For Immediate Release: October 29, 2024
Deborah Kennedy Awarded 2024 WAFLT Distinguished Language Educator Award
MARSHFIELD, WI – Marshfield Columbus Catholic Schools is proud to announce that one of its recently retired teachers, Señora Deborah Kennedy, will be receiving the 2024 Distinguished Language Educator Award on November 1, 2024 in Appleton. The award will be presented by the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT) during its Fall Conference.
"Señora Kennedy is one of the most dedicated and passionate teachers I've met," said Michael Lambrecht, Principal at Columbus Catholic Middle and High School. "It has truly been an honor to work with her since I started here at Columbus in 2019. We are so pleased to see her receive this much deserved award!"
According to Andrea Behn, WAFLT President-Elect, “This prestigious accolade is WAFLT’s highest recognition, awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and service to the language teaching profession.”
About Señora Kennedy
Señora Kennedy's illustrious career as a Spanish teacher spans over 45 years, beginning with her graduation from Kalamazoo College in 1978. Throughout her tenure, she has dedicated herself to not only teaching the Spanish language but also fostering a deep appreciation for the cultures where Spanish is spoken. Her innovative approach to language education has left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues, and the broader community.
Kennedy's teaching philosophy emphasizes immersive, practical experiences. She has led numerous trips abroad, providing her students with the invaluable opportunity to use their Spanish skills in real-world settings. For those unable to travel, she has brought the world into her classroom through guest speakers, cultural events, and engaging multimedia resources. Her creative methods, including the beloved "Sr. Toro" Beanie Baby Bull and interactive activities, have made learning Spanish a joyful and memorable experience for students of all ages.
Throughout her career, Kennedy has been a pillar of Columbus Catholic Schools in Marshfield, WI. She rejuvenated the language department with her dedication and innovative ideas, creating programs that span from elementary to high school. Her initiatives, such as the Saturday Language Camps, Theatre in the Square, and a comprehensive K-12 Spanish program, have enriched the educational experience for countless students. Most notably, the mission trips she takes with her older students have left a lasting legacy of service and international connections.
Kennedy's contributions extend beyond the classroom. She has presented at numerous WAFLT conferences, sharing her expertise and inspiring fellow educators. Her mentorship has guided many new teachers, and her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Crystal Apple Award.
Señora Kennedy's legacy is one of passion, dedication, and a profound impact on the language teaching profession. Though she is now retired from full-time teaching, she plans to continue sharing her love for Spanish and Hispanic cultures through guest teaching and community engagement.
About the Peru Mission Team
Every two years the Columbus Catholic High School Spanish students (Peru Mission Team) have an opportunity to travel to Casa Hogar, Peru for 10 days to do service projects and put their Spanish language skills to the test. So far, they have traveled to Peru five times, starting in 2014 (the 2020 trip was canceled due to COVID-19). Casa Hogar is a mission of the Diocese of La Crosse, WI and was created by Father Joe Walijewski, or Juan Pablo II. It is an orphanage that has become a leader in the treatment and care for children who come from poverty stricken and high risk backgrounds in Peru. In between trips, the Mission Team is holding fundraising activities to raise money for the trip including bake sales, a fall Language Camp and Piñata Sale.
This past summer, the 16 members of 2024 Peru Mission Team (which included some of our Spanish students, CCS alumni, parents and staff) worked on volunteer projects such as sorting 28 suitcases of shoes/donations, playing games with the orphans, painting park equipment, watering trees and putting up a volleyball net.
Photo Caption: Señora Kennedy displays one of the donations her team brought along during their recent trip to Casa Hogar in Peru.
Photo Caption: During “Theater in the Square” Spanish students from Columbus Catholic High School perform plays for elementary students twice: once in Spanish and again in English. Pictured here is a performance from May, 2024.
Photo Caption: Toward the end of each school year, Señora Kennedy’s elementary students at Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School had an opportunity to barter for Hispanic toys, candy and souvenirs. Pictured here is Spanish Bartering in May, 2023.
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About Columbus Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic Schools is a comprehensive educational system for students age 3 through high school graduation. Columbus Catholic Schools builds a strong foundation of faith, knowledge and skills to help each student achieve success.
Columbus Catholic Schools and all its educational sites are nationally accredited by the WRISA (Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation). National accreditation standards require a high degree of excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
About WAFLT
The Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT) is dedicated to the promotion, support, and improvement of teaching and learning languages. Through advocacy, professional development, and resources, WAFLT strives to enhance the language teaching profession and advance language education.
For Immediate Release: April 4, 2024
Columbus Catholic Schools Sends Music Students to the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Competition
MARSHFIELD, WI – During the WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) District Solo & Ensemble Competition on February 16, 2024 (held at Assumption Catholic High School in Wisconsin Rapids), 14 Columbus events were able to move onto the state competition which will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 at UW-Stevens Point at the College of Letters and Science.
CCS band events who will be going to state include:
- Seth Roewe: Alto Saxophone Solo
- Seth Roewe: Soprano Saxophone Solo
- Jazz Band
- Jazz Combo
- Appalachian Ensemble
- Australian Ensemble
- Seth Roewe and Akousa Yeboah: Tenor Saxophone Duet
- Monica Thill: Euphonium Solo
- African Drum Group: Charlie Moore, Akousa Yeboah, Jude Becerra, and Brody Casperson
CCS choir events who will be going to state include:
- Kate Fieweger - Classical and Musical Theater
- Ella Kadolph - Classical and Musical Theater
- Mary Keding – Classical Theater
"I am very proud of all of the students who participated at Solo Ensemble,” said Mrs. Ashley Nikolai, choir teacher at Columbus Middle/High School. “I’m especially proud of those who stepped out of their comfort zone and tried something new. I hope they are all proud of themselves. Not only did they do well during their performances, many students rehearsed before and after school and used every available class period to do their very best. I think many of them realize that hard work truly pays off! I know many of the students are already excited to participate again next year. Congratulations to all of our students who are moving on to state!”
"The value of Solo/Ensemble to the students - in regards to how it helps them and guides them to bring out their God-given abilities - cannot be overestimated," according to Tom Zimmerman, CCS Band Instructor. “We learn the value of self-discipline with our practicing, and the value of putting trust in others to carry their part to a high level. We learn to play in groups of anywhere from two to twenty-five people and in that playing we learn the life skills we need in our jobs with everyone working toward the same goals of creating success for all.”
Photo Caption: Pictured here, members of the Columbus Jazz Band perform during the District Solo/Ensemble Competition in Wisconsin Rapids on February 16, 2024.
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Photo Caption: Here are the choir members who will be representing Columbus Catholic High School at the State Solo/Ensemble on May 4th: Mary Keding, Kate Fieweger and Ella Kadolph.