ALUMNI MAGAZINE
IMOGENE POWERS JOHNSON 1930-2018 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1
Contents —
03 from the head of school 04 johnson family statement 06 reflections 07 faculty notes 08 picture this: alumni photo gallery 10 in the interim 14 alumni notes campus happenings 18 The Brightness Ahead 20 Bulletin Board Material 26 From the Heart the last word 29 Remembering Mrs. Johnson
CONTRIBUTORS Editor: Brendan J. O’Brien Designer: Austin D. Gundlach Photographers: Jeff Wilson/Varitay Studios Austin D. Gundlach Authors: Pat Badger Callie Atanasoff Nathaniel W. Coffman, Ed.D. Ayanna Crenshaw ’20 Wesley Eaton ’18 Annli Nakayama ’18 Brendan J. O’Brien
2 | Visionary: prairieschool.com Vibrant An audience listening to Mrs. Imogene Powers Johnson was always captivated while being presented with an important thought or idea.
From the Head of School —
Dear Prairie Community: In my weekly meetings with Mrs. Johnson, we explored every aspect of school life. She was interested in all of it. Recently we discussed the color and design of new carpeting for the SRC, the victories and defeats of our varsity teams, each new family entering the school, additions to the curriculum, faculty professional development, fundraising and enrollment, the impact of the new HVAC controls on the budget, and our INDEX benchmarking report. Her keen questions reflected decades of experience, a detailed understanding of our school, and strong, steady desire to help us thrive.
“ That’s a great school, it wouldn’t be there, except for her.” - Sam Johnson
She cared most about the school culture and every detail mattered, especially those about the kids and their teachers. One of her favorite topics was checking on Bellamy (our school therapy dog) and how she was helping our students and faculty. Gene intuitively understood that the key to Prairie being a healthy, growing, and excelling organization is strong interpersonal relationships. When she was speaking with you, even in a crowded room, you had her full attention. It was as if the two of you were alone. Her curiosity and care knew no end, and she was truly a lifelong learner – always ready for the next adventure. She built our school to bring out the best in every child and we must carry on her work, with the goal of each of our students living their lives as Gene lived hers. In reading memories of Gene shared by Prairie alumni, faculty, parents, and friends, it is easy to see a common theme: she was truly devoted to our mission and the people that brought Prairie to life. Although she was at the top of our organization as the Chair of our Board, people most often recalled her working the grill at student events, washing dishes at fundraisers, or stopping to talk to buyers back when Premiere was still a rummage sale. Her willingness to help with any task – no matter how small – married with her vision for our school, is part of what made her such an extraordinary leader. Today, Prairie continues to challenge and support our students to become leaders in their own right – and it is our faculty’s approach to education that honors Gene’s example. By building close relationships and asking their students to be outstanding communicators and creative problem solvers, they prepare them for lives of purpose. Growth takes place outside of the classroom as well, as students collaborate and compete across a myriad of co-curricular activities (p. 18 and p. 20). Through Interim (p. 10) they get to test their skills and apply the lessons they have learned in the real world. Mrs. Johnson loved the balance of tried and true traditions with bold and new initiatives. Everything is an opportunity for learning. Gene will be missed more than words can articulate, but she will forever be the heart of our school. The faculty and I remain committed to furthering her dreams: that Prairie always be filled with people who care about each other, strive for excellence, and who make our community and our world a better place. Thank you all for being a testament to her legacy. Sincerely,
Nathaniel W. Coffman, Ed.D. Head of School & President
Imogene P. Johnson
Johnson Family Statement
SEPTEMBER 3, 1930 – MARCH 3, 2018 — Imogene “Gene” Powers Johnson was a remarkable woman whose intelligence, humility, grace and beauty were matched equally by her strength of character, boundless compassion and lifelong passion for education and learning. She was a loving daughter and sister, a devoted wife and the world’s best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her determination and persistence were forged as a child growing up against the backdrop of post-Depression struggles and World War II uncertainties. School was her solace and where her dreams took root. She attended Cornell University on academic scholarships from the Standard Oil Company, graduating in 1952 with a B.S. in Mathematics. After graduation, she was employed at Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego, California as an Engineer’s Mathematician, working on the development of the world’s first aeronautical computer. In 1954, she married her college sweetheart, Sam Johnson, and moved to her new home of Racine, Wisconsin. Theirs was an extraordinary partnership built on a shared love of fun and adventure, and unwavering commitment to family, community and to “giving back more than we take from the world.” Gene believed there is no greater tool of empowerment than education and devoted her life to advancing educational opportunities for children. In 1965, she founded The Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin with the sole purpose of bringing out the best in every child, of being a place where children are inspired to learn, thrive as individuals, who care about each other and about making the world a better place. Together with Sam, Gene provided foundational support for the development and launch of the 21st Century Preparatory School, Racine’s first independent charter school. She was also instrumental in the development of the Riverbend Nature Center wildlife refuge, securing and donating much of its 80 acres, and providing ongoing support for its environmental education programs and outdoor recreational opportunities. She quietly and generously supported many regional museums and institutions to enhance community-wide educational opportunities. In her spare time, she was an amateur astronomer, horticulturalist, gemologist, avid birdwatcher and unapologetic nature lover. In addition, to serving as Chairman and Director of The Prairie School, she was Director of The Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, member of the Board of Trustees for the Johnson Foundation and a Life Trustee of The Adler Planetarium in Chicago. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Left to always remember and celebrate her life well-lived are her four children, thirteen grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, four great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Marianne Powers; many nieces and nephews; and, her extended family and friends, the teachers, staff and students of The Prairie School, the associates of Johnson Bank, and employees of SC Johnson, Johnson Outdoors and Johnson Keland Management, to whom she was the greatly admired and beloved matriarch of the family. A special thank you to the medical and personal attendants for their care and compassion. The family suggests any memorials be made to The Prairie School. Johnson Family Statement
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REMEMBERING MRS. JOHNSON What would your life would look like without Gene Johnson? How different would it be if this remarkably passionate and persistent woman never pursued – and realized – her dream of opening Prairie in this quaint little village along the shores of Lake Michigan? Can you even imagine it? If Prairie has impacted you, if this school has played a role of prominence in your life, you have Mrs. Johnson to thank. As we continue to honor and celebrate the life of our founder, we invite you to share your moments with, and memories of, this exceptional woman. Whether alumnus, past parent, former faculty member, or proud donor, whether you interacted with her regularly or spoke only once, we want to hear from you. Visit www.prairieschool.com/mrsimogene-powers-johnson to share your stories.
Reflections
The following letter was originally published in The Prairie School at 25, released during the 1989-90 school year.
— Twenty-five years ago! That was when Prairie started! I am not sure, at that time, if we realized Prairie as is today – but we weren’t too far off. At that time, we established a philosophy. Prairie was to be a college preparatory day school, a school that would provide love of learning, attention to the individual student, a diverse student body, high academic standards to promote individual achievement, a good physical education department and a creative learning environment. These basic principles haven’t changed over the 25 years, though we certainly have added to them. The world around us has grown and changed: Men have landed on the moon, the SST’s have come into being, the Challenger takes people into space, the Vietnam War and the Beatles happened; the microchip, cable TV, the CAT scanner, cellular telephones, compact discs, digital watches, communication satellites, the home computer, and scanning electron microscopes are just a few of the inventions that happened. These were 25 fantastic inventive years. Prairie, too, has grown in many ways: in size, in goals, in achievements and in teaching methods. Just think of the parents of those 75 new students in 1965; they had great faith in us, in Jack Mitchell and Prairie, as nothing had been proven or even started, and here they were sending their children to our school to be educated. We were proud of them for being pioneers. We believe their faith has been proven as we can be very proud of our alumni and what they have achieved. And now, as always, we have to think about the future: we are educating our students for the 21st century! Can you imagine what that will be like?
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Everyone carrying a P.C. in their pocket, interactive high definition TV, space engineering and astrophysics as a basic course in high school, cheap and very fast travel to other countries so you can study in appropriate surroundings, instead of reading history books you can go back in time and experience it, space stations on the moon and Mars, China as the dominant Pacific nation? Whatever the future brings, we at Prairie will be ready to be the forerunner in education. For certain, we will always prepare our students for leadership, to be good public speakers, to think for themselves, to be good listeners because these are the ones who will get ahead. We will prepare students to communicate to others their ideas and thoughts both vocally and in writing. They must learn to understand the environment around them, the ethics and values of performance and attainment of excellence. For now, that is our future, our 21st century student. There is a lot of work, time and effort and thought that comes from parents, students, teachers, administration and volunteers that makes Prairie what it is today. That will never change. I am proud of Prairie. It is an excellent school and has done well by her students. Let us now look forward with the knowledge that we all have a part in shaping Prairie and that the students will go forth well prepared.
Faculty Notes
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE GREATNESS — JOY ARAGONES, Middle School Science Teacher, was accepted into the ASM Teachers Materials Camp. The week-long, hands-on lab experience shows educators how to use applied engineering techniques in their classroom. JAMIE BREIWICK, Instrumental Music Teacher, was selected as an instructor for the Teaching Music Through Performance at the Jazz Band Director Symposium at Carroll University this July. A band camp for educators, Jamie joins a distinguished faculty roster — including Ron Carter, Bryan Carter, Rick Haydon, and Adaron “Pops” Jackson — for this four-day experience. SHAUN LIESCH, Assistant Director of Athletics, and his wife Kristin welcomed their first child, Logan Donald Liesch, to the world on August 24th, 2017. Shaun was also named Prairie’s new Varsity Boys’ Track and Field coach this February. A
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BILL REID ‘73, Prairie Artist-in-Residence, had a one-person show at the Tory Folliard gallery in Milwaukee and will be having another this summer — with loons as the theme — at the Three Lakes Art Center in Three Lakes, WI. In March, Bill appeared on the Wind Point/Caledonia episode of the syndicated PBS show Around the Corner With John McGivern. In October of 2017, CRYSTAL VESPERMAN, Upper School Math Teacher, presented at the 8th Annual Wisconsin Mathematics Council (WMC) Mathematical Proficiency for Every Student (MPES) Conference as an invited speaker. She hosted an interactive workshop on Being Intentional With Using Formative Assessment Classroom Techniques to Inform Instruction.
DR. REBECCA WHEELER, Upper School English Teacher, will have her photography series, Seasons of the Lake, on display at Milwaukee’s Muse Gallery beginning in April of 2018. The show officially opens during Gallery Night & Day on June 1st and 2nd, 2018, but you can see her work there now through the summer. Images from Dr. Wheeler’s show: Featherlight [A] and Dewdrop Dawn [B]
Picture This
Have you captured a picture of a Prairie alumnus? We want it! Send your Picture This submissions to communication@prairieschool.com for inclusion in the next alumni magazine.
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Junior Achievement In December, students in Primary School (K-4th grade) spent a morning with Junior Achievement presenters – most of them Prairie School parents like Amy Karegeannes ’94 – to participate in sessions focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Amy’s daughters, Sophie ’19 and Ella ’26, are both Prairie students; Olivia ’15 is an alumna.
1982 Wisaa Champs A thrilling WIAA Sectional victory over Milwaukee Destiny on March 8th offered members of the 1982 WISAA Championship team the perfect opportunity to convene in support of the Hawks. This year’s boys’ team was crowned Metro Classic Conference Champions and finished 21-5. Members of the 1982 championship team are, left to right: Tom D’Orazio ’82, Peter Pavalko ’83, Richard Ruffo ’83, and Tom Lepp ’82.
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Around The Corner With John McGivern Bill Reid ’73 poses with John McGivern during the shooting of the popular PBS show Around the Corner with John McGivern. The premiere of the Caledonia/Wind Point episode was held in the John Mitchell Theater on March 19th.
Artfully Appreciated On February 23rd, Prairie’s leadership donors gathered in the school’s art and dining rooms for Artfully Appreciated, a special stewardship event affording guests the opportunity to engage in a variety of art projects with current faculty. Here Darryl Babu ’88 paints his bird sculpture at a work station near Bill Reid’s studio. Darryl’s children are Sebby ’22 and Chloe ’27.
In the
in·ter·im —
Year after year, one program proves eye-opening for students eager to discover the path that lies ahead. — By Pat Badger In 1971 Prairie is six years young, a mere fledgling in academic circles. It is a place of discovery and innovation. One fall day, Jack Mitchell, Prairie’s Headmaster, and Sam Johnson, Board Chair, send Peter Benson, Science Chair and enthusiastic idea guru, on the Johnson Wax company plane to visit an east coast independent school where Peter has located a unique program that helps students develop self-reliance and plan for their future. Here is a way for students to participate actively in their own education rather than having it all arranged. It also broadens “who” educates a young person, involving both the local and greater community. Could such a program be a fit for Prairie?
Noun - “in the interim I’ll just keep my fingers crossed”
On his return to Wind Point, Peter pitches his idea, calling it Interim, and planning begins with the intent to go “on-air” in the spring of 1972. A unique aspect of the project is The Steering Committee, composed of both faculty and students. (To this day Peter says, “It was one of the few committees I always found enjoyable!”). The committee crafts the structure, writes guidelines, sets checkpoints, and reviews courses and proposals, and reads final student reports. This group is patient and determined, meeting almost every Wednesday morning for the entire school year so that significant opportunities are provided for everyone.
A [A] Peter Benson (far right), one of the early champions of the Interim Program at Prairie and Pat Badger (far left), gather for a Steering Committee in the early days of the program.
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Adjective - “it’s an interim arrangement”
Ultimately, Interim becomes a two-week period of independence, inquiry, and innovation with a sponsor or trip coordinator for juniors and seniors, as well as a series of seminar experiences for freshmen and sophomores. From the beginning, a key concept is that each student is required to assume some responsibility for the organization of their learning. Students participate in the planning of their seminars and with approval and a faculty sponsor can also offer their own classes. Then, after their underclass seminars, juniors and seniors are ready to design their own independent experiences. It is the spring of 1972 and Interim is ready for lift off. Future internships include lab work at the Medical College of Wisconsin, teaching tennis, working at radio and television stations, photographing the architecture of Colonial America, living on the Sioux Indian Reservation, biological study of the Smoky Mountains, and encouraging voter registration in Hispanic communities. School-sponsored trips focus on language, science, and combine pre-trip research with preparation. Early adventures include a Wyoming trek, a Key Largo marine biology expedition, the iconic Grand Canyon adventure, and trips to Mexico, France, and England. Over the years Interim seminars include such topics as: Film Making, Logic, Hovercraft, Bach/Beethoven/Beatles, Build a Better Mousetrap, Intro to Communications, Bread Baking, Poetry, French Cooking, Anatomy, and Social Service.
Noun - “in the interim time has intervened”
It is the spring of 2018. Interim is forty-six years old and counting. Since 1972 there have been five Heads of School and over 2,000 graduates. There have been curriculum revisions and spectacular new buildings. So, too, Interim has transformed: the program has moved to May from the original spring date and the seminar program for 9th and 10th grades no longer exists. However, the core focus of Interim remains amazingly congruent to its founding principles.
Adjective - “it’s an interim dividend”
Juniors and seniors still design their own independent projects and career investigations and prepare for formative school-sponsored trips in order to experience the world outside the classroom. The belief that Interim at its best is about independence, inquiry, and innovation remains. Working in a medical lab, hiking in the Southwest, interning with a United States Representative on the Hill, traveling to China, or working in an artist’s glass studio are among the opportunities current students have explored. For forty-six years, Interim has helped students realize the challenges, responsibilities, and rewards of specific careers or areas of interest through immersion. Often, it’s Interim that fleshes out college admission essays with descriptions of educational experiential change. Across the years, Prairie alumni rank Interim as one of the most popular and rewarding school experiences. What began as one of those innovative, new-fangled founding Prairie ideas has continued, in the interim, to flourish.
A Family Affair
Barbara Little Earnest ’74 and her sons Michael ’09 and Tom ’12 discuss the impact of their Interim experiences at Prairie. Barbara Little Earnest ’74 Marquette Medical School Pharmacology Internship, The Opportunity Center Working in an academic research lab was an unbelievable experience for a high school student given the opportunity to work independently on experiments – a huge challenge that grew my confidence in approaching daunting tasks. At The Opportunity Center, I served clients with intellectual disabilities and was seen as a part of a valuable team. Without question the time I spent on Interim provided experiences and challenges that I would not otherwise have experienced in high school or perhaps ever. I don’t think it is an overstatement to call them transformative.
Michael Earnest ’09 Math Postdoctoral Internship at Berkeley The experience of hooking up with a postdoctoral math grad was eye opening and very relevant. It helped me “get” the idea of mathematics and led me onwards towards my current doctoral study in math.
Tom Earnest ’12 Biology Internship, Grand Canyon Trip I worked with algae metabolism alongside Professor David Higgs at UW-Parkside, learning what it was like to work in a laboratory setting. It was a taste of my future as I currently work for one of the National Institute of Health labs. My brother told me how awesome his Grand Canyon Trip was and that spurred me to participate. I feel that it was Prairie that got me interested in the outdoors, something I continue to be passionate about.
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Paying it Forward
EAGER APPRENTICES TURNED MASTER MENTORS: THESE FORMER INTERIM PARTICIPANTS HAVE TAKEN GREAT PRIDE IN HELPING PRAIRIE STUDENTS.
Bill Reid ’73 Graphic Design Internship I worked with Jack Crowe, graphic designer. It was valuable because I learned I really did not have an interest in pursuing that path. We sometimes forget that it is just as important to know the things we do not want to pursue. I have been a mentor for several Prairie students, including Tom Swetish ’90, who learned welding and helped me build my first pedal car. His skills paid off; at UW-Madison his Teaching Assistant job teaching welding more than paid for his tuition. He now designs paddle boards in Washington. Tim Anderson ’02 built an incredible steel car, learning how to channel fire. He has gone on to using fire in big time cooking, winning an international competition. Ben Rothschild ’ 04 acquired metalworking skills he continues to use in his art. Jamie Woelbing ’08, made a five-foot model of the Titanic welded from sheet metal and filled with foam so that it would float. It was a mighty boat! Tim Callaghan ’09, who wanted to learn how to combine his glass blowing with steel, continues to use his new skills at Chicago’s Art Institute. Petra Gardetto ’76 Medical College of Wisconsin Lab Internship There’s more to curriculum than what’s inside the classroom walls. One of my lab jobs was killing mice and grinding their livers, which made me decide I’d rather pursue botany. But the significant thing I learned was the importance of following a protocol that can be reproduced; of being consistent and careful. Interim helped me really understand scientific process, which was a big part of my future career. Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath ’85 Social Work Seminar, Theatre Guild Internship, Grand Canyon Trip The Social Work Seminar had a big impact on me, since I ended up getting a degree in Social Work from UW-Madison. I had never been exposed to this kind of diversity - kids with huge physical challenges. It was eye-opening. The canyon trip was life-changing; I gained a new appreciation for what outdoor adventure could really be. At the Theatre Guild I built sets for an upcoming show. I did much of the work on my own and learned how to use power tools, giving me confidence to undertake big projects in the future.” As owner of Hot Shop Glass, I have been an Interim mentor for several students including Simon Skrzypek ’17 and Kayla Goelz ’17. They both learned about glass production work, helped facilitate classes, did setup and teardown, and taught their mentor some social media skills.
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Amy Larsen ’73 Key Largo Trip
Liz Pehlevanian Shaw ’86 The Doors Seminar, Hollywood Trip
Thomas Ware ’13 French Interim
We stayed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the United States, and did odd jobs at the dive shop in order to dive the reef. The trip influenced my decision to attend Macalester College and to major in biology. I was a member of the original Interim Steering Committee.
I was lucky enough to take a wonderful seminar designed by one of my peers, JD Morgan. His class focused on The Doors. We listened to music, watched some video, and talked about things ranging from philosophy to drug culture to public perception of celebrity. My trip to Hollywood was incredible. We visited studios, production companies, and back lots. I became aware of what was involved in film and video within the industry and that definitely led me to my career path. After our trip we actually made a video about our trip using the Prairie editing suite.
The experience opened my eyes to an interest in French culture, which led me to spend a trimester of my Dartmouth career studying abroad at a university in Lyon. The trip had many benefits, including a motivation to study French with increased vigor and preparation, exposure to a different culture that must be experienced to be understood, a new perspective on the US’s role in the world, and exposure to some of the world’s best art, architecture, history, and food.
Kristin Tidwell ’88 England Trip
I was never an extraordinary student at Prairie and struggled in language courses. But traveling to France was the biggest blessing in my language studies, since it took me out of the traditional classroom and gave me the opportunity to learn first-hand. The trip was the capstone of my learning experience at Prairie. I found out so much about culture and that I was able to translate my questions without any other students or a teacher to help me.
Marc Campbell ’85 History of the Beatles, Law Internship, England Trip Taking Mr. Corsica’s History of the Beatles had a huge impact on my life. He brought in an English woman so we had a primary source to enlighten us. We talked history and lyrics and art and, of course, listened to music. This seminar’s teaching model was so impactful that I use the same techniques in my own classroom. Later, on the England Trip I went off by myself to visit Abbey Road Studios and ended up getting inside Studio 2 where Pink Floyd was in the process of recording! My internship with a lawyer got me out in the field to see how they do discovery; we visited the judge’s chamber and spent time in the courtroom. Through the course of a two week trial I saw the whole legal process unfold. It seems to me that the core of Interim honors differentiation and alternative learning, making for incredibly rewarding experiences.
The England trip with Mrs. Breach was my first time abroad and started my love of traveling. It was a very big deal for me in terms of culture and perspective. I loved seeing all the churches. In fact, I still have the scrapbook. Rebeccah Steffensen Schmidt ’03 Grand Canyon Trip Hiking the Grand Canyon is the physical feat I am most proud of; it was the longest, hardest thing I’d ever done, and it spurred my love of outdoor adventure leading me to join the UW-Madison Hoofers (outdoor program) where I eventually met my husband. The trip also reminds me of what special bonds we form with Prairie teachers; Mr. Will was always so patient and encouraging whatever our skill level. In school, how do you add real life experiences? You do things like Interim where the power of relationships and the cycle of nature are intensified.
Catie Johnson ’13 French Trip
Alumni Notes —
1980s
1990s
Karen Corsica ’83, Project Manager at Living Computers: Museum + Labs in Seattle, WA, was instrumental in the design of Totally 80’s Rewind, which opened in March. The exhibit follows a fictional teenager from a computer classroom to a video arcade to a basement rec room, incorporating elements like the Walkman, an answering machine, and a Simon memory game. The exhibit’s classroom lesson is being taught by longtime Prairie educator Jim Corsica, Karen’s father.
Following Hurricane Harvey, Andrew Isaacson ’95, Executive Producer for The Famous Group, helped create an animation package featuring the Houston Strong logo that was featured prominently on the NFL Network and in Times Square.
Stewart Simonsen ’81 was appointed Assistant Director for General Management for the World Health Organization. As stated in the WHO press release announcing the appointments, “The 14-member team includes former ministers of health, some of the world’s leading physicians, scientists and researchers, and programmatic experts in universal health coverage, health emergencies, communicable and non-communicable diseases, climate and environmental health, and women’s, adolescents’ and children’s health.” Simonsen has over twenty years of experience in corporate governance, risk management, and administration spanning government, nongovernmental, and private sectors. Previous positions include Senior Vice President and General Counsel to the Futures Group Global LLC, and most recently, Legal Advisor for the Crudem Foundation, where he served as Legal Counsel to the Foundation and Technical Advisor to its partner hospital in Haiti. Janice Martin ’85 was the big winner at the 2017 Branson Show Awards Gala Event in October. The aerial violinist was named Female Entertainer of the Year, and her show – The Janice Martin Cirque Show – was chosen as Best New Show and Best Matinee Show.
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Ryan Navratil ’99 was named Director of Product for Health iPASS. Health iPASS streamlines the healthcare registration process for patients by allowing them to check-in, review, and edit their personal information, as well as make payments using user-friendly software both at their appointments and following insurance adjudication. Dr. Mukund Venu ’99, Director of Clinical Operations in Loyola Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology, authored a study finding it takes an average of three and a half years to diagnose Celiac Disease in patients who do not report any gastrointestinal symptoms. Venu’s findings were highlighted by The Chicago Tribune on Feb. 19th; the Loyola Medicine study was published in the American Journal of Medicine.
2000s Bear & Bottle, a Madison-area restaurant co-owned by Stephanie Dalbesio ’02 and Tim Thompson, opened in the Village of Maple Bluff in May. It was the latest venture for the business partners – together they own The Library Café & Bar (UW campus), The Free House Pub (Middleton), the Flying Hound (Fitchburg), and Waypoint Public House (Monona). Award-winning chef and author Tim Anderson ’02 published his second cookbook JapanEasy: Classic and Modern Japanese Recipes to Cook at Home (Hardie Grant Books) in September. He was featured in the Chef Chat section of the Jan. 8th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Anderson owns the restaurant Nanban in London. [E]
Greg Bernstein ’03, MD, is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist practicing at Seattle Gastroenterology Associates. He was recently featured on New Day Northwest to discuss Colon Cancer and certain preventative measures people can take. [C] Ryan Grossheim ’05, art director, was a featured artist on the Art Directors Guild website in October. He has recently worked on Grease Live!, Hairspray Live!, and The Good Place. Grossheim is currently working on Hulu’s new Stephen King series, Castle Rock. Myla Dalbesio ’05 was again featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was photographed by Yu Tsai in Aruba. Kayla Matz ’06 is a biochemist teaching chemistry and biology at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Additionally, she is an editor for scienceseeker.org tasked with selecting the world’s best science podcasts for the website. She earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Arizona. Ella Rooney ’09 and her husband Brandon Hall were featured in the Sept. 13th edition of the Wall Street Journal. The story, A Brooklyn Loft Made Sew Affordable, talks about the Brooklyn apartment out of which Rooney runs her custom sewing company, Stichd.
2010s Greta Neubauer ’10 was named State Representative for Assembly District 66 following a special election on Jan. 16th, 2018. Neubauer defeated fellow Prairie School alumnus John Tate ’03 in the Democratic primary last December. She also appeared with 49 other women on the Jan. 29th issue of Time Magazine. All 50 women were running for office for the first time. [B]
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Courtesy of UW-Whitewater Athletics Department
Kelsey Hansen ’12 earned her BA in Exercise Physiology from Concordia University (WI) in 2015. Within the past year, she earned two Master’s Degrees – Master’s of Applied Exercise Science with a dual concentration in Human Movement and Sports Nutrition from Concordia University Chicago, and Master’s of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. In January, the Columbus Crew of the MLS re-signed goalkeeper Logan Ketterer ’12. He was originally selected by the Crew in the fourth round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. (For more on Logan, see page 17.) Ryan Andersen ’13 accepted a full-time music teaching position in the Racine Unified School District, serving as a Suzuki Strings teacher at Jefferson Lighthouse and Band at Dr. Jones Elementary. AJ Albrecht ’11 has opened AJ’s Kitchen Drawer in Tampa. Following his graduation from the University of Tampa in 2016, he spent four months traveling through Southeast Asia and Australia. His love of food and cooking inspired him to open the shop, which focuses on interesting kitchenware items and local gourmet products. [D] Mia Guion ’13 is an Assistant Strategist for PHD Media in Chicago, working closely with the SC Johnson account. Enyo Amet ’14, a senior on the UW-Whitewater track and field team, was one of eleven Warhawks to earn AllMidwest Region accolades from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association this indoor season. She earned All-Region honors in the high jump and 4x400-meter relay. [G] By knocking down a pair of second quarter free throws against Texas Tech in January, Gabbi Ortiz ’14 became just the 35th women’s player in University of Oklahoma history to score 1,000 points for the Sooners.
WEDDINGS Erin Jenkins ’02 married Matt Colianni on August 19th, 2017. Alyssa Scott ’03 married Kris Amy on August 19th, 2017. Brittany Holtermann ’04 married Jamie Neumann on August 25, 2017. James Bukacek ’06 married Brittni Swanson on October 8th, 2017. Anna Castaneda ’06 married Kurt Weiss on September 3rd, 2017. Kelly Tierney ’07 married Brad Schmidt on September 2nd, 2017. Mary Underhill ’09 married Tony Stefka on August 5th, 2017. Members of the wedding party included James Castaneda ’08, Greta Iliev ’08, Carly Ganz ’11, Kat Clark ’08, Matt Evans ’08, Allie Tolaksen ’11, Anna Meier ’09, and Max Zlevor ’09. [A] Elynn Kann ’10 married David Sanchez ’10 on July 29th, 2017. [F] William Spencer ’10 married Luisa Riehle on August 18th, 2017.
STAY IN TOUCH AND SHARE YOUR NEWS You, our Prairie School alumni, are an inspiration to all of us. We would love to hear from you! Share your special news with us, whether it is a new job, a promotion, a special award you have received or some other accomplishment –– we would love share it with others. Please take a minute to fill us in on what is happening in your life so we can print it in the Class Notes section of our alumni publication. Items of interest include. • •
A degree earned A move to a new city
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A new family member (please include child’s full name and date of birth)
Jennifer Schmidt ’14 was crowned Miss Racine in January. A student at the University of WisconsinMadison, she plans to go on to compete for the title of Miss Wisconsin. She was crowned Miss Racine Outstanding Teen in 2012.
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Zane Navratil ’14, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete following the 2017 season. The accounting and economics major is now a three-time honoree.
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Sara Wagers ’17 made Rank 3 trombone in the University of Wisconsin’s Marching Band. She is majoring in Biochemical Engineering.
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A marriage (please include exact wedding date and the full name of your new spouse) An honor received
Your volunteer work
Other news about you or your life
Class notes are published as space permits. The editors of this magazine reserve the right to revise and rewrite items for content and length. Update your address, phone number, email address, profession, family information and anything else you would like to share. To do so, email Brendan O’Brien, Director of Communication, at bobrien@prairieschool.com or use the Update Your Information form in the Alumni section of our website.
Logan Ketterer
Class of 2012 Graduate & Prairie Fund Donor Logan Ketterer, one of the finest players to ever come through Prairie’s storied soccer program, is a Major League Soccer goaltender for the Columbus Crew. Follow him on Twitter at @keeperketterer.
“
Prairie laid the groundwork for a successful career both on and off the field. Seven years at TPS helped me get into a great college and play DI soccer at Bradley University. At Prairie, I learned great study habits and critical thinking skills that allowed me to leave BU with an Accounting Degree in hand while pursuing a professional soccer career. Professional sports requires a lot of analyzing film, looking at spacing, formations, and thinking many steps ahead. You have to be a student of the game, constantly learning and questioning what you know. Prairie helped me learn how to think outside the box and thrive in this environment. In a profession where every single day you are competing for your job, these skills are invaluable. Eventually when my professional career comes to an end, I will be prepared academically for other career choices thanks to my time at Prairie.
Scholar Athlete
Artist
”
Leader
Prairie is committed to developing students as scholars, artists, athletes, and leaders. Each issue we highlight an alumnus excelling in one of these arenas.
Teacher - Mentor - Friend - Coach
Did you love creating art in classes taught by Dave Drewek or Kevin Pearson? Did Jean Weaver jump start your fascination with science? Did Coach Ellis or Coach Owsley teach you the importance of teamwork? Every day the faculty at Prairie continues to impact and inspire Prairie’s students – join us this May as we say Thank You to educators both past and present.
MAY 7-11, 2018
The Brightness Up Ahead Three Prairie students head to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and return ready to lead, learn, rededicate, and deliver
The Journey — By Annli Nakayma ’18 At the 2017 SDLC, 1,600 students from independent schools across the country gathered together to lift each other up, form bonds of friendship, and tackle issues of injustice and inequity through conscious dialogue and deep thought - something I never even considered possible. Over the course of the three days I spent with my “family group” – about 50 students randomly grouped together – I grew in leaps and bounds. Within hours of meeting them, I was sharing insecurities and personal experiences, and discovered that I felt wonderfully at home. My favorite part of the conference were the Affinity Group gatherings which brought me into an amazing family of East Asian-Americans. As a JapaneseAmerican living in Wisconsin, I have never been in the same room as more than maybe ten Asian-American young people, and I certainly didn’t realize how much I needed that moment. I can vividly recall the feeling of wonder that washed over me as I looked around and realized that every single person, of maybe 80+ students, was East Asian-American. Together we discussed a host of different issues, from Asian representation in the media and the fetishizing of our cultures and people, to East Asian privilege and LGBTQ+ issues within our communities. Never in my life have I felt so welcomed; I felt like I belonged, and that I was supported unconditionally by a huge group of people who had been with me for mere minutes. I could comfortably speak to my experiences as an Asian-American and hear a chorus of snapping fingers and verbal agreements and affirmations, as so many of them have experienced the same things I have.
— By Wesley Eaton ’18 We participated in a real-life simulation where everyone in the home group was split into smaller groups of three or four and given a monetary amount between $500 – $900. Each amount came with different responsibility loads. The objective was to get as many social points and save as much money as possible (balancing social status with financial status). This really gave me a better perspective into how many families have to operate by sacrificing much of their social status – avoiding things that are frivolous or unnecessary in favor of things that are truly essential. At the SDLC, I was surrounded by people just like me and it gave me a breath of fresh air. Being able to relate to so many who have gone though some of the same things I have experienced made me feel empowered and hopeful. When it was finally time to go I was sad to leave, but I have taken all of the new information and friendships that were made in the few short days and have brought great ideas to help implement at Prairie.
— By Ayanna Crenshaw ’20 The SDLC experience was life-changing. I heard that expressed in multiple opening speeches and thought it was being exaggerated; it wasn’t. I was in a loving, safe environment full of driven people that go through some of the same things I go through every day. We listened to powerful speeches and had stimulating discussions about race, socioeconomic structure, and ability. Our group facilitator said, “If you want to change the way someone looks at things, you have to touch their heart.” That spoke to me. Sometimes you have to approach the situation differently; you can’t change someone if they aren’t willing to learn from what you have to offer. I was a part of the African American affinity group comprised of over 600 teens, all sharing a common goal of being successful and making positive change. The last time we met, we went out yelling “I’m black, I’m proud, my legacy is loud.” I plan on using the skills and knowledge I learned to impact Prairie in a positive way.
Ayanna (left), Wesley, and Annli outside the conference.
in·ter·im Continued from page 13
Austin Schultz ’04 Internship at Plumb Gold Jewelry It was a chance to go in depth and honor your individuality. Interim influenced the choice of my college major Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. I am now the owner of Plumb Gold in Racine. Kayla Iuliano ’09 Racine Zoo Internship I grew up thinking I wanted to work in a zoo and I volunteered locally. I had no idea how repetitive that work could be. I still loved it but knew right away that I couldn’t make it my career. That led me to focus more on the environment, and I ended up studying environmental health at John Hopkins A very happy trajectory. Ashley Woelbing ’09 Wisconsin Equine Clinic Internship I learned a lot about independence, navigating city housing, and what a first job might be like. Interim gave me the confidence I needed to make it on my own, be responsible for my actions, be independent, and grow as an adult. For my college degree, setting up my two internships was easy while my friends often didn’t know where to begin. Jess Walley ’11 ONE at Optimus (Chicago Production House), LA/Chicago Talent Internship Interim allowed me to explore regional opportunities within commercial production. I got to assist with several shoots in Chicago. I shadowed Liz Shaw ’86 at her talent agency that connects commercial artists with clients and senior year we traveled to LA. Interim helped me understand that the entertainment industry revolves around personal connections and personality. A proactive work ethic is paramount and a positive attitude can lead to many opportunities. Also, I realized that location does matter and developing connections based on your location truly
helps. After Prairie I adjusted my mindset, staying open to different opportunities, and began to think beyond live-action and LA. Today I’m employed by Pixar and Interim laid the foundation for me to get there. Katy Pelton ’12 Child Care Internship I actually ended up working at the child care center where I did my 11th grade Interim. I had so much fun working with the staff and the children, and it reaffirmed my desire to become a childcare provider. This is the only job I’ve had so far, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon! Joey Lange ’13 Wilderness Science Trip, Chicago Software Development I found I yearned for the west – WAY west, as I’d eventually discover – and that I was capable of caring for myself and others. In Chicago I got a taste of city life and independence. I rode the commuter train each day. I also really learned what it took to develop and publish a piece of software. Jennings Leavell ’13 Wisconsin DNR Internship, SC Johnson Entomology Internship The DNR experience gave me a broad look into the environmental field. I was active and engaged, doing culvert assessments, trout surveys, and some public relations. It was an in-depth look at what goes into being a state employed environmental steward. At the SC Johnson Entomology Center, I experienced what it was like to work in a corporate lab with a team, doing product testing and development. One test run for the European market was top secret. In choosing a college I knew I wanted a clear path into active undergrad lab research.
Mary Wagner ’13 Physical Therapy Internship I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist, but during Interim I found occupational therapy suited me. I hadn’t known much about that, so the experience was eye-opening and helped me find my passion and my career. Theo Leavell ’15 SC Johnson Legal Department Internship, Congressional Internship I shadowed a Legal Department member and was in awe of their chemistry as a group; they were always collaborating on projects. The experience made me consider corporate law as a profession. On the Hill I shadowed U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman, going to committee hearings and taking notes at briefings. I gained an understanding of the House as an entity and gained a respect for the legislative process.
Vicki Schmitz, M.F.A
Bulletin Board Material INKTOBER SERVES AS ANOTHER REMINDER OF THE ARTISTIC TALENT AND PASSION PERMEATING PRAIRIE
• Years at Prairie: 2 • Named one of Orange County’s Top 25 teachers in 2014 by the Orange County Register • Attended Klingenstein Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers • Earned her B.A. (Art Education), B.F.A. (Printmaking), and M.F.A. (Art Education) from the University of Northern Iowa (Go Panthers!)
“Prairie is a community filled with
thoughtful
individuals
willing to take on challenges,
— By Brendan J. O’Brien Here’s Vicki Schmitz, art teacher and department chair, wielding a black, unhinged stapler, her back to everyone passing behind her. Don’t be offended. She isn’t ignoring you. She’s just busy harvesting an overflowing bounty of creativity, one that surprisingly blossomed earlier this fall from the seeds of a single discussion. “Shortly after school started a student asked if I was doing Inktober. It sparked a conversation among students in the studio,” says Schmitz. “I was both excited and hesitant. One drawing per day for that many days in a row. It’s…a lot.” Professional illustrator Jake Parker created Inktober as a personal challenge back in 2009. Thirty-one drawings in thirty-one days. Since then, a movement has emerged with artists all over the globe using October as a chance to work on ink drawings. Her students were intrigued; still, Schmitz felt like the challenge might be less daunting if Prairie approached it as a community. She promoted it around campus – flyers on office windows, announcements in The Weekly, Prairie’s digital communication for parents – opening it up to students in all grade levels and staff members. “I thought, let’s invite everyone, make an exhibit wall that can grow throughout the month, and share in the excitement together.”
Grow it did.
explore, and engage in
conversation.”
20 | prairieschool.com
Stretching from the dining room to the SRC, over 400 pieces of original artwork from students, staff, and parents covered the thumbtack-able walls winding past the Prairie glassblowing studio. “I was really pleased when there were a handful of drawings in the first few days,” recalls Schmitz. “Then I just became overwhelmed. More and more drawings from students and faculty was a highlight of each day. I would find people stopped at the wall, taking a look. I’d see conversations between folks who might not normally cross paths. People admiring the talent on display, laughing at clever ideas, and walking away with a smile. People getting enjoyment out of art – that’s always a win in my book.” Prior to arriving at Prairie in the fall of 2016, Schmitz spent over a decade at The Pegasus School in Huntington Beach, CA. She is equal parts passionate and mellow, curious and clever, a demeanor that fits well in a place of constant creativity. “Prairie is a community filled with thoughtful individuals willing to take on challenges, explore, and engage in conversation,” says Schmitz. “Professionally, the community here keeps me striving to improve, and personally, it is rewarding to share in the educational journey with my colleagues and students.” This year, part of that journey focused on a month’s worth of original artwork created in ink; what better medium for a place where the love of art is permanent?
A Variety of At Prairie, the arts are more than a component of the daily curriculum – they are part of our whole community and challenge our students to view the world through a variety of lenses. This year has been no exception. Students have showcased their talents and tapped into their curiosity by engaging in:
The Prairie Visiting Artist Series Once a TPS staple, this newly-rejuvenated program brings worldclass performers and visual artists to campus, offering students direct and meaningful contact with established and emerging professionals. On April 19th, as part of the school’s inaugural Jazz Day, Prairie welcomed Jamey Aebersold for a series of master classes and a concert. Aebersold, music publisher, educator, and jazz saxophonist, is an internationally-renowned resource for jazz education. 22 | prairieschool.com
Ardent Arts The annual concert and gallery event highlighted short performances by symphonic orchestra, jazz, voices, choral, and drama groups, while visual arts students from Middle and Upper School displayed their work.
Drawing and Photo Study Upper School art students traveled to the Milwaukee Zoo for a day of drawing and photographing; later, they used their work from the zoo to create paper animal collages that were displayed in the Upper School hallway.
“ The arts c e l e b ra t e multiple perspectives. One of their large lessons is that there are many ways to see and inter pret the world.” - Elliot Eisner
of Lenses
Students perform in the Grade 7/8 musical, Guys and Dolls, Jr. last November.
Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Field Studies 7th and 8th grade students performing in Guys and Dolls, Jr. attended a professional performance of Guys and Dolls and worked with professional artists on dance, acting, and theatre technique.
The Arts in Milwaukee 5th and 6th grade students traveled to Milwaukee for an art-filled day as they attended a student performance of Esperanza Rising – featuring Mckinley Leinweber ’20 – toured Sculpture Milwaukee, and visited the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Guys and Dolls, Jr. Four capstone performances highlighting students enrolled in the Musical Production cast and technical theatre classes.
The Drowsy Chaperone The spring musical performed by the US Players featured over 60 students in the cast, band and crew.
Follow Prairie Fine Arts on Instagram: @prairieschoolarts.
PRESENTED BY:
APRIL 28,
2018
Dinner | Dancing | Games | Live & Silent Auctions
www.prairieschool.com/premiere
Join us in celebrating Bonnie Benes!
FRIEND COACH LEADER TEACHER BADGER VOLUNTEER MENTOR
rEUNION WEEKEND J U N E
FRIDAY SATURDAY
8 - 9
UPPER SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT
Celebrate the Class of 2018 as they become our newest alumni!
TOURS OF PRAIRIE BONNIE’S BBQ BASH Join graduates of all years, current Prairie families, and past Prairie parents to honor Bonnie Benes.
Visit PrairieSchool.com/reunion for more info
From the Heart Emotional and physical wellness:
Some of Prairie’s youngest students learned important lessons about both earlier this spring. In February, Primary and Middle School students met with their Upper School buddies – such meetings are commonplace throughout the school year as part of Prairie’s Buddy Program – to make Valentine’s Day cards for local nursing home residents. In March, the 1st through 4th grades participated in Jump Rope for Heart, raising nearly $10,000 for the American Heart Association.
26 | prairieschool.com
lead jump
love
THANK YOU DONORS! Last November, The Prairie School shattered its #GivingTuesday goal of fifty gifts in honor of the fifty spaces and places where our students learn and grow here on campus. From hands-on curriculum to performing arts to clubs and co-curriculars, the philanthropy of our donors lives on in the learning and leadership of our 635 students. A special shoutout to the following #GivingTuesday supporters: •
First donor after midnight: James Kettinger Jr. ’06
First alumnus donor by decade: •
70s: Dan Becker ’72
•
80s: Jonathon Ramos ’85
•
90s: Jeremy Stump ’96
•
00s: Brian Glines ’08
•
10s: Anastasia Rab ’11
•
First alumni parent donors: Jim and Marie Andreucci
Thank you to everyone – both on #GivingTuesday and throughout the year – who has supported Prairie. This would not be the exceptional place it is without your support.
28 | prairieschool.com
REMEMBERING MRS. JOHNSON Details are what define us. They are threads sewn into our life’s fabric, weaving in and out to create a picture revealing our passions, our aspirations, the people and the things most important to us. Mrs. Johnson’s canvas is highlighted by its depth and luminosity, like the immense ocean waters or star-filled skies that always stirred her spirit. And while so many of her pursuits came alive against these wondrous landscapes, perhaps no project piqued her curiosities or filled her with more pride than Prairie. Cherokee red floors, brick walls, and navy blazers; students eager to explore and create in the classroom, art room, and garden; Prairie’s mission and purpose on display through acts of community service and authentic, dynamic conversations. These details illustrate what our founder will always represent: inspiring hearts and minds through kindness and determination, a woman who showed us all what is possible when daring to dream.
— By Callie Atanasoff
4050 Lighthouse Drive Wind Point, WI 53402
DISCLAIMER: As always, we appreciate hearing from you and welcome your input, contributions, comments and suggestions. Information in this publication is presented in good faith. Please email the school or send your feedback to us at breuwer@prairieschool.com. To guarantee delivery, update your mailing information by contacting us at breuwer@prairieschool.com. Please call 262.752.2532 if you no longer wish to receive this publication.