There’s no place like home. Just ask the 34 graduates of Sheboygan Falls High School who returned to work in the district.
“I had always pictured myself teaching back in my hometown and luckily all the pieces fell into place,” says 2002 graduate and now 8th grade teacher Tamara Cotter. “I feel like I am right where I am meant to be.”
All of the returned alumni have fond memories of their own student days in Sheboygan Falls.
“My Sheboygan Falls education allowed me the opportunity to learn how to start and build positive relationships, develop a hard work ethic, and learn information and skills that have bettered my life.” recalls Brian Berlin, a 1996 graduate who is now associate principal of his old high school.
There were memorable teachers and classes.
“My experiences with Sheboygan Falls teachers was always very positive and impactful,” recalls high school math teacher Deb Hasler, a 1984 graduate. “The teachers in the Sheboygan Falls School District inspired me to become an educator.”
Cotter remembers writing a paper about wanting to become a teacher for her first grade teacher, Mrs. Klock. Speech and language therapist Sheila Kloepping, a 1996 graduate, remembers learning language arts in high school from Dawn Hogue.
There were also fond memories of extra-curricular activities like band trips to Florida, winning state with a girls’ volleyball team, building homecoming floats and going to Madison for a student council trip, among many others.
“Even though I grew up in a small town, I had a well-rounded education through academics, music opportunities and extra curriculars,” says Gina Koene, a 1995 graduate who now teaches elementary special education.
Indeed, the small town atmosphere is what drew many of the returnees to come back and not only work but also live in Sheboygan Falls.
“I chose to move back to Sheboygan Falls after graduating from UW-Green Bay because I love the small town, community vibe that Sheboygan Falls gives. I love that we, the community members, are able to make long-lasting connections,” says Megan Kautzer, a 2003 graduate who is not a district employee but who runs the YMCA Day Care Program housed at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School.
Kautzer and the other returnees also share a desire to give back to the community that gave them so much.
“This district is amazing and I feel blessed to be a part of it as a therapist, mother, and community member,” Kloepping says simply.
It’s good to be home.
READ MORE about Sheboygan Falls grads who found employment in their hometown.