New teachers begin school year with quest to instill valuable learning and life lessons to their students

As a new school year begins, new faces abound in the Cadott, Cornell and Lake Holcombe school districts, and not just in students. Joining the teaching staff from all walks of life, are educators determined to make a difference in the lives of youth. Cadott Josh Blaeser High School Math/Work Study Math teacher Josh Blaeser comes to Cadott, after serving on the faculty at CVTC, with an experienced background as a distance learning coordinator, academic adviser and mental health counselor. He’s originally from Eau Claire, graduating from Memorial High School, before attending St Mary’s University, for a master’s of instruction, and Metropolitan State University, majoring in public relations, with an ethnic studies minor. “I became a teacher to advocate for students and to support students, who may not have had a positive learning experience,” said Blaeser. “My goal is to help students see how math is used in their everyday lives, and the value it can provide in daily life events.” Outside of school, Blaeser’s family consists of his wife, son, three dogs and many beef cattle. “Something interesting about me, is that I have an amazing wife and son, whom I get to travel the U.S. with, showing cattle everywhere we go,” he said. Jenny Denzine High School Special Ed Jenny Denzine has a lot of experience in special education, with a desire to help people on their journeys through school, and building positive relationships and mutual respect. “My grandmother was a teacher and I loved that she always taught us things in nature,” said Denzine. “She truly loved helping kids and I wanted to do the same.” Denzine comes from Thorp, originally, graduating from there in 1991, before attending CVTC, for administrative assistant, then UW-Stout, with a BA in career technical education and training. She also has American Board Certification in Cross Cat special education. Outside of school, Denzine spends time with her husband, three children, a dog and a cat, while she was also a worship leader and church pianist for many years, starting at the early age of 16. Kaitlyn Eyerly Middle/High School Counselor Kaitlyn Eyerly is not new to Cadott, but she is in a new position this year, after previously being the elementary school counselor. Eyerly will now act as the high school counselor of academic and career planning, scheduling, student academic and career advising, academic intervention and academic skill development. She graduated from Cadott, in 2017, then received a bachelor’s of science in human development and family studies, with a concentration in family life education and a master’s of science in school counseling, from UW-Stout “I knew I wanted to be an advocate for kids who don’t fit the mold and may not thrive in the traditional school setting,” she said. “I also wanted to bridge the gap between the school, families and the community, to really help kids find their niche and build skills they didn’t know they were capable of.” Eyerly wants to find opportunities for students to see what is available in Cadott, and in the surrounding communities. “Many kids struggle to see the real world application of the classes they are taking, so allowing them to see it and talk with schools, employers, former students, etc., can really tie it together,” she said. Outside of school, Eyerly enjoys fitness, spending time with family and friends, and thrifting, while she got married to her husband just this past August. Maisy Haas Middle School Paraprofessional As a middle school paraprofessional, Maisy Haas wants to celebrate every success, whether it’s big or small. “Helping kids grow and learn makes me feel fulfilled,” she said. Haas is originally from Osseo-Fairchild, graduating there in 2018, before attending UW-Eau Claire, for psychology. Outside of school, she likes music, reading and crafting, and has a fiancé and two cats. Brady Hetke Middle/High School PE No questionnaire was returned. Justin Karkula Activities Director Serving as the new activities director, Justin Karkula was previously the assistant wrestling coach at UW-Eau Claire. Originally from Oshkosh, he graduated there in 2012, then attended UW-Eau Claire, for movement studies and exercise science. “I love allowing kids to reach their potential and giving them the tools to do so,” he said. Karkula also enjoys wrestling, and spending time with his wife and three dogs. He also has some impressive stats to boast about. “I have wrestled and scored on two Olympic freestyle medalists,” he said. Adrianne Kelly Special Ed No questionnaire was returned. Jennifer Knox First Grade Jennifer Knox is passionate about making a difference in children’s lives, which is why she’s taught 4K, kindergarten, second and fourth-grade, and now, first grade. “I plan to build relationships with my students and families, to help each child be successful,” said Knox. “I plan to use my knowledge of explicit instruction and science of reading, to guide my students in their learning journey.” Knox grew up close to Cadott, coming from Boyd, and graduating with the Class of 2007, from Stanley-Boyd. She then attended UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire, with a dual degree in early childhood special education and general education. Outside of school, she and her boyfriend are raising five kids, along with cats, chickens and pigs. “I love to bake sourdough and make/can foods from our garden,” said Knox. Christian Lasac Middle School Language Arts No questionnaire was returned. April Mathison Special Ed/Hornet Care Director April Mathison is not new to Cadott, and is very wellknown, both in and out of the school. She’s served as an early childhood special education teacher in the past, but is now also the new Hornet Care director. She grew up in Stanley, but considers Cadott her hometown now. Mathison graduated high school in 2000, then attended UW-La Crosse and UW-Stout, for early childhood education, then UW-Superior, for a master’s in special education. “I am so excited to develop the Hornet Care program, because there is a constant need for quality childcare in our community,” said Mathison. “I want to ensure that kids have a fun and safe place to be, before, during and after school hours, and in the summer.” Outside of school, she likes attending sporting events – those in Cadott, and Wisconsin Badgers volleyball. She and her husband have two children, a dog and a cat. Amy Rothbauer Special Ed Director/Pupil Services Director No questionnaire was returned. Kaylee Rudnick Special Ed No questionnaire was returned. Megan Sedivy Third Grade This is Sedivy’s third year teaching at Cadott, first, with first grade, now, with third grade. She’s also on the Hornet Hooray Celebrations Team, which plans schoolwide celebrations that take place once a month. Sedivy graduated from Cadott, in 2019, then went on to attend UW-Eau Claire. She wanted to become an educator, because of the experience she had volunteering in a first-grade classroom, as a senior in high school. “Being in that environment showed me how impactful early education can be and how much of a difference a supportive, caring teacher can make in a child’s life,” said Sedivy. “The best part was seeing each student grow, build confidence and get excited about learning – and I realized I wanted to be part of that every day.” As a third-grade writing teacher, she wants to implement a classroom environment that encourages confidence, creativity and a growth mindset. “My goal is for students to view writing as something more than an academic task – a way to express themselves and share their ideas,” she said. “Ultimately, I want students to leave the classroom feeling proud of their writing.” When not in school, Sedivy likes refurbishing furniture, going for walks, boating, water skiing, riding UTVs and spending time outdoors. Kerri Shakal Middle School Special Ed While not new to the district, Kerri Shakal has shifted what she’s doing at the school. Formerly a special education paraprofessional for the last 13 years, Shakal is now a middle school special education teacher. She graduated from Cadott, in 1999, then attended UW-River Falls, Lakeland University and Grand Canyon University “I wanted to become a teacher, because I believe education has the power to make a difference in students’ lives and I want to be the person who encourages, supports and inspires them to reach their full potential,” she said. “Every child will be celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the table in my classroom...it will be a safe place for all.” Outside of her school days, Shakal loves spending time with her two cats, a good iced coffee and a good book to read. Zack Sirny Middle/High School Assistant Principal Switching from physical education and athletic director, to assistant middle/high school assistant principal, Zack Sirny has a pulse on what’s happening in the district. He’s also the blended learning coordinator and assistant wrestling coach, which is only natural, as he won a State championship his senior year in high school. Sirny is originally from Wild Rose, graduating in 2012, before attending UW-Eau Claire and Viterbo University. “My physical education teacher in high school was a positive role model for me going through school,” he said. “He held himself and others to a very high standard, and expected everyone’s best effort.” He plans on creating a positive learning environment for all students, monitoring student behavior, attendance and grades consistently throughout the school year. “Our students will be held to a high standard and given the opportunity to grow when they make a mistake,” said Sirny. “I will strive to be a positive role model, that not only speaks it, but lives it.” When not in school, Sirny is busy with his wife, two sons and their dog, and also hunts, fishes, and plays corn hole and sports. Nicole Stienmetz High School Paraprofessional No questionnaire was returned. Kayley Tollefson Paraprofessional No questionnaire was returned. Julie Welch Paraprofessional Julie Welch has come back home, to be an elementary special education paraprofessional, after graduating from Cadott, in 1982. She worked for 40 years, in healthcare, before retiring from that last year. “I have always loved working with children,” she said. Welch wanted to be a teacher growing up, but life took her down different paths. Now, she’s able to fulfill her dream at her hometown school and tell her students about how she got there. “I told my daughters to never stop learning and that’s what I tell the kids here at school,” said Welch. “I will be a lifer student.” Outside of school, she trains her canine companion to be a therapy dog, loves plants, being out in nature and rockhounding. She also has two adult daughters who live in other towns, as well as two cats. Hailey Wendlant Paraprofessional Hailey Wendlant comes to Cadott, as a paraprofessional, providing extra support for the students. She’s originally from Watford City, N.D., graduating there just this past spring, while pursuing a degree at Grand Canyon University, for elementary education. Having worked with an after-school program, she knew education was in the cards. “I want to create a fun and safe environment for every student, to obtain the best education possible,” said Wendlant. Outside of school hours, she has three dogs, and enjoys traveling and exploring new places. She’s also been in the top three in multiple different archery competitions. Cornell Daniel Ellair Middle/High School Math Daniel Ellair is serving as the middle/high school math teacher, after graduating from his hometown of Sheybogan, in 2021. He then attended UW-Eau Claire, receiving his bachelor’s of science. “Throughout middle and high school, I really enjoyed math, I had some really great math teachers and I especially enjoyed helping others,” he said. “I also really like that teaching is different every day. Every day is very unique and I never find myself bored.” Ellair plans to bring a ton of energy to the classroom, to keep the kids interested in the work. “Students won’t have a desire to learn, if I don’t show a desire to teach,” he said. “If the students are entertained, they’re going to want to pay more attention anyway and will learn at the same time.” Outside of school, Ellair likes singing, board games and theater, while he’s also been to five countries outside the US., and once commentated for a 12-hour lawn mower endurance race. Allison Kurth Middle/High School Language Arts Allison Kurth comes to Cornell, as the seventh through 11th-grade English language arts teacher and serves as the assistant volleyball coach. Originally from Marengo, Ill., she graduated high school in 2019, then attended UW-Oshkosh. “I grew up surrounded by the education field, because my dad (Dan Schirmer) has been a career and tech ed teacher for 25 years,” she said. “I always knew that I wanted to make a positive impact on children, just like my dad.” Kurth isn’t the type of teacher to sit and lecture in front of students for the full class period. “In my class, students are out of their seats, collaborating with others, participating in discussions and thinking creatively,” said Kurth. “I thoroughly enjoy getting students to be intrigued by the topics in class and having them feel comfortable to be themselves in my classroom.” Outside of teaching, she enjoys going to garage sales, camping, reading, vacationing, spending time with family and taking a good power nap. She and her husband share two dogs and are exited to welcome their first baby, later this year. “I would say I am a pretty outgoing person,” said Kurth. “I enjoy public speaking, making others laugh and sharing my positivity with others.” Lake Holcombe Liam Casey Band Director Liam Casey is relatively new to the area, after growing up in Eden Prairie, Minn., then attending UW-Eau Claire, finishing there this year. Now, Casey serves as the band teacher in Lake Holcombe, where he wants to share music with as many people as he can. “My experience with band in school was absolutely life changing – I met my closest friends, made valuable memories, grew as a person and found a passion to pursue in life,” he said. “My goal is to give that same experience to other people.” In the classroom, Casey wants his students to have input, and to foster a fun and welcoming culture. “When students feel like their voices are important, it creates a collaborative and productive environment,” said Casey. When not in school, Casey spends time with his girlfriend and two cats, while watching movies, cooking/baking, playing video games and chess, fashion and watching football. Kensie Hughes School Nurse No questionnaire was returned.