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Leadership
Page 20 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com

DuVal Named Werbel Award Winner

3. A passion for motivating students, positions and learn firsthand what it takes
encouraging full participation, and sup- to succeed. His students are held to high
porting them with additional help when standards and gain more than academic
needed knowledge—they learn responsibility and
4. A genuine joy in working with young how to be strong community members.”
people, evident in all aspects of their From creative opportunities to real-
teaching world skill building, Mr. DuVal’s dedication
Since joining the Delavan-Darien goes far beyond traditional teaching. He
School District in 2019, Mr. DuVal has con- helps students look past mistakes and cir-
sistently exemplified these qualities. His cumstances, guiding them toward their
colleagues describe him as a tireless advo- future possibilities.
cate for his students, someone who goes “Mr. DuVal is a shining example of
“constantly…exhaustively . . . pursuing the what the Werbel Award stands for,” said Jim
best for his students.” Karedes, Principal at DDHS. “His passion,
One colleague noted, “He holds such a innovation, and commitment to his students
strong desire for students to make connec- make him not only an outstanding teacher
tions and to produce their best work. He is but also an inspiration to our entire school
always innovative in helping students to see community.”
their own success. The hours he puts in to Please join the Delavan-Darien School
see ALL students make those connections District in congratulating Mr. Tom DuVal,
are countless.” the 2024–2025 Werbel Award Winner.
Delavan-Darien School District excellence. Established in 1976, the award has Others shared that Mr. DuVal’s unique
The Delavan-Darien School District recognized educators who demonstrate the fol- perspective, coming from outside the
is proud to announce that Mr. Tom DuVal, lowing characteristics: education world, brings a refreshing and
teacher at Delavan-Darien High School, has 1. A strong interest in helping students innovative approach to the classroom. His www.ddschools.org
been named the 2024–2025 Werbel Award both inside and outside of the classroom personable demeanor draws students in,
Winner. 2. A willingness to adapt teaching while his initiatives create meaningful learn-
The Werbel Award is named after Dr. methods and materials to meet the ing experiences.
Harold Werbel, a dedicated community leader changing needs of education, without “He treats his classroom like an
who believed strongly in honoring teaching losing balance employer, where students interview for

Kimberly’s Roger Wendler Honored for Four Decades of Youth Advocacy

student-athletes but also built a legacy of ognizes individuals and businesses that
servant leadership that has shaped the char- have exhibited extraordinary dedication
acter and success of Kimberly’s Track & to the cause of child advocacy in Wiscon-
Field program. sin. Recipients demonstrated a significant
“Roger Wendler is a true embodiment commitment to children by sharing their
of the spirit and dedication exemplified by time, talents, and/or financial support. The
Bert Grover. Roger is not just a contribu- award is to acknowledge the importance of
tor to our village and school district; he is working to support the greater mission of
a cornerstone, someone whose passion and educating all children.
commitment go far beyond simple acts of
service,” said Bob Mayfield, Superintendent
of the Kimberly Area School District.
Beyond coaching, Wendler has dedi- www.kimberly.k12.wi.us
cated countless hours to ensuring the track
meets run smoothly, often taking vacation
time from his day job to manage behind-
the-scenes work. Known for his patience,
kindness, and meticulous attention to detail,
he has mentored young coaches and fos-
tered opportunities for elementary students
to discover the excitement of competition.
Kimberly Area School District along with the Board of Education, pre- “Coach Wendler has helped develop
The Wisconsin Association of School sented Wendler with the Certificate of individual and team state champions, and
District Administrators, Inc. (WASDA) has Recognition during a Board of Education a program that embodies the values of hard
recognized Roger Wendler of Kimberly with meeting. work, resilience, gratitude, and discipline.
the prestigious Bert Grover Child Advocacy For more than four decades, Roger He has done this because he believes in
Certificate of Recognition. Honoring his Wendler has been a cornerstone of the Kim- sports, his love of people, and his relation-
extraordinary dedication to youth devel- berly community and a passionate advocate ship with the sport of Track & Field,” said
opment and community service through for Track & Field across the state. Born Ryan McGinnis, Athletic Director of the
athletics, Dr. Robert Mayfield, Superinten- and raised in Kimberly, Wendler has not Kimberly Area School District.
dent of the Kimberly Area School District, only coached and mentored generations of The WASDA Board of Directors rec-