Hall of Fame - Class of 2025
2025 Hall of Fame Recipient Slide Show
Oscar & Val Carlson
Oscar and Val Carlson have made a lasting impact on Forest Lake through their extraordinary generosity, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to education and community. Since moving to Forest Lake in the early 2000s, they have supported countless initiatives that directly benefit students and families in the district. Their contributions to The Education Foundation of the Forest Lake Area (TEFFLA), the Community Scholarship Foundation, and various school programs have helped provide invaluable opportunities for local youth—often given anonymously and without seeking recognition.
Oscar, the founder of American Spirit Corporation, built a successful business grounded in strategic marketing and creative production services. His professional success has enabled both him and Val to give back in meaningful ways, including hosting numerous charity events at their home on Forest Lake and sponsoring organizations like the Rotary Club and Lakes Center for Youth and Families. In 2019, they were honored with the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship Award.
The Carlsons’ philanthropy extends to conservation and education through the Wild Sheep Foundation and other conservation organizations. Oscar and Val sponsored five young people from Forest Lake who had the opportunity to learn and work through the Mountain Sheep Waterhole Project in Arizona. The Carlsons’ generosity, humility, and enduring support make them pillars of the Forest Lake community and truly deserving of this Hall of Fame honor.
Adam Gallatin
A proud 1997 graduate of Forest Lake Area High School and former Ranger baseball player, Adam Gallatin has dedicated over two decades to preserving and promoting the spirit of baseball in Forest Lake. After earning a degree in database management from St. Cloud State and a master’s from Metro State University, Adam combined his professional skills with a deep love of community and the game to build something truly special.
Since 1997, Adam has been a player and driving force behind the Forest Lake Brewers amateur baseball team. As manager, he’s not only led on the field but has been the heartbeat of community baseball. From helping plant 100 flowering crab trees for an Eagle Scout project to organizing standout events—like an exhibition game with the St. Paul Saints and hosting vintage baseball on the 4th of July—Adam has made Schumacher Field a true hometown treasure.
In 2023, he co-led the Brewers' hosting of the Fox 9 Town Ball Tour, drawing over 1,400 fans—the Tour’s largest crowd ever. A tireless volunteer, tech-savvy organizer, and beloved local hero, Adam Gallatin has ensured Forest Lake’s baseball tradition thrives. Quite simply, without Adam, there would be no Brewers.
Jess and Jeff Graba
Twin brothers Jeff and Jess Graba, 1987 graduates of Forest Lake High School, have become two of the most influential figures in American gymnastics. Starting their athletic journey in wrestling and club gymnastics through Flyaways, the brothers discovered their passion for gymnastics early and never looked back. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1992, they opened Midwest Gymnastics Center in 1995, launching careers that would reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Jess Graba is the longtime coach of Olympic all-around gold medalist Suni Lee, guiding her since age six to international success. He coached his second Olympic Games as her coach in Paris 2024, an extraordinary feat considering Lee’s recent health challenges. Jeff Graba, head coach at Auburn University since 2010, has turned the Tigers into a national powerhouse, coaching Lee during her collegiate career and earning multiple SEC Coach of the Year honors.
Together, the Graba brothers embody perseverance, passion, and excellence in coaching. They credit their roots in Forest Lake—and the dedicated mentors who shaped them—for their success. Their story is not just about medals but about the impact of community, mentorship, and a lifelong love for the sport.
Neil Miles
Dr. Neil Miles’ journey in horticultural science began in the classrooms of Forest Lake High School, where he found early inspiration in agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, and even typing. As a dedicated member and three-year secretary of Future Farmers of America (FFA), Neil laid the foundation for a distinguished academic and professional career.
He earned his Bachelor of Science (1959), Master of Science (1964), and PhD (1968) in horticulture from the University of Minnesota, specializing in pomology—the science of fruit growing. His career launched with a role as an extension horticulture specialist promoting safe pesticide practices, before he joined Kansas State University in 1965 as an assistant professor.
At Kansas State, Dr. Miles conducted groundbreaking research on fruit and nut crops and developed and taught courses in Fruit Production, Fruit Science, and Pesticide Application Technology. He was instrumental in creating an interdisciplinary Plant Protection curriculum and was honored in 1979 as the College of Agriculture’s Outstanding Professor. He continued his research and development work at the Horticulture Research Institute in Vineland, Ontario where his research helped improve the methods of producing strawberries and peaches.
A mentor to students from across the globe—many of whom became leaders in agriculture and education—Dr. Miles’ legacy extends far beyond the classroom. His leadership roles in esteemed horticultural societies and contributions to global agriculture education cement his place among Forest Lake’s most distinguished alumni.
Donald Thompson
Donald M. Thompson dedicated 45 years to education, leaving a lasting legacy in Forest Lake Area Schools. Beginning his teaching career in 1971 and joining Forest Lake in 1978, Don retired in 2006, but continued inspiring students as a substitute teacher until 2016. A passionate educator and motivator, Don was named a finalist for the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Throughout his career, Don made history come alive. From reenacting Ellis Island immigration experiences to captivating students with tales of Ancient Civilization, he brought energy, imagination, and heart into every classroom. His impact went beyond lectures—students begged to be in his classes and continued to nominate him as a graduation speaker long after his retirement.
Don also shaped young lives on the court, coaching girls' and boys' basketball for 25 years and track for 12. As a sophomore basketball coach, he played a key role in Forest Lake’s 1994 conference and section championship run.
A respected leader among peers, Don helped elevate Forest Lake’s Social Studies Department into one of the state’s top College in the Schools programs. Tireless, talented, and beloved—Donald Thompson is the embodiment of what great teaching truly means.