Dr. Amy Malecki Rogers, Brian Schmidt and James Pearson were all formally inducted to ISD 88’s Hall of Fame during the 2025 Eagles Extravaganza.

Rogers is a 1987 graduate of New Ulm High School (NUHS). During her time at NUHS, Rogers excelled in academics. On the Academic Decathlon team, she set a record for the number of medals won in the state. She served on the student council, played guitar for Menagerie singers and was co-editor of “The Eagle.” At graduation, Rogers was one of three Minnesota high school seniors named a US Presidential Scholar. She and teacher Richard Meyer were honored in a ceremony at the White House in 1987.

After high school, Rogers attended Harvard University, studying biochemistry. Initially on a Navy ROTC scholarship, she was Midshipman of the Year before changing career path. She graduated magna cum laude in 1991. At Washington University in St. Louis she studied immunology and medicine, earning MD and PhD degrees in 1999. She later moved to Sacramento, California where she taught microbiology part-time at California State University.

In 2011, Rogers published her first science-themed thriller novel “Petroplague”. Two more thrillers followed (Reversion and The Han Agent) and a monthly newspaper column called “Science in the Neighborhood.”

The Oak Street Singer gave a performance during the Eagle’s Extravaganza before the ISD 88 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Rogers coached an elementary school environmental science program, home schooled for a year, and led a team to resettle a refugee family from Afghanistan. She has been chair of the parish council at her Catholic church and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Jesuit High School Sacramento.

Rogers attended the induction ceremony in person. Rogers said she was surprised to be inducted since she had not lived in New Ulm for many years, but that made her induction even better.

“This is a welcoming community that remembers and I am still part of the New Ulm school family,” she said.

She thanked all of the ISD 88 Foundation and donors for making the school district successful.

“A school system can only be as successful as the support they get from the families and the community they are a part of,” Rogers said. “You are one of the reasons why this school district is so successful.”

Retire ISD 88 math teacher and coach, James Pearson was formally inducted into the district Hall of Fame Tuesday night. Pearson served 29 years at New Ulm Junior High, teaching math and computer science. He also served as coach of the New Ulm High School girls’ softball team for 25 years. Under his leadership, the Eagles softball team made five state appearances and finished as the state runner-up in 1997. In accepting the induction to the Hall of Fame, Pearson thanked members of the ISD 88 staff for helping over the years and he thanked the students who “respected their education and worked hard at it. I feel blessed to have worked with those students.”

Schmidt is a 1998 graduate of NUHS and has become a Grammy-nominated conductor. At NUHS he was actively involved in various music programs. He later attended South Dakota State University before continuing his education at the University of North Texas, where he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in music arts with a focus on choral conducting.

In 2009, he founded the South Dakota Chorale. Under Schmidt’s leadership, the South Dakota Chorale received numerous honors, including three Grammy nominations: Best Choral Performance, Best Engineered Album (Classical), and Best Surround Sound (Classical) for its 2017 recording of Tyberg Masses.

Schmidt served as an associate professor of choral music at Baylor University, where he conducted the Baylor A Cappella Choir and Chamber Singers and directed the graduate program in choral conducting. While at Baylor, he founded and directed the Baylor International Choral Conducting Masterclass and Young Artist Program.

Schmidt travels extensively across the United States and recently presented at the American Choral Directors Association conference. As a guest conductor, he worked with esteemed groups such as the St. Jacob’s Chamber Choir of Stockholm, Phoenix Chorale, Magnum Chorum, Boston Early Music Festival, and The Rolling Stones.

Schmidt was unable to accept the nomination in person, but his parents Denny and JoAnn, accepted it on his behalf.

During the Eagle’s Extravaganza, Independent School District 88 Superintendent Sean Koster (left) recognized staff who milestones in their service at the district. Michael Sasser (right) was the first teacher recognized. Sasser has served as a middle school teacher for 25 years. Other teachers honored were Angie Anderson, Diane Caleton, Gay Lynn Cowing, Jennifer Lee, Kathy Wendland for 30 years; Vicki Tambornino, Betty Uehling and Melissa Wick for 35; and Kim Schmiel for 40 years. Koster also recognized staff who was retiring this year; Jean Jore, Todd McKeeth, Kevin Maudal, Mary Niehoff and Melissa Wick.

“Music has really been [Brian’s] life,” Denny Schmidt said in accepting the award.

“He really appreciates this and we’re very thankful and proud,” JoAnn Schmidt said.

Jim Pearson served for 29 years at New Ulm Junior High School teaching math and computer science. He also worked at Minnesota State University Mankato during the 1996-1997 school year, mentoring 22 first-year teachers across seven school districts.

In addition to his teaching career, Pearson coached girls’ softball at New Ulm High School for 25 years. He received numerous accolades during that time, including being named Region 2 Coach of the Year multiple times. In 2005, he was inducted into the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Under his leadership, the Eagles softball team made five state appearances and finished as the state runner-up in 1997. Over the course of 26 years, the Eagles were conference champions 24 times, and Jim concluded his coaching career with an impressive record of 431 wins and 133 losses.

Outside of teaching and coaching, Pearson he organized Paint Care 88 for six years, starting in 1988, which resulted in painting 21 homes for older homeowners. Additionally, he founded the New Ulm Summer Softball Association in 1985 and coached tennis and girls’ JV basketball. Pearson has also volunteered with United Way and Meals on Wheels.

In accepting the nomination to the Hall of Fame, Pearson thanked the ISD 88 staff for helping over the years and he thanked the students who “respected their education and worked hard at it. I feel blessed to have worked with those students.”

As coach of girls softball, he gave a special thanks to all the families of the young women he was able to coach. He said their trust allowed him to be successful.