Students, teachers earn praise at SFHS Top Ten Banquet

The sixth annual Top Ten Banquet was recently held at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms. This was an evening dedicated to recognizing the top 10 students of the Class of 2010 who have excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, community service achievements, and they were given the opportunity to honor their most influential teacher.

The students shared reasons as to why their influential teacher was special and then both student and teacher were presented with a plaque to remind them of this unique time in their lives.

“These students have all been on the Honor Society and have excelled in everything they have been involved in,” said Principal Dr. Chester “Bud” Pulaski. “This exceptional group has a 3.954 grade point average between them. They are all headed toward being professional men and women.”

Nathan Brown is the son of Frederick and Lori and plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in kinesiology. His career goal is to become a physical therapist, and his most influential teacher is William Davis, science.

“There are many things, about Mr. Davis, that appeal to me as a student,” Brown said. “First and foremost is his intelligence. There has not been a time, in any of my years as a student, where he has failed to explain the concepts extremely thoroughly.

“Another thing is the course he teaches,” Brown continued. “As a prospective physical therapist, chemistry and physics courses are right in line with what I hope to be studying in college.

“Beyond the curriculum, his style of teaching is something that makes him unique,” Brown said. “He has really challenged me to think at a higher level.

“Mr. Davis isn’t a teacher who is just going to give out the answers,” Brown added. “He sees value in learning to problem solve independently.”

Sara Fisher is the daughter of William and Lynn and plans to attend UW-Eau Claire in the fall. Her career choice is still undecided, but her most influential teacher is Gwen Pribek, math.

“I had Ms. Pribek for three years and she was not only my most influential, but my favorite,” Fisher said. “She inspired me to take life seriously and though I’m still undecided for the future, math could be a possibility.

“She did help me decide on a college and taught me good study methods,” Fisher added. “She is not only a great teacher but a wonderful person.”

Spencer Hurlburt, son of Joy Sippel, plans to attend UW-Madison and major in music. His goal is to become a music teacher and eventually a principal. His most influential teacher is Keith Binversie, social studies.

“Mr. Binversie is extremely disciplined and fair,” Hurlburt said, “and he can keep the students interested and that’s not always easy in social studies.

“What kept us interested is his astounding enthusiasm about history,” Hurlburt explained. “This excitement is what kept us wanting to come back to his class, and he taught us that you get out what you put into an education.”

Hannah Geise, daughter of Peter and Patty, plans to attend UW-Madison to pursue a career in journalism and her goal is to get a job in a media-related field. Her most influential teacher is Patricia Deibert, science.

“Mrs. Deibert’s genuine thirst of knowledge is something that I greatly admire about her, and her love of learning has been transferred to me,” Geise said. “I admire her and respect her. She is someone who values honesty, fairness and hard work.

“She continues to challenge herself and her students and believes that learning doesn’t stop, no matter how old you are,” Geise continued. “She was tough but a good teacher and taught us that the next plateau isn’t so bad.”

Brianna Nack is the daughter of Jeffrey and Roberta. She plans to attend UW-Whitewater to pursue a degree in business then work for a multinational corporation. After gaining experience, she’d like to manage a nursing home for Alzheimer’s patients. Her most influential teacher is Dawn Hogue, English.

“As my English teacher, yearbook advisor and friend, Ms. Hogue has taught me both in and out of the classroom,” Nack said. “She has helped me understand the importance of education and knowledge and has influenced me in more ways than are possible to mention.”

Ashley Entringer, daughter of Paul and Sandy, plans to attend UW-Madison with no major at this time, but plans to excel in whichever career path she decides to take. She has chosen Jesse Dochnahl, instrumental music, as her most influential teacher.

“Mr. Dochnahl’s energy and sense of humor make the class fun,” Entringer said. “His passion for exploring new kinds of music and new styles of music and unique pieces was introduced to the band.

“He helped us to make each performance breathtaking, and he wants to help make his students succeed,” Entringer pointed out. “My progress wouldn’t have happened without his enthusiasm.”

Jessica Strittmater is the daughter of Terry and Susan. She plans to attend UW-Madison as a business major, and her goal is to find a job related to the business field in a big city. Her most influential teacher is Graig Stone, business.

“Mr. Stone helped to influence me to go into business,” Strittmater said. “He showed me everything that revolves around business.

“He has made learning enjoyable with his laid-back way,” Strittmater continued, “and tells me to figure things out instead of just him giving us the answer.”

Evan Grossen is the son of Jodi and Jim and plans to attend Lakeland College pursuing a degree in business. His most influential teacher is Mark Thompson, social studies.

“It’s an honor to be here, and it’s hard to pick just one teacher to honor because we’re lucky to have a great group of teachers at Sheboygan Falls High School,” Grossen said.

“Mr. Thompson makes the information very interesting, and it’s not easy to make history interesting,” Grossen commented. “The Mock Trial was a good learning tool and a great experience.

“Mr. Thompson is able to talk with students about other things and because of his hard work that will make us successful,” Grossen said. “I thank him and all the teachers for their professionalism and dedication.”

Hayley Schnell, daughter of Ginny and Don, will be attending UW-Madison where she will be majoring in biology and Spanish. After she obtains her bachelor’s degrees, she hopes to attend medical school. Her most influential teacher is Laura Dell, Spanish.

“Prof. Dell has not only been a teacher, but an advisor of multiple clubs I am involved in, a mentor and a friend,” Schnell said. “Her class is more than just learning a language. She teaches tolerance of all different kinds of people, having an open mind, giving respect to others despite differences you may have, and embracing all that the world has to offer.”

Marie Kettler is the daughter of Susan and David and plans to attend UW-Madison for dairy science and then go to vet school in Madison after she finishes her undergraduate work. Her most influential teacher is Bruce Brunner, agriculture.

“I admire Mr. Brunner for what he has done for me and the class,” Kettler said. “He teaches me what really counts, and those things have helped me to realize that in the end, the right people will eventually be the ones to get recognized,” Kettler continued.

“He taught us to stay positive and a lot of other great life lessons,” Kettler added.

The closing comments that Nathan Brown expressed about his influential teacher seem to sum up what was felt by all of the students.

“I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such a great learning community at Sheboygan Falls High School,” Brown said, “and I am so glad that I have had the opportunity tonight to thank one of my teachers who has been influential to me throughout high school.”