Wartburg College will recognize two outstanding high school teachers at its Commencement on Sunday, May 22.
Steven Huegel

Steven Huegel



Steven Huegel, a social studies teacher at Maquoketa Valley High School, and Matthew Molumby, who teaches 7-12 English and language arts classes at West Central Community School, will be honored during the ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoover Fieldhouse & Track in the Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center.

Members of Wartburg’s Class of 2016 nominated high school teachers who significantly influenced their education. The teachers will receive $500 each, and a $500 scholarship will be available to a rising senior who attends Wartburg from the recipient’s high school.

Chanelle Helle, a creative writing major from Earlville, said Huegel “understands that different students excel in different aspects of education and works well with them.”

“His teaching style is different from other teachers because of how much he challenges students to think critically, but it really helps with learning during and after high school,” she continued. “You learn to be open-minded about everything and research as extensively as possible.”

Tara Pape, a secondary English education major from Maynard, said Molumby “is the perfect representation of a high-quality teacher, incorporating humor and personal stories to keep his students engaged.”
Matthew Molumby

Matthew Molumby



“His ability to relate to his students is unparalleled,” Pape wrote in her nomination. “His approachable personality allows him to dig deep to get to know them as individuals, discovering their unique interests and what makes them tick.”

Huegel also coaches the junior high football, basketball and track and field teams, has served on the Iowa State Social Studies Leadership Committee and was a Library of Congress Unit Planning contributor.

Molumby is the school’s drama director and speech coach and serves on the Iowa Core Leadership Team.