(Riverside) The Riverside Community School District has announced the Hall of Fame – Class of 2020.
Tim Mitchell, Riverside Superintendent, said in celebration of 25-years as a school district in the fall of 2018 they instituted a Hall of Fame to honor graduates, employees, teams, individuals and friends of the district for their accomplishments at and/or to the service of the district.
The Class of 2020 induction ceremony will be held on Thursday September 24, 2020 at 4:00 PM in The Riverside Middle/High School Gym at 18997 Hwy 59 Oakland, IA. The 2020 inductees will also be featured in the Homecoming Parade on Friday September 25, 2019 at 2:00 PM in Carson. The final recognition will take place prior to the Homecoming Football Game on Friday September 25, 2020 at the Charles E Pigneri Athletic Complex.
Selection Committee would like to announce the following members of the Class of 2020:
Richard (Dick) Harris-Employee-Oakland-Riverside 1950-2005 and Distinguished Graduate-Oakland Class of 1942
Dick Harris graduated from Oakland High School in 1942. He also attended Wentworth Military Academy from 1943-44 and played football. He served in the United States Military during World War II (1944-1945). After his military service he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he played football, majored in Physical Education and Coaching and graduated in 1950. In January of 1951 he assumed teaching, coaching and athletic director duties for Oakland. He had several highly successful teams and won numerous coaching awards during his tenure. He served the Oakland and Riverside schools for 55 consecutive years (1950-2005)
Donald E Kash-Distinguished Graduate-Macedonia Class of 1952
Donald E Kash was born and grew up in Macedonia. He graduated from Macedonia High School in 1952 and left to join the Army in 1954.. He enrolled in the University of Iowa in 1956 and received three degrees: BA, MA & PhD. He has served on the faculties of six major national universities. From 1978-1981 he headed the division of the US Geological Survey that regulated an annual $25 billion of energy and mineral activities on Federal and Indian Lands. Since retiring in 2005, he spent some time involved in local farming activities in the Riverside area. The Don Kash Family Trust has been recognized by several conservation groups.
Bret Keast-Distinguished Graduate-Carson/Macedonia Class of 1984
Bret Keast grew up on the family farm east of Macedonia. He is the son of Ed and Dora Lou Keast. He graduated from Carson-Macedonia High School in 1984. He then attended Iowa State University from 1984-1989 graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Speech Communication and a specialty in Architecture. He then received a Masters of Urban Planning degree from the University of Kansas in 1995. Bret developed a park master plan for the City of Carson, the zoning ordinance for the City of Oakland, and has provided park planning and grant consultation to the City of Macedonia and the Pottawattamie County Historical and Preservation Society.
Merle Larson-Employee-Oakland-Riverside 1985-2008
Merle Larson served as the Oakland Band Director from 1985-1993. He then was the Riverside Band Director from 1993-2008. He directed the 6th-12th Grade Band, provided private lessons and directed the Jazz Band. His musicians and Bands acquired numerous #1 ratings in all categories at local, regional and state competitions.
Veva Larson-Employee-Carson/Macedonia-Riverside 1982-2010
Veva Larson served as the Carson-Macedonia High School Home Economics Teacher and FFA/HERO Advisor from 1982-1993. She then continued in that position in Riverside until her retirement in 2010. Veva has been an active member of the community and contributed her talents in many ways. Her dedication to church, pride in the Riverside community and music has been apparent throughout her entire life. She still volunteers time instructing CPR to Riverside students.
1949 Oakland Girls Basketball Team-Coach O. E. Lester
The 1949 Oakland Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team was the first ever Oakland girls team to qualify and play in the state tournament. The team finished in 2nd place in the 1949 IGHSAU State Basketball Championship played at the Drake Field House. They beat Keswick 41-36 in the semi-final and went on to be defeated by Wellsburg 56-40 in the championship game. The 1949 IGHSAU tournament summary video is featured on YouTube where you can watch the Oakland girls compete in the semi-final and championship games. The team was coached by O. E. Lester.
The Class of 2018 included: Marion Coons, Clark Christensen, Wm (Rich) Livengood, Dr. Trevor Richardson, Dr. Corey Vorthmann, 1996 Riverside Wrestling Team, 2001 Riverside Football Team, John McCowen and Carmella Pigneri.
The Class of 2019 included: Nicole Allen Osborn, Donell Hotze Kvaal, John W Hamilton, Marilyn Mickey, and the 1973-1974 Carson-Macedonia Football Team-Team/Group
