ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame Class of 2025:
Academics/Achievement
Leah (Ackerman) duCharme, JD, Class of 1995 – A devoted public servant, duCharme serves as a District Court Judge for the Seventh Judicial District in Minnesota. Prior to becoming a Judge, she had a successful family law practice, representing thousands of families through the most difficult times in their lives.
Charles F. Gorder, Sr. Class of 1943 – Graduating near the top of his class from the US Naval Academy, Gorder served in the Korean War. He rose to the rank of Commander as a Navy JAG officer before retirement and a second successful career as a lawyer in private practice. He dedicated his life to finding a cure for melanoma in memory of his second son.
Alan Groves, Class of 1971 – A Dartmouth engineering graduate, pastor, mentor, and scholar, Groves created the first linguistic database of the Hebrew Bible. The Westminster Hebrew Institute was renamed The J. Alan Groves Center for Advanced Biblical Research in 2006 to honor its founder.
Athletics
Jared Hannigan, Class of 2010 – A role model and elite athlete, Hannigan excelled on and off the field as quarterback for the Golden Eagles. He earned honors as Mr. Basketball, Spirit of Su, Class AA Player of the Year, and Gatorade Player of the Year, and was a three-time state champion in the long jump.
Chelsea (Brandlee) Hanson, Class of 2005 – A volleyball and basketball standout athlete, Hanson was the heart and soul of her teams at Aberdeen Central. In 2004, she set and still holds the State Volleyball record for Most Aces in the State Tournament (across all classes). She completed her volleyball career at CHS with over 1,000 kills.
Douglas Woodruff Smith, Class of 1962 – No one else has had more impact on the quality and quantity of tennis in Aberdeen. Smith’s continued commitment to mentoring, education, and leadership has shaped the sport of tennis at the local, state, regional, and national levels. He has positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people and led them to many state championships.
Fine Arts
Scott Bohall, Class of 1981 – Bohall’s Treasures Custom Jewelers is the most celebrated jeweler in Arizona, winning over thirty-three state, national, and international awards for his unique and beautiful jewelry designs. Bohall passionately serves his community by coaching youth sports, teaching marketing classes, and speaking at local, regional, and national conferences.
Courtney Rott, Jr., Class of 1984 – On stage in over 40 Aberdeen Community Theatre and Minneapolis Guthrie Theatre productions, PA voice of NSU football and wrestling, manager of his family’s legendary Helen’s California Kitchen, and founder of Oktoberfest, Rott is a tireless community champion and a sought-after emcee and host of a multitude of community events.
Distinguished Service
Char Akkerman, ASD 1972-2006 – A technology pioneer and lifelong learner, Akkerman served as the first computer coordinator in the Aberdeen School District, leading students and staff into the digital age. Following her tenure as a popular business teacher and cheerleading advisor, she became an innovative assistant principal.
These nine individuals will be inducted into the Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame at a banquet on September 27, 2025, in conjunction with Aberdeen Central High School Homecoming festivities. Tickets will go on sale for the event in July.
The Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame is a special project of the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation. For more information, contact the Foundation at (605) 725-7118 or visit www.AberdeenPublicSchoolsFoundation.org.
The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports Aberdeen Public School District students and staff and promotes excellence in education by forging partnerships among the schools, community, and alumni.