On September 26, author Nina Willner visited Luverne High School to share an inspiring story.
Willner recently published a book titled Boys in the Light, which features a Kenneth soldier, Elmer Hovland.
The book highlights Hovland's leadership in the military. Willner explained that Hovland “never wanted to be in the spotlight but became their North Star.”
She also recounted Hovland’s courageous act of rescuing two Jewish boys who had escaped the Nazis, risking his military position to shelter them.
One of the boys was Nina Willner’s father, Eddie Willner. Hovland later reflected, “My judgment was to take care of them because it was humane.”
Eddie Willner eventually regained his health, joined the U.S. military, and later started his own family, including his daughter Nina.
Hovland’s bravery and compassion reflected the values of Rock County, and Willner encouraged students to carry those same values into their own lives.