The 2017 graduation ceremony will feature the induction into the school’s hall-of-fame of three past students.
Mark Hamilton - Class of 1996
Hamilton attended Purdue University and received his B.A. in Psychology.
He has since been commissioned as a Second Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps and has been promoted several times to current rank of Major. Hamilton took flight training in U.S., including on the T-34C Turbo Mentor, T-44 Pegasus, and KC-130 Hercules. He received his pilots wings in May 2002.
Hamilton’s service includes: Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons, Weapons and Tactics Instructor School, Terminal Attack Control Party School. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hamilton has flown more than 800 combat hours and served in over 35 countries around the globe. He joined the Blue Angels in 2014 with more than 4,000 flight hours.
Decorations include 12 Air Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.
Hamilton has been married to his wife Janet for 17 years. They have two children in Elizabeth and Johnathan.
Virgina Johnson - Class of 1949
In 1951, Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Donnie and they have enjoyed 63 plus years together. The Johnsons have raised six children on their Becker farm. Virginia met the needs of residents at High Point Lodge Nursing Home for over 30 years. She has hosted children from the Kids in the Country program. She is also a member of the Toastmaster’s Club and a leader in the Pioneer Girls Club and a Cub Scout Den Mother.
In 1988, Virginia was chosen to represent Minnesota at the Mothers of America convention. Virginia has stayed active caring for others including as a volunteer at Faith in Action, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and Neighborhood Bible Study.
She has also served as Church Deacon, PTA Secretary and an Election Judge.
Bryan Olson - Class of 1974
Olson has been married for over forty years and he and his wife, Nancy, have raised five children.
Olson worked in the precast concrete products industry for over 40 years, starting in the plant and eventually becoming the Plant Manager in Elk River and serving as Operations Manager in other plants across the Midwest and Florida.
Olson is the recipient of several innovation awards, as well as the Cretex “Tough Nut Award”. He has served on the Becker School Board for 20 years, two decades as a youth worker at Riverside Church and a volunteer coach for multiple youth programs in Becker.
Olson says he has tried to be a man of integrity and do his best for his family, employer, community and church. He credits his parents and family for their nurturing influence.
