2025 Inductees

Andy Dahlen served as the lead principal of Fargo North High School from 1994 to 2021, guiding the school through nearly three decades of academics, culture, and facility advancements. A native of Mabel, Minnesota, Dahlen graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 1977, where he was a three-sport letter winner. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics education with a coaching minor from the University of North Dakota in 1981. As a member of the UND football team, he was a four-year letter winner, team captain in 1980, two -time All-Conference selection, a member of the UND All)Century Team, and an inductee into the UND Hall of Fame. He later earned a master's degree in education administration from UND in 1990.

Before coming to Fargo North, Dahlen taught mathematics and coached in Grand Forks for eight years, served as the Grand Forks Athletic Director for three years and was Associate Principal at Grand Forks Central High School for two years. He managed numerous NDHSAA regional state tournaments, including hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis, and track and field. As Fargo North, Dahlen hired hundreds of teachers and staff, oversaw major building projects including the early 2000's remodel and the 2006 classroom addition, and let the school's transition to a comprehensive four-year high school. He implemented Professional Learning Communities, the Senior Retreat, Academy Program, Academic Wall of Honor, and multiple student support initiatives. Under his leadership, the number of students passing AP exams tripled in three years. He also served on the NDHSAA Board of Directors from 2014-17, including as President in 2017, and was named FPS Administrator of the Year in 2021.

Since retiring, Dahlen has served as Choice ready Manager fort he Fargo Public Schools and consulted with West Fargo Public Schools to expand student readiness initiatives statewide. He and his wife, Renee, have three children, all Fargo North graduated, and five grandchildren. 

Jake Laber, a 2004 graduate of Fargo North High School, is remembered as an outstanding student-athlete and an even better person. The son of Ken and Deb Laber, Jake grew up in North Fargo, attending Washington Elementary School, Horace Mann Elementary School, Ben Franklin Middle School, and Fargo North. He graduated with an exceptional academic record, earning only one "B" in his high school career, while excelling in baseball and basketball. As a pitcher for the Spartan baseball team and a guard on the basketball team, Jake's talent and leadership were evident. 

Following graduation, Jake attended North Dakota State University on both baseball and business scholarships, earning a degree in accounting in 2008. As a starting pitcher for the Bison, he was a cornerstone of the program and represented his school with excellence. His summer baseball career included two seasons in the Northwoods League with the Thunder Bay Border Cats and two seasons in the Frontier League with the River City Rascals in O'Fallon, Missouri. 

Jake's professional baseball career began when he signed with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, where he pitched for more than five seasons before retiring in 2014. His number 19 was retired by both Post 2 American Legion Baseball - where the bullpen is named in his honor - and by the FM RedHawks, a testament to his impact on the game and the community.

After baseball, Jake began a career in finance and accounting and was engaged to be married when he passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2016. Known for his kindness, compassion, and positive influence, Jake left a lasting legacy with his family, friends, and countless others in the baseball community.

Candace "Candy" Shultz served as a counselor at Fargo North High School for 33 1/2 years, from 1980 until her retirement in 2013. A native of Buffalo, North Dakota, she graduated from Buffalo High School in 1970, earned a bachelor's degree in education from North Dakota State University in 1974, and taught in LaMoure, North Dakota, for two years, before completing her master's degree in counseling at NDSU. She also worked a Villa Nazareth, a residential treatment facility in Fargo, before joining the North High counseling staff.

Throughout her career, Shultz worked with approximately 300 students each year. providing personal, academic, and career counseling. She served as department chair, coordinated testing programs, and advised the wrestling cheerleaders and Student Council. She played a central role in planning and decorating for many junior-senior proms. Known for her dedication, warmth, and professionalism, Shultz was deeply respected by students, parents, and colleagues alike.

Since retiring, she has embraced volunteerism , including work at a preschool and active involvement in her church. She enjoys traveling, gardening, quilting, researching family history, and most of all, spending time with her family - especially attending her grandsons' hockey and baseball games.

Shultz and her husband, David, were married in 1984 and have two daughters: Chelsea (Mike Monda) of Fargo, with sons Layton and Emmett; and Taylor (Kevin Lee) of St. Paul, Minnesota, with daughters Lydia and Ruby. She credits her fellow counselors and the dedicated staff and administrators at Fargo North for influencing and inspiring her work throughout her career.

Justin Welk, a 2006 graduate of Fargo North High School, is a leader in human resources and organizational development whose roots remain firmly planted in the Fargo North community. 

He is the son of Keith ('77) and Vicki ('78) Welk, and the brother of Kelsey ('04) Welk Dardis. Welk lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Molly, and their son, Sullivan.

At North, Welk was an active and accomplished student. He served as a DECA Chapter Officer for three years, was the North Dakota State Vice President in 2004-05, State President in 2005-06, and a candidate for International President in 2006. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Classical League, Activity Leadership Council, and numerous volunteer initiatives through DECA. Welk was also a captain in the varsity hockey team his senior year.

After High School, Welk attending the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, before earning his bachelor's degree in marketing from North Dakota State University in 2010. He began his career at Sundog in Fargo, then completed a master's degree in human resources and organizational development from the University of St. Thomas in 2015. His professional path has included HR leadership roles at Target, and currently, as Senior Director of HR Consulting and Learning Development at ICF, a global consulting and technology services company. 

Welk has remained connected to DECA, mentoring students, supporting competitive events, and earning the ND DECA Honorary Life Membership Award. His commitment to leadership development extends beyond work, as he continues to inspire young leaders through his involvement with FNH DECA and other organizations.