Build the Future Foundation seeks nominations for Wall of Fame

KEWAUNEE – The Build the Future Foundation is seeking nominations for its Wall of Fame, a way to recognize alumni of the Kewaunee School District who have made significant achievements or contributions to the community.

“A lot of the alumni that have been recognized have made such an impact in our communities or within the business realm…” said Jamie Pagel Witcpalek, president of the Build the Future Foundation. “Some have been coaches and volunteers and the reasons why some of the things happen in our community.”

Since 2002, the Wall of Fame has honored alumni including Paul Jadin, former mayor of Green Bay; C.D. Buzz Besadny, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Jerry Augustine, former MLB player; Jack Novak, former NFL player; Roger Krohn, a two-time world champion cheesemaker; and Terry Albrecht, CEO of Packer Fastener and former board chairman of the Greater Green Bay YMCA.

“There’s a lot of amazing people who have made a difference and an impact in our community and in other communities as well,” Pagel Witcpalek said.

Each year since 2002, two to four individuals are honored at the Wall of Fame banquets.

The deadline for nominations to be considered for this year’s Wall of Fame is June 30.

Nominees should be a Kewaunee graduate that graduated at least 20 years ago and has attained a high achievement, done something to better humanity or otherwise made a difference.

The Build the Future Foundation exists to “help to build excellence in the Kewaunee Public Schools by providing additional resources,” the organization’s mission statement reads.

“It was established in 2002 by Barb Lundgren, who saw an opportunity to support the school beyond its funding limitations,” Pagel Witcpalek said. “While the school made the most of its available resources, there were still important updates and improvements that needed attention.”

Today, teachers in the Kewaunee School District have the opportunity to apply for mini grants through the Build the Future Foundation.

“The purpose of the mini grants is to provide resources for creative and innovative programming for students, to provide resources for unique learning experiences for students or to provide resources to expand student activities that support learning the state standards and district benchmarks,” Pagels Witcpalek said.

More information about the Build the Future Foundation and Wall of Fame nominations can be found at kewaunee.k12.wi.us/page/build-the-future-foundation.