Trio inducted into the TV Athletic Boosters Hall of Fame

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The Turkey Valley Athletic Boosters recognized a trio of people Friday, September 17, at halftime of the home football game, as inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame. Among the inductees are Mary Burns, Bob Huinker and Dick Cuvelier.

Marie Burns
A graduate of Turkey Valley in 1977 and a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Mary Burns grew up with four brothers on the family farm west of Lawler. After pursuing careers in the Twin Cities and New York areas, Mary and her 35-year-old husband, Dale, currently reside in Custer, SD
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee. Turkey Valley made a difference for me, and I wanted to make a difference for Turkey Valley. Our contributions are just one component and a spoke in the wheel. Recognition is beyond us. It is the parents, teachers, administrators and individuals of our communities who continue to demonstrate their commitment and desire to achieve excellence in the education of their youth and the well-being of all members of the community. Burns said.
Support for education, military veterans and local communities are just three of the key areas of importance in their philanthropic efforts.
Mary and her husband Dale have been incredibly generous and selfless throughout their lives and have received the Turkey Valley Education Association (TVEA) Friend of Education Award and the Iowa State Education Friend of Education Award. Association (ISEA). Projects and efforts that Mary and Dale have contributed and supported include Turkey Valley Education Foundation (TVEF), Turkey Valley High School Library Renovation, Turkey Valley Fitness Center, Turkey Valley Trap Range, Turkey Valley FFA and Turkey Valley Sports Boosters (TVAB). They also sponsored several Turkey Valley students to the Minnesota Horse and Hunt’s Youth Hunting Camp.
Mary and Dale support the local community of Lawler and surrounding areas with their charitable and unwavering donations of time, talent and money. Recipients of their generosity include the Lawler Firefighters Foundation, Lawler Irish Fest, Lawler Historical Society, Lawler Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post # 279, and Lawler American Legion Auxiliary Unit # 279.
Mary was instrumental in launching Lawler’s “Meals to Doorsteps” initiative. When COVID-19 hit in early 2020 and meals for the elderly at Lawler Town Hall and Meals on Wheels were halted, Mary reached out to friends in the area to discuss the situation and find a way to replace this need. From this discussion and in collaboration with the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, weekly frozen meals for approximately 35 Lawler seniors began in April 2020. This effort continues to this day.
“By providing a safe environment, an inspiring academic culture and a foundation for the development of character, integrity, leadership, confidence and self-esteem, it is no secret that the value of a good education is truly priceless. It is such a basic need. Dale and I continue to be inspired by the individuals, organizations and businesses that make up the Turkey Valley School District in their respective missions to make a difference and a lasting positive impact within their communities. Dale and I each feel lucky and blessed to have had so many opportunities and successes and attribute them to our schools, our small town heritage, our families and friends, ”Burns concluded.

Bob huinker
Robert “Bob” Huinker retired from the teaching profession in 2011 after 33 years of teaching, including the last 30 years in Turkey Valley. Huinker graduated from high school from MFL (now MFL MarMac) in 1974. He received his undergraduate degree from Drake University and his Masters from Viterbo University. Huinker began his teaching career at Alden Community Schools (near Iowa Falls) where he taught for three years before being hired in Turkey Valley in 1981 as a group instructor and golf coach. for boys and girls.
During their long and successful tenure, Turkey Valley bands have consistently received top marks from the Iowa High School Music Association in performances by concert orchestras and jazz groups. Students under Huinker’s tutelage and expert guidance quickly developed high standards and productive work habits, which then led to high expectations year after year. Countless members of Turkey’s Valley bands have achieved prestigious “Division I” ratings in individual and small group ensembles, as well as “All-State Band” and “Outstanding Musicians” awards.
Huinker was recognized by Distinguished Members of the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Association in 1996 when they presented him with the coveted “Phillip Sehmann Teaching Excellence Award” at the high school level, and again in 2003 with the “Service Award. distinguished Karl King ”.
Huinker was instrumental in organizing the Turkish valley jazz group “Headlines”. The Trojans’ Jazz Band have qualified and competed at the Iowa Jazz Championships 25 times in Huinker’s 30 years in Turkey Valley. Widely recognized as one of the state’s top high school jazz groups, “Headlines” won numerous Top 10 rankings in the state’s Spring Competition.
Huinker worked diligently every fall when he helped lead the annual Turkey Valley Music Booster dinner fundraiser, and again in the spring when he led the Turkey Valley Pit Band for the highly successful and entertaining musicals of the high school that showcased the excellence of Turkey Valley students. in the fine arts program.
In 1997, Huinker was recognized for his “exceptional dedicated service” by the American Legion Post 279 of Lawler. The Turkey Valley Band has always proudly participated in Memorial Day activities held throughout the school district.
In 2011, Bob received the Lifetime Service Award at the Iowa Bandmasters Convention in recognition of his 33 years of service. Since Huinker’s retirement, each year a member of the Turkey Valley Class has received the coveted “Robert Huinker Exemplary Musician Award” in honor of Huinker’s dedication and commitment to excellence in the Beaux-Arts program. -arts of Turkey Valley.
Huinker was also the head golf coach of boys and girls on television for 29 years. With Huinker at the helm, Turkey Valley’s women’s teams have participated in the State Golf Tournament five times. The Lady Trojans placed third in 1998, 2001 and 2008. They were fourth in 2007 and seventh in 2006. The Turkey Valley girls also won the Upper Iowa conference tournament in 1997 and 2008. The teams boys from Turkey Valley won crowns at the UIC conference tournament. in 1994 and again in 2009 with many golfers winning all-state honors during his tenure. Huinker was named the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Class 1A District Golf Coach of the Year in 2008.
Huinker and his wife Renea still reside in Lawler and cherish time spent with their three daughters, Kara, Robin and Lindsey and their husbands, as well as seven active grandchildren. Six-time Jackson Heights Golf Club Men’s Champion, Huinker still enjoys playing golf and working on various carpentry and remodeling projects around the house. The Huinkers continue to offer their musical talents as musical directors to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, which they have been doing for many years.
“I am very happy and proud to receive this recognition from the Turkey Valley Athletic Booster Club. My success has been the highlight of working with many talented staff, colleagues and students. Together, we spend time and effort to consistently accomplish good things. What more could you wish for in a career? Huinker said.

Dick Cuvelier
Dick Cuvelier was a member of the 1976 Turkey Valley class. In high school, Cuvelier was active in football, wrestling and athletics. He also participated in choirs and numerous musicals throughout his high school career. Dick was a starter and letter winner for three years in football where he played both offensive and defensive tackles under the direction of TV Hall of Fame coach Bill Mulder and took top honors from the first All-Conference team in both his junior and senior years. He was selected to play in the prestigious Iowa Shrine Game after his outstanding senior season.
During the winter, Cuvelier took his incredible athletic talents to the wrestling mat. He was undefeated throughout his distinguished high school wrestling career and was a two-time state heavyweight champion for the Trojans. During Cuvelier’s junior and senior year, under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Jim

Arjes, the Turkey Valley Trojans have won every doubles, invitational, section and district tournaments they’ve participated in. The Trojans placed fourth in 1975 and second in 1976 in the Class 2A state wrestling tournament. Dick was also named to Wrestling USA Magazine’s Dream Team in 1975-76.
In the spring, Cuvelier launched the shot put on the track and was also qualified for the state. In his final year, he was named the 1976 Athlete of the Year in Turkey Valley and was recruited heavily by many major colleges and universities across the country.
He then continued his athletic career at Iowa State University where he played football under Cyclone coach Earl Bruce. During his time at ISU, Cuvelier won a four-year letter and a three-year starting offensive line where he won All-Big Eight Conference honors while blocking for running back Cyclone All-American. Dexter Green. He received the Drury Moss Award for Outstanding Sophomore, and later in his career he received the Arthur Floyd Scott Award for Outstanding Lineman.
During his career at Iowa State, the Cyclones were invited to play in both the Peach Bowl and the Hall of Fame Bowl. Cuvelier was elected co-captain of Cyclone in his final year. He has also been invited to play in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.
Cuvelier met his wife Lindsay in Iowa State, and they’ve been married for 41 years. He and his family moved to Decorah in 1985, where they currently reside. He has spent the last 36 years as an investment representative at Decorah and works at Raymond James Investments with his son-in-law. He now spends much of his time enjoying the outdoors and being with his three married children and eight grandchildren.
Cuvelier said: “I want to thank my family, the Turkey Valley Athletic Boosters and everyone who has helped make this award possible, especially all of the administrators, coaches, teachers, teammates and fans of the Trojans over the years. Turkey Valley is truly a very special place.

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