In the heart of De Pere, Wisconsin, a community-driven effort is underway to shape the future of education and economic growth. As West De Pere High School prepares for an upcoming referendum, the school recently opened its doors to a group of influential business leaders, sparking a dynamic conversation about the intersection of education and industry. This strategic gathering represents a significant step forward for the community, as stakeholders work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future for generations to come. By bringing together the expertise of local business leaders and the innovative spirit of the school, West De Pere High School is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in education and community development.
Leadership and Networking Opportunities
The Wisconsin Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) hosted their state leadership conference at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay, welcoming over 2,300 students and their advisers to network and compete in over 70 business and IT-related events. This event is a significant part of the school’s commitment to preparing students for future leadership roles and career opportunities.
FBLA Conference: An Overview
The FBLA conference provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge in various business-related fields. This year’s conference, held on April 8-9, was the 70th annual event, highlighting its long-standing tradition and importance in the educational community. Students had the opportunity to compete in individual events or as part of a chapter in larger projects, such as community service initiatives.
“This is our 70th state leadership conference,” said FBLA Representative Katie Grassel of Seymour. “Students that are competing here at this conference with the hopes of advancing on to our national leadership conference, which is going to be held at the end of June in Orlando, Fla. Every person can compete in one event, or a chapter can compete in a big project like a community service project.”
FBLA events help students develop essential skills that are highly valued in the business world. These skills include leadership, communication, teamwork, and networking. The national leadership conference, scheduled for June 29 – July 2 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, further solidifies the importance of these skills by providing students with a national stage to demonstrate their abilities.
Students’ Participation and Career Preparation
West De Pere High School students actively participated in the FBLA conference, showcasing their talent and dedication to business leadership. Students like Isaac Munchoff, Anthony (Tony) Muskovitz-Karl, and Tallon Baird were among those aiming for a return trip to the Future Business Leaders of America Nationals again this year. Their participation highlights the school’s commitment to fostering a business-ready workforce.
FBLA prepares students to become “community-minded business leaders” through career preparation and leadership experiences. The conference offered students a chance to refine their skills, gain real-world experience, and connect with industry professionals. These experiences are invaluable for students as they prepare to enter the workforce or pursue higher education in business-related fields.
Leadership Skills Developed through FBLA Events
The FBLA conference is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for students to develop critical leadership skills. By participating in various events, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively. These skills are essential for success in any career path, especially in the dynamic world of business.
FBLA events often involve teamwork and project management, which are crucial components of modern leadership. Students are encouraged to think creatively and innovatively, developing solutions to complex problems. These experiences prepare them for the challenges they will face in their future careers.
The conference also provides students with networking opportunities. By interacting with industry professionals and peers from across the state, students can build relationships that may lead to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. These connections are invaluable for career growth and success.
In conclusion, the FBLA conference at West De Pere High School is a testament to the school’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles. Through participation in the conference, students gain valuable skills, real-world experience, and networking opportunities that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
Packers’ Annual Meeting and Training Camp
Meeting Details and Shareholder Voting
This year, the Green Bay Packers have scheduled their annual meeting and the opening practice of training camp on the same day – July 22. This early start is due to the team’s inaugural game in Brazil on September 6. Shareholders can enjoy the practice at Ray Nitschke Field at 10:30 a.m. and then proceed to the meeting at Lambeau Field at 3 p.m. The Atrium will be open to the public throughout the day, and detailed parking and entry instructions will be shared with shareholders as they are finalized.
Board of Directors Nominees: Michael Alexander and Bill Jartz
The Packers will present two candidates for shareholder vote at the annual meeting to join the Packers Board of Directors: Michael Alexander and Bill Jartz. The candidate information will be included in proxy materials sent to over 539,000 shareholders in advance of the annual meeting. These candidates were presented to the organization’s board of directors at its recent meeting.
Michael Alexander is the current UW-Green Bay chancellor, a role he has held since 2020. Bill Jartz is a television news anchor for WBAY-TV, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, and serves as the public address announcer at Lambeau Field during Packers home games.
“We’re excited to present two nominees for a vote of our shareholders,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “Michael’s leadership at UW-Green Bay has enhanced the university’s role as a community resource and his perspective will be a valuable addition to the board. Bill has shared his talents with our community for decades as a newscaster and on game days at Lambeau Field and we are looking forward to having his voice on our board, as well. Bill’s experience playing football at Northwestern University will also be helpful to us.”
Shareholders Meeting and Parking Information
Shareholders will receive four annual meeting tickets for each account, including joint or custodial registrations. Information about the annual meeting, which will be updated as the date approaches, can be found online at packers.com/community/shareholders or packersowner.com.
The shareholders meeting will also see three members take on emeritus status: Tom Cardella (elected in 2010), Susan Finco (2000), and Johnnie Gray (2009). “We are especially grateful for Susan’s incredible impact on our organization as Lead Director,” Murphy said. “Her talent and leadership has helped us be successful both on and off the field. We appreciate Tom’s leadership on the Foundation committee and Johnnie’s many valuable contributions during their time on the Board.”
Proposed to succeed Finco as vice president and lead director is Mike Simmer, retired CEO of BMO Harris Bank Green Bay, who has been a member of the board since 2005 and executive committee since 2017. He has served as Treasurer since 2018. Proposed to become Treasurer is Karl Schmidt, president and CEO of Belmark Inc., who has been a member of the board since 2017 and executive committee since 2021. Proposed to become a member at large on the executive committee is Michael Barber, retired chief diversity officer for General Electric, who has been a member of the board since 2021.
Kaukauna High School’s Level 3 Playoff Game
Ticket Sales and Pre-Sale Information
Tickets for Kaukauna High School’s WIAA Level 3 playoff game against West De Pere go on sale Wednesday at the Activities Office. Due to additional seating being brought in for this game, kids attending may not bring in footballs and will have some of their usual gathering spaces restricted due to bleacher seating and increased crowds.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale in the Activities Office starting Wednesday from 7:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily through Thursday, and on Friday from 7:15 a.m. – Noon. No ticket sales on Monday or Tuesday. This game will stream live on ZaleskiSports.com with commentary. This game will also be televised on NBC26 and on the radio at TheScoreWI.com.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with cash at the door priced at $7 per person, and no passes will be accepted. The game will be held on Friday, where the top-seeded Kaukauna Ghosts take on the No. 3 Phantoms for the second time this season.
Game Details and Streaming Options
This Friday, the top-seeded Kaukauna Ghosts take on the No. 3 Phantoms Friday for the second time this season when they host West De Pere in a Level 3, WIAA Division 2 playoff game. Here’s a look at how the two teams have battled over the past three seasons:
- 2024: During this year’s regular season, Kaukauna came from two scores down in the first half to defeat the Phantoms 35-31. The win was sealed with a game-clinching punchout just as the Phantoms appeared to be on their way to a go-ahead score.
- 2023: A year ago, Kaukauna outlasted West De Pere 13-7 in a Level 2 game to advance in the WIAA Division 2 playoffs. The Ghosts won their week 2 matchup 25-22. Kaukauna then lost in the state semifinal for the second straight year, this time to Waunakee. Waunakee lost to eventual state champion Badger from Lake Geneva. This year, Waunakee has moved up to Division 1.
- 2022: The Ghost advanced to the state semifinal game for the first time under coach Matt Binsfeld, but a 26-7 loss to West De Pere put an end to the Ghosts season one game before a trip to Camp Randall. Earlier that season, the Ghosts lost a 43-42 nailbiter at West De Pere, highlighting how close the rivalry has been.
Kaukauna Ghosts’ Playoff Results and History
The Ghosts’ journey to the playoffs this season has been marked by a mix of victories and challenges. In the first round, Kaukauna dominated Pulaski with a score of 45-13. Moving on to the second level, they continued their strong performance, defeating Beaver Dam 48-21. These victories set the stage for their matchup against West De Pere, a team they have a history with, both on and off the field.
As the Ghosts prepare to face West De Pere, the community and fans alike are eager to see how this season will unfold. The rivalry between these two teams has been a significant part of the local sports landscape, and this year’s playoff game promises to be an exciting addition to their storied history.
Conclusion
As West De Pere High School welcomed business leaders to its campus ahead of the referendum, the event sparked a crucial conversation about the future of education. The gathering highlighted the school’s commitment to providing students with real-world learning experiences, as well as its efforts to modernize its facilities and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of students. The business leaders’ insights and expertise provided valuable perspectives on the importance of investing in education and the potential benefits of a successful referendum.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it demonstrates the school’s willingness to think creatively and collaborate with the community to shape its future. The implications of a successful referendum are far-reaching, with the potential to not only improve the school’s facilities but also enhance the overall educational experience for students. As the referendum approaches, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in education and the potential long-term benefits for students, the community, and the economy as a whole.
As the referendum looms, it is clear that the future of West De Pere High School hangs in the balance. Will the community come together to support the school’s vision, or will the referendum fall short? Regardless of the outcome, this event has shown that the school is committed to providing students with a world-class education and is willing to think outside the box to achieve its goals. As the community weighs its options, it is clear that the future of the school is in its hands.