This year the Elmbrook School District reaches 50 years of providing education to kindergarten through twelfth grade students in Southeastern Wisconsin. In order to commemorate this milestone, several events took place in Brookfield on Aug. 22 and 23 and the Elmbrook Education Foundation is continuing to hold a fundraising campaign.
Starting at seven p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, the Brookfield Central and Brookfield East varsity football teams kicked off the celebrations with non-conference games. Central, whose seniors dressed in fishing gear, played against Whitefish Bay and was defeated 6-20, while East beat St. Catherine’s 48-13. Both were home games and honored their respective alumni.
The anniversary celebrations continued the following morning with a 5k run/walk held at Wirth Park at nine. Despite the rainy weather, many activities were held for alumni, Elmbrook supporters, and their families throughout the rest of the day. Several games, including soccer, basketball, and softball, were available for adults. Children played on the inflatable slides and obstacle courses and enjoyed activities, such as a dunk tank featuring Principal Gruetzmacher, set up in the park. Volunteers supporting the 50th Anniversary served beverages and snacks to attendees.
After the park activities wrapped up, the celebration picked up again at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center. Several tents were set up on the premises and highlighted the history of the district as well as notable educators, alumni, and community members. Local restaurants provided food and drinks at the Taste of Elmbrook, another festivity which the event included that evening.
The 2014 Spotlight Awards, which were given in honor of the anniversary, recognized three alumni, four educators, and four community supporters for their accomplishments and contributions to the district and community. A committee chose the winners from nominations sent in to the district. The winners are as follows: Dr. Jill Siegfried, Mr. Ted Kanavas, and Mr. Tom Grisa as alumni; Mr. Don Siegfried, Ms. Sherry Power, Mrs. Amy Jacobson, and Mr. Rick Domach as educators; and Stir Crazy, the Trace-A-Matic Corporation, KHS, and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare as community partners.
Award-winner Mr. Tom Grisa said, “Being selected to be featured as a 2014 Spotlight Award Winner as part of the Elmbrook School District’s 50th Anniversary celebration is an honor and quite humbling. In all candor it was a bit embarrassing to be selected since there are so many other alumni who have accomplished so much more in their careers and in service back to the community. My service as a School Board member and work as a public employee for the City were highlighted in the information about this award, and to that end this award represents the gratitude we have for all those who work as public servants, whether that be teachers and coaches, police officers and firefighters, or administrators and front line employees. These are very public ways of serving others, but there are also many other ways that aren’t quite as visible, including all the alumni who have gone on to become medical professionals, military veterans, pastors, inventors, business owners, pro athletes, etc. who enrich our lives and our community by their service. I would love to hear more of their stories and take pride in the success of all those who have attended the Elmbrook School District. But let’s not wait another 50 years to do so.”
Although the celebrations have ended, the Elmbrook Education Foundation is still honoring the anniversary. Its $50 for 50 More Years campaign is asking for endowments made by supporters of the Elmbrook School District and community. The money will go towards the future of the district and the continuation of its vision and service during the next 50 years.
Donations can be made at www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com