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Leadership
Page 22 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Awards Continued on Page 23

Wainwright Honored as Rural Administrator Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Celebrates

of the Year Julie Korish as Teacher of the Year

his student-first leadership, approachable ership ensures that every student finds success.
style, and deep commitment to community. Her classroom is a place where students dis-
Since becoming superintendent in 2018, cover their potential, and they consistently
he has successfully guided Mineral Point honor her as their “Most Influential Teacher.”
through multiple referenda, steady enrollment Julie’s impact extends well beyond aca-
growth, and garnered statewide recognition for demics. She leads student council, organizes
both academics and extracurricular activities. service projects, mentors new teachers, and
Known for greeting students each serves as a trusted leader on her district’s RtI
morning, supporting staff, and even stepping Committee and Leadership Team. Her pres-
into classrooms as “Zippy Zero” to make ence at school events and her unwavering
learning fun, Wainwright exemplifies servant support for students make her a role model
leadership. both in and out of the classroom.
Beyond Mineral Point, he serves on local Julie Korish embodies the heart of rural
and state committees, and his career includes education. She inspires, encourages, and
a Hall of Fame legacy as a girls’ basketball uplifts everyone around her. Her dedication
coach. to her students and her community is nothing
WiRSA is honored to celebrate Mitch short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled to
Wainwright as a leader who truly “shows recognize her with this award.
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance up” every day for students, staff, and families The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance WiRSA proudly honors Julie Korish, the
(WiRSA) is proud to announce that Mitch across rural Wisconsin. (WiRSA) proudly announces Julie Korish, 2025 Teacher of the Year, for her unwavering
Wainwright, Superintendent of the Mineral from the Turtle Lake School District, as the commitment, boundless creativity, and the
Point Unified School District, has been named 2025 Teacher of the Year. Julie is recognized positive difference she continues to make in
the 2025 Administrator of the Year. not only for her excellence in the classroom the lives of her students and in the future of
Wainwright, who has devoted more than mineralpointschools.org but for the joy, compassion, and inspiration rural education in Wisconsin.
40 years to rural education, is recognized for she brings to every student and colleague she
encounters.
With over 20 years of experience in
education, Julie has built a reputation as a turtlelake.k12.wi.us
Clinton Principal Erika Stewart Named WiRSA transformational teacher who makes learning
engaging, personal, and meaningful. Her lead-
Principal of the Year

Erika’s leadership was also instrumental during
the district’s reorganization from three buildings Judy Makovec Named WiRSA Support Staff
to two, a complex transition she managed with
clarity, collaboration, and care, uniting staff and Person of the Year
students into a cohesive, high-functioning team. communities into the Riverdale School Dis-
“Erika brings out the best in her staff and trict, and the centralization of K-8 students
students, combining strength, kindness, fairness, into one building.
and compassion,” said Dr. Jim Brewer, District Judy has worked alongside every River-
Administrator of the Clinton Community School dale administrator since 1959, supporting
District. “Her leadership has not only advanced staff, families, and students with profession-
Clinton Junior/Senior High School but has made alism, confidentiality, and care. Her ability to
a tremendous impact on our entire community.” adapt through decades of change, while build-
Stewart’s work extends beyond the class- ing strong relationships across generations,
room, as she consistently engages families, has made her a trusted and beloved presence
educators, and community members in the deci- in the community.
sion-making process. Known for empowering “Judy is the symbol of dedication, com-
teachers and celebrating the potential of every mitment, and pride shown in many small
student, she embodies the very best of rural edu-
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance cation leadership. rural schools,” said Sarah Ploeckelman, PK-6
(WiRSA) is proud to announce that Mrs. Erika WiRSA is honored to recognize Erika Principal. “Her impact on Riverdale and rural
Stewart, Principal of Clinton Community Junior/ Stewart for her remarkable contributions to education is immeasurable.”
Senior High School, has been named the 2025 education and her unwavering commitment WiRSA congratulates Judy Makovec on
WiRSA Rural Principal of the Year. to students, staff, and the Clinton Community The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance this well-deserved recognition and thanks her
Mrs. Stewart is recognized for her out- School District. (WiRSA) is proud to honor Judy Makovec for her lifelong dedication to rural education
standing leadership, innovative practices, and of the Riverdale School District as the 2025 in Wisconsin.
dedication to rural education. She has led with Rural Support Staff Person of the Year.
vision and compassion, guiding students and Since beginning her career in 1959, Judy
staff to higher levels of achievement while fos- www.clinton.k12.wi.us has been a cornerstone of the district, helping
tering an inclusive and supportive school culture. guide major transitions such as the move to www.riverdale.k12.wi.us
Among her many accomplishments, a new high school, the consolidation of three