FORWARD Worthington presents awards during Extravaganza event

FORWARD Worthington hosted its annual Extravaganza event Friday night, and three award winners were recognized.

The recipient of this year's Community Pride Award was Dr. Wayne Freese, who was introduced by Stephanie Krohn, an employee of his. Freese is the chief executive officer and chairman of Prairie Holdings Group, LLC. Freese practiced veterinary medicine for more than 40 years in Worthington. He's the co-founder of Oxford Laboratories (now owned by Merck), Newport Laboratories, Inc., (now owned by Merial), and founder of Cambridge Technologies.

Freese has served as a bank director at First State Bank Southwest and held positions on several economic planning committees in southwest Minnesota. 

Receiving the Friend of Education Award was Beth Habicht, who was introduced by former longtime District 518 Board of Education member Stephen Schnieder. Habicht taught in District 518 for 38 years and continued her assistance as a volunteer for more than 20 years. 

Additionally, Habicht has served on multiple boards at her college alma mater University of Sioux Falls, her church, P.E.O. and Memorial Auditorium, and helped establish and build the Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra.

The final special recognition of the night — the Hospitality Service was presented to Les Schwab Tires, which opened in Worthington in April 2025. FORWARD Worthington board member Nate Van Note read a letter from a customer thanking the business for outstanding service. A representative of the business was not present at Friday's event.

FORWARD Worthington Executive Director Jaime Salinas gave an overview of the organization at the Extravaganza, which took place at the Worthington Event Center and was emceed by Riley Widboom. Melissa Gehl is this year's outgoing board chair; the new chair will be Cindy Elsing.