September 21, 2020
Four graduates were inducted into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor for 2020. Graduates Dan Altenbernd, Arnie Ellingson, Jacenta Wirth and Steve Sellent join 74 members previously inducted into the Hall of Honor. The Moorhead High School Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, faculty, staff and other community members who have demonstrated notable accomplishments or provided significant contributions to their school, community or society.
“As graduates of Moorhead Area Public Schools, our inductees have helped bring our mission statement to life. Each of these outstanding Moorhead High School graduates have accomplished significant milestones in their fields as well as made meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Dave Lawrence, Principal at Moorhead High School. “These qualities embody the Spud Spirit and we are proud to recognize each of the 2020 All of Honor inductees."
Arnie Ellingson graduated from Moorhead High School in 1954. During high school, he was involved in speech and debate and band. Ellingson held multiple leadership roles including FFA Chapter secretary, 4-H Club president, and Student Body president. He attended NDSU, was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and U.S. Army. For the past 61 years, he has worked as a registered representative for Diversified Wealth Management. Ellingson lives in Fargo and has a son Keith and stepdaughter Ann along with his late wife Mary and late stepson Glen.
Jacenta Wirth graduated from Moorhead High School in 2002 as salutatorian. She was involved in gymnastics, track & field, and swimming & diving. She received a full-ride athletic scholarship to the University of Minnesota for track and field to compete as a heptathlete, and was a 4-year scholar athlete during her time there. She received a BS in Nursing from Regis University in Colorado, a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Education in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota. Wirth lives in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband Zachary and their children Treyton, Brecken and Signe and Zaylie.
Steve Sellent graduated from Moorhead High School in 1974 as an honor graduate. He attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. After college, he spent 16 years in operations, sales and management positions in the transportation and warehousing industries. Sellent has been CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank for the past 30 years, helping provide more than 180 million meals for people experiencing hunger. In addition to his career, Sellent has served on numerous local, regional and national boards and committees for hunger relief organizations, nonprofits and civic groups. Sellent is a lifelong resident of the Fargo-Moorhead area. He lives with his wife Nadine, and has two grown stepchildren, Jordan and Joni.
Dan Altenbernd graduated from Moorhead High School in 1988. During high school, he was on the football team, a member of Key Club and on homecoming court. He attended Alexandria Technical College graduating in 1993. Altenbernd started his career at a Fargo printing company. He went on to start a freelance graphic design studio, worked with an advertising agency, joined a start-up in Fargo and became a partner with H2M Marketing where he is currently the majority owner. Dan and his wife Julie live in Moorhead and have 3 children - Jayci (22), Zoe (19) and Ray (16).
To keep everyone safe during the pandemic, the inductees will be formally recognized next fall at the 2020-21 Hall of Honor celebration. Our sincere congratulations goes out to these four outstanding Moorhead High School alumni members.
The nominations committee is now considering candidates for 2021. Nomination forms are available at www.moorheadschools.org or Moorhead High School. Nominations may be submitted online by January 15, 2021. Nominations previously received are kept to be considered for future recognition.