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leader, ensuring basic needs are met in the St. Croix Valley.

Kris Schwartz has made an enduring impact on the St. Croix Valley through her leadership in social services and community support. For over 15 years, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals and families have access to life’ s essentials.

As Client Support Services Manager at Valley Outreach, Schwartz built the organization’ s client services from the ground up. Under her guidance, the program

provides food, clothing, housing, and transportation assistance with compassion and dignity to thousands each year.

Her collaborative approach has strengthened ties among local nonprofits and service providers, creating a resilient network of care that uplifts the entire region. Schwartz’ s commitment to equity and empathy continues to transform lives and inspire others. Eric Thole 2025 inductee Eric Thole, Class of 1984, is a celebrated athlete, accomplished attorney, and passionate historian of Stillwater and Ponies athletics.

Eric Thole has spent a lifetime investing

in the Stillwater community – as an athlete, attorney, civic leader, and passionate historian. A standout threesport athlete at

SAHS, Thole continued his athletic career in college before earning his law degree.

Eric Thole

He has since served as a prosecuting attorney, built a respected private defense practice, and held leadership positions including on the Washington

County Bar Association and Stillwater City Council. Thole’ s devotion to Stillwater athletics, particularly Ponies football, is extraordinary. He co-founded the Ponies Touchdown Club, preserving and advancing the program’ s success. As team historian, he works tirelessly to document and share the legacy of Ponies football.

His impact extends beyond the field through decades of youth sports coaching and frequent speaking engagements, all reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to mentoring young people and strengthening the St. Croix Valley community.