Walking into the lunchroom you hear an unfamiliar noise. The grinding of drills. The pounding of hammers. The custodians are adding the new tiles to the wall of inspiration.
This year ten new tiles were added to the wall. The new inductees are Jennifer Zoller, Morgan Field, Colleen Thompson, Bryce DeBoer, Brady Falk, Kevin Gentz, Carrie Troe, Dennis Hamberg, Abraham Hernandez and Annabelle Randall.
“I feel honored to be on the wall.” Gentz said. “I feel humble considering what I know about the Kuphal family.”
The wall was started by the Kuphals in honor of their son Josh Kuphal, a graduate of Albert Lea High School who passed away shorty after graduating. The Kuphals wanted the memory of Josh to live on, and also honor those who inspire others, as Josh did while he was alive.
To be on the Wall of Inspiration one has to be nominated and then selected by the committee. The nominations are done by anyone that feels inspired enough by another to write a short nomination paper on them. The committee then reviews all of the nominations and meets for a conference call with the Kuphals, where they then choose who will be on the Wall of Inspiration.
“I was shocked and honored, it’s a cool thing and I’m proud to be on the wall.” Said Jennifer Zoller, one of the inductees.
Jennifer Zoller works in the CRC as a secretary. Jennifer inspires other by working hard and always trying her best. She is inspired most by doing a good job and her family, friends, coworkers and faith.
Once the nominees are chosen, they are given tiles to design. The tiles are often designed with what inspires them, pictures of friends and family and inspirational quotes.
“When I’m teaching or coaching it’s my athletes of students that inspire me most,” said Gentz,”When kids want to work harder, it’s inspiring.”
Once all of the tiles are designed, everyone gathers in the gym for the assembly. The Kuphals and the family and friends of the nominees join the students and staff in the gym for the assembly as well. A short speech and video describe the inspiring nominees and their tile, and they are then inducted to the Wall of Inspiration.
Next time you walk to lunch, stop and look at the wall. You may find yourself inspired.