January 19, 2025
The Greater Denfeld Foundation is proud to announce its 2025 educator donations, continuing a long standing tradition of investing in Denfeld students and the educators who support them every day.
In addition to awarding scholarships to Denfeld graduates, the Foundation provides annual fall donations to teachers, coaches, advisors, and staff to enhance student learning and create meaningful opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
These donations are made possible through the Greater Denfeld Foundation Memorial Fund, supported by the generous legacy gifts of Harry Fisher/Class of 1955 and the Steve Anderson Memorial Funds.
2025 Recipients
A new pottery wheel was purchased for students taking art and ceramics—2024 donation.
Students in German were able to utilize an upgraded German Reader Library in their classes—2024 donation.
- Carrie Conley, Fine Arts Teacher
— Art Class Equipment & Supplies: $1,500 - Jamie de la Cruz, American Indian Liaison
— Traditional Indigenous Arts: $1,000 - John Hoban, Visual Arts Teacher
— Photography & Video Equipment: $875 - Tracey Holecek, Medical Occupations/
Emergency Medical Instructor
— Emergency Medical Responder Equipment: $1,500 - Curtis Horner, EBD Setting III Resource Teacher
— EBD Classroom Materials: $500 - April Howard, Check & Connect Coordinator
— Back to Basics: $800 - Jill Lofald, Head Speech Coach
— Denfeld Speech Team: $500 - Rachel Lofald, Choir Teacher
— DHS Choir Portable Speaker & Microphones: $840 - Stacia Marsolek, Physical Education Teacher
— Indigenous World Games: $1,000 - Kevin Michalicek, Chemistry Teacher
— Pure Water for Chemistry: $1,500 - Wade Petrich, Teacher
— DHS Journalism: $1,345 - Richard Roseth, Supervisory Assistant
— Lunchtime Recreational Opportunities: $600 - Laura Rust, Dean of Students & Student Government Advisor
—Auditorium Upgrades / Wireless Headsets: $1,087 - Brian Schilling, Debate Coach
— Debate Team: $800 - Keely Waechter, Workforce Learning Coordinator
Sewing Club & Drama Club Advisor
— Sewing Club: $1,000
— Theater Program Growth: $1,000
In total, $15,847 was awarded to Denfeld educators, helping bring creative ideas to life, enrich classroom instruction, and expand extracurricular opportunities for students. These gifts not only reduce out-of-pocket costs for educators but also open doors to hands-on, engaging learning experiences that make a lasting impact.
Since 1971, the Greater Denfeld Foundation has supported Duluth Denfeld High School students through scholarships for post-secondary education and donations to educators, ensuring students have access to a valuable and enriching educational experiences.