(Beaver Dam) There will be two years’ worth of videos released this week recognizing the Beaver Dam School District’s Wall of Fame inductees. Each year, a committee inducts an ‘Outstanding Alumni’ along with several ‘Friends of Education.’ The 2019 and 2020 ceremonies were scaled back this year and recorded in front of a small audience.

The video released on Tuesday (6/1) features 1958 graduate John B. McKinstry. As a local businessman, he has ensured that his family’s furniture store – the oldest family-owned, home furnishings store in the state – remains a staple in Beaver Dam. McKinstry is also a philanthropist who was instrumental in establishing several local non-profits including the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater and the new Dodge County Humane Society. Three Friends of Education will also be inducted tonight: Lisa Killingsworth, Jeff and Sue Eberle and Metalcraft of Mayville.

The video released on Wednesday (6/2) will see the release of the video inducting 1972 graduate Mark Malak as the 2020 Outstanding Alumni. Malak spent 15 years in the Grammy-winning, western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, recording over 30 albums and playing alongside some of the biggest names in country music. Three friends of education will also be recognized: Nate Dassler, Laura Goral and Breuer Metal Craftsman.

The videos can be found beginning at 7pm each day on the district’s website and Facebook page.