Some of the past recipients gathered for a reception at Thomsonite Beach Inn on Saturday, June 5. Those in attendance ranged from graduates in 1978 to this year’s recipients. (L-R, kneeling) Pete Lande (2001), Carly Puch (2010), Ann Rosenquist (1984), Cindy Nelson (1974), Lee Hansen Bergstrom (1978), Lori Everson Hommerding (1981). (L-R, back) Drew Holmen (2010), Tait Sande (2008), Leif Sande (2005), Heidi Sande (2008), Marie Nordahl (2009), Alyssa Lindquist Hedstrom (1996), Bryan Carpenter (1991), Losha Senty (2009).
The 100th anniversary of commencement ceremonies at Cook County High School brought an opportunity to provide a gathering of past Cindy Nelson Award recipients. Since 1976, the Cindy Nelson Award has been given to one male and one female senior who have demonstrated a positive growth in character, academic and athletic achievement, while attending CCHS. Carly Puch (who became this year’s recipient) suggested Nelson, a 1973 CCHS grad, for commencement speaker. She accepted and spoke at graduation on June 5, 2010.
While Nelson was in the county, 13 recipients attended a gathering Saturday morning, June 5 at Thomsonite Beach Inn in Grand Marais. Those in attendance included recipients ranging from an honoree from 1978 to this year’s recipients.
At the informal gathering, Nelson spoke about her experiences as a World Class Alpine ski racer and how she was able to manage her academics while traveling around the world to train and ski race. She gave a lot of credit to the teachers at CCHS and the curriculum at the time that allowed her to get her high school education and diploma.
Nelson began by saying she was pleased to have the opportunity to meet those who received the award that carries her name. Many wanted to know what Nelson was doing now in her life. She explained the most recent business that she developed five years ago called, “Here 2 Help Vail.” This is a Care and Concierge service specializing in orthopedic pre- and-post operative non-medical care in Vail, Colorado. She and her business partner have blended their years of personal and professional experiences to create a business that offers the finest in non-medical Care and Concierge services.
Alyssa (Lindquist) Hedstrom asked Nelson what it was like to transition from the life of a world-class athlete to the working world. Nelson’s comment was quite interesting. She noted that during her years of training and racing she was able to measure her success by “time trials on the race course or medals won.” She knew that she was reaching her goals by her ability to surpass previous time on a previous run, by winning a World Championship or an Olympic medal. As she entered the world of business, success couldn’t be measured the same way. Nelson soon realized she had to start setting her own goals, which allowed her to measure her success as she set out to be “the best she can be.”
Nelson also commented on the North Shore community, stating that the foundation for those raised here is invaluable and unique. The pioneers of the area fostered a “can do” attitude that allows all of us to think big, set goals and do the things we need to reach them. She also noted the importance of networking with those we have made connections with in our lives. We can learn from people’s experiences if we listen and not try to re-write the book ourselves.
Sue Hansen, a member of the original group of people who developed the Cindy Nelson Award, was present. She explained that the funds for this award were raised in 1976 and it continues to be managed by Grand Marais State Bank. The watches that are given each year at the CCHS Awards Day are being paid for by the interest from the original donation. But, to ensure the continued quality in the watches for future recipients, additional donations are always needed. Contributions can be sent to the Grand Marais State Bank, c/o Cindy Nelson Award fund, PO Box 100, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
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