The Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to acknowledge the following students as real examples of Excellence in Education. They have demonstrated qualities of character that go beyond the traditional realm of academic excellence, and we are pleased to honor them and their chosen mentor.
From Superior High
1) Katie Jo Garness - Adversity
I have had Katie Jo as a student in my classes for the past two years. Her positive attitude is contagious in spite of some health issues that she has had to face. She works well in small groups as well as individually and she ALWAYS does her very best. She has even apologized to me for not doing better on a quiz or assessment-but I know that she has made the effort to do the best she can. She has never, ever made excuses for herself. I will definitely miss this young lady when she graduates from
SHS.
Katie Jo Garness nominated Jeannie Szymonowicz
She was one of my teachers in elementary school. She brought a smile to my face every time I walked into her class. She has taught me so much. She always brought laughter into the room.
2) Jacob Swanson - Leadership
Jake does a great job of helping his peers. He also works as a tutor during Advisory for at risk freshmen. Jake is always willing to help out in class with clean up tutoring or anything I ask of him. In the fall he also juggled taking physics at UW-Superior.
Jacob Swanson nominated Thomas Green
Mr. Green has been my instructor since I was 7 years old. He has taught me or pushed me to do my best, and taught me self-discipline. He has also made me more confident in myself.
3) Josh Kimmes – Leadership, Volunteerism, and Adversity.
It is a privilege and an honor to write a letter of recommendation for a student as talented as Josh Kimmes. I have known Josh for over 4 years now as his basketball coach and Pledge Maker advisor. Not only has Josh become in those four years one of our schools most competent and knowledgeable student athletes but perhaps even more importantly, he has become a self-confident, talented high school student. Through his high school journey Josh has had to overcome many personal obstacles and has persevered with
amazing resiliency. I can confidently say that during that time I have not only had the privilege to teach him but he has taught me.
As a freshmen Josh lost his father in a tragic accident. When that happened Josh took on the role of his father for his younger brother and sister. Even though it was hard it has made Josh work harder in school, athletics, and all the clubs-activities Josh is a part of. Josh has been on the honor roll numerous times, is an active member of student council, yearbook, the school newspaper, youth leadership, junior optimist club and serves at his church. As a lead board officer for PledgeMakes(one of Wisconsin’s
biggest Drug-alcohol free groups-over 900 SHS students) Josh not only leads students through his voice an activism but more important through his actions. Being Drug and Alcohol free is something Josh takes pride in and he has persuaded many of his fellow SHS students to sign up and live a healthier life!
Josh has also helped his community become a better place by volunteering his time for the youth at Bentleyville, basketball camps and the Skip Smith Foundation. For years Josh has been giving back to his local community. Kids of all ages including my 4th grade son look up to Josh and he leads them. His example on and off the court is a class act. If my son turns out with half the values and work ethic that Josh has I know I will have done my job,
Other than being a leader in and out of school, Josh has had a great athletic career. In basketball, Josh has lead the Spartans to 3 straight LSC titles and two regional championships. Josh lead the team in rebounding last year, was awarded 2nd team all conference team, and averaged an amazing double double. Josh will be a big loss to the basketball program next year not only because of game days but his practice-work ethic which has helped every other athlete on the team become better.
Josh is a true leader!
All of these experiences have prepared Josh for college. Josh is ready for college and whatever college accepts him, will get tremendous student-athlete. I feel he would be a responsible, experienced, and reflective student who would fit in well with your student body.
Josh Kimmes nominated Andy Wolfe
Mr. Wolf cares about educating his students more than any teacher I have ever come to meet. He is also one of the most organized people I have ever met. He also inspires me to do my best in his classes because of the way he teaches.
4) Joseph Rutledge - Adversity
Joe is a Native American student who struggled to pass class 9th grade year and now as a 12th grader Joe is a leader! Joe has challenged himself to a high level and he has made the honor roll numerous times. He is a role model Northland student who has mentored younger students in the program, at Northern lights, and recently spoke to middle school students about the realities of high school transition! Joe plans to attend LSC for firefighting school next year.
Joseph Rutledge nominated Kara Siljendahl
I chose her because she has been one of the most supportive and caring teachers I’ve ever had. She makes class enjoyable to an extent and that is why I chose her.
From Northwestern High School
1) Alayna Johnson – Overcoming Adversity
Several of Alayna’s teachers share the following about her: “She is intensely creative.” “She is patient and investigates the world around her from many different perspectives.” “Alayna is my go-to-girl. When no-one else has the time or talent or the willingness to help, there is Alayna.” Traits such as these have helped Alayna have a very successful and rewarding experience at Northwestern High School while at the same time successfully overcoming some significant health issues.
Alayna Johnson has had a positive impact on her peers and the programs and activities she has been a part of at Northwestern.
Alayna Johnson nominated Lee Ann Wiese
I have known Mrs. Wiese for several years and she has consistently been an understanding mentor, even beyond any classes I have had with, her. Additionally, she was my Quiz bowl coach for the last three years, acting as the organizational foundation that will hopefully help us get to nationals for the first time ever this year
.
2) Cody Kontny – Leadership
Few students, at the high school level, have the personality, creativity, drive, desire, and communication skills to be a true leader. Cody Kontny is one of those rare students. His teachers share the following about Cody: “Cody understands how important it is to give back and what community participation means. He has excellent leadership skills.” “On numerous occasions, Cody has been at school for hours on his own time selling tickets for events, organizing and selling concessions, or
assisting in a variety of other ways with an amazing attitude and a willing and cooperative spirit.” These teacher reflections provide a snap shot of Cody’s leadership skills, and his willingness to volunteer, that have positively impacted his peers and our Northwestern High School community.
Cody Kontny nominated Gregg Lundberg
I really admire Mr. Lundberg and look up to him. He has showed me by example what a great leader is. He is a man with a very important job, yet has time to listen to students and show he cares. To be a leader and show these great qualities takes a lot. But I believe I have done that and it won’t stop here.
3) Justin Markon – Leadership/Volunteerism
“As a teacher, a classmate, a neighbor, a friend…you can count on Justin.” “Justin is one of the best leaders I have had in my program. He has served well as president of our student activity club by being a positive leader and example to other members.” “Justin is a true leader with a thoughtfulness and commitment that, is not often found in people his age. He uses his energy to help motivate others around him.” These teacher insights just begin to scratch
the surface of who Justin is and the positive impact he has on people who know him and the activities he has been involved in at Northwestern High School.
Justin Markon nominated Mike Goodlet
Mr. Goodlet has been my music and choir leader since 6th grade. He is also one of our musical directors. I have gained a lot of vocal experience through his teaching and I am pleased to have gone to state competition for all four years of high school thanks to Mr. Goodlet’s dedication
4) William Pedersen - Leadership
Leadership can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. You most likely won’t see William holding up signs and getting a crowd excited with speeches delivered from a podium. What you will see is William’s leadership skills at work in ways that are not as visible or vocal. As a team captain in several sports, William led by example mentoring inexperienced participants by teaching them techniques to help them be more successful and quietly, but consistently, encouraging them at the same
time. And just as quietly, and without calling attention to himself, you would see William tutoring middle school students in the high school commons before and after their practices and volunteering his time and talents to youth programs on evenings and weekends. One of his coach’s shares: “William is probably the best mentor that has come through our program.” William has made a positive impact on the programs, and students, he has been involved with at Northwestern High School.
William Pederson nominated Bob Coleman
Has always supported me in and outside of sports. Assisted me throughout high school and in choosing a college
From Solon Springs High School
1 Hillary Kline-Overcome Adversity
Hillary Kline was nominated as a student who has overcome adversity. Hillary came to Solon Springs School two years ago. She had grown up in Arizona and moved to Wisconsin to live with her grandparents during the fall of her junior year. Despite such a huge transition in her life, Hillary quickly adapted to life in Wisconsin. She impressed the staff with her polite and warm personality. She is well respected amongst her peers and is known as a student who is always willing to give a hand. Hillary has always been
a good student, but the area in which she excels in is art. Her work has made an impression on the school’s art department as an artist whose work is consistently good. She plans on studying Art next year in college.
Hillary Kline Nominated David Zosel
I salute this man for opening my eyes to art in a way I never thought possible, He’s the most understanding and helpful teacher I’ve ever known.
2 Amanda Armstrong – Overcome Adversity
Amanda Armstrong was nominated as a student who has overcome adversity. Amanda’s mother died of cancer 5 years ago. Since then she has been a rock for her siblings as they navigate through life without their mother. She unselfishly puts others first, even when she is going through her own struggles. Amanda is a well respected student who will attend UW-Stout next year to study Art Therapy. Amanda is an outstanding Art Student and her work is well respected amongst those in that department.
This combined with her incredibly big heart and empathetic skills will make her a big success in life.
Amanda Armstrong Nominated Jennifer Wellnitz
Mrs. Wellnitz has always gone out of her way to help me. She is there if I ever need anything and she has helped me through a lot. She has taught me a lot over the years and I wouldn’t have made it through high school without her. She is a wonderful teacher and person.