Karen was a powerful “triple threat” athlete in basketball, volleyball and track which rightfully earned her the Quanbeck Award at the culmination of her sports career at Oak Grove. As co-captain of the basketball team her senior year, Karen led her team in field goal percentage, points scored, and three-point shots. In track, she was given the “Most Dedicated” award, perfectly labeling her demeanor in all she does. Aside from her strong presence in Grover athletics, Karen was also a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, and served as Homecoming Queen. After graduation, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her coaching certification from Concordia College in 1992. She then earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction Education from the University of St. Thomas, St Paul in 2002. She is currently a teacher in the area, is a member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and is active in LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots).