Last year marked the grand debut of Eden Prairie Schools’ Hall of Fame: 20 alumni, staff members, and community leaders whose achievements surpass every standard for excellence.
So auspicious an occasion demanded a crowd – precisely what Eden Prairie Schools and the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) drew to Valley View Campus when they hosted the Eagle Excellence Showcase there last October. Around 200 attended to celebrate Eden Prairie’s best and brightest, as well as raise funding that FEPS has already granted to students, staff, and organizations making a powerful difference throughout the school district.
The soirée was a resounding success, and 20 Hall of Fame inductees and other special honorees represent only a fraction of our city’s greatness. That’s every reason Eden Prairie Schools and FEPS needed to host the second annual Eagle Excellence Showcase on the evening of Saturday, October 3rd.
“Our newly renovated Valley View Campus provides the perfect venue for what has become FEPS’ signature fundraising event,” said Molly Malone, director of community engagement and alumni relations for Eden Prairie Schools. “It’s spacious yet intimate, with a solarium and patio overlooking the south shore of beautiful Bryant Lake.
“Guests are invited to arrive at 5:30 for happy hour. In addition to mingling, they can bid in FEPS’ silent auction: gift cards and packages donated by local businesses, and other items from award winners. A live auction featuring tours, trips, and other curated experiences will follow later in the evening.”
“The big presentation will begin with a seated dinner,” said Jody Ward-Rannow, director for FEPS. “It will showcase this year’s 10 Hall of Fame inductees’ grit, perseverance, and success, along with the triumphs of Eagles over the years. We will also present FEPS’ annual Legacy Awards honoring those selfless teachers, staff, volunteers, alumni, and other community members who make our town’s educational system so exceptional.”
“Eden Prairie Schools will bestow even more distinctions to some of our own inspiring team members,” added Molly. “Truly an uplifting spectacle, and a special thing to be a part of! You’re certain to leave with a stronger devotion to our community than you have ever felt before.”
“FEPS awarded around $60,000 in grants last year alone,” Jody continued. “Those funds are available to any organization with an idea that will make a big impact, as well as educators who need additional supplies or equipment to take their lessons to the next level. We have recently covered the costs of books, 3D printers, VR goggles, special programs, and even Eden Prairie High School’s new Emerging Technologies Lab. It’s all in service of unlocking more students’ potential, motivating them to reach greater heights, and giving us plenty to celebrate during Eagle Excellence Showcases for decades to come.”
“Thank you to everyone who attends and donates,” said Molly. “With your help, we’re seeing just how high our Eagles can soar!”
Visit EdenPr.org/eagle-excellence-showcase to learn more!
Congratulations to This Year’s Hall of Fame Inductees and Legacy Awards Winners!
2026 Eden Prairie Schools Hall of Fame Inductees
- Alia (‘01) and Radwa Elkaffas (‘05) - Food Dolls content creators and New York Times best-selling authors
- Anna (Bachman) Itman (‘96) - Former Pom Squad dancer and dedicated coach
- Blake Cashman (‘15) - EPHS football and NFL star
- Conn McCartan (‘78) - Star student and esteemed EPHS principal
- Greg Elder (‘86) - L.L.Bean CEO
- Judy Baxter - Legendary girls lacrosse coach
- Kyle Rau (‘11) - EPHS hockey and NHL star
- Linda Bergman † - Former teacher, Baro tutoring champion, and volunteer
- Reuel Long (‘42) † - War hero/POW
- Tim Beekmann - Longtime teacher and beloved principal
2026 FEPS Legacy Award Winners
- Elementary Teacher of the Year - Stacy Natal, Prairie View Elementary School reading specialist
- Secondary Teacher of the Year - Andy Malone, Central Middle School social studies teacher
- Staff of the Year - Montserrat Muñoz, Cedar Ridge Elementary and Forest Hills Elementary Schools cultural liaison
- Staff of the Year - Heriberto Vargas, Spanish communications specialist
- Staff of the Year - Katy Hokanson, Area Learning Center paraprofessional
- Volunteer of the Year - Jan Schmidt, Forest Hills Elementary School
- Community Leader of the Year - Jenifer Loon, PROP
“With your help, we’re seeing just how high our Eagles can soar!”