A current Clinton High School student or 2020 graduate has researched and written the following article about one of the 2020-21 Hall of Honor inductees. The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, April 16, at Clinton High School.
Jeanette Petersen
Community Service
By Molly Shannon
Clinton High Hall of Honor is pleased to welcome Jeanette Petersen. Jeanette was born in Clinton, Iowa on November 19th, 1935 and has lived here ever since. She married Roger Petersen in January of 1957 and they later started their business, Clinton Printing, in February of 1957. What started as a part-time business became a full-time business in 1960. They haven’t looked back since. Despite Covid-19 creating some barriers for every business, Jeanette found a way to keep working online for Clinton Printing. Her determination is second to none and she would like to thank Clinton Schools for making her the person she is today.
At Clinton High, Jeanette participated in various clubs and activities including Latin Club, Spanish Club, and her favorite, Bookkeeping Class. She said that she would be able to help her mother at work if she learned how to be a bookkeeper. Jeanette did just that. She worked hard throughout high school, saving money, and after high school found herself writing for the Clinton Herald. Jeanette was able to get this job because she worked on the school paper, the “Clintonian.”
Jeanette has always been one to help others in every way possible. She serves as the House Manager and Financial Secretary for the Clinton Women’s Club. You may find Jeanette giving tours of the historic George M. Curtis Mansion, enriching people with its rich history. She has loved everything in life and has kept high standards for herself. Her love for helping people is clearly shown in her children and grandchildren. Jeanette has four daughters and seven grandchildren. Laura Peterson helps people sell their homes as a realtor in Orlando, Florida, while Jean Buikema, Linda Lakin and Julie Ramirez help their mother at Clinton Printing. Three of Jeanette’s grandchildren are teachers and she even has a granddaughter helping people in Des Moines at the Ronald McDonald House.
It is clear that Jeanette has made a difference in our community and has inspired others to do the same. Jeanette is an inspiration to all and her work has not gone unnoticed. The Hall of Honors Committee is pleased to welcome Jeanette Petersen into the Hall of Honors. Thank you for your dedication, Jeanette!
Due to the pandemic, the Clinton High School Hall of Honor induction was postponed last year. The district is now planning to honor this strong class of inductees on Friday, April 16 at Clinton High School. The public will be invited for the luncheon and induction speech portion of the day. Social distancing, face coverings, and sanitation routines will be required.
The Clinton High School culinary students will cater the luncheon. Inductees will be guests of the Hall of Honor Committee. The luncheon will cost $10 per other attendees. Main entrees are Lasagne Al Forno (Italian Beef Lasagna) or Chicken Parmigiana (Chicken Parmesan). If you are interested in attending, please contact Deb Deters at ddeters@clintonia.org.
Clinton Community School District Superintendent Blog 