2007 Laker Hall of Fame profile: Craig Olson
Submitted by Joanna Miller on July 13, 2007 - 10:03am.
Filed under: Lakefront Days Schools


By Joanna Miller

Staff Writer



A former Prior Lake High School principal will take his place in the Laker Hall of Fame during Lakefront Days.

Craig Olson will join the ranks of recipients at the sixth annual banquet to honor outstanding Prior Lake High School participants and graduates.

Olson said he was surprised and flattered by the selection.

“It is a great honor to be a part of that when I look at the other outstanding members,” Olson said.

The Laker Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have “left a significant and noticeable impact or legacy” at the high school.

Recipients also demonstrate continued excellence in the higher-education community or professional experiences.

Olson earned his bachelor, master and doctorate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He served as PLHS principal for 13 years, Hidden Oaks Middle School principal for two years and PLHS assistant principal for six years.

The Shakopee resident brought his mission of promoting volunteerism and student achievement into the high school halls.

Olson often shared his experiences in Kenya with the Peace Corps, where he taught for two-and-a-half years, with students.

He attempted to boost their enthusiasm for volunteerism.

Olson left his position at the high school last fall on medical leave for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease. He said students, their families and staff members have lent support.

“Being part of the growth process” was a key part of his work, he said.

The administrative planning that comes with growth, particularly in working to create the new high school facility in Savage, was a career highlight, he said.

While Olson has many great memories, his favorite recollections center on students.

“Highlights of my role as principal have always been direct interaction with motivated students with events like Habitat for Humanity service projects, SOS peer helper training, field trips with band and choir to Germany, Austria, Spain and Chicago, and being the parent of two kids who attended PLHS,” he said.

Olson takes pride in having attended many of his own PLHS graduates’ events as well as other students’ games, concerts, plays and activities.

Now, his son, Ian, and daughter, Bryn, both attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, their parents’ alma mater.

Olson met his wife, Mary Stuesser, while she was completing her undergraduate degree there.

On receiving a Hall of Fame nomination, Olson said he has “sincere appreciation for the dedication, commitment and passion of the vast majority of our teachers and support staff.”

He is also pleased with the “approaches to improve educational performance” that have developed within the teaching ranks in the district, with peers working together to improve the quality of education.

The Laker Hall of Fame award banquet and dinner will take place Thursday, Aug. 2, at The Wilds Golf Club, 3151 Wilds Ridge in Prior Lake.

The dinner is open to the public, and tickets cost $24. Reservations are due by Wednesday, July 25 to the activities office at (952) 226-8690 or mhaugen@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us.

Joanna Miller can be reached at (952) 345-6375 or jmiller@swpub.com.