Four inducted into FP Hall of Fame

By Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS – On Saturday, Sept. 17 the induction ceremony for the Class of 2022 Forest Park Hall of Fame took place at the George Young Recreational Complex.  
Attended by over 60 members of the community — including many school board members, a number of school employees and many long time city residents — the event had the deep heartfelt joy that is most often associated with a family reunion.
The evening was an opportunity to recognize the unique contributions of Joseph Casagranda, harness racer and Upper Peninsula Athletic Hall of Fame member; author, educator and humanitarian Dr. Terry Davidson; politician Emil Edward Hurja; and Gerhardt (Gary) Gollakner, a coach, educator and Upper Peninsula Athletic Hall of Fame member.
The induction ceremony was an opportunity to hear the stories which personalized the lives that were being celebrated. Speeches by those accepting the awards included reflections not only of how they had benefited from the community, but how they had given back to the community.  
Joseph Casagranda’s many accomplishments include being one of the most successful harness racers in the State of Michigan, being named 2011 Horseman of the Year and being recognized by the Upper Peninsula Athletic Hall of Fame. He received his induction plaque from the individual who nominated him — his mother. 
Joseph’s humility and appreciation for all those who worked and continue to work tirelessly in schools on behalf of children, not their own prompted reflection on how a united community is what gave rise to the success of the past, and what is still so critically needed today.
With the closing of the ceremony, the plaques of the inductees will now be hung in the school cafeteria at Forest Park and be permanently displayed to inspire the next generation of students to follow their passion and live a life worthy of emulation.
Reflecting on the evening, Kurt Anderson, member of the selection committee and administrator at Forest Park School stated, “The night went very smoothly. The service and food at Young’s was excellent, there was a good crowd and it was interesting to hear the stories of the inductees and their families. I could not be prouder than to be a part of this community.”