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It's the moment many wait for each year - the announcement of our 2023 Redwood Area Schools Hall of Fame inductees!
This year, the Redwood Area Education Foundation is honored to induct:
William "Bill" Greenslit - Alumni
Morton High School - Class of 1957
One of the most highly decorated athletes in Morton’s school history, Bill was a member of the football, basketball, baseball and track teams. During the 1957 state track meet, Bill became champion in the 100–Yd. dash & accounted for all 11 points for the 3rd place team finish. This was quite a feat considering he was from a school without a track and only 3 hurdles, of which Bill practiced with on the grass in the city park. Because of both his academic & athletic achievements, Bill was highly recruited by a number of colleges and chose to continue his studies & athletic career at St. Olaf College. With the “Oles”, Bill lettered in basketball, football and track. The Oles named him MVP & captain of their football team, and his 100-Yd. dash track record still stands at 9.7 seconds. He gained induction into the St. Olaf Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. Bill eventually went on to receive his M.A. in Education. Success on the athletic fields gave him an edge in his teaching and coaching career, with classroom and leadership roles in New Ulm and Irondale/Mounds View High Schools. He also coached track & cross country during that time. To this day, The Greenslit Relays are held each spring in Mounds View. Bill spent nearly 40 years in education, symbolizing the values taught through role model teachers. He took the high road with less traffic and the capability to accomplish more, making a career in education and a difference for many.
Charles "Chuck" Lussenhop - Community
Chuck Lussenhop was born and raised in Redwood Falls, graduating from Redwood Falls High School in 1961. Chuck was a three sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and golf. He earned 10 athletic letters during that time and was a member of the 1959 state championship golf team. Upon graduation, Chuck received an invitation from the University of Minnesota basketball program and attended classes both there and Gustavus Adolphus. It was during that time that Chuck decided to pursue a career in construction, more specifically bridge construction, and for over 57 years has constructed or rehabbed over 200 bridges in southern Minnesota, still being involved in semi-retirement. Chuck was also a member of the Minnesota Army Reserves for 6 years before being discharged as a staff sergeant. Through the years, Chuck has remained an integral part of Cardinal athletics. If you have attended a Redwood Valley basketball game in the past 41 years, you most likely have seen him operating the clock at the scorer’s table. That’s over 2,100 games to date! Chuck claims he has never missed a second. His service & commitment is like no other and has been recognized by the Minnesota State High School League, as he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2011. Chuck’s many years of dedication to the athletic program is insurmountable. A no-change person, Chuck has been a Redwood Falls resident & member of his church for 80 years, a business owner & bridge builder for 57 years, timer for 41 years and a Minnesota Gopher season ticket holder for 40 years. Above all, his love for high school athletics and connection to the players has brought about his attendance at the state basketball tournaments for 7 decades. Chuck says Redwood Falls has been good to him and we’re proud to recognize Chuck for his commitment to Redwood Falls & the Redwood Area School District.
Linda Zick - Staff/Faculty
Linda Zick devoted 24 years to Redwood Area Schools as the Guidance Office Secretary from 1988-2012. Linda worked closely with students and families of the district managing the daily tasks of the Guidance Office. She was also highly involved with scholarship applications, college applications, transcripts and conferences. A master of multi-tasking and organization, Linda was often at the helm of the office each day, ready for the constant stream of requests, questions, visitors and often times, emotional support. She thrived in chaos and always did so with a wonderful attitude, genuine compassion and an impeccable quality of work. But, Linda was driven to do more than her job. She was motivated to perform above and beyond the average because she genuinely believed it would best serve students & staff in the district. She was a high-performing employee who met colleague’s highest expectations and always encouraged others to do what was in the best interest of the students and staff. She also encouraged others to make good choices and to be proud of the decisions they made. Therefore, she was highly regarded and loved by students and staff alike. Linda conducted herself with dignity, integrity, honesty and class. Always supportive, Linda’s work ethic and values inspired others to be better than they otherwise may have been. Linda served as the best kind of example for others to follow.
Barb Sellevold - Staff/Faculty
Barb Sellevold was an instrumental employee of the Redwood Area School District for 32 years, from 1983-2015. She began her time in the district as a high school special education teacher for eight years, then in 1991 transitioned to a school counselor until her retirement. During this time, Barb made significant contributions to the students, families and staff of the district and was rightfully awarded the Minnesota School Counselor of the Year in 2002. Recognized as a tireless advocate, Barb worked for years to develop various programs for students including the in-house special education program, the establishment of the Alternative Learning Program, numerous support groups and quite significantly, the establishment of the middle school “Homebase” program, which continues to this day. Throughout Barb’s many years of meaningful work, she was the ultimate mentor to many new staff. She also grasped many opportunities to influence the lives of young people, and she did so with genuine sincerity, compassion & concern. There are many students that wouldn’t have graduated without Barb in their life. She was a “safe place” for so many people, students and staff alike. Barb continuously built a trustworthy foundation with all those she met, and in turn, was influential in thousands of student successes, both in graduation and in life.
Congratulations to our 2023 inductees! The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 22nd at 5:00 p.m. in the PAC. A reception to follow in the HS Commons.
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