Senior Stories
SDJ Senior Stories
We highlight a variety of high school seniors from all six School District of Janesville high schools each year!
SDJ has many pathways a student may take to graduate prepared for college, career and life. Therefore, each student's story is unique. Some students found a love of sports; some already have college credit under their belts; some overcame tremendous challenges on their paths to graduation. No matter the pathway, each story of success is one to celebrate.
See below, the Senior Stories that have appeared on SDJ social media channels since 2020!
- Senior Stories from Class of 2022!
- Senior Stories from Class of 2021!
- Senior Stories from Class of 2020!
Senior Stories from Class of 2022!
Diana Brockwell's story
ARISE Virtual Academy Class of 2022!
One way to get work done is to remove all distractions.
That’s an unusual reason to attend a virtual academy, but Diana Brockwell thought it would work for her.
After attending Marshall Middle School and spending some time in a comprehensive high school setting, she decided “traditional” wasn’t working for her. Instead, she opted for ARISE Virtual Academy, because she knew what she needed to help her learn.
First, she needed more study time and less socialization.
“I have a really hard time with motivation,” Diana said. “If I went to school and saw friends, I was more likely to focus on my friends. If you go to school online that’s all you focus on – academics.”
Second, she determined she needed to have better relationships with her teachers. Diana admits she had a “hard time” dealing with the adults she encountered during her comprehensive high school experience.
Although ARISE is virtual, it offers office and classroom space within Franklin Middle School. Students come in to visit with instructors or peers.
Diana said that made it “10 times easier” for her to meet with and get to know her instructors.
“If I needed help or needed to talk with teachers, I could go into ARISE,” she said. “They were always there.”
She formed great relationships with teachers such as Joann Ohlrich.
“Mrs. O was like my go-to person for any classes I had … and even for personal stuff,” Diana said. “I would go to ARISE and she would just walk around the halls of Franklin with me and talk about my life.”
Those strolls down Franklin’s hallways made a big difference in Diana’s ability to cope.
The final piece of the puzzle for Diana’s scholastic success involved finding a place where she could catch up on credits quickly. Educators refer to this situation as being “credit deficient,” and the further students fall behind, the less likely they are to graduate.
“I had a hard time. I had to catch up really quickly,” Diana said. “ARISE one-hundred percent made sure that I was able to graduate. If it meant I had to take a lot of classes at one time, they made it happen.”
At the same time, teachers kept reaching out to her on a regular basis to make sure she was able to cope.
“They always made sure I had what I needed, and that I wasn’t struggling,” Diana said.
Diana doesn’t plan to go to college. She has worked at Taco Bell for two years and plans to train for a management position with the company.
She realizes her future plan likely will mean long hours and hard work, but she feels up to the task. She knows what she needs to do next — just like she knew what she needed to succeed in high school.
Emily Sommerfeldt's story
ARISE Virtual Academy Class of 2022!
Call it fate, or call it a blessing.
Six years ago, Emily Sommerfeldt was preparing to make the transition from Washington Elementary School to Franklin Middle School. Though the elementary-to-middle school transition is nerve-racking for most kids, it was particularly daunting for Emily.
For as long as she could remember, she has struggled with severe anxiety. Once, in an effort to help Emily through her panic, her elementary school principal went so far as picking her up at home.
But when Franklin’s orientation and picture day rolled around, Emily found she just couldn’t deal with the stress.
“My mom had to go for me,” she said.
While Emily’s mom was exploring Franklin, she discovered ARISE Virtual Academy, the School District of Janesville’s online education option. The offices and classroom for ARISE are housed at Franklin.
Students at ARISE sometimes meet with teachers at the school or just come in to be with their peers in a place that feels safe.
Emily admits it was a break for her mom, too.
“She was having a pretty hard time with my anxiety, as well,” Emily said. “When she found ARISE, I felt relieved there was another option for me.”
Just because Emily was learning online didn’t mean she didn’t make meaningful connections. For instance, a former counselor checked in with her several times a week.
“She was very much a listener. She was very personable,” Emily said. “I didn’t necessarily feel like I was talking to a counselor when I was talking to her.”
ARISE teacher Robert Schraedley also taught Emily math and photography. He would have her come into the classroom once a week to make sure she had a grip on her math courses.
Perhaps most important, he gave her valuable feedback on her photographic work.
“Not a lot of teachers give too much feedback if you get a decent grade,” Emily said. “But he would always make sure to put in his two cents. He’d talk about his own experiences, too.”
Emily’s English teacher, Stephanie Davis, was always willing to help, too. Emily said Davis regularly answered questions that went beyond English assignments – such as advice about college.
Emily said she plans to continue her education in an online format. She has applied to six different schools but has not yet made a decision. She intends to pursue a career in graphic design and envisions herself working both from home and in an office.
“I’d like to work with clients online and create designs and art that fit them,” she said.
Emily said ARISE gave her the chance to see how much work can be done--and how many connections can be made—in the online world.
Finding the school might have been fate or just a lucky chance. But for Emily, it was a blessing that has allowed her to succeed.
Skylar Herron's story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2022!
Skylar Herron spent the first half of her life moving from one place to another, starting and restarting school, rarely feeling settled and occasionally being homeless.
By all measures, she should be a statistic – an “at-risk” youth with no plan for the future because she can’t imagine what a hopeful future might look like.
Instead, Skylar is grounded, graceful and preparing for graduation from Rock River Charter School. She is also deciding which cosmetology school she wants to attend and laboring through the necessary financial aid forms.
When she introduces herself, she says, “My name is Skylar Herron. I’m 18 years old, and I have a business selling lip gloss and body scrubs.” It’s as though she’s about to pitch her product to potential investors.
How did she become the exception to the statistical rule? With the help of her family and some guidance from Rock River Charter School.
“My mother had some trouble with domestic violence,” Skylar said. “She was taking care of us—of six kids—on her own.”
Eventually, her mother remarried, and Skylar’s stepdad took on the entire family wholeheartedly.
“He said the only thing he was missing in his life was love,” Skylar said with a brilliant smile.
With renewed stability, Skylar’s two older siblings were able to graduate from Rock River Charter School.
“I give a lot of credit to my mom and stepdad,” Skylar said. “My mom, she taught us all so much. Since my real dad left, and I kept switching schools, I had to learn mostly from her.”
But when Skylar went into a traditional high school setting, she felt awkward. She was behind in her classes, and her classmates were all much younger than she was.
Skylar credits Rock River Charter with helping her find her way.
“At other schools, the attention is on everybody,” she said. “But here, there’s not that many students. They help you a lot, and you can talk to them about anything. And it’s the connection. The connection you have with teachers here is different than at any other school.”
Skylar said Rock River Charter School paraprofessional Heather Bilke was especially helpful.
“She wants you to get your work done,” Skylar said. “And she’s also there for you to talk to—about anything.”
When Skylar found herself struggling, she would email Heather.
“I’d say, ‘Heather, I just need to get this one assignment done before I leave today, can you help?’ and she’ll be like, ‘Sure,’” Skylar said. “She always pushes me to work harder, even though sometimes I think I’m going to fail.”
Skylar is working on her new product line for this summer, when she will return to her spot at the Janesville Farmers Market. Look for her booth, and meet the young woman who is the exception to all the rules.
Desiree Gray's story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2022!
A committed student who loves her teachers.
A mother ready to go the extra mile.
That was a winning combination for Desiree Gray, who will graduate this spring from Rock River Charter School.
Her teachers describe the 18-year-old as a student who has “shown tremendous growth” since arriving at the school in Sept. 2019.
“Tremendous growth” is teacher-speak for successfully making the transition from uninterested, unmotivated and unprepared to engaged, focused and ready.
For Desiree, it was the teachers at Rock River who made the difference. Ask her how or why, and her response shows she believes the answer is obvious – a thing everybody should know, like the alphabet or how to send a text.
“They’re just better,” she said. “They help you more.”
Those teachers were so important to Desiree that even after her family moved away, her mother continued to drive Desiree and her brother back to Janesville each day to attend Rock River.
Why not just go to school in her new community?
“Because I like this school,” Desiree said. (Again, how could we not already know this?)
Desiree said she feels “more free” at Rock River, citing a flexible schedule that accommodates her circumstances.
Such autonomy isn’t for everyone. In many young adults, that sort of freedom leads to a path-of-least-resistance work ethic in which either the minimum—or nothing at all—gets done.
Fortunately, it had the opposite effect on Desiree.
“She’s dedicated,” said Betsy Steuck, Desiree’s graduation coach. “She stays later when she misses work or needs to catch up.”
When Desiree became pregnant in fall 2021, she kept her nose in her books and remained focused on reaching her goals. When she was interviewed for this story, she was days away from giving birth.
Girls in Rock River’s teen parent program usually take two weeks off before returning to school. At the time, her graduation coach predicted she would be back before the two weeks were up.
“It will probably kill her to sit and not get school work done,” Steuck said with a laugh.
Desiree isn’t sure what she plans to do next. For now, her baby will get most of her attention. But she might eventually pursue a career as a medical assistant or some other position in the healthcare field.
If the past few years have taught Desiree anything, it’s that showing up and getting the work done will take her as far as she wants to go.
Israel Waldrop's story
TAGOS Leadership Academy Class of 2022!
Academics hasn’t always been Israel Waldrop’s strong suit.
He’s more of a hands-on kind of guy. One who would rather be doing than sitting still.
That’s why he decided to go to TAGOS, a School District of Janesville charter school focused on project-based learning. Unlike most of his classmates who joined TAGOS at some point in high school, Israel has been there since seventh grade.
This spring, Israel will graduate after having successfully completed a Youth Apprenticeship in Manufacturing program.
During his time at TAGOS, Israel’s teachers said he has evolved from a reluctant, withdrawn introvert into a more confident, hardworking student.
He credits project-based learning with his success.
“You can choose what you want to do,” Israel said. “You learn something you actually want to learn instead of memorizing something that’s taught to you like they do in traditional school.”
Israel has focused heavily on science and social studies because those are his favorite topics. He especially enjoyed working on two specific projects: cell biology and the campaigns of World War II.
During one of his final project nights, his presentation focused on Nikola Tesla, the often-overlooked engineer and inventor who gave us AC (alternating current) power.
Project-based learning requires an exceptional amount of self-discipline. Students can choose what they want to study, but their topics must meet specific learning targets in each subject. In addition, their work is done independently.
At first, that was difficult for Israel, but he developed his own motivational tools. For example, he would set a goal for the day, and if he didn’t make it, he would “spend an hour at home just sitting there.”
He called it a “punishment,” but it was more like a self-imposed time-out.
One of the biggest challenges Israel faced involved completing courses for the manufacturing apprenticeship, which was taught in a traditional classroom setting. But he made the adjustment and went to work on the manufacturing line at KANDU Industries in Janesville. Now he acts as a sort of job coach for those with disabilities who work at the business, helping them out when they get stuck.
Israel said he likes working at KANDU, and he plans to continue working after graduation. He wants to save up enough money to “get on his feet” and then either go to college or get into business.
What kind of business? Israel doesn’t know yet. But he knows he wants it to be all his own.
Something he’s built with his own two hands.
Eneida Cancel's story
TAGOS Leadership Academy Class of 2022!
Eneida Cancel plans to be different from the adults she knew when she was growing up. Those adults were absent and unreliable.
She is determined to be reliable and responsible.
The adults in Eneida’s life didn’t seem to care what other people thought of them, but she has a profound respect for Eric Skrzypchak, her math teacher at TAGOS Leadership Academy, and Luke McCalmont, Parker High School’s homeless liaison. Their opinions matter to her.
Eneida also remembers the other adults in her life as being unmotivated, uninvolved and unproductive. Conversely, she is driven to contribute much more as a member of society.
This spring, Eneida will graduate from TAGOS, a School District of Janesville charter school that focuses on project-based learning. She has found this is the style of learning that suits her best.
At TAGOS, Eneida was able to explore the connections between historical events and the present moment. She studied across cultures, discovering how other countries treat their citizens.
It also required her to demonstrate what she has learned in a variety of ways, including through research papers, speeches, skits and activities involving her fellow students.
For example, when she studied the Salem witch trials, Eneida held her own witch trial at the school. Who was a witch? What was just rumors or gossip, and what was the truth?
“I love interacting with my audiences during presentations,” she said. “If you just are using a PowerPoint, or if you’re just having people look at black and white words, it gets boring. If someone is excited to be listening to something, they’re going to retain that longer.”
Eneida likes that way of learning. She also likes the atmosphere at TAGOS.
“You get more one-on-one time,” she said. “I trust the staff. It’s so much easier to work with people when you trust people.”
Many of the adults in her life haven’t been trustworthy. She ended up living “in and out of motels” because the adults in her life “couldn’t get their stuff together.” Often, Eneida would get her hopes up, thinking things would improve, only to find herself and her belongings left on someone’s porch.
That kind of life—and that kind of treatment—would break most kids. But Eneida saw her family’s flaws and decided to find her own role models.
McCalmont, who is Eneida’s graduation coach, and Skrzypchak are two of the people who matter most to her.
“I care a lot what they think of me,” she said. “Like Eric, he says, ‘You gotta be here,’ and, ‘You’ve got to do this right.’ When I’m not here, I don’t hear the end of it from him. And I care about his opinion.”
Next year, Eneida hopes to go to cosmetology school and work either independently or in a salon. Being a clear-eyed young woman, she recognizes a salon would be the best place for her to learn the business.
Meanwhile, she’s living with her brother and his girlfriend and planning for a bright future of her own making.
Logan Kremer's story
Rock University High School Class of 2022!
Gardeners have a saying: “Right plant, right place.”
In order to flourish, plants need the correct environment: right soil, right light and right weather. Roses need sunshine. Tomatoes need heat. Palm trees won’t grow in Wisconsin.
For Logan Kremer, the right place to grow has proven to be Rock University High School. There, he found an environment that allowed him to thrive into a self-confident, well-rounded, future-focused person.
Logan’s challenges began when his family moved to the area while he was in middle school.
“After we moved, I was really anxious to start a new school,” he said. “My parents offered to homeschool me, so I picked that. My sister had been homeschooled because she didn’t like middle school either.”
Logan’s sister also picked Rock University High School. She introduced him to the school gradually, bringing him to activities and events.
Even so, the change was challenging for him.
“When I first got here, I was really introverted,” Logan said. “I was really nervous. I didn’t know any of the students personally. I was always really quiet in class, and I didn’t participate unless it was absolutely necessary.”
About a year into his time at RUHS, he met a group of friends and slowly became more comfortable with the school itself.
“It’s to the point where I know everyone—even the new kids—and I’m not afraid to talk to them,” Logan said.
The teachers were different, too.
“It’s not like I walk in the room and it’s, ‘Oh, this is my teacher, and I have to do my work,’” he said. “It’s more like I get to go to the class and talk to the teacher like a normal person and have fun while I learn.”
While at RUHS, Logan has taken a number of courses including business management, marketing principles and business communication. That makes sense, considering he has held jobs since the age of 15, saved his money and enjoys investing in the stock market.
This summer, when he turns 18, Logan plans to get his real estate license and begin his own property management company. He already has experience in the industry, having provided bookkeeping and communications services for his uncle’s property management business.
It’s difficult to understand how Logan went from being painfully anxious to articulate and at ease with himself. When asked how he managed to do that, he offered this advice for other kids.
“I think it’s about finding the right space, but I also think it’s just being more confident in yourself,” he said. “I was always nervous about embarrassing myself anytime I talked. But honestly, people don’t care, right? You think they care way more than they do.”
Logan advises students to focus on what they find important to figure out what they value and want.
“That will lead you to motivation, and that will lead you to success,” he said.
Obviously, Logan has found his place and knows his values. Now, watch him flourish.
Lexus Partipilo's story
Rock University High School Class of 2022!
For Lexus Partipilo, school was never a problem. She did well as a student at Washington Elementary and Edison Middle schools, and she was progressing just fine in a traditional high school setting.
Yet, somehow, she found “fine” just wasn’t quite enough.
“It was just not the right fit for me,” she said. “I didn’t feel comfortable being there, and I wasn’t being challenged academically. I was, like, finishing all my homework in class.”
Wait, what? How is that a problem?
Lexus had always planned to attend a university, and she was worried about not being prepared. She wasn’t crazy about the drama of high school life, so she did her research and decided Rock University High School would be a better fit.
“I loved the small size. Instead of having cliques like you do at other schools, you really talk to everyone because it’s way more open,” Lexus said. “You actually get to build relationships with your teachers, too, because you don’t have as many. You’re not spending every hour with a different teacher.”
But RUHS came with a new set of challenges. Students have fewer classes, but they are longer, and students have more free time to manage. Also, Rock University expects students to pursue two-year degrees—or at least take classes at the adjoining Blackhawk Technical College.
“Oh boy, you really need to manage your time well, because you can’t just get all your homework done in class,” Lexus said. “That is something that definitely bit me in the butt along the way because I just wasn’t used to it.”
Lexus admits she had to figure out how to manage bigger projects and learn how to get help from teachers she didn’t see every day.
She also has been taking courses at BTC, and that has helped redefine her career path.
“At first, I was really focused on human services courses because I was interested in doing substance abuse counseling,” Lexus said. “But being in those classes showed me I was not emotionally prepared for that.”
Lexus’ human services teacher suggested she might be too kind-hearted for such a career. Instead, she’s now considering careers connected to helping others.
“I had a speech therapist for six years when I was growing up, and that’s always been an interest of mine,” Lexus said.
But she also loves journalism and anything connected to the communications field. Next year, Lexus plans to attend UW-Green Bay, starting out focused on business communications before branching out into the sciences to see what works best for her.
“I’m a very indecisive person,” she said with a laugh.
When asked what kind of advice she would offer other students who might consider attending Rock University High School, Lexus said they need to learn to create their own motivation.
“You definitely have to push yourself,” she said. “You can’t just continue in your normal routine.”
In other words, it’s a place that challenges you to do more than just “fine.”
Alexia Cuazozon's story
Craig High School Class of 2022!
Alexia Cuazozon didn’t do much socializing as a student at Jackson Elementary School. That didn’t change when she advanced to Edison Middle School.
She was then, and still is, a reserved individual.
But one thing has changed. Now, once she gets into her comfort zone, she truly shines.
Alexia will graduate in June from Craig High School. She plans to attend Blackhawk Technical College in the fall.
At Craig, Alexia was involved in 30 clubs including French Club, Spanish Club, Russian Clubs on the language side, honor clubs on the academic side and clubs such as Sisters Inspiring Sisters, an organization that celebrates and empowers young women of color.
The clubs allowed her to expand her comfort zone, said Stephanie Gates, advisor for Sisters Inspiring Sisters. That and accepting who she was helped Alexia break out of her shell.
Gates said that, in middle school, kids teased Alexia about her accent. But she came to accept her voice and gained confidence in herself. She also got more involved in volunteer projects and started speaking in front of groups.
Alexia said she loved the connections she made and people she met in those structured settings.
“I’m still shy, just not as shy,” she said.
Alexia credits Gates and Craig Spanish teacher Carrie Wyatt for helping her get through the tough personal and academic challenges.
“Ms. Gates helped me so much my freshman year,” she said. “She helped with family stuff, and I felt like I could say anything to her. She helped me with my grades, too.”
Wyatt became another sounding board in dealing with tough personal issues, Alexia said.
Sisters Inspiring Sisters was another place where she felt free to be herself.
“You could talk about anything there, anything at all,” Alexia said.
Alexia joked that one of her high school successes was not “failing any of her classes.” But that is a success considering how involved she was in school.
In addition, she needed to assist with family obligations at home, so having paid employment was also a priority.
Alexia found a way to balance it all and still enjoy her senior year.
“She didn’t let her circumstances get in her way,” Gates said.
Alexia isn’t quite sure what profession she will pursue, but she believes Blackhawk Technical College’s two-year business management degree will give her the basics she needs to get started.
She confessed, with a laugh, that she’s already started to consider what clubs to join at BTC.
She might still be a reserved person, but Alexia is ready to find a place where she can continue to shine.
Melvin Garcia's story
Craig High School Class of 2022!
Craig senior Melvin Garcia has achieved a startling amount in his four years of high school.
He has plunged fearlessly into the trades, both on his own and in school. One of his first jobs was as a car detailer. Then he wanted to learn to become a mechanic, so he walked into J&O Automotive and asked for training. He took all the prerequisite courses and then joined the student home build program.
Melvin played soccer all four years, was a member of one of the oldest advocacy clubs in the U.S. and was a part of ELEVATE, Craig High’s capstone business program that works with local companies to solve real-world problems.
Melvin is modest about his accomplishments He often talks about the influences in his life – those who helped him become the young man he is.
He starts with Carrie Wyatt, his Spanish teacher and advisor for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), an advocacy group that dates back to 1929. Wyatt was Melvin’s go-to person for talks about just about everything.
“She’s a really special teacher to me,” he said. “I feel like she valued me and my friends for who we were. She’d be open to talk about anything.”
In addition to the teachers who lead the ELEVATE program, Melvin lists his ELEVATE mentor, Brian Lawton, CEO of EXIT Realty, among those who have influenced him.
“Brian’s an amazing guy,” Melvin said. “He’s a cool person. The things he taught me were about more than real estate. They were about life.”
Lawton recommended Melvin read “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds,” by David Goggins. The book is the story of Goggins’ life, and it explains how anyone can push past fear to reach their full potential.
“It is mind-blowing,” Melvin said. “It’s my favorite book.”
The message he took from the book? You have to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Only by pushing yourself into those difficult situations will you get what you want in life.
Then Melvin mentioned his parents, Ciro Garcia and Estela Barranco.
“My parents have supported me my whole life,” he said. “I mean, they’ve been there every step of the way. Every single step. I was so lucky to have that support.”
One of the highlights of Melvin’s high school career—along with being a member of Craig’s regional tournament-winning soccer team—was being involved in the student house build. The program allows students to participate in building a home from the foundation up. They get to work in a variety of trades and see the application of their school work in action.
“This house, it started with a hole in the ground and a big pile of dirt,” Melvin said. “And we’ve done basically everything. It’s up. It’s amazing.”
Melvin’s plans for the future include “learning as many skills as I can.” By that, he means pursuing the trades – just as he did in the home build – and continuing as a mechanic-in-training.
Eventually, he wants to go into real estate.
“I’m ready to work,” he said.
Faith Green's story
Parker High School Class of 2022!
More than 2,000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Epictetus wrote, “People are not disturbed by things but by the view they take of them.”
In the spring of 2022, aspiring musical theater major Faith Green echoed his comments when she said, “As long as I keep the right mindset, I’ll be OK.”
With that kind of attitude and wisdom, soon-to-be Parker High School graduate is already more than halfway toward her goal of performing on the world’s stages.
When she first came to Parker, Faith plunged directly into the theater department. In that first year, she stuck to behind-the-scenes tech work for shows including “Anything Goes.”
But then, when auditions for the “Little Mermaid” came around, she thought she might land the lead role – Ariel.
Nope. Didn’t happen.
Still, Faith knew she had to shine in whatever role she took on.
“You have to work with what you get,” she said. “I had to learn to be expressive when the focus wasn’t on me.”
That hard work paid off. During “Little Mermaid,” she had a very brief solo line: “Lucky enough to stay for dinner.” But it was that brief moment where director Jim Tropp took notice.
Faith went on to major roles in shows such as “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma,” “Chaplin,” “White Christmas,” “42nd Street,” “Music Man” and “Guys and Dolls.”
But even when Faith was picked for lead roles, it wasn’t all glitz and glam. She shared the role of Betty in “White Christmas,” and it was an exhilarating and exhausting routine of singing her heart out one night and dancing her heart out the next.
“The nights I wasn’t Betty, I was out there tapping it up,” Faith recalled with a laugh.
One of her favorite roles was as Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls.”
“I had never been in a comedic role,” Faith said. “But Adelaide was so over-the-top. It was so much fun.”
Faith said so many people have influenced her along the way that it was hard to pick just one or two people to mention.
“My acting teacher, Megan Burkart, was wonderful,” Faith said. “I was having a tough time during ‘Little Mermaid,’ and she was so compassionate. She pulled me aside and told me about some things she had been through. She said, ‘If you ever need someone to understand, I’m here.’”
Faith’s vocal coach, Robyn Brennan, also has been “hugely important” to her.
“I’ve been working with her since middle school, and she understands me. She understands my voice,” Faith said.
Faith is currently auditioning for musical theater programs throughout the country, and she’s not sure where she will end up. She recognizes her career won’t be easy, and she will have to be prepared for rejections.
That’s why her mindset matters so much.
“I have to tell myself the right things,” she said. “I know I don’t have to take those decisions personally; I know that those decisions are not an indicator of my future success. Sure those feelings (of disappointment) will be there, but they will pass.”
That is Faith's advice for her fellow students in the Parker Arts Academy, and for those entering college programs.
“Be prepared for adversity, and don’t give up,” she said. “It might feel like you’re standing at the bottom of the ladder, but work with what you have. Do it, and have fun.”
That’s good advice for all of us.
Abiathar Curry's story
Parker High School Class of 2022!
When Abiathar Curry completes his career at Parker High School this spring, he will do so with an impressive athletic resume.
– Badger Conference First Team All-Conference, Offensive Line
– Badger Conference Honorable Mention All-Conference, Defensive Line
– Parker junior, senior team football captain
– Participated in the WIAA Sectional and State Track Meets.
– Parker High School All-In Commitment Award winner
– Three sport letter-winner
Amid those accolades, there is another that stands out – Burlsworth Character Award recipient.
A walk-on at the University of Arkansas, Brandon Burlsworth collected All-American honors and was named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll three years in a row. He earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) before playing his final game and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Tragically, he was killed in a car crash 11 days after the draft.
The Burlsworth Character Award is given annually to high school football players nationwide who represent Burlsworth’s values: Give your all on the field and let your behavior be a model for those around you.
That is who Abiathar has been through his high school career. He has been involved in Link Crew to help incoming freshmen acclimate to high school. He is in DECA, the organization focused on business, marketing and leadership. He also is part of the district’s Excellence For All Stakeholders Club, a group of students whose opinions factor into big issues such as the search for a new superintendent.
“He is a positive role model for the school and the community,” said Parker High School Counselor Denise Kruser. “He’s the kind of student that can step in when kids are misbehaving in the bleachers. All he has to say is, ‘That’s not OK,’ and they listen to him.”
That isn’t due to Abiathar’s size—which is considerable. Nor does he come across as threatening. Students simply respect him for who he is.
A former Edison Middle School student, Abiathar has mentored young people during school youth camps, served as a referee for youth sports and has worked at the YMCA for several years. Younger kids look up to him, Kruser said.
Kruser knows a seventh-grader who keeps Abiathar’s football card in his cellphone case. When asked why, the student said it was to help him remember Abiathar’s advice: Appreciate the gifts you have, but continually work to get better.
“Basically, the message was, ‘You can’t just coast through life,’” Kruser said.
Parker High School Football Coach Clayton Kreger said Abiathar was the kind of team captain that cared more about the team’s success than his own.
“He’s always looking to make the others – the people around him – better,” Kreger said. “He wants to make the situation better, the team better, our freshmen better.”
Next year, Abiathar plans to play football at Northern Illinois University, a Division I school in DeKalb, Ill. He doesn’t have a scholarship, but he enters the program as a preferred walk-on.
Abiathar is humble about his accomplishments and seems unaware of his influence on his classmates and kids he works with. He credits Parker assistant football coach Avery Green with keeping him on track.
“Coach Green was a big factor for me in choosing colleges and making sure I stayed on top of school,” he said. “He was almost like a father figure to me, really.”
Senior Stories from Class of 2021!
Jamea Everson's Story
Parker High School Class of 2021!
Overcoming challenges, embracing life.
Jamea Everson is already a powerful young woman. Her early placement in the foster care system left its mark.
So did her adoption into a loving family with nine other adopted kids.
Those first struggles showed her that she had the strength to survive, and gave her a healthy empathy for others. The second experience showed the strength of love, and the value of being part of a family.
“What may have defeated others, fueled her to chart a path to work with traumatized youth,” said Stephanie Gates, Parker High School student advocate.
Throughout high school, Everson maintained a 3.7 GPA while working part time, helping the community as part of her church’s youth group, and being a part of Sisters Inspiring Sisters at Parker.
Everson credits Ms. Gates with helping her to succeed.
“Ms. Gates was always there for me, she would do everything the students needed,” Everson said. “She’d go out of her way to meet with you.” Ms. Gates provided a safe place to talk about anything: home life, work life, and of course, academic life.
This fall, Everson is headed to the University of Central Florida where she hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement. Detective work appeals to her, and she may start her career as a police officer. She also considers working with traumatized youth. She feels empathetic for young people who are suffering, and she knows what it's like to have caring adults step in and have a meaningful impact on her life. Perhaps she can have a similar impact on others.
Gates said that Everson’s favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou. It’s one that has guided Everson through high school: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Overcoming challenges, embracing life.
Jamea Everson is already a powerful young woman. Her early placement in the foster care system left its mark.
So did her adoption into a loving family with nine other adopted kids.
Those first struggles showed her that she had the strength to survive, and gave her a healthy empathy for others. The second experience showed the strength of love, and the value of being part of a family.
“What may have defeated others, fueled her to chart a path to work with traumatized youth,” said Stephanie Gates, Parker High School student advocate.
Throughout high school, Everson maintained a 3.7 GPA while working part time, helping the community as part of her church’s youth group, and being a part of Sisters Inspiring Sisters at Parker.
Everson credits Ms. Gates with helping her to succeed.
“Ms. Gates was always there for me, she would do everything the students needed,” Everson said. “She’d go out of her way to meet with you.” Ms. Gates provided a safe place to talk about anything: home life, work life, and of course, academic life.
This fall, Everson is headed to the University of Central Florida where she hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement. Detective work appeals to her, and she may start her career as a police officer. She also considers working with traumatized youth. She feels empathetic for young people who are suffering, and she knows what it's like to have caring adults step in and have a meaningful impact on her life. Perhaps she can have a similar impact on others.
Gates said that Everson’s favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou. It’s one that has guided Everson through high school: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Nancy Patino's Story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2021!
Nancy Patino never imagined herself as a college student. But in the fall, she will study human services at Blackhawk Technical College. How did she get there? With grit, tenacity, and the support of Rock River Charter School’s team of teachers and counselors.
Nancy attended 2 high schools before enrolling at Rock River. A traditional school setting was just not the right fit for her. Nancy admits, things aren't always easy at home. Her parents are from Mexico, and did not attend high school. She is the oldest of 4 siblings, and with that comes responsibilities at home and pressure to succeed.
Nancy found herself caught in between two worlds. “As a first generation American, you carry the whole family with little support. I have no one at home to talk to about school stuff. I have no one at school to talk to about home stuff. It’s hard.”
“I was so lost,” Nancy said. “I knew nothing about college, how to apply, where to go, and all those other things people who grew up with parents from here already know. I didn’t even know what a ‘major’ was. It was so embarrassing.” She could feel her mental health deteriorating and didn’t know where to turn. That is when she researched alternative options. She came across Rock River Charter School, and decided to give them a call.
She attends Rock River in person two days a week, and studies virtually for the rest of the week. “I finally found my place at Rock River,” Nancy said. “It’s so much more personal. It’s so much more one-on-one. You develop relationships with the teachers, with the people that help and even with the people at the front desk.” Nancy was named student of the month because of the way she modeled hard work and motivation.
“Miss K.” (teacher Kathleen Kleisner) and counselor Jill Reifsnider encouraged Nancy to dream big. “They guided me, they helped me, they completely enlightened me,” Nancy said. “They held a flame up to everything I’m capable of, and of everything that is possible.”
“Years passed by where I could have been benefiting from Rock River Charter School. Meanwhile, I didn't even know this school existed. I wish I would have transferred sooner. I appreciate everything about this school."
Nancy Patino never imagined herself as a college student. But in the fall, she will study human services at Blackhawk Technical College. How did she get there? With grit, tenacity, and the support of Rock River Charter School’s team of teachers and counselors.
Nancy attended 2 high schools before enrolling at Rock River. A traditional school setting was just not the right fit for her. Nancy admits, things aren't always easy at home. Her parents are from Mexico, and did not attend high school. She is the oldest of 4 siblings, and with that comes responsibilities at home and pressure to succeed.
Nancy found herself caught in between two worlds. “As a first generation American, you carry the whole family with little support. I have no one at home to talk to about school stuff. I have no one at school to talk to about home stuff. It’s hard.”
“I was so lost,” Nancy said. “I knew nothing about college, how to apply, where to go, and all those other things people who grew up with parents from here already know. I didn’t even know what a ‘major’ was. It was so embarrassing.” She could feel her mental health deteriorating and didn’t know where to turn. That is when she researched alternative options. She came across Rock River Charter School, and decided to give them a call.
She attends Rock River in person two days a week, and studies virtually for the rest of the week. “I finally found my place at Rock River,” Nancy said. “It’s so much more personal. It’s so much more one-on-one. You develop relationships with the teachers, with the people that help and even with the people at the front desk.” Nancy was named student of the month because of the way she modeled hard work and motivation.
“Miss K.” (teacher Kathleen Kleisner) and counselor Jill Reifsnider encouraged Nancy to dream big. “They guided me, they helped me, they completely enlightened me,” Nancy said. “They held a flame up to everything I’m capable of, and of everything that is possible.”
“Years passed by where I could have been benefiting from Rock River Charter School. Meanwhile, I didn't even know this school existed. I wish I would have transferred sooner. I appreciate everything about this school."
Matthew Hartwig's Story
Parker High School Class of 2021!
“High-character kid.”
It’s been the year of backwards. Students stayed home or went to school on alternative days. For Matthew Hartwig, his backwards school year will evolve into an opposite summer and an unknown fall.
When asked about his plans for his post high school life, he said, “I’m going to go to college somewhere, and I hope to play football.” Usually, college recruiters are on the lookout for high school standouts during their junior and senior years. But then the pandemic hit and football was pushed from fall to spring.
“I’ve heard that a lot of recruiters have been told just to move on to next year,” Hatwig said. “Now you have to personally send the stuff out to coaches.” So this summer he’ll be attending camps and marketing himself to football coaches.
Matthew, who played tight end and defensive end, was the team’s standout in the 2019 fall season. He caught 27 passes for 262 yards. Matthew also played basketball, and was considered a team leader by his coaches in both sports. In addition, he managed to stay on the high honors list throughout high school.
In a newspaper story, Parker football coach Clayton Kreger described him as “a high-character kid.”
Along with playing football in college, Matthew wants to study mechanical engineering.
Despite all the changes and challenges of his senior year, Matthew will always remember the connections he made with his fellow athletes and his coaches. In a backwards year, those connections were what mattered most.
“High-character kid.”
It’s been the year of backwards. Students stayed home or went to school on alternative days. For Matthew Hartwig, his backwards school year will evolve into an opposite summer and an unknown fall.
When asked about his plans for his post high school life, he said, “I’m going to go to college somewhere, and I hope to play football.” Usually, college recruiters are on the lookout for high school standouts during their junior and senior years. But then the pandemic hit and football was pushed from fall to spring.
“I’ve heard that a lot of recruiters have been told just to move on to next year,” Hatwig said. “Now you have to personally send the stuff out to coaches.” So this summer he’ll be attending camps and marketing himself to football coaches.
Matthew, who played tight end and defensive end, was the team’s standout in the 2019 fall season. He caught 27 passes for 262 yards. Matthew also played basketball, and was considered a team leader by his coaches in both sports. In addition, he managed to stay on the high honors list throughout high school.
In a newspaper story, Parker football coach Clayton Kreger described him as “a high-character kid.”
Along with playing football in college, Matthew wants to study mechanical engineering.
Despite all the changes and challenges of his senior year, Matthew will always remember the connections he made with his fellow athletes and his coaches. In a backwards year, those connections were what mattered most.
Skylar Gransee's Story
ARISE Virtual Academy Class of 2021! (Featuring Melon the Cat)
Skylar Gransee needed some quiet.
She didn’t like the noise and chatter of her hometown middle school. The school’s bullies made her life a misery. Every single day, she dreaded going to school.
She and her family began to look around for another way to do school, something that would be more suited to her reserved personality. That spot was ARISE Virtual Academy, a school that offers online learning with a lot of support. They decided to transfer to the School District of Janesville to enroll.
Suddenly, Skylar discovered she was a good student.
“ARISE really helped me turn my grades around,” Skylar said. “It wasn’t as anxiety provoking as public school. I went from failing all my classes to getting A’s and B’s.”
She also went from attending summer school for credit recovery to taking her senior year of English in her junior year. “It’s a lot easier for me to do school on my time, rather than run on a constant schedule,” Skylar said.
Skylar and her family also attribute her success at ARISE to the support and empathy she experienced from staff, especially during her mother’s cancer treatment. “They treated us with such kindness and understanding during a very difficult time.” Teachers that had an especially positive impact on Skylar include Mr. Gregory Gaffey, Mr. Jordan Koester, Mr. Tom Ulrich, and Ms. Joann Ohlrich.
Dr. David Parr (Principal of ARISE) was also heavily involved in acclimating Skylar to ARISE, which much impressed Skylar’s mother. She feels thankful that he took time from his busy schedule to make sure Skylar was comfortable and happy in her new school.
Skylar has come a long way. During the difficult times, anxiety prevented her from doing a lot of things. Now Skylar works at an assisted living community and is also a digital artist. Skylar is a successful young woman who recognizes her abilities and knows what she needs to thrive. With support from ARISE Virtual Academy, she was finally able to come out of her shell.
"I was blown away by the support I received at ARISE. The teachers are phenomenal, they made me enjoy school again. For the first time, I was given the support I needed to thrive as a student. My only regret is not knowing about ARISE sooner. I wish I would have transferred a long time ago.”
Skylar Gransee needed some quiet.
She didn’t like the noise and chatter of her hometown middle school. The school’s bullies made her life a misery. Every single day, she dreaded going to school.
She and her family began to look around for another way to do school, something that would be more suited to her reserved personality. That spot was ARISE Virtual Academy, a school that offers online learning with a lot of support. They decided to transfer to the School District of Janesville to enroll.
Suddenly, Skylar discovered she was a good student.
“ARISE really helped me turn my grades around,” Skylar said. “It wasn’t as anxiety provoking as public school. I went from failing all my classes to getting A’s and B’s.”
She also went from attending summer school for credit recovery to taking her senior year of English in her junior year. “It’s a lot easier for me to do school on my time, rather than run on a constant schedule,” Skylar said.
Skylar and her family also attribute her success at ARISE to the support and empathy she experienced from staff, especially during her mother’s cancer treatment. “They treated us with such kindness and understanding during a very difficult time.” Teachers that had an especially positive impact on Skylar include Mr. Gregory Gaffey, Mr. Jordan Koester, Mr. Tom Ulrich, and Ms. Joann Ohlrich.
Dr. David Parr (Principal of ARISE) was also heavily involved in acclimating Skylar to ARISE, which much impressed Skylar’s mother. She feels thankful that he took time from his busy schedule to make sure Skylar was comfortable and happy in her new school.
Skylar has come a long way. During the difficult times, anxiety prevented her from doing a lot of things. Now Skylar works at an assisted living community and is also a digital artist. Skylar is a successful young woman who recognizes her abilities and knows what she needs to thrive. With support from ARISE Virtual Academy, she was finally able to come out of her shell.
"I was blown away by the support I received at ARISE. The teachers are phenomenal, they made me enjoy school again. For the first time, I was given the support I needed to thrive as a student. My only regret is not knowing about ARISE sooner. I wish I would have transferred a long time ago.”
Alexis Szymanski's Story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2021!
All it takes is one caring adult to change a child’s life. Alexis Szymanski hopes to be that person.
She graduated from Rock River Charter School and in the fall she’ll start work on her human services associate’s degree at Blackhawk Technical College. “I’d like to be a social worker and work with kids and families,” Alexis said. Helping families and children with mental health issues is one of her goals.
Alexis believes her own struggles with mental health will make her a more empathic listener, one who is better able to understand and guide young people who are struggling. She knows from personal experience the difference a caring adult can make. She found her caring adults at Rock River Charter School.
No matter what she was struggling with, the staff was there to help.
“I like it that the teachers actually got back to me if I emailed them,” Alexis said. “Or if I had a question, they would sit down and work with me for an hour.”
Alexis recently became a mother. Her son Danny is now 2 months old. The School District of Janesville offers the InSPIRE Program, which provides educators, mentors, and programming designed to support students who are pregnant or who are mothers and fathers. This program connects students to community resources, helps students develop a graduation plan, teaches parenting and life-management skills, and helps students explore career options.
While InSPIRE programming is offered at every SDJ school, Rock River Charter School is unique in that it is fully equipped for students to bring their children to school with them every day.
Alexis credits InSPIRE Graduation Coach, Michelle Wales, with helping her finish school. “Michelle always helped, she always made sure that I was doing my work,” Alexis said.
Alexis knows it may not be easy parenting a baby while attending college, but she feels prepared due to the coaching and support of Rock River Charter School.
All it takes is one caring adult to change a child’s life. Alexis Szymanski hopes to be that person.
She graduated from Rock River Charter School and in the fall she’ll start work on her human services associate’s degree at Blackhawk Technical College. “I’d like to be a social worker and work with kids and families,” Alexis said. Helping families and children with mental health issues is one of her goals.
Alexis believes her own struggles with mental health will make her a more empathic listener, one who is better able to understand and guide young people who are struggling. She knows from personal experience the difference a caring adult can make. She found her caring adults at Rock River Charter School.
No matter what she was struggling with, the staff was there to help.
“I like it that the teachers actually got back to me if I emailed them,” Alexis said. “Or if I had a question, they would sit down and work with me for an hour.”
Alexis recently became a mother. Her son Danny is now 2 months old. The School District of Janesville offers the InSPIRE Program, which provides educators, mentors, and programming designed to support students who are pregnant or who are mothers and fathers. This program connects students to community resources, helps students develop a graduation plan, teaches parenting and life-management skills, and helps students explore career options.
While InSPIRE programming is offered at every SDJ school, Rock River Charter School is unique in that it is fully equipped for students to bring their children to school with them every day.
Alexis credits InSPIRE Graduation Coach, Michelle Wales, with helping her finish school. “Michelle always helped, she always made sure that I was doing my work,” Alexis said.
Alexis knows it may not be easy parenting a baby while attending college, but she feels prepared due to the coaching and support of Rock River Charter School.
Aliyah Berg's Story
Rock University High School Class of 2021!
Aliyah Berg knows she’s prepared for college because she’s already been there.
Like all students at Rock University High School (RUHS), Aliyah is expected to take college courses while still in high school. This fall, Aliyah will attend Eastern Kentucky University where she plans to study environmental and applied geology with an education certificate.
Aliyah’s classes at Blackhawk Technical College and UW-Whitewater Rock County are directly connected to her major. They also include those pesky “Gen Ed” requirements all college freshmen have to take.
Like many people her age, she realizes that the planet she’s inherited is in trouble.
At first, she thought “pure science” was the answer. But RUHS teacher, Erin Jensen, altered Aliyah’s world, demonstrating how discrete school subjects intersect. “She blended English with history, and showed us how our past affects our present,” Aliyah said. “Looking at the past through a futuristic lens, in general, is really important. She always made sure to touch on really current issues without any bias. She would say, ‘Here are the facts, and here’s what we can do about it.’ I had never looked at history that way before.”
More importantly, Jensen taught her how to widen her perspective from her own point of view to include other individuals and whole communities of people. “For example, I’m going to school for geosciences because I really want to get into sustainability and help our planet,” Aliyah said. “But before Jensen I guess I didn’t realize that a lot of that involves people, it’s not just pure science.”
The idea and practice of “sustainability” is different for each individual person or group of people, and will impact some nations more than others, Aliyah explained.
For Aliyah, RUHS was a perfect match.
“I actually love it there,” Aliyah said. “I know all my teachers personally. They really care about your success. I’m glad I was able to find them, to know them. I can’t imagine my high school experience without them.”
RUHS also gave Aliyah the courage to come out of her shell.
“I was kind of forced to,” Aliyah said with a laugh. “A couple of kids were like, ‘Come eat lunch with me’ or ‘Come join this club with me.’ I was really cool because I had never had that before.”
RUHS gave her confidence. She ran for student council and was on the junior varsity and varsity Esports teams. The summer before her junior year she did an internship with college students at the Rock County Historical Society.
“It’s hard to sum it all up,” Aliyah said. “Rock University has really changed my path in life.”
Aliyah Berg knows she’s prepared for college because she’s already been there.
Like all students at Rock University High School (RUHS), Aliyah is expected to take college courses while still in high school. This fall, Aliyah will attend Eastern Kentucky University where she plans to study environmental and applied geology with an education certificate.
Aliyah’s classes at Blackhawk Technical College and UW-Whitewater Rock County are directly connected to her major. They also include those pesky “Gen Ed” requirements all college freshmen have to take.
Like many people her age, she realizes that the planet she’s inherited is in trouble.
At first, she thought “pure science” was the answer. But RUHS teacher, Erin Jensen, altered Aliyah’s world, demonstrating how discrete school subjects intersect. “She blended English with history, and showed us how our past affects our present,” Aliyah said. “Looking at the past through a futuristic lens, in general, is really important. She always made sure to touch on really current issues without any bias. She would say, ‘Here are the facts, and here’s what we can do about it.’ I had never looked at history that way before.”
More importantly, Jensen taught her how to widen her perspective from her own point of view to include other individuals and whole communities of people. “For example, I’m going to school for geosciences because I really want to get into sustainability and help our planet,” Aliyah said. “But before Jensen I guess I didn’t realize that a lot of that involves people, it’s not just pure science.”
The idea and practice of “sustainability” is different for each individual person or group of people, and will impact some nations more than others, Aliyah explained.
For Aliyah, RUHS was a perfect match.
“I actually love it there,” Aliyah said. “I know all my teachers personally. They really care about your success. I’m glad I was able to find them, to know them. I can’t imagine my high school experience without them.”
RUHS also gave Aliyah the courage to come out of her shell.
“I was kind of forced to,” Aliyah said with a laugh. “A couple of kids were like, ‘Come eat lunch with me’ or ‘Come join this club with me.’ I was really cool because I had never had that before.”
RUHS gave her confidence. She ran for student council and was on the junior varsity and varsity Esports teams. The summer before her junior year she did an internship with college students at the Rock County Historical Society.
“It’s hard to sum it all up,” Aliyah said. “Rock University has really changed my path in life.”
Sam O'Leary's Story
Parker High School Class of 2021!
High school sports stories usually revolve around the shot at the buzzer, the Hail Mary throw or the bases-loaded-two-outs moments. Those are great stories, but a little commonplace.
Sam O’Leary will be able to tell the tale of the pandemic year, when sports were delayed until spring. For three weeks during his senior year, Sam attended both football and baseball practice every day. How did he manage that?
Sam went to Parker athletic director, Clayton Kreger, and he suggested that some days he leave football practice early and stay late at baseball practice.
“Some days, I’ll be at school from about 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” O’Leary said.
Parents and teachers might fret that such a schedule would irrevocably damage Sam’s academic standing. Unlikely.
Sam played football, basketball and baseball throughout his time in high school. He was also a member of DECA, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. And he maintained a 4.0 gpa.
In the fall, Sam is going to highly-rated St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, where he plans to study health science. Sam is interested in becoming a sports medicine doctor, and nursing is his entry path into the field. He’ll also be playing baseball for the Green Knights.
His junior and senior years were unexpectedly altered by the pandemic, but that won’t change what he remembers most: His friends and fellow athletes who persisted through strange times. It’s a story he’ll be telling for a long time.
“I am very fortunate and thankful for the opportunities, teachers, and coaches at Parker. My honor and AP courses & teachers have prepared me for college. My coaches have challenged me to work hard on and off the field. I learned you should take advantage of all adventures that come along and challenge yourself to become better.”
High school sports stories usually revolve around the shot at the buzzer, the Hail Mary throw or the bases-loaded-two-outs moments. Those are great stories, but a little commonplace.
Sam O’Leary will be able to tell the tale of the pandemic year, when sports were delayed until spring. For three weeks during his senior year, Sam attended both football and baseball practice every day. How did he manage that?
Sam went to Parker athletic director, Clayton Kreger, and he suggested that some days he leave football practice early and stay late at baseball practice.
“Some days, I’ll be at school from about 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” O’Leary said.
Parents and teachers might fret that such a schedule would irrevocably damage Sam’s academic standing. Unlikely.
Sam played football, basketball and baseball throughout his time in high school. He was also a member of DECA, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. And he maintained a 4.0 gpa.
In the fall, Sam is going to highly-rated St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, where he plans to study health science. Sam is interested in becoming a sports medicine doctor, and nursing is his entry path into the field. He’ll also be playing baseball for the Green Knights.
His junior and senior years were unexpectedly altered by the pandemic, but that won’t change what he remembers most: His friends and fellow athletes who persisted through strange times. It’s a story he’ll be telling for a long time.
“I am very fortunate and thankful for the opportunities, teachers, and coaches at Parker. My honor and AP courses & teachers have prepared me for college. My coaches have challenged me to work hard on and off the field. I learned you should take advantage of all adventures that come along and challenge yourself to become better.”
Aniya Brown's Story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2021!
In September 2020, Aniya Brown returned to school after being out for a year.
In February, 2021, a mere five months later, Aniya rang the graduation bell at Rock River Charter School. She passed all of her exams on the first try and eagerly entered the real world.
After graduation, she leapt directly into life. Aniya, who worked part time during high school, took on a full-time job in order to save for a car, an apartment, and eventually, more education.
She’d like to be a lab technician, and hopes to find a program with online courses so she can continue to work.
Aniya has happy memories of Mr. LeTourneau, her Edison Middle School teacher, but it was Rock River’s teachers who put her back on the road to success. Rock River Charter School was the perfect fit.
“I honestly felt like it was the best choice and the best school for me. The most important thing is that they try to understand you, what your home life is like, what your out-of-school life is like. They make sure that you’re doing everything you need to do. They’re very motivating, and anytime you need help, they’re there to help you.”
In September 2020, Aniya Brown returned to school after being out for a year.
In February, 2021, a mere five months later, Aniya rang the graduation bell at Rock River Charter School. She passed all of her exams on the first try and eagerly entered the real world.
After graduation, she leapt directly into life. Aniya, who worked part time during high school, took on a full-time job in order to save for a car, an apartment, and eventually, more education.
She’d like to be a lab technician, and hopes to find a program with online courses so she can continue to work.
Aniya has happy memories of Mr. LeTourneau, her Edison Middle School teacher, but it was Rock River’s teachers who put her back on the road to success. Rock River Charter School was the perfect fit.
“I honestly felt like it was the best choice and the best school for me. The most important thing is that they try to understand you, what your home life is like, what your out-of-school life is like. They make sure that you’re doing everything you need to do. They’re very motivating, and anytime you need help, they’re there to help you.”
Kevin Espinoza's Story
Craig High School Class of 2021!
Earlier this year, Kevin Espinoza walked into the WHOSE office and plopped the red acceptance letter from Edgewood Collage on the desk.
For a young man who had a rough start to high school, it was a moment he’ll never forget, a culmination of his work in class and on the soccer field.
Kevin will be attending college on a soccer scholarship that will cover half of his tuition, and that’s another tribute to his efforts, considering how few students win such awards. “Since I was a child, I knew that soccer was something I could use somewhere.” Kevin said.
It wasn’t until his junior year, however, that he realized that school mattered even more. He started telling his teachers, “I wish I wouldn’t have slacked my freshman and sophomore year.”
Kevin credits Kerstina Aldrich, his English language learner teacher, for helping him change his below average grades into A’s.
“She really has a connection to the students,” Kevin said. “She was very supportive of me.”
Aldrich’s gift to Kevin was confidence. She showed him that his talents weren’t limited to the soccer field. He could excel in the classroom too.
Along with playing soccer and working on his grades, Kevin has been working up to 40 hours a week to help support his family, according to his teacher. “I hate wasting time.” Kevin said.
His schedule has taught him to manage his time, something he’ll need in college.
After attending Edgewood, he hopes to finish his education at Palmer Chiropractic College.
He’ll be the first person in his family to attend college.
“I know I have to keep trying and working hard,” Kevin said. “I want to make people proud of me.”
Earlier this year, Kevin Espinoza walked into the WHOSE office and plopped the red acceptance letter from Edgewood Collage on the desk.
For a young man who had a rough start to high school, it was a moment he’ll never forget, a culmination of his work in class and on the soccer field.
Kevin will be attending college on a soccer scholarship that will cover half of his tuition, and that’s another tribute to his efforts, considering how few students win such awards. “Since I was a child, I knew that soccer was something I could use somewhere.” Kevin said.
It wasn’t until his junior year, however, that he realized that school mattered even more. He started telling his teachers, “I wish I wouldn’t have slacked my freshman and sophomore year.”
Kevin credits Kerstina Aldrich, his English language learner teacher, for helping him change his below average grades into A’s.
“She really has a connection to the students,” Kevin said. “She was very supportive of me.”
Aldrich’s gift to Kevin was confidence. She showed him that his talents weren’t limited to the soccer field. He could excel in the classroom too.
Along with playing soccer and working on his grades, Kevin has been working up to 40 hours a week to help support his family, according to his teacher. “I hate wasting time.” Kevin said.
His schedule has taught him to manage his time, something he’ll need in college.
After attending Edgewood, he hopes to finish his education at Palmer Chiropractic College.
He’ll be the first person in his family to attend college.
“I know I have to keep trying and working hard,” Kevin said. “I want to make people proud of me.”
Emily Austin's Story
Craig High School Class of 2021!
What’s the best way to make a young woman ready for the world?
No one has figured out a sure-fire formula, but for Emily Austin, it was solid advice, common sense and what she refers to as, “a reassuring voice in my head.”
Emily will graduate this spring from Craig High School with a high school degree and a nursing assistant technical diploma from Blackhawk Technical College. This summer, she’ll continue working as a nursing assistant at Cedar Crest Retirement Community, a job she started in the middle of the pandemic.
In the fall, she’ll be attending Edgewood College in Madison, where she plans to pursue a career in nursing. She also hopes to be a part of the university’s track and cross country team.
Phew. That’s a lot of success to cram two paragraphs-- and a life of less than two decades. That doesn’t mean it was always easy.
Emily struggled with math her sophomore year, but her teacher Emily Knoerr wouldn’t let her give up.
“I just really connected with Ms. Knoerr,” Emily said. “ She consistently stayed after school to help. She was super positive, and became a reassuring voice in my head, letting me know that I could do it.”
During her junior year, a counselor suggested that she pursue the nursing assistant diploma through the Youth Options program. For Emily, the additional work made common sense. The district would pay for her schooling, and it would give her a chance to see if nursing was the right career choice for her.
The program was 120 hours of instruction and clinicals, and classes started at--wait for it--6 a.m. Clinicals started at 5 a.m. “It wasn’t too bad,” Emily said. “I got to see the sunrise on the way to school. I’m a sucker for sunrises and sunsets.”
After her early morning classes at Blackhawk, she’d start on her virtual or in-person high school classes.
Before the pandemic, Emily was also a part of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, the Russian Club and the Blue Ribbons of Promise Club.
Emily ran cross country throughout high school. Her senior year, she was team captain, and was in charge of running practices several times a week. Cross country coaches Brandon Miles and Jessica Lawton were an important part of her high school success, Emily said. “They have always been there for me, pushing me to work towards my goals and investing much time in me so I could reach those goals,” Emily said.
"I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had in Craig Cross Country and Track. I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement from my coaches. They believe in me sometimes more than I believe in myself, and have pushed me to work hard for what they know I can achieve."
What’s the best way to make a young woman ready for the world?
No one has figured out a sure-fire formula, but for Emily Austin, it was solid advice, common sense and what she refers to as, “a reassuring voice in my head.”
Emily will graduate this spring from Craig High School with a high school degree and a nursing assistant technical diploma from Blackhawk Technical College. This summer, she’ll continue working as a nursing assistant at Cedar Crest Retirement Community, a job she started in the middle of the pandemic.
In the fall, she’ll be attending Edgewood College in Madison, where she plans to pursue a career in nursing. She also hopes to be a part of the university’s track and cross country team.
Phew. That’s a lot of success to cram two paragraphs-- and a life of less than two decades. That doesn’t mean it was always easy.
Emily struggled with math her sophomore year, but her teacher Emily Knoerr wouldn’t let her give up.
“I just really connected with Ms. Knoerr,” Emily said. “ She consistently stayed after school to help. She was super positive, and became a reassuring voice in my head, letting me know that I could do it.”
During her junior year, a counselor suggested that she pursue the nursing assistant diploma through the Youth Options program. For Emily, the additional work made common sense. The district would pay for her schooling, and it would give her a chance to see if nursing was the right career choice for her.
The program was 120 hours of instruction and clinicals, and classes started at--wait for it--6 a.m. Clinicals started at 5 a.m. “It wasn’t too bad,” Emily said. “I got to see the sunrise on the way to school. I’m a sucker for sunrises and sunsets.”
After her early morning classes at Blackhawk, she’d start on her virtual or in-person high school classes.
Before the pandemic, Emily was also a part of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, the Russian Club and the Blue Ribbons of Promise Club.
Emily ran cross country throughout high school. Her senior year, she was team captain, and was in charge of running practices several times a week. Cross country coaches Brandon Miles and Jessica Lawton were an important part of her high school success, Emily said. “They have always been there for me, pushing me to work towards my goals and investing much time in me so I could reach those goals,” Emily said.
"I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had in Craig Cross Country and Track. I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement from my coaches. They believe in me sometimes more than I believe in myself, and have pushed me to work hard for what they know I can achieve."
Camron Silbaugh's Story
ARISE Virtual Academy Class of 2021!
Camron Silbaugh would like to leave his mark on the world.
For him, it isn’t about personal glory. It’s about contributing something tangible and lasting.
This spring, Camron will graduate from ARISE Virtual Academy.
His decision to attend ARISE was based on practicalities. He wanted a flexible schedule and schooling that was “efficient.”
Translation: He didn’t want to spend time in classes learning material he already knew, or could learn in much less time.
“The flexibility that ARISE offers is second to none.”
Camron’s academic gifts and ability to work independently made ARISE a good fit for him. And even though the school is primarily virtual, Camron contributed to--and enhanced--its social life. He was a founding member of the ARISE D & D Club. Camron found another outlet for his sharp wit in the school newspaper. His style was part Mad Magazine, part New Yorker, and all Camron.
Unfortunately, the pandemic put an end to those social pursuits. During his senior year Camron turned his focus to new academic challenges. He enrolled in two college courses, political science and anthropology.
Camron isn’t sure where he wants to go to college, but he is interested in pursuing a career in “something space-related.” Astronomy or aeronautical engineering are possible choices.
Discovering new objects in space, exploring the universe for the unknown, and reaching for the stars are all a part of Camron’s dreams of the future.
He praises ARISE Virtual Academy and it's teachers for helping him get to where he wants to go in life. "The flexibility that ARISE offers is second to none. The teachers are very supportive and willing to work one-on-one with students... I am such a big advocate for virtual learning. ARISE exemplifies exactly what virtual learning should be.”
Camron Silbaugh would like to leave his mark on the world.
For him, it isn’t about personal glory. It’s about contributing something tangible and lasting.
This spring, Camron will graduate from ARISE Virtual Academy.
His decision to attend ARISE was based on practicalities. He wanted a flexible schedule and schooling that was “efficient.”
Translation: He didn’t want to spend time in classes learning material he already knew, or could learn in much less time.
“The flexibility that ARISE offers is second to none.”
Camron’s academic gifts and ability to work independently made ARISE a good fit for him. And even though the school is primarily virtual, Camron contributed to--and enhanced--its social life. He was a founding member of the ARISE D & D Club. Camron found another outlet for his sharp wit in the school newspaper. His style was part Mad Magazine, part New Yorker, and all Camron.
Unfortunately, the pandemic put an end to those social pursuits. During his senior year Camron turned his focus to new academic challenges. He enrolled in two college courses, political science and anthropology.
Camron isn’t sure where he wants to go to college, but he is interested in pursuing a career in “something space-related.” Astronomy or aeronautical engineering are possible choices.
Discovering new objects in space, exploring the universe for the unknown, and reaching for the stars are all a part of Camron’s dreams of the future.
He praises ARISE Virtual Academy and it's teachers for helping him get to where he wants to go in life. "The flexibility that ARISE offers is second to none. The teachers are very supportive and willing to work one-on-one with students... I am such a big advocate for virtual learning. ARISE exemplifies exactly what virtual learning should be.”
Kaytlyn Baldwin's Story
TAGOS Leadership Academy Class of 2021!
From hating school to going to college, and finding herself along the way.
Kaytlyn Baldwin dreaded school. She used to attend a large traditional high school. There were distractions. There was “drama.” But every morning her brother would get her up and tell her, “Ok, you’ve got to go to school.” That worked for part of her freshman year, but then her brother moved away.
“Then I basically just didn’t go to school,” Kaytlyn said. “But my mom really wanted me to finish school because she didn’t finish school.” Kaytlyn and her mother decided she would transfer to TAGOS Leadership Academy.
“I came here (TAGOS) with like one credit, and now I only have one credit left to finish.” TAGOS specializes in Project-Based Learning, and that appealed to Kaytlyn. “I like being independent,” Kaytlyn said. “You can pick your own project to work on. They tell you, ‘OK, here’s what you need to do,’ and then you go off and do it. If you need help, you can ask for it.”
She also liked internet-based learning as opposed to sitting in a class and taking notes. Kaytlyn learns better in an environment where classes are small, and there’s unlimited one-on-one help from teachers. But it was teacher and advisor, Kim Helgestad, who helped Kaytlyn transform her attitude towards school.
“Honestly, it was just her energy,” Kaytlyn said. “Because she’s just a happy person, and gives off good vibes, it makes me feel happy.” Helgestad’s energy illuminates the people around her. “She just lightens up everyone around her,” Kaytlyn said. On a more practical level, Helgestad and the other teachers at TAGOS made sure she “stayed working hard and finished stuff on time.”
Kaytlyn's next stop is Madison Area Technical College, where she plans to pursue an associate degree and become a veterinary technician. She loves animals, and looks forward to learning how to care for them.
Kaytlyn no longer needs anyone to make her go to school. She’s ready and excited to learn more.
"Traditional high school was not a good fit for me. With a larger school, there were more distractions, more drama. I've thrived at TAGOS because I prefer to work independently. I was able to really focus on academics. I like the small class sizes, and the one-on-one help from my teachers."
From hating school to going to college, and finding herself along the way.
Kaytlyn Baldwin dreaded school. She used to attend a large traditional high school. There were distractions. There was “drama.” But every morning her brother would get her up and tell her, “Ok, you’ve got to go to school.” That worked for part of her freshman year, but then her brother moved away.
“Then I basically just didn’t go to school,” Kaytlyn said. “But my mom really wanted me to finish school because she didn’t finish school.” Kaytlyn and her mother decided she would transfer to TAGOS Leadership Academy.
“I came here (TAGOS) with like one credit, and now I only have one credit left to finish.” TAGOS specializes in Project-Based Learning, and that appealed to Kaytlyn. “I like being independent,” Kaytlyn said. “You can pick your own project to work on. They tell you, ‘OK, here’s what you need to do,’ and then you go off and do it. If you need help, you can ask for it.”
She also liked internet-based learning as opposed to sitting in a class and taking notes. Kaytlyn learns better in an environment where classes are small, and there’s unlimited one-on-one help from teachers. But it was teacher and advisor, Kim Helgestad, who helped Kaytlyn transform her attitude towards school.
“Honestly, it was just her energy,” Kaytlyn said. “Because she’s just a happy person, and gives off good vibes, it makes me feel happy.” Helgestad’s energy illuminates the people around her. “She just lightens up everyone around her,” Kaytlyn said. On a more practical level, Helgestad and the other teachers at TAGOS made sure she “stayed working hard and finished stuff on time.”
Kaytlyn's next stop is Madison Area Technical College, where she plans to pursue an associate degree and become a veterinary technician. She loves animals, and looks forward to learning how to care for them.
Kaytlyn no longer needs anyone to make her go to school. She’s ready and excited to learn more.
"Traditional high school was not a good fit for me. With a larger school, there were more distractions, more drama. I've thrived at TAGOS because I prefer to work independently. I was able to really focus on academics. I like the small class sizes, and the one-on-one help from my teachers."
Senior Stories from Class of 2020!
Kiara Morten's Story
Parker High School Class of 2020!
Kiara, an only child, found herself lonely at times during the beginning of her high school journey. Described as a quiet, yet fierce student, she decided to break out of her shell by doing what she loves- the fine arts.
Kiara has since starred in nine musicals, received district and state solo ensemble awards, was inducted into the National Thespian Society, and was given the torch in the Parker HS musical program- an honored leadership position. Her school involvement has given way to meaningful friendships and solidified her place at school through music.
“In eighth grade Show Choir, my teacher encouraged me to try out for 'Into The Woods Jr.' I was nervous, but then excited to see I got the part! This was the spark that made me believe in myself musically. I want to thank all of my teachers who have kept me involved and helped me get to where I am today. Thank you to my friends who I have become so close to. They all made my high school experience so memorable.”
Kiara, an only child, found herself lonely at times during the beginning of her high school journey. Described as a quiet, yet fierce student, she decided to break out of her shell by doing what she loves- the fine arts.
Kiara has since starred in nine musicals, received district and state solo ensemble awards, was inducted into the National Thespian Society, and was given the torch in the Parker HS musical program- an honored leadership position. Her school involvement has given way to meaningful friendships and solidified her place at school through music.
“In eighth grade Show Choir, my teacher encouraged me to try out for 'Into The Woods Jr.' I was nervous, but then excited to see I got the part! This was the spark that made me believe in myself musically. I want to thank all of my teachers who have kept me involved and helped me get to where I am today. Thank you to my friends who I have become so close to. They all made my high school experience so memorable.”
Rodrigo Villanueva's Story
Craig High School Class of 2020!
Rodrigo is an all-around high achieving student. He balances athletics and musical involvement, while maintaining exceptionally high academic performance.
Rodrigo has a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a high honors recognition with an ACT score of 30. He plays percussion in Jazz Ensemble and in the audition-only high honors Wind Ensemble. He plays on the Boy’s Varsity Tennis Team, and served as captain of the Boy’s Varsity Soccer Team, where he made ‘Big 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention.’
“Throughout my four years in the Craig soccer program, my coach Garret McCabe taught me countless lessons of sportsmanship, leadership, empathy, and many more which were applicable not only to soccer, but to life in general. I am very grateful for his teachings as they not only made me a better soccer player, but also a better person. I would like to one day pass on these lessons in some shape or form to other people, as Coach McCabe did to me.”
Rodrigo is an all-around high achieving student. He balances athletics and musical involvement, while maintaining exceptionally high academic performance.
Rodrigo has a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a high honors recognition with an ACT score of 30. He plays percussion in Jazz Ensemble and in the audition-only high honors Wind Ensemble. He plays on the Boy’s Varsity Tennis Team, and served as captain of the Boy’s Varsity Soccer Team, where he made ‘Big 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention.’
“Throughout my four years in the Craig soccer program, my coach Garret McCabe taught me countless lessons of sportsmanship, leadership, empathy, and many more which were applicable not only to soccer, but to life in general. I am very grateful for his teachings as they not only made me a better soccer player, but also a better person. I would like to one day pass on these lessons in some shape or form to other people, as Coach McCabe did to me.”
Jazmine Shoonover's Story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2020!
Jazmine overcame many obstacles on her path to graduation. Jazmine has fully supported herself financially since she was 14 years old, and she and her younger sister, whom she takes care of, have lived on their own since Jazmine was 16 years old.
Under the stress of her responsibilities, Jazmine experienced bouts of anxiety and difficulty attending school regularly. She transferred from Craig HS to Rock River Charter School, so she could catch up on her high school credits while continuing to be the financial provider and caretaker for her sister and for herself. She is now eligible for early graduation, has overcome her battles with anxiety, and plans to study nursing at Blackhawk Technical College.
“I am thankful for a teacher I had, Therese Wilder (Saunier). She helped me stay in school and motivated me to graduate. She was a person I could talk to about my personal life and she was my shoulder to cry on. I believe the reason I am able to graduate on time is because of the support I was given while attending Rock River Charter School.”
Jazmine overcame many obstacles on her path to graduation. Jazmine has fully supported herself financially since she was 14 years old, and she and her younger sister, whom she takes care of, have lived on their own since Jazmine was 16 years old.
Under the stress of her responsibilities, Jazmine experienced bouts of anxiety and difficulty attending school regularly. She transferred from Craig HS to Rock River Charter School, so she could catch up on her high school credits while continuing to be the financial provider and caretaker for her sister and for herself. She is now eligible for early graduation, has overcome her battles with anxiety, and plans to study nursing at Blackhawk Technical College.
“I am thankful for a teacher I had, Therese Wilder (Saunier). She helped me stay in school and motivated me to graduate. She was a person I could talk to about my personal life and she was my shoulder to cry on. I believe the reason I am able to graduate on time is because of the support I was given while attending Rock River Charter School.”
Destiny Nava-Garcia's Story
Parker High School Class of 2020!
Destiny’s story exists in the harmony of her two passions- the Chinese Club and Parker DECA (marketing organization). Her pursuit in life is understanding people, and creating a welcoming environment for all. Destiny discovered she can connect with others through the study of languages. In her words, “Languages can be a barrier, but also a gateway between two worlds.”
Destiny is almost fluent in both Spanish and Chinese, a member of the Parker Chamber Orchestra, Cheer Team, and received academic honors every year of high school. She is the Community Service Coordinator for DECA, and a Senator for Parker’s Spanish National Honor Society. Destiny takes great pride in the positivity that DECA brings to Parker HS. She believes that these clubs encourage community involvement with an emphasis on the well-being of the people of Janesville.
“My Chinese and Marketing teachers, Ms. Yu and Mr. Zimmerman, are the two most inspirational individuals who encouraged me to explore my passions and introduced me to dreams I didn't know I had. Thank you for teaching me that there is much more beyond what I think I'm capable of.”
Destiny’s story exists in the harmony of her two passions- the Chinese Club and Parker DECA (marketing organization). Her pursuit in life is understanding people, and creating a welcoming environment for all. Destiny discovered she can connect with others through the study of languages. In her words, “Languages can be a barrier, but also a gateway between two worlds.”
Destiny is almost fluent in both Spanish and Chinese, a member of the Parker Chamber Orchestra, Cheer Team, and received academic honors every year of high school. She is the Community Service Coordinator for DECA, and a Senator for Parker’s Spanish National Honor Society. Destiny takes great pride in the positivity that DECA brings to Parker HS. She believes that these clubs encourage community involvement with an emphasis on the well-being of the people of Janesville.
“My Chinese and Marketing teachers, Ms. Yu and Mr. Zimmerman, are the two most inspirational individuals who encouraged me to explore my passions and introduced me to dreams I didn't know I had. Thank you for teaching me that there is much more beyond what I think I'm capable of.”
Cheyanne Stuhr's Story
TAGOS Leadership Academy Class of 2020!
Cheyanne has exhibited tremendous growth as a student and as a leader throughout her time at TAGOS Leadership Academy. Cheyanne is described as someone who takes the values of TAGOS to heart.
Cheyanne attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, and brought back with her the tools to help cultivate a positive culture among students at TAGOS, and she now serves on the Leadership Advisory Council. Her calm demeanor and willingness to serve the TAGOS community makes her the ideal person to work with new incoming students. Cheyanne consistently volunteers with fundraising events for TAGOS and in the Janesville community. She has blossomed into a strong leader, an active community member, and an outstanding representation of what it means to be a TAGOS student.
“If I had not gone to TAGOS Leadership Academy, I am not sure that I would have succeeded in developing my skills. I am extremely grateful to all of my teachers because they helped me figure out who I am. Since starting there, I have grown so much. So many people have had faith in me and without them, I would not be the successful leader I am today.”
Cheyanne has exhibited tremendous growth as a student and as a leader throughout her time at TAGOS Leadership Academy. Cheyanne is described as someone who takes the values of TAGOS to heart.
Cheyanne attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, and brought back with her the tools to help cultivate a positive culture among students at TAGOS, and she now serves on the Leadership Advisory Council. Her calm demeanor and willingness to serve the TAGOS community makes her the ideal person to work with new incoming students. Cheyanne consistently volunteers with fundraising events for TAGOS and in the Janesville community. She has blossomed into a strong leader, an active community member, and an outstanding representation of what it means to be a TAGOS student.
“If I had not gone to TAGOS Leadership Academy, I am not sure that I would have succeeded in developing my skills. I am extremely grateful to all of my teachers because they helped me figure out who I am. Since starting there, I have grown so much. So many people have had faith in me and without them, I would not be the successful leader I am today.”
Kenneth Forbeck's Story
Craig High School Class of 2020!
Kenny makes his mark on the community through service and activism. Social justice, especially concerning the environment, is a driving force behind his extracurricular pursuits.
Kenny participates in Sierra Club, Craig FFA, and attended Conserve School where students spend a semester in the Northwoods participating in environmental academic coursework. He serves on the board of directors at the Welty Environmental Center, led a climate strike in 2019, and is currently establishing a recycling system at Craig. He spoke at the Janesville 'March For Our Lives' rally, calling for gun reform, and participated in panels about racial inequality for past Dr. MLK Jr. Day events. He has covered countless stories during the time he served as editor, reporter, and photographer for the 'Craig Criterion' (school newspaper). A fun fact about Kenny is that he is a quadruplet.
“Entering high school, I learned more about issues like gun violence and climate change. Since these issues threaten my generation, I decided to take action through volunteer work and activism. I am thankful for my family, friends, and many teachers who helped me build my courage and strong morals that motivate me.”
Kenny makes his mark on the community through service and activism. Social justice, especially concerning the environment, is a driving force behind his extracurricular pursuits.
Kenny participates in Sierra Club, Craig FFA, and attended Conserve School where students spend a semester in the Northwoods participating in environmental academic coursework. He serves on the board of directors at the Welty Environmental Center, led a climate strike in 2019, and is currently establishing a recycling system at Craig. He spoke at the Janesville 'March For Our Lives' rally, calling for gun reform, and participated in panels about racial inequality for past Dr. MLK Jr. Day events. He has covered countless stories during the time he served as editor, reporter, and photographer for the 'Craig Criterion' (school newspaper). A fun fact about Kenny is that he is a quadruplet.
“Entering high school, I learned more about issues like gun violence and climate change. Since these issues threaten my generation, I decided to take action through volunteer work and activism. I am thankful for my family, friends, and many teachers who helped me build my courage and strong morals that motivate me.”
Ixcel Valles's Story
Parker High School Class of 2020!
Ixcel experienced difficulty finding her place during her freshman year of high school. That was until school programs, a teacher, and a newfound interest, ignited the spark that now guides her along her pathway.
While taking science classes with Mr. Jacobson and Ms. Woerth, Ixcel realized how much she loves science. She is currently in the Police Academy Internship Program though Blackhawk Technical College, is already earning college credits, and has been accepted there for college. She was an 8th grade tour guide both last year and this year through the Teen Leadership class at Parker, and she also leads tours through the Law Enforcement Academy for the Boys and Girls Club in Janesville.
"Growing up as a kid in Beloit, local police would come into the neighborhoods to build relationships with us. I remember the police handing out stickers and joking around with us kids. Then in high school, I was lucky enough to have Mr. Jacobson for Physical Science and Biology. His classes sparked my interest in law enforcement. Without Mr. Jacobson I would've never thought to give law enforcement a consideration as a career choice."
Ixcel experienced difficulty finding her place during her freshman year of high school. That was until school programs, a teacher, and a newfound interest, ignited the spark that now guides her along her pathway.
While taking science classes with Mr. Jacobson and Ms. Woerth, Ixcel realized how much she loves science. She is currently in the Police Academy Internship Program though Blackhawk Technical College, is already earning college credits, and has been accepted there for college. She was an 8th grade tour guide both last year and this year through the Teen Leadership class at Parker, and she also leads tours through the Law Enforcement Academy for the Boys and Girls Club in Janesville.
"Growing up as a kid in Beloit, local police would come into the neighborhoods to build relationships with us. I remember the police handing out stickers and joking around with us kids. Then in high school, I was lucky enough to have Mr. Jacobson for Physical Science and Biology. His classes sparked my interest in law enforcement. Without Mr. Jacobson I would've never thought to give law enforcement a consideration as a career choice."
Aryanna Bobzien's Story
ARISE Virtual Academy Class of 2020!
Aryanna, a 6th generation Janesville native and bright student, found herself facing many challenges after she had her daughter at 15 years old. In pursuit of completing her education and ensuring her daughter’s future, she transferred from Craig HS to ARISE Virtual Academy, where courses are taken online.
Not only did Aryanna catch up on credits, but she is eligible for early graduation, and has already begun earning her accounting degree from BlackHawk Technical Collage.
“When I was in 4th grade, my teacher, Mrs. Zaremba, told me that you are capable of accomplishing anything if you stick to it. To this day, I believe her words. Despite the obstacles, I am becoming who I’ve always wanted to be. Most importantly, I was never alone. It is thanks to a handful of teachers at Craig and ARISE that I was able to keep pushing.”
Aryanna, a 6th generation Janesville native and bright student, found herself facing many challenges after she had her daughter at 15 years old. In pursuit of completing her education and ensuring her daughter’s future, she transferred from Craig HS to ARISE Virtual Academy, where courses are taken online.
Not only did Aryanna catch up on credits, but she is eligible for early graduation, and has already begun earning her accounting degree from BlackHawk Technical Collage.
“When I was in 4th grade, my teacher, Mrs. Zaremba, told me that you are capable of accomplishing anything if you stick to it. To this day, I believe her words. Despite the obstacles, I am becoming who I’ve always wanted to be. Most importantly, I was never alone. It is thanks to a handful of teachers at Craig and ARISE that I was able to keep pushing.”
Nick Jacobus's Story
Rock University High School Class of 2020!
Nick found a place to grow as a student at Rock University High School. He is a mentor to peers, and maintains excellent academic standing. This once introverted student is now using every opportunity to practice the skills necessary for his bright future in government and politics.
Nick transferred from ARISE Virtual Academy to RUHS because he knew he would thrive in an environment that encourages more socialization, and this would help him reach his goals. He is now the Student Leadership Council President, a founding member of the ESports team, and takes college courses in Political Science. He and another RUHS student were selected to present their project about nuclear conflict risk prevention at the 2019 International Conference on Nuclear Nonproliferation in Monterey, California. Participation was by invitation only, and included students from 9 US schools, 5 Japanese schools, and 3 Russian schools.
"When I was a junior, I went to the Critical Issues Forum. I was able to meet so many amazing students from Russia and Japan. Their stories and ideas really opened my eyes to International issues."
Nick found a place to grow as a student at Rock University High School. He is a mentor to peers, and maintains excellent academic standing. This once introverted student is now using every opportunity to practice the skills necessary for his bright future in government and politics.
Nick transferred from ARISE Virtual Academy to RUHS because he knew he would thrive in an environment that encourages more socialization, and this would help him reach his goals. He is now the Student Leadership Council President, a founding member of the ESports team, and takes college courses in Political Science. He and another RUHS student were selected to present their project about nuclear conflict risk prevention at the 2019 International Conference on Nuclear Nonproliferation in Monterey, California. Participation was by invitation only, and included students from 9 US schools, 5 Japanese schools, and 3 Russian schools.
"When I was a junior, I went to the Critical Issues Forum. I was able to meet so many amazing students from Russia and Japan. Their stories and ideas really opened my eyes to International issues."
Maria Garcia's Story
Rock River Charter School Class of 2020!
Maria found immense motivation to meet her full potential and create a good life for herself after she had her son. She admits attending school, taking college courses, and raising a six-month-old baby on her own, is not an easy task.
Maria, described as an extremely bright and outgoing student, has been named student of the month at Rock River Charter School. She currently takes classes at Blackhawk Technical College where she recently completed her CNA coursework, and will study to become a registered nurse.
“I used to think that I was a student who wasn't smart enough to graduate, to go to college and become someone in life. But recently I experienced a drastic change. Now I'm a mom, in charge of another human being. Everyday I give the best of myself so later in the future I can give my baby a better life and be a good example for him. That has become my motivation. ‘Believe and you'll become’ is a quote that motivates me to achieve my goals.”
Maria found immense motivation to meet her full potential and create a good life for herself after she had her son. She admits attending school, taking college courses, and raising a six-month-old baby on her own, is not an easy task.
Maria, described as an extremely bright and outgoing student, has been named student of the month at Rock River Charter School. She currently takes classes at Blackhawk Technical College where she recently completed her CNA coursework, and will study to become a registered nurse.
“I used to think that I was a student who wasn't smart enough to graduate, to go to college and become someone in life. But recently I experienced a drastic change. Now I'm a mom, in charge of another human being. Everyday I give the best of myself so later in the future I can give my baby a better life and be a good example for him. That has become my motivation. ‘Believe and you'll become’ is a quote that motivates me to achieve my goals.”
Sullivan Saliby's Story
Parker High School Class of 2020!
Sullivan is recognizable in the Janesville community for his participation in the Parker High School musical and theater program.
Sullivan’s most recent roles include, Harold Hill in ‘Music Man,’ and Sydney Chaplin in ‘Chaplin: The Musical.’ He was nominated for 9 Jerry Awards and won 3. He won for outstanding leading performance in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (Scuttle), outstanding leading performance in ‘Anything Goes’ (Moonface Martin), and outstanding supporting performance in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Cogsworth).
“My first musical was ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2012 where I worked with Ms. Knutson and Mr. Tropp. They have become mentors to me and helped me realize my passion for musical theatre. I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities given to me during my time at Parker High School. Ms. Burkart is also someone who has greatly impacted my experiences at Parker. I have learned so much about the arts, who I am, and what I love through theatre and I am eternally grateful!”
Sullivan is recognizable in the Janesville community for his participation in the Parker High School musical and theater program.
Sullivan’s most recent roles include, Harold Hill in ‘Music Man,’ and Sydney Chaplin in ‘Chaplin: The Musical.’ He was nominated for 9 Jerry Awards and won 3. He won for outstanding leading performance in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (Scuttle), outstanding leading performance in ‘Anything Goes’ (Moonface Martin), and outstanding supporting performance in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Cogsworth).
“My first musical was ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2012 where I worked with Ms. Knutson and Mr. Tropp. They have become mentors to me and helped me realize my passion for musical theatre. I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities given to me during my time at Parker High School. Ms. Burkart is also someone who has greatly impacted my experiences at Parker. I have learned so much about the arts, who I am, and what I love through theatre and I am eternally grateful!”
Olivia Luster's Story
Craig High School Class of 2020!
During her high school career, Olivia’s musical talents have wowed audiences, provided her travel opportunities, and won awards.
Olivia is a member of Craig’s audition-only A Capella Choir, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Craig Spotlighters- one of the highest ranked show choirs in the state. Olivia performed in 7 musicals, acting as a lead role in 3, and qualified for state twice at Solo and Ensemble for singing classical selections in Italian. She was nominated for 2 Jerry Awards for outstanding lead in a musical, recognizing her roles in '42nd Street' (Dorothy Brock) and 'Music Man' (Marian Paroo). She traveled to New York City with the Craig Choir, and was chosen by audition to sing at the White House in November of 2019.
“In 11th grade, a music classmate became very sick and was hospitalized. We all stepped in, covering his role in the musical days before we opened. We visited the hospital, and sang at a service for him. It was really special. I am thankful for the students of the music wing at Craig for the endless support, beyond our common musical interest. We have each other's best interest at heart. It truly feels like a family.”
During her high school career, Olivia’s musical talents have wowed audiences, provided her travel opportunities, and won awards.
Olivia is a member of Craig’s audition-only A Capella Choir, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Craig Spotlighters- one of the highest ranked show choirs in the state. Olivia performed in 7 musicals, acting as a lead role in 3, and qualified for state twice at Solo and Ensemble for singing classical selections in Italian. She was nominated for 2 Jerry Awards for outstanding lead in a musical, recognizing her roles in '42nd Street' (Dorothy Brock) and 'Music Man' (Marian Paroo). She traveled to New York City with the Craig Choir, and was chosen by audition to sing at the White House in November of 2019.
“In 11th grade, a music classmate became very sick and was hospitalized. We all stepped in, covering his role in the musical days before we opened. We visited the hospital, and sang at a service for him. It was really special. I am thankful for the students of the music wing at Craig for the endless support, beyond our common musical interest. We have each other's best interest at heart. It truly feels like a family.”