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Support
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
AWARD FINALISTS
Recognition of staff and community or business partners that enhance the learning, experience, and opportunities for students.
Bell Tower Team
CHERI ENTERS, JEAN MILLER, BILL RHEINGANS
The Pewaukee Kiwanis Club is a dedicated and generous partner to the Pewaukee School District, continuously contributing time, resources, and support to enrich the school community. Their efforts have resulted in beautiful and meaningful additions to school spaces—ensuring all students feel acknowledged and celebrated. Kiwanis works alongside students to involve them in community activities such as gardening projects at Horizon Elementary and creating artwork for events like the RiverRun and Beach Party. Their generous donations help fund scholarships and support student-focused initiatives like Friends of Fine Arts. Whether through hands-on collaboration or behind-the-scenes support, Pewaukee Kiwanis plays an important role in uplifting and empowering the district’s students.
D&H INDUSTRIES
Sam Gerrits
Sam Gerrits, CEO of D&H Industries, is a visionary partner who exemplifies the power of school-to-workforce connections. He consistently opens the doors of his company to Pewaukee students, offering them hands-on learning opportunities that build real-world skills and inspire future career paths. Sam’s dedication to career and technical education is evident in his generous support, including a major contribution that provided Pewaukee High School with a new plasma cutter—an industry-grade tool that enhances classroom learning, supports the Robotics Club, and strengthens cross-curricular opportunities. Through his leadership, Sam demonstrates how business partnerships can elevate student experiences and prepare them for success beyond graduation.
CHAMPIONS
Dena Laufenberg
Dena Laufenberg has shaped the Champions program into a trusted and valued partner for Pewaukee Lake Elementary and Horizon, creating experiences that go far beyond typical before- and after-school care. Her vision and dedication ensure that every activity is thoughtfully planned, engaging, and tailored to meet students’ needs, while families consistently express their appreciation for the program’s organization and quality. Dena works closely with school staff, communicating proactively and collaborating at every step to make sure students are supported, safe, and cared for throughout the day. Through her tireless commitment, attention to detail, and focus on building strong relationships, she has strengthened the connection between the schools and the community, leaving a lasting, positive impact on students and families alike.
CULVER'S PARTNER
Kyle Soderstrom
Kyle Soderstrom, along with his family and Culver’s on Grandview, has been an outstanding partner to the Pewaukee School District, generously supporting students through time, resources, and community involvement. They provide ice cream for Back-to-School events and PTO programs, helping create a fun, welcoming environment that encourages student success. Kyle and Culver’s have also supported student wellness by donating playground equipment and contributing to scholarships, including matching funds for the PLE scholarship program. Most recently, Kyle committed to matching earnings from the Shamrock Shuffle Dance to further support PHS scholarships. His ongoing generosity and dedication have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Pewaukee community.
Kurt Spitzner
Kurt Spitzner has dedicated countless hours to building and developing the PTV sports broadcast program, creating an engaging and hands-on experience for students interested in media and athletics. Through his mentorship, students actively participate in producing broadcasts that showcase school events and achievements, gaining valuable skills while contributing to the athletic department by securing sponsors and generating funding. Kurt’s guidance ensures that students not only learn technical and professional skills, but also have opportunities to celebrate their peers’ accomplishments, such as highlighting Cassie Hooyman’s final “Warriors Wear Red” event during a halftime interview. His commitment, expertise, and support have made PTV a meaningful program that empowers students while amplifying the accomplishments of the Pewaukee community.
Services
OUTSTANDING TEAMWORK
AWARD FINALISTS
Recognition of outstanding teamwork represents the ability to work collaboratively and positively to impact students, staff and the organizational culture.
ACMS Counselors
ALLISON PRATHER & BRIANNA REMBERT
The ACMS counseling team, Allison Prather and Brianna Rembert, exemplifies seamless collaboration and a shared commitment to putting students first. They bring creativity, fresh ideas, and thoughtful perspectives to everything they do, developing initiatives such as Pirate Games, Chill Week, and supporting the Wellness Center. Their ability to work together effectively allows them to anticipate needs, implement programs, and create meaningful experiences that positively impact students’ well-being and growth. Always approachable and innovative, Allison and Brianna inspire those around them while fostering a supportive and engaging environment, making them an exceptional team within the school community.
CHRISTIE JOHNSON AND LEXI HORVAT
Horizon Principles
Christie Johnson and Lexi Horvat, principals at Horizon, work together with seamless collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting both staff and students. They listen carefully to teachers’ requests and concerns, responding with thoughtfulness, care, and consistency, while valuing work-life balance for everyone. Their strong communication and mutual support ensure that decisions are collaborative, transparent, and well-informed. Christie and Lexi celebrate staff achievements, provide meaningful and encouraging feedback, and openly share ideas without gatekeeping information. Through their approachable, supportive, and knowledgeable leadership, they create a positive and thriving school environment that inspires both teachers and students alike.
BETSY PREISS, JUSTIN FRISKE, JILL WILD, STEVE DENNEAU, BECKY VAN DERAA, JILL THOMAS, MEGAN WEIHERT, AND NIKKI MIRR
PHS Special Education Team
The PHS Special Education Department, led by Betsy Preiss and including Justin Friske, Jill Wild, Steve Denneau, Becky Van Deraa, Jill Thomas, Megan Weihert, and Nikki Mirr, works tirelessly to support nearly 100 students at the high school. They collaborate closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, administration, and families to ensure each student’s needs are met. Their work includes co-teaching, crisis management, scheduling, paperwork, and ongoing communication. The team shows strong collaboration and flexibility, adjusting roles and systems to support students across programs and transitions. Their professionalism, adaptability, and student-centered approach make a lasting positive impact on both students and the school community.
ANGELA CASTILLO, ABBY PHILLEO, CLAIRE SALB, KERRI SIIRA
PLE Nurses
The PLE nursing team, Angela Castillo, Abby Philleo, Claire Salb, and Kerri Siira, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and collaboration in supporting students and staff throughout a challenging year. They navigate a wide range of student needs, including medical complexities, allergies, anxiety, and toileting concerns, always ensuring each child receives the care and attention required. The team works closely with classroom teachers, often handling difficult parent conversations and coordinating support to meet students’ needs, even when these tasks fall outside traditional health room responsibilities. Through their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, they create a safe, supportive, and responsive environment that strengthens the entire PLE community.
LISA O'HERN, SARAH KENNEDY, BETH INGERSOLL, TYLER REED, & NICOLE HUST
Summer School Team
The Summer School Team, Lisa O’Hern, Sarah Kennedy, Beth Ingersoll, Tyler Reed, and Nicole Hust, brings dedication, creativity, and hard work to every aspect of the program. Lisa ensures that classes are thoughtfully staffed and engaging for all students, while Sarah develops exceptional programming for students with special needs and organizes supports that help everyone succeed. Nicole expertly manages all things Skyward, keeping the program running smoothly, and Tyler provides invaluable support in addressing student behaviors. Together, the team gives their time and energy to a program that spans the summer, approaching every challenge with a positive attitude and a shared commitment to creating meaningful, enjoyable experiences for students and families alike.
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