Rafters open 2023 Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year submissions
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in partnership with Skyward will host the 10th annual Educator’s Appreciation Night at Witter Field in 2023. One area teacher will be honored on this celebratory evening as the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. To honor the selected individual, a bobblehead will be created and added to the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Bobblehead Wall of Fame at Witter Field. The honoree will also receive a bobblehead and will be recognized on-field during Educator Appreciation Night. In addition, the chosen teacher and their family will receive free tickets to attend the game, courtesy of Skyward.
Past recipients of the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award include: Mrs. Kate Kaster of Stevens Point Area Senior High (2022), Mr. Scott Johnson of Washington Elementary (2021), Mrs. Julie Stoffel of Lincoln High School/Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School (2020), Mrs. Rebecca Sturdy of Grant Elementary (2019), Mrs. Mary Sabo of Washington Elementary (2018), Mr. Adam Klonowski of Lincoln High School (2017), Mrs. Cathy Tritz of Lincoln High School (2016), Mr. Bill Oswald of Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School (2015), Ms. Jessica Fischer of Ben Franklin Junior High (2015), and Mr. Scott Sigourney of Woodside Elementary (2014).
“It is so special that we get to recognize an area educator every year and we are grateful that our partnership with Skyward allows us to do so,” Rafters general manager Chloe de Vries said. “Our 2022 winner, Kate Kaster, brought such an energy to the ballpark. The impact these teachers have on students can be life altering and they deserve the utmost recognition.”
The Rafters encourage anyone to nominate a teacher who has made a positive impact in their life and deserves to be recognized as the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Students (K-12), parents, and guardians are invited to participate by submitting an essay (Criteria: 300 words or less, single spaced, 12 pt. font):
Submit by mail:
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
ATTN: Teacher of the Year
521 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Submit by email to: [email protected]
This essay should explain why the nominated teacher is most deserving of recognition and is due Friday, December 16, 2022 by 5 p.m. This essay must include the author’s home address and phone number at the top of the page, allowing the Rafters staff to notify them if their nominated teacher was selected. Any individual who writes an essay nominating the winning teacher will receive four (4) tickets to Educator’s Appreciation Night, a Rafters mock jersey, and an autographed baseball from the 2023 Rafters team!
The Rafters will announce the date of Educators Appreciation Night, along with the full 2023 promotional schedule in the Spring. The Rafters Front Office and Rafthouse Team Shop is open all off-season Monday through Thursday from 9am-4pm.
About Skyward:
Since 1980, Skyward’s SIS and ERP solutions have helped more than 2,500 school districts save time, connect with families, and empower success. By blending advanced technology guided by actual users with world-class support delivered with a personal touch, Skyward is the clear choice for K-12 leaders who want to spend less time on tasks and more time with students. To learn more about the next generation of K-12 administration software, visit www.skyward.com.
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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit raftersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rafters as your favorite team.
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Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
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Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
