Roaming the hall: Eight inducted into Woodbury Hall of Fame inaugural class

Eight of Woodbury’s greatest were inducted into the inaugural Woodbury High School Hall of Fame recently, as part of the Homecoming week festivities.

Longtime Woodbury basketball coach Del Schiffler, 1990 graduate Douglas C. Schneider, 1983 graduate Mary Vaaler, 1985 graduate Kathryn Hughes, 1984 graduate Chip Lohmiller, 1978 graduate Michael Robb, 1988 graduate Michelle Sherman and 1995 graduate Heidi Lundervold make up the first-ever Hall of Fame class at Woodbury High School.

Woodbury Activities Director Jason Gonnion said the Woodbury Hall of Fame encapsulates achievement in all extra-curricular activities.

“It’s a very broad spectrum, but it does cover excellence in a number of different areas,” Gonnion said. “I really believe that when our kids look at what these individuals have done, they will be awe-struck, but also motivated to do the very same, amazing things they have done while walking the halls of Woodbury High.”

Last week, the available Hall of Fame Inductees took part in the Homecoming Parade, a meet and greet for the public and were introduced at Royals Stadium prior to the Woodbury football game against White Bear Lake.

A Hall of Fame nominee must satisfy these qualifications: A former Woodbury Royal who performed with unique excellence in athletics, the arts or club activities while attending WHS. The nominee must be a Woodbury graduate and out of school for at least 10 years. Nominees must be, or have been, a credit to his or her family, country and Woodbury. Advisors and coaches must have been someone who distinguished himself or herself by demonstrating exceptional leadership, character and outstanding achievement during his or her tenure at WHS. Also, a special award could be given to a person who has been a loyal and devoted supporter of WHS athletics, arts or club activities.

Hall of Fame inductees were selected by a committee of seven voting members: Gonnion, Woodbury Principal Linda Plante, WHSABC President Rick Beck, and athletic department representatives Doug Johnson, Pat Malicki, Dwayne Tannhill and Jennifer Starr. Any alumni or friend of Woodbury High School may nominate someone for the Hall of Fame.

The inaugural Woodbury Hall of Fame induction was kicked off with the first-ever Woodbury High School Royal Rouser back on April 20 at the Prom Center in Oakdale. Gonnion said the plan is to announce each year’s Hall of Fame class at the Royal Rouser every spring and to honor that year’s inductees at a banquet during the week of Homecoming in the following fall.

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