming King. Following graduation from Royalton High School, Tim attended Brainerd Community College, now Central Lakes College, where he continued his involvement in a positive school culture. He played football as quarterback from 1987-1989, was captain of the team, participated in RC Cola Bowl game, and played basketball. Additionally, he was Secretary of the Student Senate and was the Homecoming King. In 1989, Tim chose to attend St. Cloud State where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Education. During this time, he shifted his contributions from athlete to coach of Royalton's freshman basketball and high school track & field teams. Tim spent the first 14 years of his career as a teacher of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students, starting out in Fairmont, MN. However, he spent the majority of his teaching career at Buffalo Middle School with 6th graders. He was awarded the Leadership in Educational Excellence Award (LEEA) in 2006. Beyond the classroom, he offered his coaching abilities to all levels of middle and high school athletics in football, basketball, and track. Some of his discus and shot put throwers advanced to the state tournament. A personal highlight for Tim was the opportunity to coach all three of his daughters from 3rd to 8th grade in basketball and softball. Tim advanced his own education by achieving his Master's in Education Degree in 2001 and his Administrative Degree in 2005, both from St. Mary's University. He served as the Assistant Principal of Pinewood Elementary School in Monticello, MN for the 2006-2007 school year. He moved to the Annandale district to be the Head Middle School Principal in 2007, and has been there ever since. In administrative role, Tim has implemented a number of building wide programs geared toward closing the achievement gaps to help students of AMS become more successful. He initiated and helped write a grant to obtain district-wide technology in 2008, outfitting all classrooms in the district with SMART boards, projectors and other technology. This, and many other efforts were honored by awarding him the 2009 Outstanding Service Award. Most recently, Tim was selected as the Central Division Principal of the year in May 2015 by the Central Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. This award lead to him receiving the statewide Secondary Principal of the year award, which he humbly accepted in January 2016. He is the first to give credit to the team of teachers, administrators, and students he works with as well as his family for their continued support. His colleges value his personal approach to leadership. He encourages his staff to continue to develop their teaching skills, take risks by trying new teaching methods, work together, and to make decisions based on the best interest of students. His open-door policy sets the tone for a positive school culture. In March of 2017, Tim accepted the position of Superintendent of Annandale Schools and will begin this role in July 2017. Tim and his wife Becky reside in St. Augusta and they have three daughters, Alexis, Abby and Grace.

< Hall of Fame Jim Langer Class of 1966 Inducted May 2010 Jim Langer is a 1966 graduate of Royalton High School and a 1970 graduate of South Dakota State University. Langer was an all-conference football and baseball player at SDSU and was an All-American in baseball in 1969. Upon graduating from SDSU, Langer was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was signed as a free agent by the Cleveland Browns in 1970, but was released to the Miami Dolphins where he played for 10 seasons, including the perfect 17-0 season of 1972. He was the MVP of the Miami Dolphins in 1976, selected as an All-Pro 5 times, and played in the Pro-Bowl 6 times in his career. Langer played in three Super Bowls and was elected on the 1st Ballot in 1987 to the NFL Hall of Fame. Langer has also been named to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and has been recognized as a distinguished alumni and member of the SDSU Hall of Fame. Since his pro football career, Langer has amassed ten years of commercial banking experience, 19 years in the truck equipment business owning his own business, Custom Truck Accessories. He is a past board member of such organizations as the United Way, Red Cross, and Boy Scouts of America. Langer is a retired captain of the US Army Reserve. He has been married to his wife Lynda for 41 years and has 4 children and 3 grandchildren.

< Hall of Fame Leo Wenner Class of 1954 Inducted May 2011 Leo Wenner graduated from Royalton High School in 1954. He began driving bus for the Royalton School District in 1959 and in 2011, 52 years later you can still find Leo behind the wheel of a school bus. To put this in perspective, a senior about to graduate from RHS in 1959 at the age of 18 would most likely be retired today and would be looking forward to their 70th Birthday in the next few years! Leo has driven our busses as a route driver and has transported many teams and activity busses over the years. The average school bus route in the Royalton District is approximately 38 miles. If you average this route twice a day for approximately 170 days per year for 52 years, the mileage adds up to almost 672,000 miles in a Royalton school bus! Leo has transported his, and his wife Joan’s, children and grandchildren as students at RHS.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment January 2019 Student of the Month Rebeka Daniel Rebeka Daniel, daughter of Brian and Melanie Daniel, has been named January Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). She has two younger siblings, Lukus and Lilieana, who are also students at Royalton. Daniel listed her favorite class and teacher as Composition I with English teacher Ron Makela. “Mr. Makela pushes you to do and be your best, and no matter what is going on in your life he won't give up on you.” “In the classroom, Rebeka is a leader, sharing ideas in discussions and offering assistance to her peers,” Makela said of Daniel. “While she has a very serious side that is hard-working and goal-oriented, she also shares her warm, personal side with her peers and teachers. Math teacher Jeff Schoenrock said, “Rebeka is hard working, goal oriented, and determined. Rebeka will push herself to overcome any obstacle she faces. In my college Precalculus class Rebeka will work until she has figured out how things need to be done. She has always been very respectful and will help peers.” Daniel is involved in Business Professionals of America (BPA), Cross Country, and Track and Field. Rebeka says he favorite high school memory was the 2018 Pepe Fest for Homecoming where the juniors and seniors were throwing candy at each other. Future Plans for Daniel include attending St.Catherine University where she will major in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and Minor in Physical Fitness. Rebeka’s advice to freshmen is, “High school goes by quicker than you think, just relax, have fun, study hard, and love every bit of it.”

< Hall of Fame Eric Albright Class of 1992 Inducted May 2014 Eric Albright, a 1992 graduate of Royalton High School, was highly involved in many aspects of student life. In the performing arts and activities he was a member of student council, involved in Letterman’s Club, the school newspaper, knowledge bowl, band, National Honor Society, drama and One Act Play. At the District 19 One-Act Play competition in 1992 Royalton earned its first District Championship and Eric was voted District 19 Outstanding Male Actor. Eric was also the valedictorian of his graduating class. Albright was also a Royalton four-sport athlete. He was four-year letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball. During his junior and senior years, he was letter winner in track-and-field and was a member of the Prairie Conference champion 4 x 1 relay team. For three years, Eric earned All-Conference honors in baseball and basketball and was voted Conference MVP in basketball his senior year. During Eric’s high school career along with a strong group of fellow athletes they were the nucleus of an era in which Royalton transitioned from second division programs to conference powers. As a result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, Eric was a member of five conference championship teams. After graduation, Eric attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies Education in 1996. While at Hamline, he was a two-year captain of the university's baseball team leading the Piper pitching staff- in wins in 1995. After graduation Albright attended the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and worked in the Gulf Coast League as a professional umpire during the 1997 baseball season. He was recruited, and strongly encouraged to continue his aspiring umpiring career, but he instead decided to pursue a future in education and coaching instead. Eric was hired as a Social Studies teacher in the fall of 1997 at Midland High School in Midland, Michigan. He continued his love of baseball as he joined the baseball coaching staff- the following spring. Coach Albright took over as the head baseball coach of the Midland High School Chemics team in 2003, and over the past ten years his Chemics have an overall record of 253-92 including three Saginaw Valley League titles in (2005, 2010, 2012), and one district championship in (2010). Saginaw Valley is considered the strongest high school baseball conference in all of Michigan. Since 2003, his teams with Eric at the helm have won at least 20 games in every season. Eric inspires athletes to play baseball beyond high school and as a result, seventeen of his Chemics have played college baseball, including five at the Division I level. He served as the varsity assistant coach on their 1998 state championship team and was the junior varsity baseball coach from 1999-2002. Eric has served as Athletic Director at Midland High School since 2010, and continues as the head baseball coach for the Chemics. He and his wife Monique, live in Midland, Michigan with their children, Josh, Maya and Carter.

< Hall of Fame Kathleen (Justin) Schultz Class of 1970 Inducted May 2010 Schultz graduated from RHS in 1970, before there were any girls sports being played in Royalton. She was active in almost every other activity offered including drama, debate, band, choir, and cheerleading. Schultz was also a member of the National Honor Society and a delegate to Girls State in 1969. After high school she went to St. Cloud State to pursue a career in teaching. While at SCSU, women’s sports were beginning to emerge. Schultz was active in volleyball where SCSU captured the 1973 intercollegiate state tournament championship, badminton, basketball, and softball where she posted a .538 lifetime batting average. Kathleen played recreational softball for many years and has participated in national tournaments in Salt Lake City, UT, Duluth, MN and Savannah, GA. Kathleen has been a teacher in southern Minnesota since 1974 and has coached in the United South Central school district and in the Mankato area schools with a great deal of success. She was the Mankato Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2005-06. Schultz has been an official for the MSHSL State Volleyball Tournament for 8 years. Schultz is a member of the Mankato Softball Players Association Hall of Fame and a 1989 inductee to the St. Cloud State Athletic Hall of Fame. Schultz has two sons and a grandson and lives in North Mankato.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment December 2021 Student of the Month Erin Borash Royalton High School is proud to announce that Erin Borash was selected as Student of the Month for December. Erin is the daughter of Ronald and Ann. When it comes to family Erin says the support she gets from them has been extremely important, “My family has been extremely supportive of me and I really can’t thank them enough. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the value of hard work. I am thankful for the experience farm life has given me, and know that the responsibilities have given me a stronger work ethic. However, the most important lesson my family has taught me is to trust in God. While this path is often unclear and confusing, I feel blessed to have my parents and 7 older siblings to watch as examples. My family pushes me to give my best effort in everything I do, whether during a race, on a school project, or just in everyday life.” At Royalton High School, Erin is involved in many activities, she participates in Cross Country where she was a state qualifier, Track and Field, student council, Minnesota Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, YES/Tech Club, Jazz Band and FFA. Erin believes all these activities plays a large role in her ability to meet people and make friends, “I would highly encourage all students to join a club or sport, they are a great way to get more involved in the school community and meet new people. I have gained amazing friendships through these activities over the years. Outside of school Erin spends time working on the family farm along with being an active member in the Holy Cross Catholic Church of North Prairie. There she is a member of the choir, a Religious Education teacher and a member of the Guardian Angels Youth Group. Erin is also a member of the Two Rivers Trailblazer 4H Club, she has shown just about every class of animal including chickens, ducks, geese, sheep and cows. Erin believes these activities have had a large impact on her life, “the Catholic faith is a fundamental aspect of my life and 4H has pushed me to become more involved in my community and to try new things.” When it comes to her classes Erin says her favorite class was the college writing Composition I & II. “I liked the challenge and work the class provided. It was satisfying to see myself improve over the course of the year as a writer. I would recommend this class to anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort this class demands. Many of the skills and concepts I have grasped from Composition can also apply to other classes and areas outside of school” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Erin says other than Comp I and II, chemistry was another favorite class and that was because of Mr. Thielges. “Chemistry was a close second to Composition, largely due to the teacher Mr. Thielges. He is a very knowledgeable teacher and makes his classes interesting. He pushed me to be a better student and challenged me with his classes. Mr. Thielges is a kind teacher, and I have great respect for him. When needed, he would also take time to help explain math homework that I or other students struggled with.” Erin’s favorite memory in high school was during the Cross-Country season at a meet in Holdingford, “My favorite high school memory was at the Holdingford cross country meet this past season which happened to fall on my birthday. While I was warming up for the race, my teammates rallied up all the other teams at the starting line and they all sang to me. Though it was a little embarrassing at first, it was a really special moment.” As for her favorite or best activity that she has been involved in, Erin again looks at Cross Country, “Being a part of the cross-country team for the past 7 years has been an experience I will look back on well after graduating. The sport has strengthened me mentally and physically, and I appreciate the challenge of it. My teammates and coaches likewise contributed to making my cross-country experience memorable. They were a very encouraging and energetic team and I will definitely miss my time there.” Next year Erin knows she is going to school, she’s just not 100% sure where yet, “I have not settled on a college yet, but am interested in pursuing a degree in animal science. Hopefully, I will also run cross country wherever I decide to go.” As to where she sees herself in 10 years, she has a couple ideas “I have agreed to become a live-in babysitter for my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law’s future children. However, on the off chance that that doesn't work out, in 10 years I hope to be happily married and start a family of my own, on a small farm.” When it comes to advice she would give to high school freshmen, this is what Erin had to say, “With all the craziness transpiring in the world these past couple of years, it can be easy to sit back and hit cruise. Do not let this happen. Your school days will be over before you know it, so do not be afraid to try new things and give your best effort. If you do this, in the end, you will look back at your school days comforted that you made the most out of the time given.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment May 2018 Student of the Month Jason Kasella Jason Kasella, son of Amy and Rob Kasella, was named the May Student of the Month by the faculty of Royalton High School (RHS). Jason’s siblings are Jacob, Megan, Katelyn, Krista and Matthew; Jason is the second youngest. Jason’s favorite class is Woods with Mr. Marty Bratsch as his teacher. He likes this class because he can be creative while working with his hands. His favorite teachers are Mr. Marty Bratsch, Mr. Robert Skwira, the Agriculture teacher and Mr. Carl Halverson, the Art teacher. His teachers had these comments about Jason. “When he walked into my room as a gangly seventh grader, he sported the kind of grin that makes you wonder what he's about to get away with. His work ethic was impeccable which brought him to success no matter what the assignment was. Although he's changed a lot since then, these two things haven't changed at all. He still has that big grin and that admirable "farm boy" work ethic. Add to this a quiet confidence and great sense of humor and you've got a young man who is destined to light up the world, in whatever career path that he chooses to pursue”. His Spanish teacher Ms. Lindsey Gruber states, “Jason is a leader among his peers and underclassmen. He is humble, determined, and a hard worker not only in the classroom, but on the mat, field, and in the hallways. These are valued characteristics in school, the workforce, and in today’s society. Jason is well-deserving of this recognition.” Mr. Robert Skwira states that “Jason is a very detailed individual who wants to do a good job and get it done right". Jason is actively involved in Football, Wrestling, and Tech/Yes Club. Jamie Morford, his football coach said, “Jason defines what it means to be a true team player and what we as a staff look for in our Royalton football leaders. He was asked his senior year to move from a position he had held for three years and take a less glorious position. In doing this he knew that this would make our team better and in turn give us a better odds at competing each week. Jason has always been a silent leader but has made huge impacts, not just on game night but every day at practice. He is always looking to push others to make themselves and the team better. Not only has he excelled on the field but does so in the classroom and with his peers. There have not been many like him but it is our hope that his legacy will pave the way for other future Royal Football players and emulate his leadership style and body of work”. His wrestling coach Terry Gorecki states, "Jason is a great leader on and off the wrestling mat. He has a great work ethic and is much disciplined in the classroom and on the mat. He is a great role model for all student athletes." Jason’s favorite memory is “Getting to the finals and being one win away in wrestling to go to state as a team”. After graduating, he plans on working for his father at Kasella Concrete, put up a chicken barn and continue farming. He sees himself in 10 years still working at KCI; possibly in the process of taking it over, owning a chicken barn and a hundred head of beef cattle and living locally with a wife and a few kids. The advice he would give to any freshman is “Try to enjoy school more than stressing about the work.”

< Hall of Fame Mary Jane and Carolyn DeZurik Community Members Inducted May 2012 Mary Jane and Carolyn DeZurik were born and raised on a farm east of Royalton. Joe and Mary DeZurik raised seven children including a son and six daughters who all loved to play and perform. Mary Jane and Carolyn used a mix of trick vocalizations, wildlife sounds, and yodels to create a distinct sound. They began their professional journey by winning various amateur competitions in central Minnesota. The DeZurik sisters were selected to perform on KSTP radio in St. Paul and to perform at the Morrison County Fair where they were noticed by a performer on the National Barn Dance Radio and Stage Show. They were invited to perform and were eventually hired by the performing company. The sisters traveled to Hollywood and appeared in a movie called “Barnyard Follies”. Carolyn and Mary Jane were hired by Purina Mills and appeared in advertising and soon found themselves performing weekly at the Grand Ole Opry and on television shows called Midwestern Hayride and National Barn Dance. Mary Jane died in 1981, sister Lorraine DeZurik (Kosny) who performed with her sisters passed away in May 2009, and Carolyn DeZurik (Gill) passed away at the age of 90 in 2009. Information on the DeZurik Sisters obtained from Hillbilly-music.com.