The Alumni of Distinction Dinner

The 10 Annual Columbia Heights High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation present, The Alumni of Distinction Dinner, Thursday, Oct. 27 at Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave. NE.  This year’s honoree is Medal of Honor recipient and Columbia Heights High School Graduate, Private First Class James D. LaBelle.  LaBelle was a 17-year-old student at Columbia Heights High School when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines to serve in World War II.  At the Battle of Iwo Jima, he saved the lives of his fellow Marines by diving on a grenade. By his heroic actions, at the age of 19 he sacrificed his life for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. At the June 2016 commencement, Columbia Heights High School Principal Dan Wrobleski posthumously awarded Pfc. LaBelle his high school diploma and announced he was the 2016 Alumni of Distinction.  The evening starts with a social hour and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost for this year’s dinner is $75 per person or $140 for a couple. Tables of 10 are also available at $675. Of the cost, $40 for each person is not tax-deductible. Reservations and more information can be made through Wednesday, Oct. 17 by calling 763-528-4601 or by email at padillai@colheights.k12.mn.us. Silent Auction donations are also being accepted; please call 763-242-5316.  Proceeds from the evening go toward funding scholarships for Columbia Heights High School students. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $300,000 in scholarships.