Marathon grad speaks at honors banquet
Two students, two teachers and a 2004 graduate of Marathon High School were honored at the annual Honoring Excellence in Education Banquet on April 24.
Class of 2024 students Jorey Kunkel and Jacob Smith were honored alongside top students from all Marathon County high schools. Kunkel selected Luke Jacobson as his esteemed teacher, while Smith recognized Alaina Hulman for her profound impact on his education Andrea (Metz) Larson was the guest speaker at this year’s banquet, delivering an important message to the group about perseverance even when faced with failure.
“Don’t let anything, including the possibility of failure, limit yourself” she told the audience.
Larson has the distinction of having been honored as a student at the banquet in 2004 and then being invited back 20 years later as guest speaker.
After graduating Marathon High School, Larson went on to earn a 3.99 GPA in chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University in 2008. Larson spent a decade-long career in research and development, holding a professional engineering certification and several patents, traveling around the world to tackle some of the most difficult to treat wastewater.
Larson retired from engineering when a new non-profit, IRONBULL, sought an executive director. Larson has led the organization for the past five years, with the goal to promote the outstanding outdoor recreation amenities in Central Wisconsin and foster a love for outdoor adventures for people of all ages and ability levels.
After never qualifying for state in cross country or an individual event in track, she’s continued her passion for running and other endurance sports. Larson has continued to push her limits of human endurance while cultivating the passion in her three children. Last year, she was one of just a handful of women to compete at the infamous Barkley Marathons. She set the American women’s record in Everesting (running up and down 29,029 feet on Rib Mountain), set a Fastest Known Time unsupported speed record on the 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail, carrying everything she needed for the 6.5 day feat, and introduced her oldest child (age 8) to adventure racing.
Larson also serves the community as the chair of the Village of Rib Mountain Bike & Pedestrian Committee for the past decade, Village of Rib Mountain Park Commission member, Wausau Nordic Ski Club board member, and Sunday school teacher at Downtown Mission Church with her husband.
HONORING EXCELLENCE - Five members of the Marathon High School community were honored at the Honoring Excellence in Education banquet on April 24. From left to right are teacher Luke Jacobson, student Jorey Kunkel, principal Dave Beranek, student Jacob Smith, teacher Alaina Hulman, and graduate Andrea (Metz) Larson. Pictured below are Larson and Beranek at the 2004 and 2024 banquets, respectively. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
