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On Friday, February 23, 2024 Chisago Lakes High School will recognize, honor and induct Brenda Swanson, Herb Jangor, Sheila Strehlo and Lora Hilger Hanks into the Chisago Lakes Hall of Fame.

“Our inductees have shown distinct, unique, and exceptional athletic ability and have made positive contributions to our community and to the Chisago Lakes activities and fine arts programs,” Activities Director Jodi Otte said. “They were nominated by former coaches, teachers, school staff, and community members. From there, they were voted into the 2024 Wildcat Hall of Fame by the Hall of Fame Committee.”

Please join the festivities  honoring Brenda, Herb, Sheila and Lora at halftime of the boys basketball game. Action starts at 7 p.m. Friday, February 23, in the main gym at Chisago Lakes High School. 

BRENDA BERGQUIST SWANSON

Brenda completed her high school education at Chisago Lakes High School in 1988, achieving a remarkable feat of earning nine varsity letters – three in volleyball, two in basketball, and four in softball. Not only did she excel athletically, but Brenda also received numerous all-conference and academic awards. Her prowess continued in college, where she played shortstop and first base at UMD, graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor’s in Teaching Life Science along with a coaching certification. Post-college, Brenda returned to CLHS, teaching Science, and has been an influential figure in the education field since 1993. 

 Throughout the years, she has actively contributed to youth development by teaching, advising, and coaching basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer in Chisago Lakes, Forest Lake, and North Branch. Brenda attributes her athletic success to her brother Tim, who never took it easy on her, fostering resilience and strength. Engaging in sports not only made school enjoyable but also instilled important life lessons. 

LORA HILGER HANKS

  Lora, a 1989 graduate of Taylors Falls High School, boasts an impressive athletic background, earning a total of 12 varsity letters across volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Throughout her high school career, she garnered numerous accolades, including multiple all-conference awards, being named female athlete of the year in 1988 and 1989, and securing the conference MVP titles for volleyball and basketball in 1989. Notably, Lora also represented her school at the state track and field meet in shot put in 1989. In addition to her athletic pursuits, she actively engaged in student council, band, and choir throughout her four years. Building on her academic and athletic accomplishments, Lora continued her journey at Bemidji State University, where she played volleyball for four years. Her contributions earned her the Freshman Rookie of the Year title, the esteemed position of team captain, and four letters. Additionally, she added two years of softball to her repertoire. Lora graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Following her academic pursuits, she graduated from the Minneapolis Police Academy in the same year and dedicated over two decades of service to the force, retiring in 2017. 

 

SHEILA STREHLO

 Sheila completed her high school education at Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, Kansas, graduating in 1964. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at Emporia State University, achieving a double major in Business Education and Business Management in 1967. Sheila furthered her academic pursuits, earning a Master of Education in Business. From 1969 to 1975, Sheila held the position of Head of the Secretarial Department at Eveleth Community College and pursued a PhD at Southern Illinois University. During this time, she also contributed significantly by developing a business curriculum for the State of Minnesota Department of Education. In 1975, she embarked on a distinguished 27-year teaching career at Chisago Lakes High School, specializing in the Business Department. Since 2003, she has been employed by 4.0 Transportation as an on-call Special Education Van Driver. Throughout her career, Sheila actively engaged in various roles, participating in numerous committees, serving on countless boards, and demonstrating exceptional dedication. She received accolades for her contributions, being named Chisago Lakes teacher of the year in 1990 and 2002. In conjunction with colleague Chester Garness, Sheila facilitated student groups and activities such as BPA (Business Professionals of America). Both Chester and Sheila earned Distinguished Service Awards for Retired BPA Advisors. 

HERB JANGOR

Herb earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in K-12 Physical Education, with a minor in Pre-K-12 Developmental/ Adaptive Physical Education, and a coaching certificate from Winona State University in 1984. Adding to his academic achievements, he obtained a master's degree from the same institution in 1991. Between 1991 and 1995, Herb made a mark in the coaching realm, serving as the JV basketball coach at Winona State, an Assistant Coach at NDSU, and another stint as an Assistant Coach at Black Hills State University. His dedicated teaching and coaching career at Chisago Lakes High School began in 1995, where he took on various roles over the years. From 1995 to 2013, Herb served as the head boys basketball coach, accumulating 223 career wins, securing sectional championships and state participation in 1997, conference championships in 1998, 1999, and 2002, and finishing as section runners-up in 2005 and 2006. Recognized for his coaching expertise, Herb received Section Coach of the Year honors in 1998, 2002, and 2005, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves/3M Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2005. Herb's coaching portfolio expanded to include head softball coach from 2007 to 2011, boys and girls golf coach from 2013 to 2016, and 8th-grade football coach. Beyond sports, Herb played a crucial role as the leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the Chisago Lakes Lions, a Minnesota State High School Delegate, and an Eagle Brook Church Student Ministries small group leader. His infectious dedication and humor left a lasting impact on those around him.

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