The Aberdeen Public School Foundation has released its class to be inducted into the Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame. The 2026 class features 11 inductees in five categories including a new Military service category. Nominees include:
Academics/Achievement
Dr. Patrick W. Kelly, Class of 1986 -inventor and developer of multiple devices and surgical techniques to improve the care of patients with vascular issues, from as simple as sores on the feet to as complex as life-threatening aneurysms. Kelly is the first reported surgeon in the world to successfully repair an aortic arch aneurysm entirely with stent grafts.
Dr. Terry A. Vik, Class of 1976 -with over thirty years of experience in the clinical care of children with cancer and blood disease, Vik also focuses on global health care of children with cancer in Kenya. He continues his groundbreaking work on new agents for the treatment of various cancers in children and the medical education of fellows and practicing clinicians.
Joan (Urbaniak) Wodiska, Class of 1992 – a pioneer and trusted leader on federal, state, and local education policy, Wodiska serves others by guiding, authoring, and helping secure the passage of changes in federal education, workforce, telecommunications, nutrition, and immigration laws. She helped author components of every major modern education law in America, spanning early childhood education to adult training.
Athletics
Dr. James S. “Bud” Johnston, Class of 2000 -a top-tier three-sport athlete, Johnston excelled in the classroom and against ESD opponents in football, basketball, and track and field. His dedication to athletics and his community continues in his career as an accomplished foot and ankle surgeon.
Megan R. Kusler, Class of 2006 – 2006 AA Miss SD Volleyball with 1,000+ career kills and 1,000+ career points, Kusler is one of Central’s most accomplished athletes, participating in a total of ten state tournaments and three state championship games. She remains tied for 5th in career aces in SD. She mentors young athletes, officiates high school games, and is a line judge for top NAIA conferences and NCAA DII.
2002 State AA Champion Volleyball Team -the first ever Golden Eagles girls’ team in school history to win a state title! Playing in the fall of 2002, they were 39-3 on the season, won the ESD title, and did not lose a set during the state tournament.
Fine Arts
Dr. Dave Hall, Class of 2002 -a University of North Texas percussion professor and active performer, Hall composes works for percussion commissioned, performed, and recorded around the world. He is also a national and international adjudicator and clinician for concert and marching percussion.
Jay Kirschenmann, Class of 1975 – a talented and award-winning journalist, writer, photographer, videographer, and cartoonist. Kirschenmann is also a versatile visual artist and multi-faceted musician who has played music in bands from the 1970s to today. He shares his many gifts to support and inspire the Aberdeen community.
Susan E. (White) Van Dover, Class of 1975 -one of the most noted and highly accomplished vocalists in South Dakota, Van Dover performed major classical, spiritual, jazz, and modern solo works with symphonies and chamber groups around the region. She saw her talent as a gift and shared it freely.
Distinguished Service
The Honorable Tony L. Portra, Class of 1987 -Judge Portra served the citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Dakota (including Brown County) for over twenty-four years. During his time on the bench, Portra integrated innovative ideas like the use of therapy dogs in court, presiding over specialty courts, and improving outcomes for juveniles. He is a positive influence and mentor to colleagues, attorneys, students, and friends, leading by example with compassion and respect for all.
Military Service
LCDR Richard R. Ratzlaff, Class of 1960 -A decorated Navy flier, Ratzlaff was shot down over North Vietnam in 1966. He spent 2,522 days in captivity as a prisoner of war. He received many commendations, including the Silver Star for gallantry. Fellow prisoners credited Ratzlaff for his role in keeping up morale. After his release, he served as a Navy Judge Advocate General lawyer until his medical retirement in 1980.
These ten individuals and one team will be inducted into the CHS Hall of Fame at a banquet and ceremony on September 19, 2026, in conjunction with Aberdeen Central High School Homecoming festivities.
The ACHS Hall of Fame is a special project of the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation. For more information, contact the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation at (605) 725-7118 or visit the Foundation website at www.AberdeenPublicSchoolsFoundation.org.
The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports Aberdeen Public School District students and staff and promotes excellence in education by forging partnerships among the schools, community, and alumni.
