November 7, 2024 — Westonka Public Schools has established the Westonka Fine Arts Hall of Fame (HOF), complementing the existing Athletic Hall of Fame, which was launched in 2020. The purpose of the new Fine Arts HOF is to recognize individuals with significant achievements in the arts, either as students or representatives of the district, while fostering a deeper connection between the past, present and future of the Westonka arts community.

The initiative was spearheaded by Theresa Schmidt, a music teacher at Hilltop Primary School. Schmidt, who resides in the Dassel-Cokato school district, was inspired by their own fine arts and athletic halls of fame and saw a similar opportunity for Westonka. After sharing her vision with Activities Director Jeff Peterson and High School Choir Director Kelly Newell, the idea quickly became reality.

“I have worked for the Westonka district for many years, and we have always had successful arts programs and have graduated many talented students who have gone on to excel in the arts,” said Schmidt. “I felt strongly that there should be a place where we can honor these individuals, just as we do with our athletes.”

The Fine Arts HOF will recognize individuals in three categories:

• Alumni: Former students who have excelled in the fine arts and have been out of school for at least 10 years.
• Director/Teacher/Advisor: Individuals who have made a positive impact on the district’s fine arts programs and have been involved in Westonka’s arts community for at least 10 years.
• Volunteer/Administrator: Community members or school staff who have made a positive, lasting contribution to the Westonka Fine Arts Program.

Nominations for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame are now open, with a submission deadline of May 1, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form. After review in May and June, inductees will be honored during the Alumni Breakfast at Homecoming 2025.

“Obviously, as a teacher of the arts, I'm a lover of the arts and have invested much of my life and passion in this community and want to promote and celebrate those who have taken our Westonka arts program above and beyond,” said Schmidt.

In addition to the Fine Arts Hall of Fame, nominations are also open online for the Athletic Hall of Fame, with the same deadline of May 1, 2025. The induction for the Athletic HOF is planned for Homecoming 2025.