Wartburg College will recognize two outstanding high school teachers and alumni at its Commencement Sunday, May 24.

Linda Ferjak, director of vocal music in grades seven through 12 at Bishop Garrigan Schools in Algona, is a 1972 graduate. Cory McDonald, who teaches U.S. government, civics, world history and contemporary affairs at New Hampton High School, graduated in 1996. They will be honored during ceremonies beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Hoover Fieldhouse & Track in the Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center. 

Members of Wartburg’s Class of 2015 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. 

Rebecca Jennings, a music therapy major from Algona, called Ferjak a patient and understanding educator committed to living out the Wartburg College mission.

“Mrs. Ferjak not only influenced me through the music she provided and helped me develop lifelong memories that I will cherish forever, but she encouraged me to develop my own song of life,” Jennings wrote. “She is the reason I am here at Wartburg.”

Jenna Fitzgerald, a secondary mathematics education major from New Hampton, said McDonald is “known for inspiring imagination in his students through academics and athletics.”

“Rather than just being an average teacher and coach, I want to make a difference in the lives of my students and athletes in a similar way as Mr. McD made a difference in mine,” Fitzgerald wrote.

McDonald is the school’s head varsity baseball coach and SADD adviser, and he serves on the Iowa Core Curriculum Leadership Team. He’s earned the

New Hampton Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Schools Award and University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Ferjak has helped produce 28 high school musicals and several madrigal productions, and her choirs have earned multiple Division I ratings in both large and small group contests. She’s also served as guest conductor for several choirs and is director of the North Iowa Choral Society, an auditioned adult ensemble.