GBAPS to recognize former students, teachers in Hall of Fame

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) isn’t what many may think it is.

Despite facing a negative reputation and being falsely accused of having “thugs, losers and unsuccessful” people, Superintendent of Schools and Learning Vicki Bayer says that’s not the case.

“I’ve been here 14 years now, and I haven’t seen any of that. I kept wondering why I see our district in one light, where others see it differently, and it dawned on me. We don’t celebrate and put our accomplishments out there as effectively as we should,” Bayer said. “What kind of kids are graduating from our schools, and what are their successes? As I dug into that a little bit more, I learned that we have some pretty remarkable people who have walked through our halls. Despite the challenges we have as an urban school district, our students have the opportunity for great things, so I really wanted to highlight that.”

The GBAPS Hall of Fame showcases alumni whose accomplishments challenge stereotypes about the district.

Among them, Bayer mentioned a few alumni who have challenged stereotypes given to the district.

Curly Lambeau, a graduate of East High School, who, as Vicki noted, “practically started the NFL.”

The district also honored Major General Anthony Mastalir, a Southwest High School alum who once “hated math” until a track coach convinced him to take an advanced class.

Because of that experience, he eventually joined NASA and later the U.S. Space Force.

Another inductee, Dr. Terrence Clark, a graduate of West High School, discovered a love for science in a single “really cool science class” and went on to become a veterinarian. He is credited with discovering a widely used anxiety medication for pets, a contribution felt by pet owners far beyond Green Bay.

Bayer also explained the importance of recognizing former educators — by recognizing former educators alongside distinguished alumni, the GBAPS Hall of Fame highlights how powerful a single teacher or coach can be in changing a student’s future.

Bayer said she wants the students to see former educators and make a connection with them in their future selves.

“The district I used to be with had a Hall of Fame, and they also had a spot for former teachers and coaches, so I really wanted our team to do that as well,” she said. “You know, you’ve probably had some really cool teachers in your lifetime, at least one that maybe really stood out for you. I wanted us to have an opportunity to recognize somebody who was an educator as well.”

Bayer explained that the GBAPS Hall of Fame left such a big positive impact because of community support and recognition due to the education foundation, which helps raise funds for special projects, and they are moving forward.

Bayer said GBAPS plans to expand the Hall of Fame in the future.

“Maybe it gets bigger, or maybe we start adding more people,” she said. “We have a couple of schools that aren’t 20 years old yet, so as soon as they hit the 20-year mark, then they’ll be able to have inductees as well.”

Bayer is passionate about this improvement and encourages every school district to do the same as the Green Bay District, and make a difference.

“We have amazing young people all across the country, and we should celebrate that.”