ABERDEEN, S.D. (aberdeennews.com) – This year’s honorees in the Aberdeen Catholic School System Hall of Fame will be recognized in one of five categories.
The 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees are as follows:
- Arts and Academics: Brigadier General Jeff Hurlbert, class of 1987
- Athletics: Cary Hornaman, class of 1975
- Benefactors and Founders: Ken and Dee Fiedler family
- Employees: Rose Kraft, worked for Roncalli 39 years
- Volunteer Service: Todd Zens, class of 1981.
This year’s ceremony is Sept. 26 at Roncalli High School in conjunction with the 1975 class reunion. Sponsorships and tickets are available at 605-226-2100.
Hurlbert attended Notre Dame University and was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC. During his years of service he served many roles and is currently deputy inspector general of the Air Force in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. He has earned numerous awards and honors, including Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
Hornaman was integral to the 1975 State A Basketball championship for Roncalli, averaging 20 points per game that season and setting the all-time scoring record of 1,314 points. In addition to basketball, he was an all-state defensive back in football, ran track, and played baseball. Hornaman went on to play basketball at Northern State University, earning all-Northern Intercollegiate Conference and District 12 honors. He also played baseball at Northern and went on to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1978. He spent two years playing outfield in their minor-league system.
The Fiedler family has a long history of support of Roncalli. Their children and grandchildren have attended Roncalli. They have also attended and volunteered at events and advocated for Catholic education in Aberdeen. Through their business, Ken’s SuperFair Foods, they have donated prizes, food and beverages, and money to numerous fundraising events, building projects, and various other activities. Ken’s SuperFair Foods has also started the Ken’s Karing for Kids, which gives the ACSS a percentage from Ken’s receipts. Ken Fiedler died in 2018.
Kraft was a long-time employee at Roncalli. Her husband, daughter, and grandchildren are Roncalli graduates. Kraft was a well-loved math teacher and began many math competitions, including Math Counts and Math Olympians. Her caring spirit led her to begin Camp DreamMakers during the summers as a way to provide children with disabilities an opportunity to learn and experience a variety of summer activities.
Zens is known for his cooking. He has fed thousands at various school and church events. His expertise has been invaluable as he has consulted on and volunteered to help with countless building and ground issues as well as constructed many items for Roncalli. He has served for many years on the school board, was co-chairman of the Roncalli Ball, helped at many school functions, and is a strong supporter of Roncalli fine arts, activities and athletics.