Perpich honored with 2019 Scholars Award for Excellence

On Monday, Sept. 28, 2019 Frank Perpich received the 2019 Scholars Award for Excellence in recognition of his innovation, leadership and dedicated service and teaching excellence from the White Bear Lake High School Alumni Association. The Scholar Award is not an annual award but an honor given to very special educators who dedicated their lives to learning and the betterment of students of any age.
Last weekend marked the All-Class Reunion at White Bear Lake High School in White Bear Lake. The reunion celebrated the 100th anniversary of the school’s first graduating class.
Three former district employees were recognized with the Scholars Award for Excellence. Perpich was one.
Perpich, described as a “living legend from the greatest generation”, started his teaching career at White Bear Lake High School in 1957. He was known, according to the White Bear Press, for bringing the science of biology to life for his students and for his commitment to excellence. He also coached the Bears wrestling team with Joe Rukavina for eight years.
A native of Crosby-Ironton, he graduated from Brainerd Junior College and then graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He went on to earn a master’s degree in both arts and science.
In 1977 Perpich won the National Association of Biology Teachers award. He was quoted as saying, “I have always tried to keep in mind the fact biology deals with the study of life and should therefore be alive and meaningful to students.” He was known for bringing biology to life for his students.
Perpich was also active with the Minnesota Education Association and the White Bear Lake Education Association. He is a published author, having written several scientific articles.