Orchard Science Department Receives Donation

The element of surprise isn’t found on Jeff Shabram’s periodic table, but he was definitely taken back by a recent donation. 

Shabram, a longtime science teacher at Orchard, will expand his biology lab next fall thanks to a sizable donation by an Orchard graduate and her husband. 

Dr. Marvin and Colleen Zerr of Harvey, North Dakota recently donated both equipment and money to the science department. Kerr is the daughter of the late Richard and Velma Knapp.

“It was a sizable contribution to our science department,” Shabram said, grinning from ear to ear. “It was unexpected, but definitely appreciated donation to our school.”

Dr. Kerr is the dental director for the Northland Community Health Center and served as a military dentist in Iraq in 2005.
Shabram said the equipment is valued at several thousands of dollars and will be key in lab work.

“It will mainly be used for biology, like when we do our E. coli lab and genetics lab,” he said. “There were mini test tube and a centrifuse. It’s a lot of great items.”

​The Kerrs also donated $200 to be used for other items that will benefit the science department in Orchard.