Blodgetts are Homecoming 2017 Grand Marshals

     Two former North Iowa teachers will preside as Grand Marshals of the 2017 North Iowa Homecoming Parade. Brian and Christina Blodgett of Buffalo Center have been selected for this year’s honor, as both remain active in the school community.

     The Blodgetts came to Buffalo Center in 1994, where Brian took up his first teaching position in physics, chemistry and physical science. Christina took up her first post at the school the following year in 1995, when she began directing the musical at the school. She later went on to teach middle school science at North Iowa.

     The Blodgetts met while attending Wartburg College in Waverly, where Christina performed in theater productions and Brian helped out on the crew. Christina is a native of Iowa City, while Brian grew up in upstate New York and then Callender, IA.

     Brian started Next Generation Technologies in 1999 with Steve Hassebroek, and he eventually gave up his teaching position to focus on his business full-time. Christina also stopped teaching and joined Brian at NGT, but she continues to serve as director of the musicals at North Iowa, which Brian also helps with. This fall, Christina is also directing the high school play.

     In the community, Brian has served on the Buffalo Center Fire Department since 1996, and he has been the fire chief for eight years. He also serves as regional chair for the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications Systems Board. The Blodgetts are members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center.

     The Blodgetts’ four children have all attended North Iowa Community School. Their son, Thomas, is a senior there this year; daughter Amelia is a sophomore; and daughter Norah is a second grader. Their oldest daughter, Madison, is currently a junior at the University of Iowa.

     The North Iowa Homecoming Parade will be this Friday, with a scheduled start time of 2:45 p.m.