For over a century Le Mars Schools
have injected the life and spirit of
our community and children into an
ever changing world. And we have
made a remarkable difference.
Le Mars — a special place to
lay the foundation for life.
It is our desire to continue in this
purpose — maintain and expand it.
The challenges are many.
Nonetheless, we believe in our way
of life. The purpose of our whole
community has mightily impacted
the individuals we have educated.
And, our record proves it!
Educational excellence, built on a way of life
It is said, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” A community
that offers opportunity based upon its values has the potential to
create good fruit. Le Mars Community Schools has had the
privilege of impacting students who have contributed to their
families, communities, nation and world for over a century.
The breadth of our school and community’s achievement is
remarkable: Ambassadors to world renowned doctors, leading
research scientists, engineers, military leaders, educators,
musicians, leaders in agriculture, moms and dads. There must be
something special about this place we call “Le Mars.” Our lives
are as enriched as the soil. May we celebrate it, perpetuate it and
resolve not to lose it.
If you grew up and were educated in Le Mars,
Iowa, the environment and educational
opportunity gave you a leg up on 95% of the
world. Here is an opportunity to help others run
the race.
We have a lot to blow our horn
about. Le Mars’ alumni have set
standards and provided
leadership in every area of life.
Across the board, from academic,
arts, drama and athletics, Le
Mars Community School has
offered opportunities for our
children’s mental, social and
physical growth.
© Le Mars Community School District Foundation 2021
Distinguished educator and
alumnus Jim Lorenzen shares
the importance of community
partnership in achieving
educational excellence.
Le Mars Community School District Foundation
Le Mars Community Schools have
always been about the meeting of
minds, strengthening of hearts and
providing a foundation for lives to
grow and thrive.
We desire to connect or, if needed,
reconnect with people who are
reflective about the life-changing
opportunity provided by our school
and community. We are open to your
concerns about the educational
challenges we face and desire to
make a difference in our educators’
ability to reach our children and
address these challenges.
You may have been a part of our
past. Now we need you for our
future.
Meet the Foundation. Call on us to answer your questions and fulfill
your desire to support Le Mars Community Schools
© Le Mars Community School District Foundation 2021
Meet the Foundation
Dr. Tom Bjorge, Pat Murphy, Larry Petersen, Scott Kommes, Carolyn
Vance, Kent Pauling, Allie Freking, Steve Wick, Terri Martin, Todd
Lancaster, Kay Michaelson, Dr. Steve Webner - Superintendent,
Debra Ahlers, Denise Anthony, Dr. Greg Jeneary, Glendon Peterson,
Don Lake. Not pictured: Dennis Bixenman, Steve Collins, Kelsey
Langel, Joe Sitzmann, Eddie Webb
You can become an important factor in continuing the
Le Mars tradition. Join us on the front line of
impacting our children’s lives.
© Le Mars Community School District Foundation 2021
You can help expand the potential of the
Le Mars Community School District
Direct Gifts to the Foundation
are welcome at any time and
are immediately invested to
build the educational strength
of the Le Mars Community
School District.
Scholarship Gifts — Scholarships
are awarded each year through
the Foundation. Consider the
possibility of a named
scholarship based upon criteria
you help develop.
Wills and Estates — The
Foundation has been the
beneficiary of estate gifts. For
those looking to make a
powerful impact on the mission
of the Le Mars Community
School, consider a legacy gift.
Please contact a member of the
Foundation or the
Superintendent’s office for
more information.
Special Projects — We’re
always challenged by changes in
technology and social changes
that impact the ability of our
school to be relevant in a
rapidly changing world. Contact
the superintendent about
ongoing projects and needs.
The Le Mars Community School District Foundation is a fully
qualified 501(c3) entity as designated by the IRS. Your gifts are
eligible for the fullest deductions according to tax laws for
charitable, estate and capital gains purposes. Explore the
possibilities with the Foundation and your tax advisor.
Create a legacy and provide moral
support — We are pleased to
commemorate and/or memorialize gifts
and scholarships provided to the
Foundation. The added testament of a
named gift inspires and encourages others
to be thankful for your support and
inspires them to consider their support to
the life building mission of the Le Mars
Community School District Foundation.
Contact the Foundation for needs and
opportunities.
Our Activities: Celebrating, perpetuating
Crystal Bell — Decades of
Excellence Teacher of
the Year
Each year the Foundation and
Alumni Association recognize
the Teacher of the Year by
providing a $500 personal gift
and a $500 monetary award
for classroom improvement.
The recipient for 2014 is Mary
Kay Benton.
Scholarships
The Foundation recognizes
student achievement by
facilitating the award of over
one hundred scholarships
annually. This year, over
$55,000 was awarded. In
total, over $692,000 has been
invested in Le Mars students.
© Le Mars Community School District Foundation 2021
Dr. Thomas Starzl ’44, MD, Ph.D
Dr. Wendell Downing ‘48, Sarah Meis LCSD 7th grade
Student and her parents Dr. Steve ‘78 and Dr. Jolene
Meis.