Former I-S band director to lead parade
By Jane Myhra
Janice Lehr has been selected as grand marshal for the 2015 Scandinavia Corn Roast Parade on Aug. 1.
Lehr recently retired after 35 years as band director for the Iola-Scandinavia School District.
“I was surprised and deeply honored that they wanted me to be the grand marshal of the Scandinavia Corn Roast Parade,” Lehr said.
The Scandinavia Booster Club chose her for the honor in appreciation for all she has done.
“There are many people that influence young people in this world, some in good ways, and some in bad,” said Scandinavia Booster Club President Mitchell Swenson. “For our area and the I-S School District, I don’t know of anyone who has had a more positive influence on our young people than Janice Lehr.”
“Beyond music, she has taught students about working together, helping each other and above all, respect,” Swenson said.
“It has been my pleasure serving the communities of Iola and Scandinavia for the past 35 years,” Lehr said. “Over those years I have worked with many hundreds of students and I feel blessed that I was able to enrich their lives with music.”
“Mrs. Lehr is a legend and has created a legacy that will be hard to follow,” Swenson said. “I hope that the qualities she has instilled in the young people will also be instilled by future school administration and teachers.”
“Our school is a better place because of Janice Lehr.”
The Scandinavia Corn Roast Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in downtown Scandinavia.