JOHN MEYER – Contributor / Teacher
John Meyer was inducted into the Midland Hall of Fame on Friday, February 6th during home basketball games against Calamus-Wheatland.
For more than three decades, John Meyer dedicated his career to Midland students through both academics and activities. From August 1976 to May 2010, he served as a committed English teacher and also taught French from 1976 to 1995. John’s passion for student growth extended far beyond the classroom, as he supported learning by leading spring plays, speech, and supervising the weight room. Generations of students benefited from his high expectations, steady presence, and genuine investment in student success.
Athletics and activities were another cornerstone of Mr. Meyer’s service. John was a familiar and trusted voice as an announcer for football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and track, and he served as Midland’s official basketball scorekeeper for an impressive 32 years. John’s dedication was formally recognized with several honors, including the Midland Athletic Booster of the Year Award in 1993 and the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Morris D. (Mo) Kelley Award in the spring of 2008, acknowledging exemplary service to students in athletic and activities programs.
Perhaps most memorable was the lasting impact made through unique traditions and personal connections. For more than 15 years, Mr. Meyer took students to the Manchester Trout Hatchery and Backbone State Park for a “Fish Iowa!” experience, blending education, mentorship, and lifelong memories.
“I really appreciate this recogniton A LOT.” John Meyer. Congratulations John on your induction into the 2025 Midland Hall of Fame and thank you for your many contributions to our district and its students.
AUDREY SMITH – Beloved Kindergarten Teacher
Audrey Smith was inducted into the Midland Hall of Fame on Friday, February 9, 2026 during the home basketball games against Calamus Wheatland.
Audrey Smith dedicated over 40 years to shaping young lives as a kindergarten teacher, beginning her remarkable career in 1950 at a small rural school in Center Junction, Iowa. Audrey started after about a year of college coursework at what is now the University of Northern Iowa, amid a desperate need for teachers, and she stepped into the classroom despite limited prior experience with children. She later taught in Wyoming and concluded her tenure at Onslow School (part of the Midland Community School District), retiring in 1993. Her educational journey included studies at institutions such as the University of Northern Iowa, Coe College, Marycrest College, the University of Iowa, Dubuque University, and completion at Upper Iowa University.
Audrey will forever be known for her structured, disciplined approach. Audrey firmly believed that children thrive with clear boundaries and respect. She started each year strictly to establish order, then gradually allowed more fun, always ready to restore quiet with a clap or change in lighting. Early lessons came the hard way – learning that kindergarteners don’t always follow textbook examples – teaching her that experience often surpasses textbook psychology. Yet she cherished the little ones deeply, drawn to their unconditional love and eagerness to please, preferring kindergarten over other grades she briefly taught.
Audrey Smith’s goal was that every child felt special and was valued as a unique person. Her induction into the Midland Community School District Hall of Fame honors this legacy of devotion, wisdom gained through decades of nurturing young minds, and the profound difference one dedicated teacher can make in a community.
Congratulations Audrey on your very deserved induction into the Midland Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. Thank you for your guidance to so many kindergarteners over the years.
DAVID LANPHER – Two Time State Track Champion
David Lanpher was inducted into the Midland Hall of Fame posthumously on Saturday, January 24, 2026 during the John Byers Wrestling Invitational. Dave graduated in 1972. During high school he had some significant athletic accomplishments:
1970 – 4th place in state in shot put
1971 – State Champion in discus
1971 – Qualified for state wrestling
1972 – State Champion in shot put (indoor and outdoor), 2nd place in discus
He was a 3 year varsity letter winner in football and went to Iowa State University on a football scholarship. He later transferred to the University of Dubuque where he played football, wrestled and participated in track until a knee injury during football ended his athletic career.
Congratulations David on your 2025 Midland Hall of Fame induction.