2023 CHS Hall of Honor Class

The Clinton Community School District and the Clinton High School Hall of Honor Committee are proud to announce the 2023 Hall of Honor Class.  The inductees are Philip Klinkner, Ann Magnussen, Ginny Mann, Allen Paulsen, and Neil Steinhagen.

Chairperson of the Hall of Honor Committee, Dennis Duerling, stated that “the fourth Hall of Honor class continues to show the depth of Clinton High School Alumni that have gone on to make major differences in their careers and those around them.  They cover five of the different areas of recognition of the CHS Hall of Honor: a graduate that has contributed to the national political dialogue, a nurse whose contributions led the a national award in her name, a CCSD employee that has dedicated her entire career to serving students at Clinton High School, a business man who took aviation to a new level, and a graduate that has excelled serving this country in the Navy.”

Philip Klinkner (CHS Class of 1981) was nominated for Accomplishments in Academic Fields.  Klinkner is a political scientist, blogger, and author involved in American politics.  He serves as the James S. Sherman Professor of Government at Hamilton College.  Klinkner is an expert on American politics, including parties and elections, race relations, Congress, and the presidency. He is the former director of the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center. Klinkner has written extensively on a variety of topics related to American politics. His books include The Losing Parties: Out-Party National Committees, 1956-1993 and Midterm: The 1994 Elections in Perspect (with Rogers Smith). For his book , The Unsteady March: The Rise and Decline if Racial Equality in America, he received the 2000 Horace Mann Bond Book Award from Harvard University’s Afro-American Studies Department and W.E.B DuBois Institute. He received his doctorate from Yale University. In 2003, Klinkner founded PolySigh, a blog featuring commentary from a group of political professors.  PolySigh was part of the first generation of academic blogs that covered political science subfields. He has also blogged at the Huffington Post and the Monkey Cage.

Ann Magnussen (CHS Class of 1916) was nominated in the category of Humanitarian Endeavors. After graduating from Clinton High School, Magnussen earned a nursing diploma from the La Crosse Hospital School of Nursing and a baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota.  In 1930, Magnussen’s Red Cross Career began when she became a public health nurse for the Plymouth County Iowa chapter.  In 1939, she served as a Red Cross field representative in the midwestern area office in St. Louis, Missouri, and was quickly promoted to the assistant director in 1940.  She served in St. Louis until 1943, and then transferred to the southeastern area office in Atlanta, Georgia, to serve as the director of disaster nursing.  In 1947, she moved to the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she served as the director of disaster nursing and nurse enrollment. The next year she was named deputy director of Red Cross nursing services and, two years later, was appointed director.  On May 8, 1963, Magnussen was one of three American women to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international Red Cross Nursing honor. The medal is awarded “for distinguished and devoted service to the sick and wounded in time of peace and war.”  One year later, in 1964, Magnussen retired from the Red Cross. Today, the Ann Magnussen Award rightfully recognizes the leadership and contributions of the nurse behind the award and demonstrates the American Red Cross’ respect and recognition of today’s nurse leaders who continue working to strengthen and improve Red Cross programs and services.

Ginny Mann (CHS Class of 1964) was nominated in the area of Exceptional Contributions to the Clinton Community School District.  Mann graduated in May of 1964 and was hired as a secretary in July 1964.  She has been employed by the school district over the past 58 years.  The majority of that time Mann served as the CHS registrar, who has the responsibility of maintaining accurate school records of every student that served by Clinton High School.  Mann witnessed the CHS fire in 1968, when the building was significantly rebuilt after that devastating event, and will now be part of the opening of Phase 1 of the new Clinton High School in January 2023.  Because of her position at Clinton High School, Mann has connected, in some way, with every single student served in the past 58 years.

Allen Paulsen as nominated in the area of Professional Career Achievements.  Born in ClintonIowa, Allen E. Paulson was on his own at age 13, supporting himself selling newspapers and doing janitorial work at a local hotel until he moved to California in 1937.  After WWII, he went to TWA, as a flight engineer, and used the GI Bill to get his pilot’s license. He then began flying commercially for TWA. He left TWA to form his own company in 1951, buying surplus Wright R-3350 engines from Boeing B-29s and selling the parts to airlines.  In 1955, he purchased his first aircraft for resale, stripping the aircraft for parts, scrapping the rest, and later rebuilding one aircraft for resale out of the parts of several.    His company, the California Airmotive Corp., became one of the largest dealers in second-hand aircraft in the world.  In November 1970, he and his friend Clay Lacy entered an ex-American Airlines Douglas DC-7BF (N759Z msn 45233) in the California 1000 Mile Air Race at Mojave. Named “Super Snoopy”, the airplane finished in a commendable sixth place in a field of twenty.  In 1970, Paulson began to develop the American Jet Hustler, a corporate aircraft that featured a propeller in front for short runway use, and a jet in back for high-altitude cruising. In 1982, he bought Rockwell International‘s aviation division in Oklahoma and combined it with Gulfstream American to form Gulfstream Aerospace.   Paulson transformed the company into the world’s largest manufacturer of private jets. Sales increased to $1 billion yearly. In June 1985, he sold the company to Chrysler for $637 million. He was awarded the Clarence E. Page Memorial Trophy from the Oklahoma Air and Space Hall of Fame in 1989.  In 1990, Paulson and a Gulfstream flight crew set 35 international records for around-the-world flights in a Gulfstream IV aircraft. In 1987, he won the Harmon Trophy as the world’s outstanding aviator, and in 1992, was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.  Paulson passed away in 2000.

Neil Steinhagen (CHS Class of 1992) was nominated in the area of Distinguished Military Service.  After graduating from CHS, Steinhagen enlisted in the Navy. He graduated from the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1999, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Steinhagen also has earned a Master’s of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.  His assignments began in 2000, aboard the USS SEAWOLF and in 2003, he transferred to the USS JIMMY CARTER.  As a department head, Steinhagen served as Operations Officer aboard the USS TOLEDO followed by his Executive Officer tour aboard the USS ALEXANDRIA.  Steinhagen then commanded the USS ILLINOIS and has been deployed in submarine operations in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and the western Pacific.  His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

The mission of the Clinton High School Alumni Hall of Honor is to recognize those who attended Clinton High School and have distinguished themselves in their careers, communities and personal lives. These individuals are held up to Clinton students as examples of citizenship and success.

The induction of the 2023 Hall of Honor Class will be in conjunction with the Academic Awards ceremony scheduled for April 21, 2023. 

LAST CALL FOR CHS HALL OF HONOR NOMINATIONS

The CHS Hall of Honor Committee is opening the window for the 2023 CHS Hall of Honor class nominations. The nomination window is now through November 1, 2022.

The mission of the Clinton High School Alumni Hall of Honor has been established to recognize those who attended Clinton High School and have distinguished themselves in their careers, communities and personal lives. These individuals are held up to Clinton students as examples of citizenship and success.

Here are the members of the first three induction classes and the area they qualified in:

Joan Beck, Professional Career Achievements

Herbert Burkert, Distinguished Military Service

William Conner, Distinguished Military Service

Larry Davis, The Arts

Denise Dudley, Professional Career Achievements

Roberta Fenlon, Professional Career Achievements

Sandra Fullerton Joireman, Humanitarian Service

Wes Golden, Distinguished Military Service

Andy Grotelueschen, The Arts

Lulu Johnson, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Krista Voda Kelley, Professional Career Achievements

Kyle Ketelsen, The Arts

Fred Luthans, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Jeanette Petersen, Community Service

Duke Slater, Professional Career Accomplishments

Addison Killean Stark, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Charles Toney, Humanitarian Service

Nominations from the last two years are still active and will be considered. However, the committee would like new nominations as well to consider. Nomination forms can be found on the district website at https://www.clinton.k12.ia.us/district

Calling for Nominations for the Clinton High School Hall of Honor Class of 2023

The CHS Hall of Honor Committee is opening the window for the 2023 CHS Hall of Honor class nominations. The nomination window is now through November 1, 2022.

The mission of the Clinton High School Alumni Hall of Honor has been established to recognize those who attended Clinton High School and have distinguished themselves in their careers, communities and personal lives. These individuals are held up to Clinton students as examples of citizenship and success.

Here are the members of the first three induction classes and the area they qualified in:

Joan Beck, Professional Career Achievements

Herbert Burkert, Distinguished Military Service

William Conner, Distinguished Military Service

Larry Davis, The Arts

Denise Dudley, Professional Career Achievements

Roberta Fenlon, Professional Career Achievements

Sandra Fullerton Joireman, Humanitarian Service

Wes Golden, Distinguished Military Service

Andy Grotelueschen, The Arts

Lulu Johnson, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Krista Voda Kelley, Professional Career Achievements

Kyle Ketelsen, The Arts

Fred Luthans, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Jeanette Petersen, Community Service

Duke Slater, Professional Career Accomplishments

Addison Killean Stark, Accomplishments in Academic Fields

Charles Toney, Humanitarian Service

Nominations from the last two years are still active and will be considered. However, the committee would like new nominations as well to consider. Nomination forms can be found on the district website at https://www.clinton.k12.ia.us/district

NEW SCHOOL SAFETY INITIATIVES

Welcome back to the new school year. We are off to a great start!

There are two new school safety initiatives that I want to make you aware of that will be ongoing this school year.

The first is the state $100 million school safety grant.  This grant program requires a school safety assessment of every school building and up to $50,000 per building to meet those recommendations.  Among the six approved categories of eligible minor capital improvements are entry control, electronic security and communication systems, barriers, perimeter security, illumination and building envelope. Examples include and are not limited to:  Locks, ID actuated systems, duress alarms, intrusion detection systems, radios, mass notification systems, cameras, video servers, fixed or moveable barriers, fencing, security lighting, blast/safety film, reinforced doors, doorframes and windows, call buttons, door prop sensors, etc.  It does not cover human resources (SROs, campus security, etc.)

Our district has begun the process of requesting an assessment of every building and is waiting for a state response.

The second school safety initiative that is occurring this year is in conjunction with Clinton County Emergency Management, the Clinton police, and the Clinton Fire Department.  It is called the School Safety and Violent Incident Management. 

This training involves table top exercises going through various scenarios.  The goal is to improve incident management and response integration of school personnel and emergency responders to violent events in schools.  The framework strives to improve time to neutralize the threat, medical intervention, survivability of victims, and reunification of students with parents and guardians.

I went through an abbreviated training in July.  The structuring of roles and defined communication lines is the best that I have experienced.  The training will not get down to the teacher/staff level, but involve central administration and building principals.

It is unfortunate that we as a society are at this point, but it is important to follow best practice and make our educational environments as safe as possible.

Eagle Heights Receives National Recognition

The Clinton Community School District is proud to announce that Eagle Heights Elementary School has been recognized as a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase School earlier this month. Eagle Heights is one of 376 United States campuses across the country that received this designation.

The following points below are part of a national press release from the Capturing Kids Hearts Organization:

  • Through the National Showcase Schools™ awards, Capturing Kids’ Hearts® recognizes and celebrates schools that go the extra mile each day, creating the social-emotional safety on school campuses that is conducive to learning.
  • In 1990 a small group of educators experienced the first Capturing Kids’ Hearts® training at the Flippen’s home in College Station, Texas. Flip’s vision has since grown and today our team introduces Capturing Kids’ Hearts® processes to 37,000+ educators each year nationwide.
  • Capturing Kids’ Hearts is the premier source of professional development for educators nationwide. Through experiential training, expert coaching, and personalized support, Capturing Kids’ Hearts equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven culture, and student connectedness.
  • Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes provide educators the skills they need to change the trajectory of students’ lives.
  • Campuses implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes consistently report improvements in academic, behavioral, and cultural outcomes.
  • Because of the rigor of our evaluation process, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School award is both a high aspiration and an exemplary recognition of excellence.
  • Capturing Kids’ Hearts is proud to recognize the outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of our children. Please join in and celebrate the remarkable work they have accomplished.

The Clinton Community School District has implemented the Capturing Kids Hearts program in all of its school campuses. The social-emotional structure provides students and staff supports to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Larry Davis—2022 Hall of Honor Inductee

A  Clinton High School student has researched and written the following article about one of the 2022 Hall of Honor inductees.  The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, April 8, at Clinton High School.

Larry Davis

The Arts

By Aleckai Gray

“Someone once told me there are three types of people. The type that only talks about themselves, we’ve all met someone like that. The type that only talks about others, the gossips. And the third, smaller group of people who talk about theories and concepts. I think everyone should strive to be part of that third group.” 

This is the quote that stuck out to me the most after talking to Mr. Larry Davis. 

In this year’s Hall of Honor Banquet Clinton High School has decided to honor Larry Davis for his accomplishments. I was fortunate enough to get to interview Mr. Davis and ask him about his memories of Clinton High. He was very involved during his high school career, being a part of student council all four years, as well as Honors Society. He also had a part in A’capella choir “though not a good part” according to him. He wasn’t in many after school activities, but he says “passing Algebra may as well have been an extracurricular”. Being involved in student council led to Mr. Davis being elected his junior class president, and student body president his senior year. “Different presentations and dances like homecoming and prom will always stick out as fond memories,” he says. Mr. Davis gave me a different perspective when it comes to the visual arts, though I’m not much of an artsy person myself. When I asked him what classes helped him on his path to the arts, he said geometry. He elaborated, “There’s something in geometry called linear function. It helped me with drawing perspectives. In geometry you learn all about shapes and measurements. This helped me with more realistic arts.” Although, this seemed to be the only math class he felt this way for. “I haven’t used the quadratic formula in my 50 years since leaving Clinton High.” When asked what he’d like to say to the current student body of Clinton High, he answered, “I would love to encourage people to find something they love, and get really good at it, whether that be something like math or just tying ropes—get really good at that skill and then I want you to promise yourself that you’ll become a teacher.” Mr. Davis cares a great deal about education, and clearly is a great teacher. I am honored to speak for him at this Hall of Honor Banquet.

The public will be invited for the luncheon and induction speech portion of the day scheduled between 11:30 and 2:30 on Friday April 8. The Clinton High School culinary students will cater the luncheon. Inductees will be guests of the Hall of Honor Committee. The luncheon will cost $14 per other attendees. Main entrees are Seafood Lasagna or Caesar Chicken. Please call Deb Deters at 563-243-7540, extension 1180 or email at deb.deters@csdkq.org.

Dr. Herbert Burkert—-2022 Hall of Honor Inductee

A  Clinton High School student has researched and written the following article about one of the 2022 Hall of Honor inductees.  The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, April 8, at Clinton High School.

Dr. Herbert Burkert

Distinguished Military Service

By Zoe Hazen

I am proud to introduce Dr. Herbert Burkert into the Hall of Honor at CHS. During Dr. Burkert’s time here at Clinton High, he was involved in the Bachelor’s Club, Little Theatre, “C” Club, Student Government, Football, Wrestling, Activeship, and the Technical Club. Being active in school transferred to becoming active in our military. Dr. Burkert, like many, was officially drafted at the height of World War II on January 14th, 1944. He was fresh out of high school, only graduating a year prior to his deployment, and he completed his training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. 

After basic training, he was stationed in France where Dr. Burkert fought for the liberation of Europe. He was eventually captured and taken hostage by the Germans on November 30th of 1944; he was held at Stalag 7a. Stalag is a German term used for prisoner of war camps. After 5 months in captivity, Dr. Burkert and others were able to dig a tunnel and escape only one day prior to his scheduled execution. Dr. Burkert’s efforts in the escape included carrying a wounded comrade to safety, and they have remained lifelong friends and kept in contact the rest of their lives. Dr. Burkert’s service didn’t go unrecognized; he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Rifle Badge.

Upon returning to the US he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1948 with his doctoral degree. He then opened a practice in Clinton Iowa, where he became heavily involved in the Clinton Jaycees serving as the president, long-time leader and mentor in its development. He exemplified what it meant to be a community member of Clinton. Sadly Dr. Burkert passed away in 1965 at an early age, but his legacy wasn’t only his heroism when called upon by his country, but also for his work and efforts to make Clinton a better city for all. He is a respected soul and looked up to by many. His family is in attendance today to speak on his behalf of the things he has done and the legacy he leaves behind.

The public will be invited for the luncheon and induction speech portion of the day scheduled between 11:30 and 2:30 on Friday April 8. The Clinton High School culinary students will cater the luncheon. Inductees will be guests of the Hall of Honor Committee. The luncheon will cost $14 per other attendees. Main entrees are Seafood Lasagna or Caesar Chicken. Please call Deb Deters at 563-243-7540, extension 1180 or email at deb.deters@csdkq.org.

Duke Slater—2022 Hall of Honor

A  Clinton High School student has researched and written the following article about one of the 2022 Hall of Honor inductees.  The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, April 8, at Clinton High School.

Duke Slater

Professional Accomplishments

By Ali House

It is a great honor and pleasure to announce Judge Fred W. “Duke” Slater as one of the inductees into Clinton High School’s Hall of Honors.

As many of us know, Judge Slater had a successful athletic career here at CHS. He ran track but is more famously known for his outstanding football career. Slater was an all-stater in high school. He then attended the University of Iowa to play football where he became a three time All-American and became the first African-American in school history to receive the honor. Slater went on to play in the NFL for 10 seasons. At the time, he was the league’s only African-American lineman and many times, the only African-American on the field. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The field at Kinnick Stadium is now named after him as well. Slater understood the importance of education and knew that if he didn’t keep his grades up, he wouldn’t be able to continue playing football.

Slater studied law at the University of Iowa. After he graduated and after his football career was over, became a Judge in Chicago. He later moved up to the Chicago Superior Court and then into the Cook County Circuit Court. Since his passing, he has received many other awards, along with two local ones, those being the Clinton County Walk of Fame and the Clinton High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Duke Slater loved Clinton and he loved Clinton High School. His niece, Sandra Wilkins, recalls how much he credited Clinton High for setting him up for a successful life. When he was sworn in as judge in Chicago, Mrs. Wilkins remembers the tears forming in his eyes as he recognized his coach from Clinton High School, Clinton Osborne. It is for all these reasons that Judge Fred W. Duke Slater is an outstanding inductee in our Hall of Honor.

The public will be invited for the luncheon and induction speech portion of the day scheduled between 11:30 and 2:30 on Friday April 8. The Clinton High School culinary students will cater the luncheon. Inductees will be guests of the Hall of Honor Committee. The luncheon will cost $14 per other attendees. Main entrees are Seafood Lasagna or Caesar Chicken. Please call Deb Deters at 563-243-7540, extension 1180 or email at deb.deters@csdkq.org.

Addison Stark—2022 CHS HALL OF HONOR

A  Clinton High School student has researched and written the following article about one of the 2022 Hall of Honor inductees.  The induction ceremony will occur on Friday, April 8, at Clinton High School.

Addison Stark

Accomplishments in Academic Fields

By Hillary Burken

Addison Stark, Hall of Honor inductee for 2022, was born and raised just outside of Clinton Iowa. He attended Clinton High School for the college and AP classes offered. While at Clinton he also found passions for the fine arts programs including orchestra, jazz band, and theatre. From there Mr. Stark went to the University of Iowa majoring in mathematics and chemistry, with a minor in German. While there he was exposed to many new opportunities that allowed him to advocate at both the State and Federal government level. After graduating from the University of Iowa Mr. Stark moved to Boston, Massachusetts to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received two masters degrees in Technology & Public Policy and Mechanical Engineering, graduating with his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2015. Following graduation, he moved to Washington, DC where he has been working to develop new technologies needed to address climate change.  When asked about his time at Clinton High, Mr. Stark says the self confidence and the ability to walk into a room where he knew no one and talk to everyone were some of the biggest skills he gained from CHS. Stark reflected fondly on his time at Clinton by stating “No matter where you go when you graduate from CHS you’ll always know where home is.“

The public will be invited for the luncheon and induction speech portion of the day scheduled between 11:30 and 2:30 on Friday April 8. The Clinton High School culinary students will cater the luncheon. Inductees will be guests of the Hall of Honor Committee. The luncheon will cost $14 per other attendees. Main entrees are Seafood Lasagna or Caesar Chicken. Please call Deb Deters at 563-243-7540, extension 1180 or email at deb.deters@csdkq.org.

Splat Gun Gel Blaster Tik Tok Challenge

Dear CCSD Caregiver,

Our school district has been informed of another Tik Tok challenge that we need your help. There are new toy gun products called splat guns or gel blasters that are being used to shoot a product at a victim. Some are black or the owner paints them black to make the toy gun look very realistic. To complicate this situation, Tik Tok has developed a challenge of “drive by shootings” using splat guns or gel blasters.

The following link is a news story on this national trend: https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/new-challenge-encourages-drive-by-toy-gun-shootings/01936c98-bfb7-47d6-8c04-77d54fbf262e/

Please have a conversation with your son or daughter about the inappropriateness of these products. Our school policy treats these products as “look a like weapons” and possession or use on school grounds falls under our school discipline policy.

The Clinton Community School District is committed to a safe learning environment for all. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Gary DeLacy, Superintendent