Long-time Hawk supporters Marlo and Ruth Jansen of Sully were honored with the designation of Lynnville-Sully’s 2022 Citizens of the Year during halftime of the boys basketball game at Lynnville-Sully on Friday, Jan. 27.
The Jansens have served as an integral part of the Lynnville-Sully community for years. The couple was a familiar supporter of the school district when their three children – Holly, Luke, and Noelle – attended Lynnville-Sully, and that support has not wavered in the years since their graduations. The Jansens own Star Auto in Sully and have always been strong business supporters and given generously to L-S education and athletic en-deavors.
The Jansens’ impact as Hawk supporters is felt not only on the local level, but stretches across the globe as the couple has opened up their home for over a decade to international students.
Ruth and Marlo Jansen, on the far right, were named 2022 Citizens of the Year on Friday, Jan. 27. They are standing with L-S superintendent Matt Dunsbergen, far left, and foreign exchange student Valentijn Niet who the Jansens are hosting this school year.
The Jansens have housed foreign exchange students from South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. They are currently making Iowa home for junior Valentijn Niet, who hails from the Netherlands.
Niet was part of Friday night’s presentation. “Marlo and Ruth are so kind and just really nice people. They really make me feel right at home,” said Niet of his host parents.
The Jansens are seen frequently at L-S events. Marlo can be found on the sidelines as part of the chain gang at every Friday night home football game while Ruthie cheers from the stands. Marlo has served as a volunteer wrestling coach. Both are avid supporters of L-S student-athletes of all ages as they chase their grandchildren’s activities, as well as show up in support of the foreign exchange students they host.
“They are kind, compassionate, and all-around fun to be around with their contagious personalities,” said L-S Superintendent Matt Dunsbergen. “Hawk Country wouldn’t be the same without them!”
The Lynnville-Sully School Board of Education has recognized a “Citizen of the Year” since 1986. This honor is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to the school and its students. This year, L-S started a new tradition of announcing the previous year’s Citizen of the Year recipient(s) at a January home basketball game.
