Recognition well deserved for two with annual awards
RANDOLPH - Ryan Brodersen is a winner on and off the wrestling mat.
The Randolph man was awarded the Good Neighbor Award at Randolph’s Community Fair for his volunteer work as the Randolph Youth Wrestling head coach.
“Whether it’s at a practice or meet, Ryan is on the sideline coaching and cheering each wrestler on but his influence goes beyond the mat,” his nomination read. “He does an excellent job of teaching sportsmanship, and the value of working hard and never giving up.”
Brodersen was surprised and honored to receive the recognition by Reaching Out Around Randolph (ROAR) Sunday night. He’s been the youth wrestling coach for nearly five years and grew up with the sport himself under his coach Bill Gubbels.
“I did have good coaches, I had the best,” Brodersen said. “I know a lot of other people feel the same way about Bill.”
Brodersen’s nomination also pointed out his efforts in taking a dozen wrestlers to a top-notch Purler Wrestling Camp in Winnebago this past summer.
“Ryan or another youth wrestling coach donated their time every day of the camp, driving to and from Winnebago, supervising and going through the drills right along with the participants,” the nomination read.
Both of Brodersen’s sons, Tate and Jace, participate in youth wrestling along with about 40 others each year.
“I love the kids - all of them,” Brodersen said. “When my kids are done, I doubt if I’ll be able to quit. I keep looking at these younger ones that I’ve already gotten attached to and I’m going to have a hard time ever giving it up.”
ROAR recognized retired Elementary Principal Mary Miller as this year’s Employee of the Year. Miller moved to Lincoln at the end of June but received a special invitation to come back and attend this year’s Community Fair and First State Bank barbecue. The awards announcement was made immediately after the meal.
Her nomination letter described her as dependable with a positive attitude and called her the “driving force” behind many school initiatives including the Cardinal Kids Learning Center school-based daycare program.
“She arrives with a smile and provides an environment in her office for both students and staff feel they can come in and visit with her,” her nomination read. “She’s a good listener and will stop whatever she is doing when someone needs to talk.”
After getting her start teaching at Wheeler-Central in Bartlett, Miller moved to Randolph in 1987.
At its meeting Monday, the incoming elementary principal Denton Beacom was introduced and welcomed.
The board also:
- Discussed preliminary budget numbers and related recent legislative changes.
- Discussed the potential for electronic payments for school lunch accounts, activities, school fundraisers and other functions.
- Heard reports from Elementary Principal Mary Miller and High School Principal Brandi Bartels. School registration is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 2 and 3 from 4-8 p.m. in the high school library. The elementary open house is set for 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15.
- Approved the appointing of all staff that have received small vehicle training to work as route drivers when necessary when vans are used on a route.
- Approved Walter Worlein as school vehicle inspector for the 2022-23 school year.
- Approved an open account for purchasing employee life insurance and disability policies from Dearborn National Life Insurance Co. at its standard premiums for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Each full-time teacher and classified staff receive a $21,000 term life insurance.
- Appointed Hoesing as the school’s chief executive officer; local, state and federal programs director; and affirmative action coordinator for the 2022- 23 school year.
- Held public hearings on student fees, student bullying, and parental involvement policies. No one from the public spoke.
- Approved the certified and classified handbooks for the 2022-23 school year. The only changes made were updates to staff and dates.
