alumni notes

Ruud Family Foundation Al and Patty Ruud Chris Ruud ’89 and Chantil Ruud SC Johnson SC Johnson Giving, Inc. John Seiber JoAnn and Don Selmo Mr. Douglas Shimp and

Mrs. Shakila Manogaran Shimp ’86 Shorewest Realtors Specialty Underwriters LLC Tim and Mary Jo Sullivan State Farm Insurance - Brian Ketterer The Swedberg Family Wei Tao and Jing Wu Ms. Allison Thornbrugh Thrivent Financial - Vantage Financial Partners Truck Country of Wisconsin - Oak Creek Twin Disc, Inc. Marcey Uday-Riley Varitay Studios Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Venn Mr. and Mrs. J. Joseph Veranth ’80 Vrakas CPAs and Advisors Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wagner ’87 Andrea and Thomas Ware Mr. Thomas Ware ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Will Paula and Paul Wokwicz Mr. Jeffrey Wolf and Dr. Lisa Wolf Aneta and Brian Zafonte Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Zlevor

1990s

Denise (Shadrick) Olskinke ’90 was honored by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents with an Academic Staff Excellence Award from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Given annually to non-instructional staff members at UW System schools in recognition of exceptional service, she was recognized for her “Continuous and unflagging support” of Parkside, including her work in directing the Parkside Access to College Credit program, collaborating with the Army ROTC, and helping to secure a 3-year grant from the Department of Education. [B]

Released this summer, Suzanne Jamieson Selmo ’98’s new kids’ album Bounce was co-written and produced by the triple Grammy-nominated children’s band, The Pop Ups. “As my kids grew over the last few years I was challenged with how to teach them tools for happiness and success I picked up in life and in my study of yoga philosophy,” Jamieson says on her website, www.suzannejamiesonsings.com. “Practices like grit, resilience, optimism, thought stopping, gratitude, looking for the good, and following intuition are researched and proven markers for self-esteem, success, and happiness. I knew for this new album, the music had to be current, fun, buoyant. Straight Bops. So, I sought out The Pop Ups. We honed the lyrics, re-wrote the music, and came up with this album.” [A]

2000s

After competing in the American Ninja Warrior Seattle Qualifier in Season 11 (2019), Brittany Holterman ’04 was recruited to again participate in Season 12 of NBC’s popular competition series. She is the owner of Legacy Gym in Milwaukee where she serves her clients as a MovNat (MCT) and American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer. [C] Lauren Bernstein ’08 is a voiceover actor living in New York City. She has appeared in commercials for Garnier Fructis, Movado, and many more. Visit her online at www.thelaurenberstein.com. [D]

2010s

Lauren Chars ’14 earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy this spring from Butler University, graduating with High Achievement with Distinction.

Zane Navratil ’14, winner of three straight WIAA singles tennis championships at Prairie, is an emerging pickleball star. Currently ranked No. 6 in the world (Gentleman’s Singles) by Pickleball Global, he has earned sponsorships and recently quit his office job to become a traveling instructor while competing nationally. Navratil’s professional highlights this far include winning the Midwest Regional tournament in both singles and doubles in 2018 and 2019, and taking home the bronze in mixed doubles and a sixth-place finish in men’s singles at the 2019 U.S. Open.

This summer, David Reske ’16 was hired to teach 4th Grade at his alma mater: The Prairie School. Reske earned his Education Degree from Marquette University. Last spring, he student-taught in Prairie’s 3rd Grade with Kathryn LaLonde and Sophia Penkala. What is it like being back at TPS?

“Honestly, it’s as if I never really left,” he says. “During college I stayed in touch with many of the teachers at Prairie and was able to use them as valuable mentors as I was starting my classroom teacher training. During my student teaching experience, I observed and taught for some of the best teachers Prairie has to offer. It has been a fantastic place to begin my career, with dedicated teachers and a supportive group of parents that together make Prairie so special. I was very blessed to be able to attend Prairie as a student, and now hope to give my students the same excellent experience I received.” [E] Felipe Ramos ’17 recently released a single, Bright, with Sony Music under the name Ipe [ee-pay]. Originally from Rio De Janiero, Brazil, Ramos is currently studying Music Business at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.

Madeline DeCheck ’17 graduated from Madison Area Technical College this spring with a degree in Interior Design. Her work was recently featured on the school’s Facebook page. She hopes to pursue a career in residential or commercial design.

BIRTHS

Michelle (Boero) Farruggia ’03 and husband Peter welcomed Alexander Robert Farruggia on April 20th, 2020. [F]

A B

C D

E F

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