Jim VanderHeyden – Big Lake Teacher
I would like to thank Liz and the Faces of Big Lake for nominating me for this recognition. I grew up in Cottage Grove, MN. I was the youngest of 6 kids. My dad was…
Jolene Huston – Big Lake Teacher
Hi there, I am Jolene Huston. I am a mother, wife, teacher and friend. Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. I have been married to my husband Ward for 33 years….
Chuck Heitz – Teacher & City Council
Hi, I’m Chuck Heitz. Shirlee and I moved to Big Lake in 1974. Our daughters grew up in Big Lake and graduated from Big Lake High School. During our time in Big Lake, Shirlee and…
Kris McDonald – Big Lake High School Teacher
My name is Kris McDonald. This is my 6th year teaching in Big Lake. I teach 9-12th Special Education at the high school. This was a second career choice of mine, fulfilling a dream of…
Mary Snider – Retired Teacher
Hello, I’m Mary Snider and I have lived in Big Lake for 22 years – longer than anywhere else I have lived. My husband, Mark, is a local pastor and I’m very active in our…
Andrea Gerdts – Big Lake School Staff
Hi, I’m Andrea Gerdts and my family and I have lived in Big Lake for 25 years. After raising our daughters, I started working in the Big Lake schools and still do so today. I…
Rebecca Schwirtz – Big Lake Schools Staff
My name is Rebecca Schwirtz and I have lived in Minnesota all my life and I don’t see myself ever leaving. I grew up in Aurora, MN, or as I lovingly say, “On the Iron…
Gwen Toppe – Big Lake Teacher
Hello! I’m Gwen Toppe. My parents and 3 siblings lived in several different areas of the country. When I was younger, we lived in Oregon where my father grew up and then we moved to…
Derek Holman – Teacher and Coach
Hello Big Lake! I’m Derek Holman, a teacher and coach in Big Lake. My family and I have been in this community for 24 years and I have been teaching in Big Lake for 23…