Taylor Anderson Named New Hall of Pride Director

     Taylor Anderson, a social studies teacher and coach at Ankeny Centennial High School has been named the new Director of the Iowa Hall of Pride. He will assume his new duties August 1 replacing Jack Lashier who was hired by the IHSAA in 1996 and has been the Director of the Hall of Pride since its official opening in February, 2005.

     The announcement of Anderson's appointment came from Alan Beste, executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, who operates the unique concept that highlights the state, its schools, businesses and citizens.

     "While Jack Lashier's presence will be truly missed at the Hall of Pride, I am very excited that Taylor Anderson will be his successor!  Taylor is energetic, self-motivated, passionate about Iowa, has a dynamic personality, and is the right person to take over as Director of the Hall of Pride," remarked Beste.

     Anderson, a Central Iowa native is a 1995 graduate of Colo-NESCO High School and holds a B.A. degree in social studies from Wartburg College and a M.A. degree in Education from Viterbo University, LaCrosse, WI.

     His path in education started at Williamsburg in 1999 guiding and teaching at-risk students. He later was a high school social studies teacher and coach at Mason City High School before moving to Ankeny, where he has developed an interdisciplinary course and curriculum in Iowa History. He has been recognized for his teaching at Mason City with the KIMT "Golden Apple Award," and at Ankeny by their Board of Education.

     The Hall of Pride celebrates the people and the State of Iowa through a variety of displays and interactive exhibits. It was the brainchild of former IHSAA Executive Director Bernie Saggau who first presented the concept to the Board of Control in 1994. Shortly thereafter Lashier, who will join a family business, was hired and travelled to each school promoting their involvement in the concept.

     Located in Hy-Vee Hall of the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, the Hall of Pride offers visitors a unique interactive experience of exploring Iowa.  Its mission is to educate about the future, preserve the past and celebrate the accomplishments of all Iowans, featured in over 12 venues within the Hall. Open daily, Monday through Friday, the Hall of Pride and its related activities is an educational component of the IHSAA.