Congratulations to K-M’s Tony Boldt

It’s always great to hear that local schools, teachers and students are being recognized for their accomplishments. But I find that the recent announcement of Kasson-Mantorville Band Director Tony Boldt as one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” honorees was particularly satisfying.

Perhaps I am a bit partial to school music programs but I do enjoy when music teachers receive the recognition they deserve.

The Yamaha press release said the educators chosen for the recognition, all under 40 years of age, showcase “action, courage, creativity, and growth.”

Typically, though, when asked about his selection, Boldt, said he was humbled and surprised by it, but then turned his comments to his “wonderful students and colleagues” and added that the communities of Kasson and Mantorville have been amazingly supportive of the high school band, choir, and other groups.

On another note, last Friday night I attended the first Adult Spelling Bee in Dodge County. This event was held at the Chaotic Good Brewing in Kasson and was co-sponsored by the Dodge Center and Kasson libraries.

Whenever there is a new program or event organizers are never quite sure how well attended it will be. The Spelling Bee drew 15 contestants and Dodge Center Library Director Ingvild Herfindahl said they were happy with the turnout and will definitely plan another Bee.

The format used was similar to the one use by local school districts for the annual Middle School Spelling Bees.

I stayed for the entire event and although I did not participate officially, I did, for the most part, know how to spell the words. Now being able to spell a word and know its meaning are two different things. And I have to admit that there were a couple words I never heard before so I had no clue how to spell them.

For the record, Jim Kluth of Rochester took the top spot. I guess I’m not too surprised by that. He told me he was an English and Latin teacher.

By the way, the winning word was Okefenokee.