A year ago, graduating seniors were counting the days until the last day. Then a once-in-a-century tragedy brought everything to a halt. This year, seniors are again counting the days. And while it has been a most unprecedented school year, with a myriad of challenges, our students and staff continue to rise to excellence. A South High School student and teacher are among the recipients of Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships or awards.

Nominated by their teachers and peers, the recipients represent the resilience of spirit in the Sheboygan Area School District.

Senior Corinne Pfeifer was recognized as an Excellence Scholar. Excellence scholars have demonstrated excellence in the academic and high motivation to achieve, have displayed a broad range of activity and leadership outside the academic setting, and have shown strong promise for succeeding in college and beyond. Only 100 Wisconsin high school students are selected for this scholarship each year.

“Corinne is a role model for her peers,” wrote Spanish Teacher Liz Cordeiro in her recommendation letter. “She is kind and outgoing. I know whatever field of study she chooses, she will be successful.”

Lori Katte, a Special Education teacher at South High, was honored with a Teacher Fellowship, which also automatically makes her a candidate for the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year program. She is among only 100 teachers chosen statewide for this honor.

“Lori is a relentless advocate for special education students in our school,” wrote South High Associate Principal Josh Kestell in his recommendation letter. “She will challenge the status quo and ask tough questions with the purpose of removing the barriers that may prevent a student from learning. I am very proud to have her in my school, as her professional and personal drive to support students every day is contagious. Furthermore, she makes us all strive to be better educators.”

Awards of $6,000 are given to the teacher and schools, and a $10,000 scholarship will be given to the graduating high school student.

The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was established by Herb Kohl, philanthropist and businessman, in 1990. Currently in its 30th year of recognizing educational excellence, the foundation has awarded $20.9 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students and schools. Click here to learn more https://www.kohleducation.org/.