Welcome Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends!

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association! Your membership payment funds the distribution of our biannual alumni newsletter each fall and spring, the cost of database software to keep thousands of alumni connected, and other association services. We couldn't do what we do for our alumni without your support!

You can choose from two membership levels:

• • One-year membership - cost of $10 and will expire one year from your date of membership
      payment
• • Five-year membership - cost of $45 and will expire five years from your date of membership
      payment

To begin your new membership or renew your current membership, please begin by filling out the application below. When you complete your application, you will be prompted on the confirmation page to continue to our secure payment platform using the link provided. There, you can complete the payment step of your membership. Contact Taylor Weber at alumni@mphawks.org with any questions!

Membership Application

To complete your membership payment, you can either follow the payment link on the confirmation page of your membership application or use the button below to access our secure payment platform. You do not need to log in or create an account to complete your payment. Simply click on the "Alumni & Friends & FCCLA and FFA Dues" menu tile behind the login box, fill in the required fields for your transaction, and complete your payment!

Membership Payment Platform

Prefer to complete your membership offline? You can mail a check payable to Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association for your membership payment to:

Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association
1636 Hwy 22 East
Wellman, IA 52356

In 2017, a small group of alumni met to discuss the formation of an alumni association after discussions of the Mid-Prairie Foundation board proposed the idea. The district responded by creating and hiring for a Communications Specialist position to support this new Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association. This position worked hard to connect with alumni from all decades to gather information for the first alumni newsletter and begin building the association. From there, the Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association has grown into a database of over 5,000 alumni and friend contacts, a biannual newsletter full of articles and updates from alumni of all graduation years, and an annual 4-person best shot golf tournament fundraiser. Thank you to the original group of alumni who made their initial ideas into a reality!

A variety of graduating classes were represented at the Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association organizational meeting in November 2017.

Front Row: Cindy Marner '76, Hanna McDowell '03, Stacey Beeler '07, Sarah Huston '00,
Danielle Johnson '05.
Second Row: Sue Schweinfurth '81, Brittnee Schneider '10, Tara Horesowsky '10, Mitch Billups '02, Claudia Bishop '67, Kari Harland '97, Heather Trimpe '98, Doug Slaubaugh '63.
Back Row: Terry Mangold '65, Tom Duwa '73, Rob Stout '74, Jack Seward '74, Glenda Seward '74, Katie Miller '01, Jeremiah Gingerich '96, Kent Karnes, Greg Gent '82.
Not pictured: Jeremy Statler '90, Dale Stout '62, Lola McAndrew '75, Cheryl Miller '66.

The Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association provides the alumni newsletter each fall and spring. The alumni newsletter comprises various articles highlighting alumni, former staff members, and memorable events in the district. You are encouraged to submit your ideas and information for future newsletter articles!

We have several sections you can submit to, so share your ideas today! We welcome your contributions of photos, memories, updates, and ideas. Email Taylor Weber at alumni@mphawks.org with your input. We are currently seeking submissions for:

• • Alumni Highlight Articles - Have you or do you know someone who has a story to share about
      professional life, travels, achievements, etc?
• • Former Staff Feature Articles - Do you have a favorite teacher who has since retired that you'd
      like to see highlighted in a future newsletter?
• • Where Are They Now? - Were you a part of a group (sports, fine arts, clubs, etc.) that had a
      memorable season or achievement? We like to reminisce about past events in these articles and
      also catch up with alumni who were a part of it!
• • Alumni Updates - Do you have a life update to share? Submit information about a wedding,
      birth, job change, location change, achievement, or any other information you'd like to share with
      classmates.
• • Other Ideas - If you have other ideas or suggestions you'd like to see in future newsletters, send
      those in! We are always open to new ideas to keep the newsletter interesting and refreshed.

Would you like to be featured in a future newsletter? Fill out the form below to submit your information!

Alumni Profile Questionnaire

It's also important to ensure we have your current mailing address on file. If you do not receive a newsletter, have recently moved, or are unsure if we have your current address, fill the form out below:

alumni contact information form

Did you miss a newsletter? Check out previous issues here:

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021
• Spring 2021
• Fall 2020
• Spring 2020
• Fall 2019
• Spring 2019
• Fall 2018
• Spring 2018

The Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association continues to annually recognize alumni with the Alumni Achievement Awards. These awards honor alumni with outstanding achievements in a variety of areas. There are six award categories alumni can be nominated for: Achievement, Vocational, Service, Community Impact, Athletic, and Fine Arts. Descriptions of the categories and their requirements are below.

***************************************************************************************************
Please consider nominating alumni for their achievements!
For nominations, fill out the form HERE or email the information to alumni@mphawks.org. 
***************************************************************************************************

The nominations will be reviewed by a committee of board members, class reps, and teachers. Nominations can be submitted at any time. The six recipients will be selected in March of each year and recognized in the spring alumni newsletter, with awards presented at the Wellman 4th of July celebration, Kalona Days celebration, or Mid-Prairie Homecoming. Once nominated, the individual will stay on the list for consideration each year. 

MPCSD Alumni Achievement Award
Given to alumni who have earned recognition for their achievements and attributions in their professional life.
Criteria:
• Demonstrates a high level of achievement in his/her field and makes significant contributions to that field.
• Exhibits high moral character.

MPCSD Vocational Hall of Fame
Awarded to alumni with exceptional accomplishment in the area of vocational education while attending Mid-Prairie High School and/or have made an outstanding impact in their professional vocation.
Criteria:
• Significant contributions in a vocational area.
• Received recognition for leadership or service in their vocational area while in high school.
• Received recognition or honors in their vocational area after high school.
• Makes significant contributions and has sought out leadership in their professional vocation.

MPCSD Community Impact Hall of Fame
Awarded to alumni who should be rewarded for their service impact on the Mid-Prairie Community.
Criteria:
• Significant service contributions either while in school and/or post-high-school to the Mid-Prairie Community.
• Service may be for any purpose.
• Service may be in a non-compensated or a compensated capacity.
Other considerations:
• Outstanding character and leadership.
• Exhibits high moral character.

MPCSD Alumni Service Award
Given to alumni for specific and meritorious service to the MPCSD Alumni Association, or any other not-for-profit organization.
Criteria:
• Service must be for a not-for-profit organization in a non-compensated capacity.
• Exhibits high moral character.

MPCSD Fine Arts Hall of Fame
Awarded to alumni with exceptional accomplishment in the fine arts while attending Mid-Prairie High School.
Criteria:
• Significant contributions in his/her fine arts area.
• Conference honors and /or all-state recognition, or equivalent.
• Superior ratings earned in competition.
• Major roles in theater productions, solos, etc.
Other considerations:
• Successful participation in college and/or post-college.
• Major roles in theater productions, solos, etc. after high school.
• College scholarships in the fine arts disciplines.

MPCSD Athletic Hall of Fame
Awarded to alumni with exceptional accomplishment in athletics while attending Mid-Prairie High School. 
Criteria:
• Statistical records and/or awards received.
• All-conference, all-state and/or state championships earned.
Other considerations:
• Outstanding character and leadership.
• Successful participation in college and/or professional athletics.

Left to Right: Jerry Zahradnek ‘91 received the Community Impact Award, Gary and Becky Curtis accepted the Fine Arts Award on behalf of their daughters, Lacey Curtis Iverson ‘02 and Tiffany Curtis Strande ‘99, Mallory McArtor ‘13 received the Athletic Award, Jordan Montgomery ‘05 received the Achievement Award, Thomas Wade ‘66 received the Service Award, and Hayley Sieren Hershberger ‘11 received the Vocational Award.

 

Previous winners - 2009: Warren Olson, Pat Anderson, John Orr, Doug Goschke, Tim Grady, Dan Dickel, Bill Marks, Nick Peck. 2010: Boyd & Wilma Emde, Robert Gaston, Willis Miller, Donald Randol, Paul Swank. 2011: Stan & Corrinne Barber, Rose Dillard Belk, Elsie Zook Blosser, Velma & Fred Skola. 2012: Dwight & Junell Duwa, Don & Wilma Gingerich, Ken & Sue Kempf, Kenneth & Katheryn Kos. 2019: Steve Berger, Blake Hershberger, Jeremiah Gingerich, Don Showalter, Jessica Faselt, Steve Yotty. 2020: Doug Yotty, Brad Kinsinger, Lonnie Yoder, Dallas Duwa, Bill Niffenegger, Ryan Schlabaugh. 2021: Jonathan Gingerich, Renee Schrock Thompson, Doug Slaubaugh, Jim Seward, Jason Dumont, Luke Johnson Lovegood. 2022: Jake Fisher, Ronnie Hershberger, Janet Kos Ferry, Dan Clark, Tanner Miller, Sandra Reed. 2023: Cindy Malichky, Jeremy Statler, Mary Ellen Miller, Meg Peterseim Nagel, Dave Schlabaugh, Collette Conway McClellen. 2024: Jordan Montgomery, Hayley Sieren Hershberger, Thomas Wade, Jerry Zahradnek, Mallory McArtor, Lacey Curtis Iverson, Tiffany Curtis Strande.

Class reunions are a great way to stay connected with classmates and friends over the years! Your class is highly encouraged to hold reunions every five years (or more if you choose!), and reunions can be planned by anyone. The association can help with providing a class contact list and mailing labels if needed. We've also gathered together a few resources to help with your reunion planning.  As always, email alumni@mphawks.org for help or with any questions!

Reunion Planning Toolkit

Local Venues, Restaurants, & Caterers

Be sure to share your reunion photos and information for the next newsletter!
Email to alumni@mphawks.org.

It was a beautiful day at the Kalona Golf Course for the 2024 Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends 4-Person Best Shot. The tournament was held on Friday, June 14th, with 20 teams registered to support the MP Alumni & Friends Association. Twenty-five sponsorships and many volunteers and donors also contributed to a successful day. The fundraising event raised over $7,400 to support the Alumni & Friends Association. These funds will aid in the publication and mailing of this biannual Alumni Newsletter and also provide necessary database software to keep our alumni connected. Thank you to all who supported this important event!

The course was full of excitement as teams headed out for the shotgun start. Twenty-three Mid-Prairie graduating classes were represented on the course with players from the classes of 1972, 1973, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1994, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Players began the day with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. Mulligans and string were available for purchase to give teams better luck at winning a prize. Many players put their skills to the test at the cornhole toss on hole 6. Players with a successful toss into the hole earned the ability to advance their tee shot up. Relion Insurance Solutions sponsored hole-in-one insurance on hole #8. For this year’s raffle, a Tee It Up! certificate was generously donated by Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, consisting of a weekday package redeemable for one hotel stay plus a round of golf for two players. The lucky winner of this year’s raffle prize was Joe Floss ‘88! Teams played 18 holes to compete for a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place cash prize and free play coupons donated by Pinseekers. Players winning longest drive and longest putt contests chose from prizes donated by Scheels, Drae’s Mastercraft Woodworking, Better Performance, Inc., and Kalona Coffee House.

A grab-and-go meal of pork burgers, chips, grapes, and The Rolling Pin cookies by Joyce Billups ‘79 was served as teams stopped in at the clubhouse. Thank you to Prairie Pork and Hyvee for their generous donations of pork burgers and buns! Jimmy Berg ‘75 did a fantastic job grilling the burgers for all players and volunteers. Chris Brenneman ‘72 donated her popular jell-o shots to benefit both the Alumni & Friends Association and the Class of ‘72 Scholarship Fund. Our volunteers played a huge part in making this day run smoothly for everyone. Thank you to Mark Schneider, Angie Goodwin ‘90, Chris Brenneman ‘72, Whitni Patterson Bish ‘13, Abbi Patterson ‘20, Georgia Gent, Stephanie Schlabaugh, Lily Schlabaugh ‘17, Heather Gingerich, and Jimmy Berg ‘75, and Max Mongrello. It was great to see so many alumni and friends of Mid-Prairie enjoying the beautiful weather together.

Congratulations to our team and individual winners:

1st Place - 39 (2nd year in a row)
Iowa Collision & Paint - Riley Hershberger ‘05, Devon Young ‘15, Lucas Troyer ‘06, Micah Berg ‘10

2nd Place - 41
Thrapp Electric - Jay Thrapp ‘76, Terry Strabala ‘79, Shannon McCain ‘93, Dominic McCain ‘21

3rd Place - 43
Jacque Berg Wertz ‘81, Max Mongrello, Ally Wertz Mongrello ‘16, Spencer Shalla ‘14

1st Longest Drive -
Abbi Patterson ‘20

2nd Longest Drive -
Grace Mattes ‘20

1st Longest Putt -
Kendal Gingerich

2nd Longest Putt -
Max Mongrello

Raffle Winner -
Joe Floss ‘88

Our sponsors play a huge part in making this event possible. Thank you to our sponsors for your support of this event and the Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association!

Gold Sponsorships: The Pacha Family, AllenMitchell, LLP, CIVCO Medical Solutions, Kalona Tire, Kalona Realty, Inc., Iowa Collision & Paint, LLC

Silver Sponsorships: Wellman Co-Op Telephone Association, Beatty & Peterseim Funeral Homes, Gingerich Well & Pump Service, LLC, KCTC, Thrapp Electric, PinSeekers, Carl A. Nelson (2), Shive-Hattery, Relion Insurance, Kalona Builders

Bronze Sponsorships: Federation Bank, PSI, Powell Funeral Home, Inc., Mark & Maureen Schneider, CBI Bank & Trust, Hills Bank, Elite Sports

Hole-in-One Sponsorship: Relion Insurance Solutions

Watch the Spring 2025 newsletter issue and the MP Alumni & Friends Facebook page for information about next year’s event. We hope you’ll join us out on the course!

Thank you for your interest in supporting the MP Alumni & Friends Association! Your generous donation will help cover costs for the newsletter printing and distribution, database software, the website, and other association services. We greatly appreciate your support!

General donations can be mailed by check to:

Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association
1636 Hwy 22 East
Wellman, IA 52356

*Please make sure to note general donation in the check memo. Thank you!

The Mid-Prairie Fund for Academic Excellence continues to grow, thanks to the generous support of our Mid-Prairie community, alumni, and friends. The fund, first seeded by the Class of 1966 with a $66,066 endowment donation, has now grown into a community-sustained project with a fund balance of over $170,000. The fund has awarded over $33,000 in teacher grants through the 2023-2024 school year. Teachers are given the opportunity to apply for a grant that will positively impact their classroom in an innovative, educational way. These teachers can provide extended learning opportunities to students that otherwise wouldn’t fit into the building budget. The Fund for Academic Excellence sets Mid-Prairie apart from other schools and is a model for others to follow.

There have been a wide variety of grants awarded to teachers since the fund began in 2016. Although the endowed fund first began with a gift from the Class of 1966, it currently is an opportunity for all interested donors to support enhancing the educational experiences of our district students. As our community members, alumni, and friends continue to support the growth of this fund, the grant opportunities available to teachers continue to expand. Donations to the Fund for Academic Excellence can be made by check, payable to the Mid-Prairie Foundation, with FAE noted in the memo, and mailed to: Mid-Prairie Foundation/FAE, PO Box 389, Kalona, IA 52247. We encourage all supporters of Mid-Prairie to get involved with sustaining our Fund for Academic Excellence!

Check out the most recent grants awarded by the Fund for Academic Excellence during the 2023-2024 school year!

Kindergarten Book Cart
In the fall of 2023, the kindergarten team at MP East Elementary discussed the need for additional grade-appropriate books for students to have access to at both home and school. We applied for the FAE grant to allow students more learning opportunities. We were very fortunate to have our grant approved and gained leveled reading books for our kindergarten students.
- Kara Troyer, Kindergarten Teacher
          

5th Grade STEAM Bins
Mrs. Schlabaugh’s 5th grade classroom received various STEAM bins to provide students with engaging learning opportunities. STEAM education combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Students benefit from this style of learning because it fosters critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, confidence, teamwork, communication, and computational skills. STEAM activities provide out-of-the-box opportunities for students to tap into their knowledge and enjoyment of building, creating, and problem solving together. Each STEAM bin includes materials and guidance for different topics and challenges.
              

Sensory Rooms at MP-East Elementary & MP-West Elementary
A sensory space in the school environment promotes a positive school culture and climate in supporting student’s health and wellbeing. Sensory spaces can benefit all students, especially those who have been exposed to trauma or chronic stress and those with specified sensory needs. They can provide a safe environment where the student can be supported to calm and regulate, therefore optimizing learning and participation in the school environment. The Sensory Space should be flexible, changeable and adaptable in order to meet the needs of students. Bubble Tubes, a Sensory Wall Panel, and a Large Curvied Corner Mirror are some new items that were purchased to meet the needs of our students. 

Bubble Tubes: 
Bubble tubes are a captivating focal point for any sensory room with its visually engaging, constantly moving bubbles and color changing lights. Bubble tubes create a relaxed and calming atmosphere and can reduce anxiety. People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) get a positive response when watching bubble tubes in action, since they provide a tracking activity that helps to improve visual development, color recognition, visual perception and communications skills.
                     

Sensory Wall Panel 
We have a couple of these - a large marble wall, a heat sensitive activity wall panel, a latch board and some smaller textured pads. Wall panels are designed to provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation for individuals with sensory processing disorders or other special needs. They invite kids to explore and play. Engaging tactile surfaces, sound, and light promote focus as kids manipulate buttons, touch screens and more. For example, a wall panel with different textures and materials may help someone with tactile sensitivities to desensitize and become more comfortable with touch.

Large Curved Corner Mirror
The angle of the mirrors creates a mesmerizing optical illusion and the curved, padded frame provides extra safety and comfort. Kids can sit between the mirrors and calm as they observe the changing lights and swirling bubbles.

*****************************************************************

Learn more about the Fund for Academic Excellence and past grants funded for Mid-Prairie in the video below.

Keep up with Mid-Prairie athletics using the district's LiveStream link!

Mid-Prairie LiveStream

Check out all of the great things happening across the district by following them on
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

                               

@mphawks         midprairiecsd       @Mid_Prairie

Feel free to contact us with any questions, ideas, or suggestions you might have! Contact us by

Mail:
Mid-Prairie Alumni & Friends Association
1636 Hwy 22 East
Wellman, IA 52356

E-mail:
alumni@mphawks.org

Phone:
319-646-6093