Moorhead Area Public Schools is pleased to announce the induction of five new members into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor in 2026: Sally Odegard, Kristi Stangeland, Rob Bye, Jim Ellingson, and Terry Hanson. These inductees join 101 members previously inducted into the Hall of Honor, bringing the total to 106 members.
The Moorhead High School Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, faculty, staff, and other community members who have demonstrated notable accomplishments or provided significant contributions to their school, community, or society.
The 2026 MHS Hall of Honor Inductee Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the District Operations Center (MAPS Operations Center), located at 1313 30th Ave. S. Tickets can be purchased online at www.moorheadschools.org/tix, by calling 218-284-2345, or by emailing mwendt@moorheadschools.org.
“This year’s Hall of Honor class goes to show all the different ways that Spuds impact our community and the world,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak. “From influential local leaders and pioneering educators to corporate executives and national founders, these inductees are fine examples of what Moorhead High grads can go on to accomplish.”
2026 HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Kristi Stangeland
Beginning her tradition of leadership at Moorhead High School, Kristi graduated as the Accounting Department Valedictorian from George Washington University and built a successful 12-year corporate finance career in New York City, passing the CPA exam on her first attempt at Price Waterhouse and rising to Vice President at JP Morgan. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she founded Mustang Web Design in 1999—authoring two books on web design—before launching My ParaVita in 2012, where she works as an executive wellness coach, lecturer, retreat leader, and Essentrics mobility instructor. Deepening her expertise in human dynamics, Kristi is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at the Harvard Extension School, where she recently earned a Certificate in Human Behavior. A dedicated community leader and philanthropist, she established the Sigurd Stangeland Economics Endowment Fund at NDSU, spearheaded support for affordable childcare through the Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund, and served six years as Treasurer and Session Member for her church. Today, Kristi resides in Rangeley, Maine, with her husband, where she delights in giving back to her community and spoiling her three grandchildren.
Sally Odegard
Sally Odegard graduated from Moorhead High School in 1978, where she played varsity volleyball and basketball, earning team MVP honors in basketball her senior year. She went on to graduate from the University of Northern Colorado as well as the University of Oregon Law School. In 1991, she co-founded a litigation firm in Phoenix, a role she continues in today. She has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer of the Southwest” and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Sally has served the Phoenix community as a board member of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, CASA, The AZ Golf Fund, and the Phoenix Art Museum Board of Trustees, among others. Sally has served as the chair of a number of annual charitable galas in the Phoenix area. She has been recognized as a Trendsetter by Trends Charitable Foundation and is receiving the Woman Who Cares award by the Phoenix Theatre this fall.
Jim Ellingson
Jim Ellingson began his distinguished education career in 1963 teaching in Moorhead elementary schools while earning his master's degree in 1967, completing 32 years there before serving an additional 16 years as a professor teaching science and mathematics to future educators at Concordia College. Named the 1989 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, his innovative pedagogy gained national acclaim when he authored two chapters for the published collection America's Best Classrooms. Ellingson continually brought learning to life, notably cultivating a five-year tradition where his elementary students maintained interactive letter-writing correspondence with celebrated children's poet Jack Prelutsky. Extending his passion for active, outdoor learning, he worked six seasons with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Orienteering Group and also worked with Moorhead Adult Education in cross-country skiing for four years. Above all, Ellingson remains deeply grounded in family, cherishing shared travels and memories alongside his wife, Judy, and their extended family. His lifelong commitment to academic excellence, creative mentorship, and community enrichment makes Jim Ellingson exceptionally deserving of induction into the Hall of Honor.
Rob Bye
Ever since graduating from Moorhead High School, Rob Bye has served as a devoted ambassador for the Moorhead Spud community through extensive volunteer leadership and advocacy. As a charter board member and past president of the Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation, he established vital funding streams and spearheaded its merger with the Moorhead Area Education Foundation. His commitment to student activities includes 14 years of coaching youth football and a tenure as Spud Booster President, where he tirelessly supported both athletic teams and fine arts programs. Beyond organizing weekly presenters as spokesperson for the Moorhead Athletic Association, Bye has contributed to numerous district committees, including the High School facilities task force. Whether welcoming fans at games, organizing community tailgates, or serving on local boards like Eventide Senior Living Community, his enthusiasm consistently unites the area. Above all, Bye remains deeply committed to his family—his wife Jana, their three sons, and his mother—making his lifelong service exceptionally deserving of induction into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor.
Terry Hanson
Terry Hanson graduated from Moorhead High School in 1964 as tri-captain and quarterback of an undefeated football team before earning a dual-sport scholarship to North Dakota State University. As NDSU’s starting quarterback from 1965 to 1967, he guided the Bison to a 28-3 record and their first national championship in 1965. After earning a BS in mathematics and an MS in school administration, he served as an NDSU Development Foundation trustee, was inducted into the Bison Hall of Fame, and received the 2013 Alumni Achievement Award. In 1969, Hanson joined Osco Drug as a management trainee and spent 20 years rising through the executive ranks to become President. During his tenure, Osco merged with Sav-on to form American Drugstores, growing to 650 stores and 27,000 employees across 27 states. In 1990, Hanson conceived and co-founded ULTA Beauty, pioneering a new retail model by combining salon services, cosmetics, and fine fragrances under one roof. After raising $11 million in venture capital, he served as ULTA’s President, CEO, Chairman, and Director, launching ULTA.com in 2001 and guiding the company through its 2007 IPO to become a major industry leader. Hanson and his wife of 57 years, Susan—a Concordia graduate—have four children and 10 grandchildren. They reside in Fountain Hills, Arizona, and spend their summers at Sybil Lake.