Stead, Webb on threshold of induction into National High School Hall of Fame

Minnesotans Dave Stead and Bill Webb are on the threshold of induction into the prestigious National High School Hall of Fame. On Saturday, July 1, both participated in a pre-induction news conference during the NFHS Summer Meeting in Seattle.

Stead, the longest-serving executive director of the Minnesota State High School League and a pioneer in national initiatives, and Webb, the nationally-respected band director in the Edina School District, are part of the 12-member Class of 2023 that was announced in March. Stead was the only individual selected in the Administrator category and Webb distinguished himself as the only inductee in the Performing Arts category.

Founded in 1982, the National High School Hall of Fame was organized by the National Federation of State High School Associations to recognize and honor excellence by high school athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators. In 2003, individuals from the performing arts became eligible for induction into the prestigious hall. 

The group will be enshrined later Saturday evening in the hallmark event of the NFHS Summer Meeting of state associations that annually gather.

This is the second time that the Minnesota State High School League has had two inductees in the same Hall of Fame Class. The other was in 1992 when Fridley’s Jerry Seeman (Official) and Edina’s Willard Ikola (Coach) were inducted. With the induction of Stead and Webb, Minnesota has had 16 individuals recognized with national honors.  

“This is an incredible group,” Stead said afterward. "It is an honor to be a part of this and a part of them. To listen to their stories, hear what they are doing for students and the inspiration they provide for our young people is absolutely incredible.”

Stead’s visionary leadership and tireless drive to create and support a multitude of initiatives on behalf of all students was felt in a powerful way, not only in Minnesota, but throughout the country. For more than three decades, he served as the Executive Director of the 107-year-old Minnesota State High School League and was a respected, impactful leader in many roles with the National Federation of State High School Associations. His leadership and organizational work in Minnesota, within Section 5 and nationally have become the model that many other state associations have adopted.

Stead was a leader among leaders, and in that role, mentored numerous emerging state leaders.

 It was Stead’s pioneering efforts that created groundbreaking opportunities to engage additional students in co-curricular activities. The expansion of activities included the first-of-its-kind creation of Adapted Athletics, an interscholastic sport that provided an opportunity for students with disabilities to compete in a state tournament format. Minnesota was also the first state association to provide extra-curricular opportunities in Girls Hockey, Robotics and Clay Target. An expansion of activities also included Dance Team, Boys and Girls Lacrosse and the Visual Arts.

During his time as a music educator, Webb introduced thousands of students to the wonderful world of music. He reached students in the fine arts with an educational manner that was equal parts nurturing, encouraging and joyous when students discovered the wonders of music. During an interview for the League’s Hall of Fame, Webb insisted that no student ever hit a sour note. It was that unending tutelage that ignited his students’ passionate pursuit of music.

Webb’s tenacious drive to promote and enhance music education is evident in his decades-long commitment to professional organizations. His wide-ranging service includes being a founding officer and past president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association and leadership roles with the Music Educators Association and The Evergreen Club.

In 2022, Webb was presented a NFHS Citation Award for his excellence and commitment to enriching students through music education and leadership at the local and national levels. During his induction into the Minnesota State High School League’s Hall of Fame in 2019, Webb’s journey through music education and service to students was a powerful illustration of an individual making a profound impact, not only in Minnesota, but across the globe.

"This honor is really something; it is profoundly humbling and a bit overwhelming," Webb said. "The depth of appreciation I have for all of this is quite powerful. I am so pleased that we have an opportunity to celebrate the Fine Arts and the other individuals  that have made great impacts on students. I am truly grateful to be a part of this journey."

Minnesotans inductees into the National High School Hall of Fame:

• 2023 --- Dave Stead and Bill Webb
• 2018 --- Carrie Tollefson
• 2016 --- Eugene “Lefty” Wright
• 2014 --- Bob McDonald
• 2009 --- Billy Bye
• 2008 --- Barbara Seng
• 2007 --- Terry Steinbach
• 2003 --- Dorothy McIntyre
• 2000 --- Kevin McHale
• 1998 --- Paul Giel
• 1992 --- Willard Ikola and Jerry Seeman
• 1989 --- Bronko Nagurski
• 1987 --- Janet Karvonen
• 1986 --- John Mayasich