6/1/24 Oshkosh School Board End of School Year Recognition
1 June 2024 News
Oshkosh, WI – Heartfelt gratitude, poignant memories and well-earned accolades filled the room as the Oshkosh Area School District honored retiring employees, longtime educators, community supporters, and champions of education at the District’s Annual Retirement and Recognition Dinner. The event was a testament to the profound impact teachers, staff, and education advocates have made on generations of students.
On Wednesday, May 29 the OASD celebrated 56 retiring employees and 18 employees marking 25 years with the District. District and school leaders recognized each retiree, sharing touching stories that highlighted their dedication and the indelible marks they left on the Oshkosh community through their careers. OASD Board of Education members congratulated and thanked the honorees as they received their awards. Retirees received a glass apple as a lasting memento, while 25-year employees were gifted commemorative clocks.
“Our retirees and longtime employees have given so much to the Oshkosh community through their unwavering commitment to our schools and students,” said OASD Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis. “This annual event allows us to express our profound gratitude for all they have done to support public education in Oshkosh.”
A complete list of honorees, including reflections from retirees, is available in the OASD Board of Education 40th Annual Retirement & Recognition Program. Event photos are available in the 2024 OASD Retirement and Recognition Photo Gallery.
The Oshkosh Area School District also celebrated education’s biggest advocates, recognizing Amy Hardy, Jeff Cysiewski, and the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce for their exceptional support of public education. Hardy and Cysiewski were honored with the 2023-2024 Individual Friend of Education Award, while the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce received the Corporate Friend of Education Award.
“These extraordinary individuals and the Oshkosh Chamber have gone above and beyond in supporting our students and education system,” said Davis. “Their impact extends far beyond financial contributions – it is their personal investment of time, expertise and unwavering advocacy that makes a profound difference.”
The OASD recognized Amy Hardy and Jeff Cysiewski as the 2023-2024 Individual Friend of Education Award recipients for their outstanding contributions to fostering STEM education and robotics programs. Under their leadership this year, both the district’s elementary/middle school robotics team and high school Wave Robotics team achieved outstanding success, including advancing to their national and world competitions.
Amy Hardy’s unwavering dedication to the FIRST Lego League (FLL) and Wave Robotics programs has ignited a passion for STEM among district students. As a longtime FLL coach and organizer, she has mentored countless young minds, guiding teams like Baksteen Valken to state and national success. Her volunteer work building the FLL-to-Wave Robotics pipeline ensures a continuous flow of robotics talent and enthusiasm.
Jeff Cysiewski’s technical guidance and mentorship have been invaluable assets to the Wave Robotics team. He played a pivotal role equipping the district’s Fab Lab with cutting-edge equipment, empowering students to compete at the highest levels of FIRST Robotics. Through hundreds of volunteer hours, he has inspired students’ innovation, teamwork, and perseverance.
The OASD presented the Corporate Friend of Education Award to the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their exceptional efforts to bridge the gap between local businesses and public education. The Oshkosh Chamber has reinvigorated connections between local businesses and public schools through initiatives like the adopt-a-school program, 8th Grade Career Expo, Senior Talent Track, Youth Leadership Oshkosh, and career readiness activities. Their efforts strengthen community-school partnerships while enriching students’ academic experiences and future prospects.
“The Oshkosh Chamber is honored to receive the OASD Corporate Friend of Education Award. We are deeply committed to fostering strong ties between our local businesses and schools, ensuring our students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Rob Kleman, President & CEO of the Oshkosh Chamber. “We value our partnership with the OASD and understand that partnering with our local schools is not just an investment in education, but an investment in the future of our community.”
The Oshkosh Area School District extends its deepest gratitude to the 2023-2024 Friend of Education Award honorees for their invaluable service to the community.
Photo: (Oshkosh Chamber): Pictured from left: Beth Wyman, OASD Board of Education President; Rob Kleman, Oshkosh Chamber President & CEO; Shannon Seaman, Education and Talent Coordinator; Trina Woldt, Director of Leadership Oshkosh; Dr. Bryan Davis, OASD Superintendent
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