We are proud to recognize Betty Baird as the 2025 Viking Alumni Award recipient. A 1968 graduate of Holmen High School, Betty has spent nearly her entire life giving back to the Holmen community through education, music, and service.
Following in the footsteps of her father, Rector Wall—a previous Viking Alumni honoree—Betty has quietly shaped lives across generations. After graduating from UW–La Crosse in 1972, she began a 35-year teaching career at Irving Pertzsch Elementary in Onalaska, where she primarily taught second grade.
While education was her career, music has always been Betty’s passion. She has spent decades sharing her talents with the community. At Holmen Lutheran Church, she has directed choirs, played piano for countless services, and coordinated music for weddings, funerals, and special events. She also led the church’s Kids’ Choir for many years and currently serves as both bell and senior choir director.
Betty’s musical contributions extend well beyond the church. She has directed the community Memorial Day Choir for several years and has been a dedicated member of Joyful Sound, an ecumenical vocal group performing at churches, senior centers, and area events for more than 20 years. She continues to bring music and joy to senior living communities, including the Eagle Crest Community/Bethany Lutheran Homes.
Her community involvement included serving as a Viking Ambassador for 15 years, managing the original Holmen pool in her college years, and volunteering with Holmen’s Hope, the Holmen Community Center, and other local initiatives. Betty has also been a poll worker here in town for local elections for many years.
Betty is also a proud supporter of Holmen schools and a devoted mother and grandmother. Her love for music, her students, her faith, and her family have left a lasting legacy in the Holmen community.
Whether leading a choir, teaching a classroom, or playing piano for a friend’s special day, Betty Baird has lived a life of quiet leadership and meaningful impact. Her dedication to others—and her lifelong connection to Holmen—makes her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
Holmen Alumni Award
The Holmen Viking Alumni Award is an annual recognition, presented during the Homecoming celebrations, which honors Holmen High School graduates who have distinguished themselves in their careers and communities. All H.H.S. alumni who graduated at least 5 years ago, living or deceased, are eligible for nomination. Nominees do not have to currently reside in the School District of Holmen.
The application deadline for the award is June 30 of the year in which it is awarded. Please use this link to nominate someone. Nominations will be judged based on their:
Community service activities
Example of leadership
Personal achievements
Contributions to their school district
Professional achievement
Honorary awards and citations
For more information contact: Holmen High School
Holmen Viking Alumni Award
1001 McHugh Rd
Holmen, WI 54636-0430
Attn: Jason Lulloff, Activities Director
Karen has a passion for making the Holmen community and the School District of Holmen a better place for everyone. Karen (Jacobson) Rooney has been an active member of the Holmen community and School District of Holmen since 1975. During her years as a student at HHS, she took part in many firsts: the first girls’ basketball team, the first musical, and the first swing choir. Other activities she participated in include drama and forensics, National Honor Society, band, volleyball, and track. The relationships she made with other students, coaches, advisors and teachers are lifelong. Most importantly, it was during these years as a Viking she learned that being involved in a variety of activities creates a full, fun, rewarding life.
Following graduation from UW-La Crosse, Karen was awarded a job as an English teacher at Holmen High School, a place she had grown to love during her high school years. Again, connecting with people was the most enjoyable for her, and she saw her teaching career as a lifestyle, spending many hours outside of the school day getting to know and advocating for students and colleagues. Besides her 37-year teaching career, she took on roles in many extra-curricular activities: drama coach, musical director, volleyball and basketball assistant coach, advisor of Student Council for many years and DECA for a few years. Professionally, she was a longstanding member of the Curriculum Council and in the Guiding Coalition as English Department Head.
Karen’s contributions to the community have been equally varied. She has volunteered at Holmen Lutheran Church as Sunday school teacher, Confirmation guide, choir member, Council member, and office volunteer. She is an active member of the Holmen Area Foundation, an organization that exemplifies her love of the community and school.
Those who know Karen know how important family is to her. She comes from a family of educators who have encouraged and supported schools all over the world. She and her husband Gary have three children who graduated from Holmen High School: Elise (2007), Kimberly (2009) and Gregory (2014). Today they lead, teach, and create thanks to the equal encouragement they received from outstanding educators and the dedicated advisors and coaches of many extra-curricular activities.
Seeking to meet and build relationships with people from all walks of life, Karen has enjoyed traveling all around the United States and the world. She believes that awareness of and appreciation for different cultures, religions, and lifestyles is imperative in making the world a peaceful place.
Karen loves the people in Holmen as well as those she has connected with around the world. Her passion for people, education, and the community is why she has been chosen as the 2024 Alumni Award recipient.
Mark J. White, a Holmen High School graduate from the Class of 1978, is the distinguished recipient of the 2023-24 Viking Alumni Award. Throughout his career as a teacher and school administrator, Mark has been an unwavering advocate for public education.
Mark earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from UW-Eau Claire and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Winona State University. His commitment to education and leadership earned him recognition, including the UWEC Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award in 2012.
His career started as a middle school teacher in Ripon, WI and at Longfellow Middle School in La Crosse. For over twenty-five years, Mark served as the dedicated principal at Hintgen Elementary School in La Crosse, WI. He also played a key role in designing and guiding the collaborative La Crosse 4K/Preschool program which became a statewide model for schools and communities. In his most recent professional experience, he served as Human Resources Director for the School District of La Crosse.
Mark has been a leader in both the Wisconsin and National Principal Associations, serving on their boards and as President of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators in 2003-2004 and as President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 2014-2015. He used both opportunities to advocate for students, staff, parents, and public education in Wisconsin and nationwide.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mark has been involved in community service. He has served on the La Crescent, MN School Board and Prince of Peace Church Council, as well as assisting with various La Crescent Applefest and church activities. Mark and his wife Debbie (Ebner-HHS class of 1980) have three children and several grandchildren.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and community service, Mark J. White is honored with the 2023-2024 Viking Alumni award. His legacy of compassion, leadership, and dedication will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
Ruth (Witte) Scholze grew up on the family farm in Johnson Coulee east of Holmen. She graduated from Holmen High School in 1973. Her strong ties to the Holmen community brought her back shortly after graduating from Wartburg College in 1977. She married her husband, Edward Scholze (Class of 1974), in 1979. The couple was blessed with two children who also were HHS graduates: Joseph (Class of 2001) and Hannah (Class of 2004).
Ruth has always been a strong promoter of reading. She began her career as a librarian in Holmen in 1979 and has been a fixture at Holmen libraries ever since. Her career began as the Children’s Librarian at the Holmen Area Library (serving all five La Crosse County Libraries). Next, she served as the LMC Director at Evergreen Elementary for 22 years. Finally, she returned to the Holmen Library as a Clerk after retiring from the school district in 2012. Ruth has inspired many Holmen children to love reading and is known and loved as “Mrs. Scholze” by many former students.
Furthermore, Ruth has always been a well-known leader, friend, and advocate of the Holmen School District and community. She embodies servant leadership and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed. Ruth has been known to drop off books to those unable to make it to the library, share her homemade cookies with friends, or pick up the elderly for church or meetings. Ruth is always willing to go the extra mile to try to brighten someone’s day.
Ruth’s school and community spirit are infectious, and her years of dedicated service have made a difference in the Holmen Community. She has been a lifelong, active member at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church. She has also served in numerous capacities as part of the Holmen Area Foundation, Holmen Area Historical Society, Friends of McGilvray Road, Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Western Wisconsin Education Council, and many other local organizations. Ruth has received several professional and community awards for her commitment to promoting children’s literacy and serving the Holmen Area. She is a true servant leader and friend to Holmen.
Dr. Sylvan Burton Lee graduated as Valedictorian for the class of 1933 from Union Free High School, now Holmen High School.
Sylvan was born on January 5, 1916 at the family farm in Holmen where he grew up with his three brothers and three sisters. Throughout a successful career in his chosen field, he never forgot his roots and always loved returning to his childhood home as he described in his memoir Never Far From Home.
Dr. Lee received the degrees of BS, MS, and PhD in 1943 from the University of Wisconsin in Biochemistry and Bacteriology.
During World War II, he was a lieutenant in the Navy engaged in bacteriological warfare in the development of pathogenic agents such as anthrax, brucellosis, and botulinum toxin. Although Dr. Lee was awarded the Army and Navy Commendation ribbon, he always thought of that period as the most depressing work in which he was ever engaged.
Dr. Lee spent his early working years in the pharmaceutical industry with Merck and Co. and E. R. Squibb where he was a pioneer in the large scale production of antibiotics such as penicillin, streptomycin, etc. He was involved in the startup and operation of the first antibiotics plants in Argentina, Brazil, Italy, France and England as well as plants in the U.S.A. and Canada.
Dr. Lee passed away in 2010 and is buried at Long Coulee Cemetery within sight of Village View Farm, his childhood home. He is survived by his son Carleton, two grandsons and four great-grandchildren.
Roger was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1937. Roger and his family moved to Holmen just in time for him to start first grade. He continued through the school system, and graduated from Holmen High School in 1955. After graduation, Roger joined the United States Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963.
In the beginning, Roger started working for The Trane Co. in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1956 as an inventory control clerk. He paid his dues and was eventually promoted to an Engineering Assistant. During his employment with Trane Company, they started an engineering program in conjunction with UW-La Crosse and UW-Madison. While continuing to work full time, Roger enrolled in the engineering program. The completion of the program allowed him to become a manufacturing engineer; moreover, this achievement garnered him an even more prestigious position within the company. Along with his new duties and responsibilities, Roger traveled extensively; he was now spending time at the company’s other plants in Montgomery, Alabama; Rushville, Idiana; Lexington, Kentucky; and Clarksville, Tennessee. Additional jobs at Trane included being an advisor to the computer department and the factory manager.
In 1973, Roger was elected to the Holmen Village Board, and in 1979 was elected president. He served in this capacity until 1995; and, in fact, during which time he was instrumental in the building of a new sewer plant and the acquisition of land for what is now Deerwood Park. Roger then became chairperson of the newly formed Holmen Police Commission: a position which he held for 11 years. Roger has also been a member of the Holmen Lions Club since 1971 where he has held titles: the Lions President; Secretary; and Membership Chairman. Finally, because of his role within the Lions Club, he was named the Lions Kornfest Parade Marshall in 1995.
Roger and his wife Jean have one daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren; they feel truly blessed to be a part of the Holmen community.
Dan Anderson, a 1985 graduate of Holmen High School, has one goal in mind: to make Holmen a better place to live. He was born and raised on the family farm in Holmen, and he fulfills his father’s dream of his son carrying on the 4th generation family farm. Dan’s family, many of them involved in the Holmen community and employed by area schools, instilled in him the importance of family and community. Early in his life he proved his commitment to the area through participation and service to the community.
Dan is a friend. His love for the Holmen community, the Holmen School District, and the people young and old, proves he has a passion for and a genuine interest in all people. Dan and his wife Karen continue to inspire their three children, Tyler (2014), Steven (2015) and Lynsey (2020) all graduates of Holmen High School.
Dan is a leader. He has helped form and develop many sporting activities for Holmen youth. His personal involvement in high school activities encouraged him to create and improve programs to give all students a chance to benefit from involvement. He was instrumental in the development of the Holmen Tackle Football League and the Youth Basketball League. He has also volunteered many hours with the Holmen Youth Baseball Parent Association, the Holmen High School Booster Club, the varsity football team and the Holmen Park and Recreation teams. He has also been an active member of the Town of Onalaska Planning Commission, Holmen Rotary Organization, Associated Milk Producers Inc., and La Crosse County Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
Dan is a doer. He is instrumental in organizing and encouraging many improvements to the Holmen Area, especially on school grounds. His endless fundraising efforts have produced new scoreboards, improved fields, up to date uniforms and opportunities for all. Dan has used his energy to help Holmen Schools and the activities meet the needs of many, including many hours preparing and leading youth basketball tournaments. Dan also hosts many field trips of young people to his family farm. With great pride he shares his life-long work with students and teachers and educates them about life on a farm.
Jim Page grew up on Brice Prairie as the youngest of seven children in a very loving, Christian family. Jim served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After returning to the Coulee Region, Jim earned an Associate Degree in Police Science from Western Wisconsin Technical College. He was hired as a full-time Law Enforcement Officer with the City of Onalaska.
Jim loved "working the road" and remained a career patrol officer as well as a Field Training Officer, Defense & Arrest Tactics Instructor, and Drug Recognition Expert. He spent hours performing assessments as well as speaking in local communities, businesses, and schools on drug use and abuse trends in our area. He also played a role in "The Pause Project", a locally produced film raising awareness on the dangers of driving while impaired.
Jim was an active member of the area's Emergency Response Team. After his involvement in multiple traumatic cases, Jim recognized the need for increased awareness of mental injuries sustained by emergency responders. He speaks openly about his own work injuries, the continuing related stigmas, as well as his healing. In addition, Jim has given his time to the community by volunteering for many organizations, including Special Olympics, the Polar Plunge, National Night Out, the food pantry at First Free Church, and at the Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Jim received many awards for meritorious and exemplary service. In 2011, Jim was the first recipient in the nation of the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery, which rewards "exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty” after his life-saving actions during a high-profile call.
Since his retirement from law enforcement in 2016, Jim has continued to speak locally about improved mental health awareness, access, and care for current and future emergency responders.
Jim and his wife, Angela have been blessed with five sons, all who have attended the School District of Holmen.
Arlan C. Helgeson was born, grew up, and loved Holmen all his life. He graduated from Holmen High School in 1930 as Class President. Arlan was naturally bright, sociable and had a curiosity that continued throughout his life. His supportive family and encouraging teachers helped him succeed.
Arlan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at La Crosse State Teachers College in 1943, served in the U. S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator in Great Britain during WW II, and on returning to civilian life, taught high school in Bangor, Wisconsin for a year before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison completing his doctorate in U. S. History in 1951.
That same year he was hired as a Professor of History at Illinois State University at Normal, Illinois. He was appointed Dean of the Graduate School in 1961 and served as Acting Provost of the University from 1971 - 1975. He returned to the history department resuming his work with Masters and Doctoral candidates. He retired in 1981.
Arlan is the author of Farms in the Cutover, published by the University of Wisconsin Press (1962), The United States of America: A History for Young Citizens (1963), and Growing Up in Holmen (2009), as well as various articles for the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Encyclopedia Britannica.
In his retirement, Arlan was a founding member and officer in the Central Arizona Land Trust, an organization devoted to preserving scenic areas and ranch land near Prescott, AZ.
Known for his sense of humor, Arlan was a popular speaker at both university and community events. His loving care for his family and commitment to friendships were appreciated by all who knew him. A humble man, he found great pleasure and satisfaction in the reception of his memoir, Growing Up in Holmen. Holmen High School’s use of his book was a source of great happiness to him.
Marie (Brown) Dummer is proud to be a part of the Holmen Community. Her accomplishments include active membership in the Holmen Historical Society, Holmen Area Foundation, La Crosse County and Happy Hollanders HCE Organizations, La Crosse County Adult 4-H Leaders Association, St. Patrick's Altar Society, Saint Elizabeth's PCCW, and La Crosse Deanery Council of Catholic Women. Her leadership roles in all of these organizations contribute to their success.
Marie worked in the Accounting Department at Trane Company for ten years and was the Town of Holland Treasurer for forty years. However, her service to the community of Holmen and her service work in improving the lives of Holmen citizens is what makes Marie an outstanding citizen.
Marie was awarded the Holmen Kornfest Parade Marshall in 2014 because of the many volunteer activities in which she participates: delivering Meals on Wheels, organizing the 1987 Alumni Banquet and the 1998 Alumni Book, servicing many church activities and fundraisers.
Marie was Valedictorian of the Class of 1951, editor of the Yearbook, and the Daughter’s of American Revolution and Badger Girls' State representative from her class. Marie's roots run deep in the Holmen schools. Her mother, Anna McCabe, attended Holmen High School the day it opened in 1912 and graduated with the first class in 1916. Marie's five siblings, four children and two grandchildren are all Holmen graduates. Two more grandchildren are students in Holmen. Her support of Holmen High School activities spans decades.
Congratulations, Marie Dummer, Class of 1951, recipient of this year’s Alumni of the Year Award.
The Alumni Award is an annual dedication which honors Holmen High School graduates who have distinguished themselves in their careers and communities. Chuck has been a life-long resident of the Holmen area and his community contributions have been far reaching. Over the past four decades he has served in many capacities such as Village Board member, School Board member, Volunteer Firefighter, Youth Baseball Coach and as a member of many other organizations improving the Holmen community. As a successful small businessman in the profession of realtor, Chuck has promoted economic development, both residential and commercial in the Holmen area. He has helped develop businesses and jobs throughout La Crosse County extending this growth into the Holmen area helping to make it the welcoming community it is today. Holmen parents, students, and residents would like to congratulate Chuck Olson and thank him for all that he has done to make Holmen a wonderful place to live.
