Community Spirit–October 2025
Ryan Ruggles, District Administrator
Hall of Distinction Honorees
During this year’s Homecoming football game, we were proud to honor the 2025 inductions to the Amherst Hall of Distinction. This was the first induction of new honorees since 2022. There were two new inductions, Tim Pederson and the 1959 Amherst High School cross country team.
Tim Pederson was a long time teacher, FFA Advisor, and coach in Amherst. As an FFA Advisor, Tim had many student FFA members that won state and national awards. This includes five American Star finalists, the highest award a FFA member can achieve. Tim was head coach of the softball team for 24 years, winning over 400 games during his tenure, including a 1999 state championship. Overall, Tim is still active in the community and works with the FFA Alumni group.
For the first time, an entire team is being honored for the Hall of Distinction. The 1959 Amherst High School (AHS) cross country team was the first AHS team to win a State Championship for the school. Making this accomplishment even more extraordinary, this championship was before there were separate school divisions based on size/enrollment. Our Amherst runners competed against and defeated the largest schools in the state! The team members were: Roman Hintz, Reynold Alm, Tom Somers, Ken Konkol, Roman Jungers, Dennis Carey, and Jon Pask. The team was coached by James Patterson.
The Amherst Hall of Distinction was started in 2019 as a way to honor and recognize former students, coaches, advisors, staff, community members, and volunteers who have made a lasting impact on society, achieved remarkable success, and brought honor to Amherst schools. The Wall of Distinction serves as an inspiration to current students, highlighting role models whose lives reflect exceptional character, dedication, and achievements.
Eligible nominees for the Amherst Hall of Distinction come from various backgrounds and have demonstrated achievements that go above and beyond the ordinary. Whether through professional success, community service, or significant contributions to society, these individuals exemplify qualities that inspire others and set a standard of excellence for Amherst students to follow. Past inductees have included individuals who excelled in their professions, advocated for positive social change, or have contributed meaningfully to Amherst schools and the wider community.
Amherst High School has a rich history of success in a variety of areas, and a long list of individuals that have made a profound impact on the school, students, and the greater community. As the newest inductees to the Amherst HOD, Tim and the 1959 Cross Country will join Walter H. Bohman, Julie (Garske) Martin, Eric Konkol, Fred Jastromski, Greg Jensen, George Bures, and Pete Sippel. The Hall of Distinction is not only a tribute to past achievements, but also a reminder of the school’s enduring commitment to excellence, character, and community.
We would like to thank all of the community members that nominated individuals or teams for the Hall of Distinction, and also thank our HOD Committee for their planning and service. Please look for nomination forms for the 2026 class coming out in early winter. Go Falcons!