St. Mary's announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame induction in Storm Lake

St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake announced on Jan. 12 that it will induct a new class into its Athletic Hall of Fame, with formal ceremonies set for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The school described the honorees as former athletes, coaches and contributors who have made significant impacts on St. Mary’s sports programs and invited the public to attend induction activities.

The announcement, released by the school this week, frames the induction as both recognition of individual achievement and a community event. While the school published the full list of inductees and event specifics on its announcement page, the general emphasis is on celebrating sustained service to programs that have shaped student experiences and local identity in Buena Vista County.

For residents, the induction is more than a ceremonial nod. Hall of Fame events typically serve as focal points for alumni engagement and fundraising that support athletic budgets, equipment purchases and scholarship funds. In small communities such as Storm Lake, weekend gatherings tied to school events can also generate modest but meaningful economic activity for downtown restaurants, caterers and service businesses when alumni and visiting families return to town.

Beyond immediate spending, the ceremony highlights longer-term civic value tied to school sports. Athletic programs are often a source of social capital, connecting generations and encouraging volunteerism that keeps community infrastructure functioning. Recognizing coaches and contributors underscores the role of nonpaying labor and local philanthropy in sustaining extracurricular programs at a time when many districts face budget pressure.

Local policy makers and school officials monitoring extracurricular funding should view the induction as both a celebration and an opportunity. Increased alumni interest around Hall of Fame classes can translate into donations or targeted support for program needs, helping to shore up budgets without shifting general operating funds. For business owners, the event is a prompt to coordinate hours and offerings for a likely uptick in visitors on Jan. 23.

St. Mary’s will provide the full inductee list and the schedule of events on its announcement page. Residents planning to attend should check that information for start times, locations and any ticketing details.

The takeaway? These ceremonies matter beyond nostalgia. They reconnect alumni, raise money for programs that serve local youth, and give a short-term boost to the Storm Lake economy. Our two cents? Mark your calendar, show up early, and use the visit to support a downtown business while celebrating the people who have helped shape St. Mary’s athletics.