By Press Times staff

MILWAUKEE – Over 300 recipients of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation organization’s 2023 Student Excellence and Initiative, Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards were announced on March 30, including multiple Green Bay area teachers and students.

Student Excellence and Initiative Scholarships of $10,000 are being awarded to 190 graduating high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence, range of activity and leadership in their community.

Green Bay area Student Excellence Scholars include Jessica Bright, De Pere, West De Pere High School; Jovita Dsouza, Green Bay, Bay Port High School; Eloise Massee, Suamico, Bay Port High School; and Samuel Murphy, Green Bay, Pulaski High School.

Student Initiative Scholars include Yadiel Marrero-Flores, De Pere, West De Pere High School.

Teacher Fellowship awards of $6,000 are being presented to 100 teachers who were nominated for their leadership and service in and out of the classroom, as well as their ability to inspire and motivate their students.

Area Teacher Fellows include Laura Karlen, De Pere, West De Pere Middle School; Kelly Koller, Sobieski, Bay View Middle School; Annie Stewart, De Pere, Father Allouez School; and Amy Stover, Green Bay, Notre Dame de la Baie Academy.

Principal Leadership awards of $6,000 will be given to 16 principals for setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character, and creating a climate to best serve the community.

Green Bay area recipients include Brian Carter, Appleton, Cormier School and Early Learning Center; and Kathleen Van Pay, De Pere, Heritage Elementary.

“Kathy has been instrumental in making Heritage Elementary an outstanding place for children to learn and grow, and for staff to thrive,” said De Pere Superintendent Chris Thompson. “Beyond that, she has invested heavily in her own professional development over the years to continuously improve in her role.”

“Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” said former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who established the program in 1990.

“These student, teacher, and principal award recipients have demonstrated incredible hard work,

achievements, and service. I congratulate them all and hope this award not only helps them in their

individual pursuits but also reminds them to pay it forward in the future.”

Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives

of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors.