We are honored to present our 2023 Fruitland Spring Fair Parade Grand Marshal, Kelly Henggeler! Kelly has been an outstanding community member and has worked hard to help the Fruitland School District in so many ways!🤴🏻👏
Kelly Henggeler is a fourth generation Idahoan whose family settled in the Fruitland area in the early 1900’s. The Henggeler name is synonymous with fruit as they have been growing apples for over 100 years and packing a variety of fruit since 1943.
After attending the University of Idaho and working in retail management for several years, Kelly returned to work in the family business in 1994 and markets fruit for the company. Kelly has served on several industry boards locally and nationally. In 2008, Kelly chaired the US Apple Association based in Virgina and served on the board for 20 years.
Kelly graduated from Fruitland High School in 1981 and he always recalled the overwhelming support that he and his fellow classmate received during their K-12 schooling. Wanting to give back to the school and community Kelly decided to become involved in and co-chair Committee for Classrooms which involved several community members who were interested in the expanding the number of classrooms to alleviate over crowding and reduce the number of classroom trailers that the school district was utilizing. After several meetings and community organized events a bond was presented that was supported by the community that allowed funding for a new elementary school, band room and weight room. These additions have met the needs of the school district for almost 15 years.
In 2007, Kelly joined the Fruitland school board and has served as chairman until last year. "Our schools do an amazing job supporting our students and I feel blessed to witness some of that success”. The High School has been recognized by US News and World Reports and the extra-curricular program has been recognized by Max Preps as one of the most successful in the State of Idaho. The FFA program and Band program are award winning programs at state and national competitions. "It starts in the elementary and middle school grades where students are achieving success and carries over to the high school where there is more publicized recognition”.
Kelly and his wife Holly have been married for thirty years and they are very proud of their twin boys, Josh, and Joe, who are currently attending the University of Idaho.