Waukesha Students And Teachers Recognized By 2023 Herb Kohl Awards

WAUKESHA, WI — Hundreds of students, teachers and school principals across Wisconsin, including several in Waukesha, learned Thursday that they were the recipients of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2023 Student Excellence and Initiative, Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards.

The graduating high school students who were selected will each get a $10,000 scholarship. The educational foundation said the winning students have shown academic excellence plus a broad range of activities and leadership in their community. Meanwhile, teachers who were recognized for their service inside and outside of the classroom will receive a $6,000 award, according to a news release from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

Several principals across the state were also recognized for high standards of instruction, achievement and character, and creating a climate to best serve students, families and the community, the award foundation said. The 16 principals who were selected will also receive an award of $6,000.

“Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” said former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl in a news release.“These student, teacher, and principal award recipients have demonstrated incredible hard work, achievements, and service. I congratulate them all and hope this award not only helps them in their individual pursuits but also reminds them to pay it forward in the future.”

Here are the winners from Waukesha:

• Student Initiative Scholars:
  • Hannah Smith, Catholic Memorial High School.
• Teacher Fellows:
  • Kristin Cudzewicz, of Greenfield, at Butler Middle School in Waukesha.
  • Allyson Gonzalez, of Waukesha, at Les Paul Middle School in Waukesha.
  • Allison Schamburek, of New Berlin, at South High School in Waukesha.
• Principal Leaders:
  • Taheréh DeLeón, of Waukesha, at Hawthorne Elementary in Waukesha.

Across the state, 306 students, teachers and administrators were recognized by the 2023 awards, the news release said. A statewide committee consisting of civic leaders, educational association representatives, and other sponsors and state officials selected the award winners.