Nine Albert Lea Area Schools students and staff members were inducted Friday onto the Albert Lea High School Wall of Inspiration.

The ceremony was attended by high school students as well as friends and family of the inductees.

The Wall of Inspiration was created in 2004 by the Kuphal family in honor of Josh Kuphal, a 2002 Albert Lea High School graduate who passed away from spina bifida.

There are now 119 inductees on The Wall, which is in its 13th year.

The Wall of Inspiration, which is in the high school commons, was originally meant to honor those who inspired Josh Kuphal. The tradition continued and is full of students, staff and alumni who were nominated for being inspirational people.

The nine inductees were selected by Jim Haney, a social studies teacher at the high school who was inducted onto the Wall of Inspiration in 2010.

Jack Buendorf

Jack Buendorf, a senior, has been active in a number of activities during high school, including football, basketball, baseball, link crew, National Honor Society, choir, band, show choir, chorale, the fall musical and Tigers’ Roar. He enjoys playing guitar, reading and investing.

He plans to attend St. Olaf College this fall to double major in math and economics.

“Jack Buendorf is one of the most inspirational (people) I know,” his nomination letter states. “His dedication to hard work is something that everyone should strive for. Jack always has a positive attitude and pushes himself and others to be their best and do their best. You can always count on Jack to be there for you. If Mr. (Kevin) Gentz would ask what star quality Jack has, I would answer Jack has all the star qualities and then some.”

Kiki Christensen

Kiki Christensen, a second-grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, is a graduate of Albert Lea High School, St. Cloud State University and Southwest Minnesota State University.

Christensen and her husband, Tab, have six children: Jaimi, Jared, Torey, Julie, Kailey and Evy.

Christensen, a 10-year cancer survivor, said she is inspired by people who overcome and survive tough times — especially children and young adults.

A Teacher of the Year finalist, Christensen enjoys reading, boating, hanging out with friends, drinking coffee and walking.

“She is one of the most wonderful people in Albert Lea,” a portion of her nomination letter states. “Teaching is a true passion for Kiki. The love she has for each student is so strong that you would think they were her own children. Kiki is always there to listen, no matter what the subject and no matter who you are. She will sit and listen to you if you are young or old. People admire and respect Kiki Christensen.”

Steve Cunningham

Steve Cunningham, a social studies teacher at Albert Lea High School, has taught in Albert Lea for 26 years and attended the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Cunningham and his wife, Heidi, have three children, Nick, Amanda and Megan; two grandchildren, Ashen and Soren; and a dog, Mikey.

A Waseca native, Cunningham said he is inspired by his family, people who overcome obstacles to do great things, random acts of kindness and nature. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling and experiencing different cultures, reading, cooking and following University of Minnesota athletic teams.

Cunningham, who was inducted into the Waseca Hall of Fame, said he is proud of his family, being past chairman of the Freeborn County United Way, his involvement with the Books for Africa campaign, being inducted into the Waseca Hall of Fame and being a member of the M Club at the University of Minnesota for playing football.

Jessica Gregory

Jessica Gregory, an economics teacher at Albert Lea High School, has a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University. She has been teaching for five years.

According to Gregory, she is inspired by God, her family and her students. She enjoys reading, mountain biking, archery, playing the violin and outdoor activities.

She grew up in Bemidji. Her parents live in Montana, and her sister and her family live in Virginia. Gregory’s brother lives in northern Minnesota.

Her nomination letter describes her as friendly, selfless, encouraging, positive, accountable and driven.

“Whenever I am stuck and need help, she is the first to come to my side and help,” the letter states. “Her students are her first priority. Being able to learn under this incredible lady has meant more to me than I can ever begin to explain. No one has ever made me feel so confident, not only with my schoolwork, but with life in general.”

Gina Klennert

Gina Klennert, a high school physical education teacher, has been teaching for six years, four of them in Albert Lea. She grew up in Lake City and said she is inspired by opportunities and experiences.

“Any time I have an opportunity to try something new, push myself, help others, I’m always inspired by the possibilities of what could happen,” she said.

Klennert enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, running, biking, crafting, coaching and crossfit.

“Gina Klennert inspires me beyond words,” her nomination letter states. “She is strong, caring, funny, outgoing and dedicated. She makes a connection with each of her players and students. Every day after school she stands outside the office to high-five and say positive things to her students. She is one of the few people in my life I can count on and know she will be there to help me and give me a joke, too. Please recognize Gina and all of her greatness.”

Madi Lindely

Madi Lindely, a senior, is in National Honor Society, link crew and the Albert Lea dance team. She enjoys singing, helping people, dancing, spending time with family and friends, and being on the lake. She plans to attend Augustana University to major in nursing and Spanish.

Lindely will represent Albert Lea as a youth delegate for the Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services trip to Washington, D.C.

“Her determination to never give up and her constant positive attitude in adversity is why I believe she should be on the Wall of Inspiration,” Lindely’s nomination letter states. “Truthfully, I could go on all day about how great and inspirational she is.”

Luz Ruiz

Luz Ruiz, a junior, is involved in soccer, tennis, student council, knowledge bowl, French club, Spanish club, National Honor Society and humanities club. She enjoys crafts, house construction and philosophy.

According to Ruiz, she is inspired by people who do the right thing regardless of circumstances; and her mother, father and stepfather.

“Luz is one of the nicest people I have had the honor of knowing and working with,” her nomination letter states. “She is involved in many activities and excels in all of her activities. She is a special young lady (who) is a difference maker in the lives of others. She is great in every way!”

Hoang Tran

Hoang Tran, who has been an Albert Lea High School science teacher for three years, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato. His family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1998.

Tran said he is inspired by the sacrifices and struggles his family made to come to the United States to allow his family to succeed.

Tran was the first in his immediate family to graduate high school and college. He enjoys fly fishing, hunting, cooking, hockey, gardening, hiking, camping and spending time with his pets.

“Not only does Mr. Tran (dedicate) himself to his students from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but he hosts chess club every Thursday and is happy to take any of his free time to help his students,” his nomination letter states. “Mr. Tran not only teaches the science of life, but also the values, morals and fun of life and learning. I’ve never respected a teacher so much. ALHS is lucky to have him.”

Htee Wah Shee

Htee Wah Shee, a junior, is involved in track, National Honor Society, wrestling and cross country. He enjoys running, movies, “Harry Potter” and climate change.

He said he is inspired by honesty and admitting personal mistakes. He plans to enlist in the Air Force after graduation, and is involved with his church and youth group.

“He has inspired me to be a carefree, loving person,” a portion of his nomination letter states. “He taught me that labels people give me don’t mean anything. What truly matters is how I treat others. Htee Wah cares about the people around him, making sure that everyone feels included in whatever is going on.”

The letter described him as a leader in the community, school and church with a beautiful, inspiring connection to God.

“I believe that Htee Wah should go on the Wall of Inspiration because he has shown me the importance of truly living life by each moment and not just living for the future.”

The nominees are selected by a committee of five students, a faculty representative and the Kuphal family. The committee’s faculty representative is Haney.

A video showing inductees describing their tile on the wall was shown.

Laura Elseth, the sister of Josh Kuphal, discussed the impact Josh Kuphal made during his life and the qualities Wall of Inspiration inductees have.

“I think this was the best event we’ve ever had,” said Josh Kuphal’s mother, Kathy Kuphal. “I am so impressed (with) what Laura did speaking. It was moving, it was personal and it was very real. You learn so much about these people when they represent themselves and tell you what their tiles are. We have outstanding people in Albert Lea, and we are very moved that the Wall of Inspiration continues to touch people enough to participate.”