Country 106 WACD (Breakfast Club with Host Gary Hartl) – Gary Hartl, a car sales consultant, has a strong following in his side gig as the popular host of the Breakfast Club radio program for Country 106 WACD. Each morning, at the local Burger King, Gary invites a wide variety of community guests to be on the show. In his role as host of the morning program, Gary serves an important role as a conduit for the school to communicate with our residents. He enjoys having students and adults on his show to share updates, events, and opportunities, and he provides information that helps sustain a connection between the school and our community to help us stay connected. Gary is a valued partner who understands that strong school and strong communities go hand-in-hand, and he is a true ambassador for our community.

CoVantage Credit Union (Katie Devore) – Katie Devore and other staff at CoVantage Credit Union are integral partners in our work to provide our students with important financial literacy education. Katie also assists in providing opportunities with the Antigo High School Youth Apprenticeship and Co-op programs. She is a difference-maker who volunteers with United Way and the WEB (WeekEnd Backpack) program, which is a joint effort between the school and our community partners to provide students in need with meal items each weekend. Katie is positive and focused on the greater good, and it is community-minded leaders like Katie and Co-Vantage Credit Union who form the cornerstone of strong school and community partnerships.

Aspirus Langlade Hospital (Jenny Schlundt, Sarah Olafson, Megan Mattek) – Jenny Schlundt, Sarah Olafson, and Megan Mattek of Aspirus Langlade Hospital are integral community partners in helping us to achieve our important goal of caring for the whole child. In working with us on our community health needs assessment, assisting us with the WEB (WeekEnd Backpack) program to provide students in need with meal items each weekend, and providing leadership to the Community Health Foundation and Healthy Kids grants, Jenny, Sarah, and Megan intentionally focus on how to improve community, school and home connections.

Antigo Daily Journal – The Antigo Daily Journal (ADJ) recently embarked on its 113th year of publication and is one of the few remaining family-owned daily newspapers. The staff of the ADJ maintains a visible presence throughout our community, and they do an excellent job of reporting the news of our area, especially during the school year when they have devoted much time and effort to reporting on the good things that are happening in our schools. The ADJ is an avid supporter of education in our area, and we appreciate and applaud their work.

Waukesha Bearings – Waukesha Bearings has been a strong supporter of the Youth Apprenticeship program at Antigo School, providing students with the opportunity to expand their career readiness preparation. Waukesha Bearings currently has two students employed and will be conducting interviews soon to provide a replacement for one of the students. These students have been enrolled in the Red Robin Machining class and have put their skills to work as they explore the field of manufacturing. In addition to learning the trade, the students also develop their interpersonal skills in an environment surrounded by adults who are experts in their field. There are so many rich learning opportunities in the laboratory of our communities, and we are fortunate to have Waukesha Bearings has an exemplary community partner who opens their doors to students and staff, making a difference in our schools and in the community.

Nominated by Colleen Timm, superintendent

MSA Professional Services – MSA is an organization of committed engineers. For the past few years, an engineer meets with our Director of Teaching and Learning and K-12 Science team to determine areas of co-planning and teaching in our classrooms to support the Next Generation Science Standards. Some of the collaborative efforts have led to mock city planning meetings, bridge building contests, water studies, and designing musical instruments. MSA plays a role in our district strategic planning efforts and has presented with us at WSPRA on the value of community relationships. They are a true example of a deep level of engagement business. Our students and teachers benefit from the expertise of engineers and relationships built to connect the schools to our community.

Baraboo District Ambulance Service – Baraboo District Ambulance Service (BDAS) offers co-teaching at our high school to certify students as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). In addition, members of BDAS provide training cohorts for our teachers and staff to become Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and EMTs. These individuals become internal emergency responders in the schools. Most recently, BDAS and cohort members have collaborated to facilitate district safety trainings on first aid, CPR, bleeding control, and AED use. After two years of offering the EMT certification to our students, we have a number who are using the certification for employment both in Baraboo and neighboring communities.

Gasser Construction – Gasser Construction approached the school district last year to begin a reading initiative in one of our elementary schools. They adopted our Gordon L. Willson Elementary school and collaborated with our literacy coach to encourage students to read over a million minutes. They provided calendars for parents and students to document minutes and rewarded students with monthly reading prizes for all student participants. In addition, Gasser Construction offered classroom incentives for highest participation. Some of the prizes include classroom books and iPads. Gasser Construction represents a business that selflessly gives to our students and community.

Circus World – Circus World entered into a new business-education partnership with us this year by offering their musical instruments from around the world in our elementary music classrooms, offering apprenticeships for our middle school students, and engaging in a marketing campaign with our high school students. Middle school students worked with members of Circus World in the library to learn the stories of our community’s legacy. Students are beginning to create podcasts for the Circus World website. High school Business Education students engaged with Circus World on developing a marketing and social media campaign to attract millenials to Circus World. Campaigns were presented to Circus World for potential use. Finally, our Baraboo High School marching band supported Circus World by marching in clown costumes for the annual Big Top Parade.

Nominations submitted by Lori Mueller, superintendent.

Cate Machine and Welding – Cate Machine and Welding donated a Fadal computer numerically controlled mill to the Belleville High School. It helped launch another Project Lead the Way course: Computer Integrated Manufacturing. The Cates hope the partnership with the district is replicated by other businesses. Each month, Steve Cate spends time with teacher Ed Neumann teaching students how to program and use the machine. Cate Machine and Welding is a fantastic partner with our School-to-Career program and have supported the Youth Apprenticeship Program since 2014. They teach required skills on the Department of Workforce Development Manufacturing units checklists. As you walk through the business, it is evident that they strive to train and hire employees from the Belleville community. Students gain more than technical skills under the wings of the Cates. They care about their employees and know and support the students, and model skills considered desirable in an employee.

Borland’s – Several district staff work with the owners of Borland’s to create projects for students. For example, students in a desktop publishing class redesigned his logo and the ‘Best Friday Night Fish Fry’ menu. The owners donate gift certificates and food and have donated to the sports marketing class for the student’s game operations project. They are also very supportive of Belleville athletics!

Union Bank and Trust Company – Union Bank and Trust Company has supported the school newspaper ‘The Prowl’, Sports Marketing game operations project, and Money Week.

Nominations submitted by Marian Viney, school board member.

Endries Foundation – The Endries Foundation has gifted millions of dollars to charities over the years. In 2001 they gifted a $2.5 million dollar Performing Arts Center to the construction of our new Brillion High School. Recently they were one of two prime movers in the creation of the Brillion Elementary STEM Center. The Endries Foundation gifted $400,000 as a Founding Donation. The STEM Center opened on May 1 and serves the elementary and middle school children of the Brillion School.

Ariens Foundation – The Ariens Foundation, supported by the Ariens Company, has supported the Brillion Public School District for 25 years by providing work to school opportunities and scholarship financial support. Around 2006 the Ariens Foundation gifted the entire $1.5 million dollar High School STEM Center. The Ariens Foundation was the second prime mover in gifting $400,000 as a founding donation for the Brillion Elementary STEM Center

The Peters Foundation – The Peters Foundation was created after the sale of the Brillion Iron Works by R. D. & Linda Peters.  Since the inceptions of the Peters Foundation, they have given millions of higher education scholarships to Brillion graduates. They also gifted $25,000 to the Brillion Elementary STEM Center.

Professional Plating Inc. – Larry Dietz, the leader of Professional Plating Inc. (PPI) in Brillion, has also been the leader of the Brillion Chapter of Junior Achievement. These programs have benefitted many Brillion students with business education. PPI also gave $10,000 to the Brillion Elementary STEM Center.

Nominations submitted by Steve Klessig, school board member.

GPS Education Partners and STRATTEC Security – GPS Education Partners provides the only manufacturing-specific, Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program in Wisconsin. This community-based education model is the catalyst in building strategic partnerships to prepare our students for life. In partnership with GPS Education Partners, Brown Deer students are placed at STRATTEC Security, an international company and one of the world’s largest producer of automotive locks and keys. This partnership enables us to accelerate learning in technical careers through powerful, credentialed work-based learning solutions. Students are paid for their work and receive valuable on the job training to advance their skills to be ready for a career or for college. This is a unique apprenticeship program for multiple skilled jobs, with an online platform. The success of this partnership is a catalyst for future expansion of the program into new roles and industries in the Milwaukee area. We are honored to work with GPS Education Partners and STRATTEC Security.

North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) – The NCSRCC is fundamental to the Brown Deer educational process with a consistent presence in our classrooms, one-on-one mentoring of seniors considering any building trade, and the hosting of students on field trips that pair students up with apprentices for the day at the Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Center. The men and women who represent the NCSRCC have dedicated their time and expertise to inspire our students to consider the trades as an excellent career. Because of their service to our district, we have several students who have received apprenticeships in construction, electrical, and other related areas.

The UPS Store (Milwaukee) – The UPS Store in Milwaukee is locally owned and operated by Sarah Cook and Patti Winter. The owners pride themselves not only in customer service but service to the Brown Deer School District. We had the unique ability to partner with this small businesses in our community as they provided training for their staff. They donated $5000.00 to fund the program “THE TOOLS OF LIFE & LEADERSHIP” that not only provided training for their employees but training for our high school students. Our DECA students helped to organize the event as part of a service project. The program was attended by over 50 students and used as a recruiting event for DECA.

Badger Meter, Inc. – Badger Meter, Inc. (BM) is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water and gas utilities, municipalities and industrial customers worldwide. CEO Rich Meeusen has been a strategic partner of the Brown Deer School District in supporting our students with internships, job shadowing, and field trips to expose our students to the career of Freshwater Sciences. Last year, he opened up his company training center to our staff for our Welcome Back to School In-service where he told the story of BM. His presentation also highlighted our Brown Deer graduates working in his company. This intentional in-service program was hosted to show our teachers that great career opportunities exist for our students right in their own backyard. Building tours were offered after the program and we are now working on collaborative efforts to design a freshwater curriculum for our students. It truly does take a Village!

Milwaukee Tool – Milwaukee Tool is an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users worldwide. They partner with our staff and students as they provide an annual tool safety demonstration for the Construction 1 class. This demonstration introduces power tool safety to our students using industry-level training. Many of our students do not have access to these types of tools except at school. It’s great fun, to watch our motivated students attain the knowledge and skills first needed in order to use the power tools. They are very eager to use that power saw or tool once they has mastered these skills. The company has also generously donated a power tool each year they’ve come, which helps the program to expand offerings. Milwaukee Tool continues to be innovative in their approach in working with the students even allowing the superintendent to cut a metal pipe!

Nominations submitted by Deb Kerr, superintendent.

Plank Enterprises – Plank Enterprises, a local manufacturer, helps schools in the Eau Claire Area School District by providing advocacy, expertise, and opportunities for students. Gary Fenner, Plank’s Corporate Vice President, sits on our district’s Manufacturing Advisory, which helps inform our decisions about technical education. He has been a strong advocate for the continual development of our area’s technical education, including programs, funding, and access to modern equipment. Plank Enterprises has also begun hosting Youth Apprenticeship students. Through this program, Plank has committed to collaborating with technical education teachers and providing students with engaging opportunities to develop capacities needed for successful careers in manufacturing.

Mayo Clinic Health System – The Mayo Clinic Health System partners with the Eau Claire Area School district to provide students with various skills and opportunities. The Medical Experience Program (MedEx) provides medical experiences to high school students who are considering careers as physicians. During the program, students job shadow physicians in a variety of specialties in a clinic setting. This experience provides our students with an opportunity to learn about aspects of medical practice they would not otherwise be exposed to, and has helped to foster an aspiration to medical practice in many of our students. Another impactful Mayo Clinic Health System program is Project SEARCH. Through Project SEARCH students with barriers to future employment are given support and structure to learn skills needed to be successful upon graduation from our district. This program has helped to fill a community educational and economic need, and has had a positive impact on our students.

Royal Credit Union – Royal Credit Union (RCU) provides Eau Claire students in elementary, middle, and high school with career exploration opportunities. Every school year, RCU hires elementary and middle school students to work at RCU school site branches in several schools in our district. Students gain employability skills by participating in an application and interview process. Students also complete a training program to learn the computer system, confidentiality, Member service, and marketing. The school site is open once a week for students and faculty to deposits into their Royal Credit Union account, and for every 500 deposits made, the school receives $250 as a fundraiser. In both Eau Claire North High School and Eau Claire Memorial High School, students have an opportunity to complete a Youth Apprenticeship at one of the RCU High School sites. RCU Youth Apprentices learn to offer most of the services as any other RCU branch.

Xcel Energy – Xcel Energy is one of our district’s most longstanding partners. For more than 15 years, Xcel Energy has hosted Youth Apprenticeship students. These students are given the opportunity to work with cutting-edge drafting and design systems and to, not only gain skills, but to apply those skills to the development and maintenance of our regional infrastructure. Mentoring staff at Xcel Energy take great pride in the students who learn from this experience, some of whom have gone on to successful careers working at Xcel Energy. Because of this partnership, over thirty of the Eau Claire Area School District’s students have completed an engineering apprenticeship in drafting and design.

Marshfield Clinic – Marshfield Clinic is a close partner with the Eau Claire Area School District. For the past four years, Marshfield Clinic has worked alongside district staff to promote health and wellness for its employees. As part of their effort to increase access to healthcare, Marshfield Clinic worked with our district, along with two other organizations, to establish near-site care for our staff members. Marshfield also partners with students and teachers to display student art, and recognizes student artists with three Art Recognition Ceremonies each year. As a responsive health care provider, Marshfield Clinic has established a format to enable Eau Claire Area School District employees to provide feedback and guidance to ensure that the health care our employees receive meets the unique and everchanging needs of our staff.

Nominations submitted by Mary Ann Hardebeck, superintendent.

Boswell Book Company – During the 2016-17 school year, the Boswell Book Company solidified its special relationship with the Elmbrook Schools in support of literacy. Through Boswell Books’ relationships with major book publishers, nine best-selling Children’s authors visited one or more of our schools to inspire the next generation of readers and authors in our community. More than 3,000 students were able to meet and listen to authors such as Nancy Cronin (Click, Clack, Moo), Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants), Drew Daywalt (The Day the Crayons Quit), and Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities). These opportunities were provided by Boswell at no cost to the District, representative of a tremendous commitment to literacy and to the students of the Elmbrook Schools.

Nominations submitted by Chris Thompson, communications director.

Bobolink Nursery – The nursery has donated trees annually to the school grounds to provide both aesthetic value and shade opportunities for our students. They host field trips for our students and also donate funds to support programming.

Lake Magnor Store – This business has been extremely supportive over the past several years. They have supplied individual services to various student organizations through volunteer hours as well has financial contributions. They also employ several of our students.

Herdsman Feeds – Financial support has been given to many student organizations as well as the district as a whole.

Nominations submitted by Tim Johnson, superintendent.

Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants – The Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA) is a great resource for our high school business department. It provides the school with access to guest speakers, helps set up job shadowing experiences for students, provides a mentor for the Forensic Accounting Team, and offers career awareness grants that are helpful to our students. The group also organizes and hosts an annual High School Accounting Teacher’s Symposium event that provides updates on the latest news in accounting education. WICPA hosts a well-organized and informative website that is often used as a resource by high school accounting educators and students.

Ferch’s Malt Shoppe & Grille – Ferch’s management is an important partner in our school district, working with our 6th grade students and staff at Greendale Middle School with their Building Community Service Learning Project each year. Students learn about the role of the business in the community, how students can play a role in helping the businesses within their community, and how to be a good citizen. Ferch’s also offers students who are interested in the restaurant business an opportunity to experience working in this environment. It’s annual custard recipe contest, giving students the opportunity to create their own custard creation.

The Greendale Lion’s Club – The Lion’s Club provides our schools with financial and promotional support in various forms and at all school levels. The organization was a major sponsor in supporting our Marching Band’s trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by providing fundraising support and volunteers for the many activities held to raise the funds needed. This is in addition to the annual scholarships and donations it continues to offer each year.

Direct Supply – Over the past three years, Ron Griffin, a Highland View Elementary School parent and Software Architect at Direct Supply, has played an integral part in Highland View’s “Hour of Code” event. Direct Supply has sponsored our event each year, providing students with a fun brain-based “trinket” and a fruit bar to celebrate their accomplishments at the completion of their “Hour of Code” and most importantly, bringing in multiple Software Architects from the business to work with our students during their coding hours. This support of professionals in the field adds an additional level of instruction to the annual event.

Nominations submitted by Kitty Goyette, communications director.

SMT Machine & Tool – This year, SMT donated classroom space on site for the use of 10 Bay Port High School students. The students spend two hours daily in the classroom with teacher Brendan Baier, supported by school counselor Kelly Mierow and associate principal Mark Hebert. Student classroom work is aligned with an Academic and Career Plan. Through the generous support of SMT, these students are learning in an authentic environment to better prepare them for careers after high school. Following last year’s pilot of the program with two students, this year 10 are taking part. The vision for growth of the program includes more students participating in this unique learning environment personalized to their ACP needs. In addition to ongoing financial and programmatic support of the District, previously SMT has supported Bay Port High School through donations for the football scoreboard and a custom Pirate-themed tailgating grill.

Foth – This year marks Foth’s 14th year of participation in the Einstein Project Science Expo in Green Bay. This very popular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) event is held annually to promote science education and give children an opportunity to see science in action. Once again, Foth partnered with Bay Port High School Principles of Engineering students (also inaugural event participants) to create an educational and entertaining exhibit. This year’s exhibit featured a hand-cranked stroboscope, a laser light burglar alarm, and an array of colored lights and mirrors.

Nominations submitted by Brian Nicol, communications director.

Sugar River Bank (Juda) – The bank has held school supply drives and have a Christmas giving tree where people pick students and get them presents. They always support the school with donations for things like dinners, sports teams and other extra curricular activities.

Johnson Tractor – We have worked with Johnson Tractor for job shadows and work studies. They also let us borrow a Kubota to go into the plot of land that the ecology class was working on. They did this so that our student in a wheelchair could be a part of the class and be able participate like anyone else in the class.

Mahlkuch Electric – Mahlkuch Electric has donated their time and equipment for various classes in the school. They have come in and taught our students different things about the electrical business. During our sectional playoff game for softball, the lights went out. Mahlkuch Electric came down at a moments notice and got the lights working again so we could finish the game.

Maple Leaf Cheese Store – The Maple Leaf Cheese store has helped us with several fundraisers for post prom, trips for students and other events. They donate cheese trays and other items all the time for different events. After our softball team won the state tournament, they brought ice cream to the school for everyone to help celebrate!

Lance Furnace and Fireplace – We have been working with Lance on different aspects of careers and jobs. They have a conference in which we have been partnering to bring students into the technical careers. They have also been a partner in the development of our ACP program at school. They have also donated money and time to different events in the school.

Nominations submitted by Traci Davis, superintendent.

Abel Insurance – Able Insurance donates books on positive attitudes to all school libraries. Every fall, Abel Insurance gathers school supplies to Fill the Bus and school supplies are given to our Title one school first where they are desperately needed. Abel Insurance is committed to our elder care services at our local facility. The staff has been involved on various school committees. Owners of Abel Insurance are graduates from our district.

Nominations submitted by Giovanna Feller, school board president.

Capitol Sand & Gravel – Owner Mike Gallagher donated close to $8,000 worth of time, equipment and products to make the pollinator garden at Park Elementary School in Cross Plains a reality this past year. Park is 2014 Green Ribbon Award-winning school that places a huge emphasis on outdoor education so the garden has been a great addition. Students in Jodi Klare’s third-grade class also played a big role in its development.

SSE Concrete – SSE Concrete began working with the District around 2005. Among the projects owner Bob Sauer has completed are a playground border and resurfacing at Sauk Trail; a new sidewalk and grading of the existing path that was removed at Elm Lawn; 1,000 feet of concrete for a trench drain at the District Operations Center shop; and new concrete near the front entrance of Middleton High School.

Robin Hill Landscaping – Owner Nate Hegg and his team for the Oregon business were instrumental in designing and building the labyrinth garden at Clark Street Community School. The result is a beautiful path that incorporates a brick that that was also a fundraiser for the charter school. The space will be used for years to come.

Trek Bicycle Company – Trek has been instrumental in helping make Northside’s bike-to-school event each spring a success. Trek donates helmets for children who don’t have them. They send mechanics to make sure all bikes are safe. They provide bike safety materials for students and adults. They have also donated water bottles, lights, bells and bags. Mark Andrews has worked the event since 2009, while Kitty Torrison started in 2017.

Vogel Brothers – Vogel Brothers has been providing supplies for students in need at Middleton High School for more than 20 years. It is a joy to see the relief on the faces of so many of our students when they are told they don’t have to worry about getting school supplies. The School Supplies for Kids makes our students lives easier and reduces financial strain on their families. The program is formally called the School Supplies for Kids and this year distributed more than $54,000 of school supplies to 141 Dane County schools.

Nominations submitted by Perry Hibner, director of communications

Farmers Implement Store – Farmers Implement Store has been a vital part of the Mineral Point Community since coming on the scene in 1981. They are an End Zone Club donor for the current Stadium Project. They are also key supporters of the Future Farmers of America with countless donations of funds and equipment for things including: fruit sale, livestock auction, oak savanna, mechanical systems class, and the group’s annual banquet. The district’s maintenance director also reports likely thousands of dollars saved over the years through generous equipment loans and donations.

Gorgen Funeral Services – Gorgen Funeral Services has been part of the Mineral Point Community for four generations since 1916. Most recently, they became an End Zone Club donor for the current Stadium Project, as well as donating to the small gym scoreboards.

Mineral Point Opera House – The Mineral Point Opera House has been a beautiful part of Mineral Point since its opening in 1915. The latest manger of the Opera House, Parrish Johnston, has been fabulous in welcoming groups such as: student musicals, music awards night, choir concerts, senior scholarship night, and a documentary on the effects of screen time with teenagers. Parrish has also made a true effort to be actively involved with the school by attending school/community forums and school board candidate forums.

Nominations submitted by Joelle Doye, communications director

Crossing Rivers Health – Crossing Rivers Health (CRH) generously supports the Prairie du Chien Area School District in a number of invaluable ways. CRH provides an actual house for our Life Skills Program that serves students with cognitive disabilities who need a smaller, personalized setting to learn daily life skills such as cooking, cleaning, basic academic skills, socializing, and more. Due to CRH’s generosity, these students are located within walking distance of school so they may have opportunities in both the homelike setting of the house and the larger scale high school building. Additionally, CRH absorbs half the cost of an athletic trainer for our district. CRH is instrumental in lending support for our biomedical students and others interested in healthcare careers by providing scholarships, guest speakers in our classrooms and offering job shadows at their site. CRH also funded expansion of the high school parking lot and currently provides space for athletic practice activities.

Hardee’s of Prairie du Chien – David Bowar and his local Hardee’s staff have been generous supporters of our district for many years. He hosts fundraising meal events both in his restaurant and in our facilities that raise thousands of dollars for reading programs, football teams, music departments, and youth basketball programs annually. Mr. Bowar also provides free meal coupons for not only student rewards but also situations where food may be a monetary issue for students. David is not only supportive of our programs; he is also supportive of individual students by providing employment opportunities. He will give every student a chance regardless of academic standing, behavior history, or attendance issues. The student who has difficulty in the traditional school building often finds his first success working for Dave Bowar at Hardee’s. Additionally, Mr. Bowar is a public advocate of the Prairie du Chien School District and the educational opportunities it provides to the community.

3M Company Prairie du Chien – 3M Company Prairie du Chien was a key player in bringing the Project Lead the Way program to the Prairie du Chien Area School District in 2006 and continues to provide support today. 3M encourages employee volunteers in our classrooms with visits and mentoring from engineers, Moms Night Out activities, and MathCounts coaching. Our students are warmly welcomed at 3M for group visits and job shadows, and 3M hosts our STEM teachers in its summer TWIST program. 3M continues to be supportive and innovative by funding a new initiative whereby Prairie du Chien High School students will have the opportunity to experience a new curriculum and training opportunities in the area of pneumatic and electrical automation technology. As part of this exciting new partnership, 3M funded training in New Jersey for our local instructor. Additionally, 3M very generously donates a wealth of 3M products to our district on a regular basis.

Cabela’s Corporation (Prairie du Chien Distribution Center) – Since 2009, in an effort to revitalize a sixth grade overnight environmental education program for Prairie du Chien Area Schools students, staff members wrote a grant to the Cabela’s Corp. Since that time, Cabela’s has awarded Bluff View Intermediate approximately $30,000 to fund this annual outdoor classroom experience! In addition to Cabela’s financial assistance; the company has given their time to support the outdoor education program. Every year, Cabela’s has brought out a variety of outdoor skills experts to help our students’ outdoor skills such as: learn how to cast a fishing pole or instruct students’ appropriate and safe hunting gear. Furthermore, Cabela’s has generously donated outdoor items so that students can continue their interest in outdoor activities long after the overnight program has concluded. Without the generous support from the Cabela’s Corporation we would not have been able to offer this opportunity annually for all of our 6th grade students!

Nominations submitted by Christine Panka, school board president.

The Kraemer Company – The Kraemer Company in Plain has been a longstanding partner with the River Valley School District. The Kraemer Company has provided financial support to each of our schools for numerous opportunities and experiences. This past summer, The Kraemer Company made a donation to help fund a STEM Camp for our elementary aged children. In addition, The Kraemer Company has been very generous in donations to the River Valley Endowment Fund. The Kraemer Company also donates time and resources to have our soccer fields rolled each spring and fall. The Kraemer Company has been a consistent sponsor of our school to work program at River Valley High School. Students have reaped great benefits in this partnership, including: application of technical learning in a real-world setting, development and practice of positive work-related habits and attitudes including the ability to think critically, and participation in authentic, job-related tasks. Employees of The Kraemer Company have served on numerous district level committees for many years.

The Shed – The Shed in Spring Green is a locally owned restaurant that hosts school events, community events, and has been a strong supporter of the River Valley School District. The Shed’s outdoor garden is the host to the River Valley Endowment Fund’s biggest fundraiser each year during Homecoming. They generously donate their time and space not only for the endowment fundraiser, but also our annual booster golf outing. The Shed, owned by Mark and Wynn Dedrick, have provided financial support to many school organizations, including athletic boosters, music boosters, and directly to many athletic clubs and teams. Mark and Wynn are both graduates of River Valley as well as their 4 grown children.

American Players Theatre – American Players Theatre (APT) is a professional repertory theater devoted to the great and future classics, located just south of Spring Green, Wisconsin. APT was founded in 1979 and continues to be one of the most popular outdoor classical theaters in the nation. American Players Theatre has been actively engaged in the life of our district with students and staff for many years. Professional actors have worked alongside our teachers on numerous topics including poetry and drama. In addition, APT has allowed the River Valley endowment fund to utilize its spaces for fund raisers, which directly benefit students and learning in our classrooms. This year, we are especially excited to have our annual high school musical at the indoor Touchstone Theater at American Players Theater. Employees of APT have served on numerous district level committees for many years.

Arena Cheese – Arena Cheese is one of Wisconsin’s oldest cheese plants and home of Colby-Jack cheese. They are always willing to host a group of students, whether it is large or small. Their tours and narrative for our students are excellent, local learning experiences that our students cherish. Arena Cheese has been strong supporters of our school district by donating to numerous District activities.

Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance – Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance is an asphalt maintenance and repair company located in Lone Rock. Owner Marvin Joles has assisted with announcing wrestling events on “River Valley TV”, a live webstream of our district activities and athletics. In addition, Wis-Coat has been an River Valley TV donor to support this program which allows students to learn about television production. Wis-Coat supported our #LikeAHawk PBIS campaign by hanging a banner outside his business. Beginning this year, Wis-Coat is sponsoring our elementary school’s biggest fundraiser – the Blackhawk Bolt, which not only raises money, but teaches students the importance of physical fitness.

Nominations submitted by Brian Krey, Director of Academic Services & Associate Elementary Principal.

Saputo Cheese USA – Saputo Cheese has helped us with a donation of $25,000 for the renovation of our football field. We were able to add irrigation, seating, and new top soil and seed.

Northlakes Community Clinic – Northlakes Community Clinic has helped our school set up a School Based Mental Health Program. We have a therapist come into the district once a week to work with students on a referral basis. This had helped a lot of students with mental health issues.

Nominations submitted by Kent Kindschy, superintendent.

En Fuego Fitness – Addy Fahrenkrug and Sarah Griffin are the busy moms and owners of En Fuego Fitness. Between the two they have eight kids in the district but you would think they mother 7,000! They have a heart for students, fitness, health, and caring for families. They advocate for strong board representatives, host workout events to support local families, and provide options for teams and youth to train at a nominal cost in their facility. They seek to understand the culture of our schools and host a large contingency of teachers in their gym. They nurture and support staff, parents and students through their emphasis on joyful, healthy living. You can always count on Addy and Sarah to bring a positive, can-do attitude to any field trip, volunteer event, or school function. They are generous in all ways within our educational community and beyond.

Dunn’s Bros Coffee (Al Jung, owner) – Al Jung is an incredible advocate for children, frequently highlighting their success through social media, reaching out directly to school board members, or communicating with our superintendent about developing a positive narrative for our district. Al frequently posts the accomplishments of students whether in FBLA, athletics, band or arts. He loves to recognize them when they frequent his coffee store with a special photo-op. In addition he is a wonderful employer for our youth. Al is focused on positively building up our children and our district and serves as a sponsor, mentor, and support system to families, teachers, and students. He is the ultimate cheerleader and ambassador for the WBSD.

Nominations submitted by Tiffany Larson, school board president.