An emotional thank-you to Decorah HS drumline director Jerry Dean at Friday night's football game

On Friday night the Decorah High School family paid special tribute to Jerry Dean. The following announcement was read after the half-time performances:

"At this time, the DHS Marching Band, staff and students would like to welcome a very special guest who we hope enjoyed tonight's performance. Jerry Dean, otherwise known as JD, is with us tonight.

For those of you who do not know JD, he has been the percussion instructor and volunteer for the Band Department for the past decade.  The entire DHS Band family and students and staff of Decorah High School would like to extend our sincere thanks for everything he has done for our community, directors and most importantly, our students.

You are our friend, educator and most importantly a hero for your courage and all you have given to those you have worked with. Tonight the band hopes their performance was done the "JD Way," full of passion, dedication and with perseverance.  JD, we THANK YOU whole-heartedly and please know you continue to inspire us all."

Jerry Dean has been fighting a multi-year battle with cancer.