For the second time in the last four years, the Becker Education Foundation named one couple and two citizens as the outstanding community members for 2022.

Ryan and Michelle Hubbard, Doug Watercott and John Riebel were named this year’s winners by the BEF Board.

(The following excerpts were taken from the program handed out to guests at yhe Gala at Pebble Creek Saturday).

Hubbards

Ryan and Michelle Hubbard’s connection to the Becker community runs deep. Ryan grew up in Becker and Michelle hails from St. Michael. After high school, they both attended Anoka Technical College with Ryan receiving his degree as a construction electrician. Michelle received her degree as a medical assistant. Both Ryan and Michelle say they absolutely love being a part of the tight-knit Becker community and the Becker schools and couldn’t imagine raising their children anywhere else.

Ryan and Michelle married in 2002, and in 2004 they opened a business called Direct Electric, which was sold in 2013. In 2015, they started Hubbard Electric and currently employs 38 people. They recently built a new shop in the Industrial Park and have expanded their operations.

The Hubbards were being honored Saturday because of their extensive community involvement and support. They actively contribute to causes benefiting students and athletes as well as community involvement in organizations such as Becker Chamber, Becker Community Christmas Dinner, Dylan’s Hope and Great River Faith in Action.

Watercott

Doug Watercott’s commitment to the Becker community is multifaceted. He’s been a coach and mentor for athletes on his teams, a steady presence and an authentic leader in the church, a trustworthy and dedicated carpenter, and a kind bus driver always smiling as he transports Becker students to and from school every day.

Watercott grew up in Foley and graduated high school there before he made his way to Golden Valley Lutheran College to play baseball. Realizing he wasn’t going to make it to the big leagues, Doug ended up at the St. Cloud Vocational School where he received a degree in carpentry. For decades, Doug has made cabinets as a full-time career as well as on the side.

Doug is the youth minister at the Catholic Church in Becker. He has seen teens and young adults at the absolute best, as well as at moments in their lives where they could not turn to anyone else.

Doug and his wife, Christina, have been married for 28 years and have four kids — Robbie, Tiffany, Brett and Brandy. In addition to these four children and all the people Doug has been a father figure for, he has four grandchildren that he enjoys spending lots of time with.

Doug has supported and been involved with many organizations in both Foley and Becker. Those include: Foley Boosters, Becker Youth Sports Association, Church Council, Knights of Columbus, Central MN Builder’s Association, Becker NET, American Cancer Society, MS, Dollars for Scholars, Dylan’s Hope, Relay for Life, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, Spirit 92.9 and Sharing and Caring Hands.

Riebel

John Riebel and Becker True Value have been pillars in the Becker community, evidenced by their strong support and involvement.

Riebel has been a member of the Becker community for over 60 years and he has two children — Kimberly and John Jr. — who both have graduated from Becker schools. John feels proud to be a member of the community, saying that ever since calling Becker home in 1955, he has valued the friendships and people of the community and has been happy to raise his family here.

Prior to his time in Becker, Riebel served in the U.S. Army and also earned a degree in Science from SCSU.

When not at Becker True Value, John has been actively involved in several organizations within the Becker community. As a veteran, he has continued to serve as Legion Commander for the last 18 years. He also participates in Friends of Sherburne County Wildlife Refuge and is on the Farm Friends Barn Board of Directors. Riebel has also served, not only in Becker, but also other communities as a Sherburne County Commissioner.

While not much free time is to be had, Riebel enjoys deer hunting whenever he gets the chance.

The Becker Education Foundation is a nonprofit community organization, in partnership with the Initiative Foundation, that seeks to support teachers and students in the Becker School District. We are made up of several community members and alumni. We all care about and are committed to giving back to the schools that gave us, our children, and the community innumerable opportunities to grow and learn. Through the untapped energy and resources of the Becker alumni, as well as the continued support of the community and businesses, we hope to provide additional opportunities for the teachers and students of Becker. 100% of all money raised goes right back into the school through grants and scholarships.

In 2019, the board elected Rob Olson, Barb and Todd Potter and Joe and Stephanie Gruenes as that year’s Outstanding Community Members.

The BEF Board consists of: Nick Crowley (Chair), Nathan Ernst (Vice-Chair), Candice Hanson (Treasurer), Luke Fox (Secretary), Aubrey Oman (Member) and Luke Molus (Member),

The BEF’s mission is to cultivate the educational experience of all students within the Becker School District through the connection of their alumni and the support of their community, families and businesses.