Okoboji High School

10/23/2026

Another OHS alum doing great things! 2017 graduate Colbin LaRue went on to Iowa Lakes to realize his dream of working as a Natural Resource Technician!

Keep up the great work and keep pioneering your pathway, Colbin! We are proud of you!

Laker Alumni Spotlight: Colbin LaRue

📍 Hometown: Milford, Iowa
🎓 Degree: A.A.S. Environmental Studies
💼 Career: Natural Resource Technician I, Iowa DNR

When Colbin LaRue came to Iowa Lakes Community College, he already knew he wanted a career in natural resources. The Environmental Studies program gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge of wildlife management and conservation while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

At Iowa Lakes, Colbin appreciated the small class sizes and one-on-one connections with instructors. He gained practical experience through wildlife management plans, field labs, and learning skills such as chainsaw operation, ArcGIS, and Excel.

As part of his Environmental Studies internship, Colbin worked with the Iowa DNR at the Prairie Lakes Ingham Wildlife Unit. After graduating from Iowa Lakes, he transferred to South Dakota State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries.

Today, Colbin works as a Natural Resource Technician I at the Iowa DNR’s Prairie Lakes Ruthven Wildlife Unit, where he enjoys working in wildlife and habitat management.

We’re proud to see Colbin putting his Iowa Lakes education to work in the field he loves!

10/23/2026

The Okoboji Boys XC Team has qualified for the State Meet for the 6th consecutive year! State Cross Country t shirt orders are due with money to the office by noon on Monday! You can access the order form at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nb7bFxgztpTaSEJP6CRs3oP1W4g2ihaO/view?usp=sharing

10/21/2026

What an incredible two days of community learning and real-world discovery for the Pathways Exploration classes! Our classes had the amazing opportunity to step outside the classroom and right into a world-leading industry with a trip to Pure Fishing, located right here in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes. That was followed by an inspiring session with guest speaker and Okoboji alumnus Mark Richter.

True to our mission of “Pioneering Pathways,” these experiences opened up brand new horizons for our students.

Behind the Scenes: Classes received an exclusive look at the innovation, engineering, research and design, and teamwork that go into creating world-class fishing tackle. Not only did we see product creation, but we also heard many of the differing pathways the leaders took to land where they are today.

Expert Insights: Mark shared his invaluable expertise, giving students a firsthand look at his non-linear career pathway, pivoting when the path changes, and embracing the sidequests that come along.

Community and Connection: Seeing our community come together to explore new industries and learn from passionate professionals was truly the best part of the week!

A massive thank you to the team at Pure Fishing for welcoming us with cookies and stickers :) and to Mark Richter for investing his time and wisdom into our next generation of leaders. We are proud to keep Pioneering Pathways for our community’s leaders!

10/20/2026

Introducing Iowa’s Everyday Heroes!

Behind every student success is someone who shows up, lifts others up, and makes a lasting difference.
We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible people who go above and beyond for Iowa’s students and schools.

Here is a short video introducing the Everyday Hero initiative and of Sue Richter recieving the first Everyday Heroes Award!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dUgMZd0OMcXfeeKHoL03ErRU_69rbR6K/view

10/20/2026

Just a friendly reminder that our upcoming conferences are coming up soon! Please make sure to mark your calendars, we look forward to seeing you there!
Please note that Thursday is a 12pm dismissal and we have no school on Friday.

10/20/2026

MEET OUR INAUGURAL EVERYDAY HERO!!

Behind every student's success is someone who shows up, cheers them on, and makes a difference that lasts a lifetime. Today, we’re celebrating someone who embodies that spirit: Sue Richter!

Sue’s impact on Okoboji Community Schools shows up in the buildings that will serve generations of students, the students she mentors, and the countless games, concerts, and performances where you’ll find her proudly cheering on our Pioneers.

From championing the 2018 and 2024 school bonds to quietly investing her time and heart in students, Sue reminds us that being a hero isn’t about seeking the spotlight. It’s about showing up, day after day, for the people and community you love.

As her nomination says, “Sue never seeks the spotlight — she just keeps showing up, day after day, for the students and community she loves.”
And that’s what makes her an Everyday Hero.

Help us celebrate Sue in the comments! And stay tuned as we shine a light on more of the incredible people who make a difference in the lives of Iowa’s students.

Know an Everyday Hero? Tell us about them!
https://forms.gle/iYiRwrqDGNXh5k1H9

10/19/2026

To sign up for our Veterans Day Lunch, click this link: https://forms.gle/xxJR3zfjqPeAEV8P6

10/14/2026

Okoboji Community Schools is looking for substitutes!

10/11/2026

***Finals Update***

Your Pioneer Pride Marching Band earned 7th place overall at the Dutchmen Field Championships today and were the ONLY Iowa high school to make the finals in this multi-state event!

Congratulations to the Pioneer Pride Marching Band who began the day with a Division I (Superior) Rating at the State Marching Contest in Sheldon before moving on to the Dutchmen Field Championships in Orange City where they were 2nd in Class 2A in the preliminary round and have advanced to the all-class finals this evening!

The Pride were the top placing Iowa 2A band in this multi-state competition!

Keep it up Director James Kunz, Drum Major Anna Quanbeck, and the entire Pioneer Pride!

10/10/2026

Congratulations to another OHS alum pioneering their pathway!

Class of 2026 graduate Oliver Miller graduated this week from Coast Guard Boot Camp in Cape May, New Jersey. He will be stationed next in Valdez, Alaska.

Thank you for your service, Oliver and keep up the great work!