WSSCA Awards
and Recognition
Ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors in Wisconsin schools is an extremely important and enormous responsibility.
WSSCA is very fortunate to count among its ranks many outstanding professionals who work tirelessly on behalf of their schools to provide a safe & secure learning and working environment. Recognizing excellence in school safety leadership highlights the extraordinary work our members, and those supporting their efforts, are doing throughout Wisconsin, each and every day.
​
In recognition of the tremendous work our members perform and to the individuals dedicated to supporting our members and our association’s work, WSSCA has created the following awards and recognition opportunities to honor those who truly go above and beyond in their service to their school or school district, their community and WSSCA.
​
-
School Safety Coordination of the Year (Annual Award)
-
Lifetime Achievement
-
Friend of WSSCA
​
The application / nomination period is open through December 15 each year.
COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Through our Coordinator of the Year Award, we recognize one of our WSSCA members who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and special skills and talents that have contributed to the improvement and maintenance of high-quality safety and security environments in their schools and communities.
​
The WSSCA School Safety Coordinator of the Year Award is co-sponsored by Community Insurance Corporation, which will present a $1,000 award to the winner’s school district safety program.
​
The award is presented at our annual conference each year.
NOMINATION CRITIERA
Leadership for district or school program change
The candidate has demonstrated leadership and has provided examples of a proven record of change in the dynamics of safety within the school and or district. Candidate has demonstrated sustained change over time in the implementation of safety programs for district or school compliance with standards.
Techniques developed or innovations used in program development including special projects.
The candidate has demonstrated the development of specialized techniques/innovations and has demonstrated excellence through the completion of specialized safety related projects.
Training and Specialized Skills.
The candidate has demonstrated a continuance in skill development and/or specialized skills used in the furtherance of the school safety program. The candidate possesses specialized skills learned through training or special programs. The candidate has demonstrated through examples of work, that the skills developed as part of ongoing training have lent themselves to the development of the safety program and the impetus to move the safety program.
Participation in WSSCA Events
The candidate is a member of WSSCA; has participated in WSSCA training opportunities offered through the association; has been involved as a board member or active participant in WSSCA. Graduation from the WSSCA Certification Course is an exceptional accomplishment and will be given special consideration by the judges.
The School Safety Coordinator of the Year Award applications will be judged by the WSSCA Board of Directors and Advisors.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2024: Chad Whalley
Beaver Dam School District
2023: Jeremiah Johonson
Muskego-Norway School District
​
2022: John Stangler
Pewaukee School District
​
2021: Chris Collar
Green Bay Area School District
2020: Shelley Joan Weiss
Sun Prairie Area School District
​
2019: Carrie Hallquist
Eau Claire Area School District
​
2018: Mike Hinske
Big Foot Union High School
2017: Mary Stapenek and Denise Woodruff
Waterford Graded School District
2016: Dale Zable and Laura Lloyd
Kettle Moraine School District
2015: Gary Siegman
Whitefish Bay School District
2014: Tom Wohlleber
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
2013: John Koster
Cedarburg School District
2012: Steve Lewis
Rice Lake Area School District
2011: Joe Bellomo
Waunakee Community School District
2010: Cindy VanPelt
Racine Unified School District
2009: Tom Grosjean
Ashland School District
2008: Tim Prunty
Antigo School District
2007: Mark Scullion
Monona Grove School District
2006: Robert Severson
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
2005: Erin Gauthier-Green
Greendale School District
2004: Ron Hoffman
Oconomowoc School District
2003: Warren Schmidt
West Bend School District
2002: Sam Hesse
Appleton Area School District
2001: Paul Buchholz
Beaver Dam School District
2000: Doug Reynolds
Beloit School District
1999: Douglas Fisk
Baraboo School District
1998: Lee Jorgenson
Schofield D.C. Everest
​
WSSCA Member Participation Award Program
The WSSCA Member Participation Award Program is designed to honor individual members whose
involvement in and contributions to our association are particularly noteworthy. It is awarded on an
annual basis at the WSSCA Annual Conference. Purpose of this award program is to encourage and
recognize membership engagement in our association. The program is voluntary and is conducted on
the honor system. Applicants are required to submit a Participation Award Program Submission Form
to the Executive Director at the conclusion of the calendar year (must be submitted by January 5th) in
order to determine eligibility. Email completed participation forms to Wssca@Wssca.org.
Points will be awarded, on a calendar year basis, for participation in the following activities:
-
Serve as a Sponsor at annual conference - 20 points
-
Recruit a New WSSCA Member - 20 points per recruit
-
Present a Session at the Annual Conference - 20 points
-
Serve on a WSSCA Committee - 20 points
-
Present at a WSSCA professional development session (2 or more hours) - 20 points per session
-
Present at professional development/training session (2 hours or more) at a WSSCA - sponsored event/program or on behalf of WSSCA at another association's conference event - 20 points per session
-
Serve as a WSSCA Board Member or Advisor - 20 points
-
Present at a professional development/training session (less than 2 hours) at a WSSCA - sponsored event/program or on behalf of WSSCA at another association's conference event - 15 points per session
-
Develop a Professional Development/Training Session (could be a WSSCA sponsored event or
on behalf of WSSCA at another association’s conference/event) - 15 points
-
Write an Article for the WSSCA Newsletter, Safety Connection or other approved publication - 15 points
-
Attend the WSSCA Annual Conference - 15 points
-
Serve as a WSSCA Annual Conference Sponsor - 15 points
-
Participated in silent auction (getting or providing donations) - 10 points
-
Attend a WSSCA professional development session (4 or more hours) - 10 points per session
-
Serve as a Sponsor for other WSSCA event- 10 points per event sponsored
-
Attend a WSSCA professional development session (1 to 3.5 hours) - 5 points per session
-
Serve as a Volunteer at the Annual Conference - 5 points
-
Submit a Model Plan, Best Practice, Etc. for inclusion in the WSSCA Resource Library - 5 points for each submittal
The Member Participation Award Program consists of three levels of recognition - Gold, Silver and Certificate. The point thresholds and award for the three levels are as follows:
-
Gold Level - 130 points ($40 WSSCA apparel credit)
-
Silver Level - 90 to 129 points ($25 WSSCA apparel credit)
-
Certificate Level - 70 to 89 points (Certificate)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
WSSCA has reserved special recognition for these exceptional men and women. It is the highest award we present, and the name itself speaks volumes to the level of accomplishment and respect the recipient has earned over the course of his/her outstanding career.
We simply call it the Lifetime Achievement Award.
​
As you read each name below, consider that thousands of WSSCA members over the past four decades who have been eligible. Maybe then you will understand the impact these individuals have had on this organization, the school safety discipline, and the students and schools we serve.
​
WSSCA is one of the oldest school safety organizations in the entire United States of America – and this is our Hall of Fame. We proudly present the recipients of the WSSCA Lifetime Achievement Award.
​
All WSSCA Board Members and Advisors will vote during the nomination review process - In the unlikely event of a tie, the WSSCA Executive Director will break the tie.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
2023: Al Behnke
Howard-Suamico School District
​
2022: Edward Dorff
Former WSSCA Executive Director
​
2019: Mike Hinske
Big Foot Union High School
​
2016: Peter Pochowski
Former WSSCA Executive Director
2014: Joel Konze
Sparta Area School District
​
2013: Gary Rosploch
Muskego-Norway School District
​
2011: Robert Severson
Chippewa Falls Area School District
​
2010: Bryan Roessler
former WSSCA Executive Director
​
2008: Doug Reynolds
Beloit School District
​
2003: Richard "Dick" Klawiter
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
FREIND OF WSSCA AWARD
The Wisconsin School Safety Coordinator’s Board of Directors recognizes that there are individuals that have provided special and noteworthy support and contributions as we pursue the fulfillment of our mission.
WSSCA’s Mission is to improve security, safety, and health in Wisconsin's schools. We are committed to making schools a safer place to learn, play, teach, work and to visit.
​
The following criteria are examples of areas that will be considered when reviewing nominees:
-
Have provided significant support in the implementation of WSSCA functions
-
Positive contributions to school safety at a local, regional, state, or national level
-
Years of support to WSSCA
​
There are no restrictions on who can nominate someone to receive this award.
Nominee’s (the person being nominated for the award) must be a current or past WSSCA member, WSSCA Board Member or Advisor, WSSCA Executive Director, or WSSCA Assistant Executive Director.
​
All WSSCA Board Members and Advisors will vote during the nomination review process - In the unlikely event of a tie, the WSSCA Executive Director will break the tie.
Friend of WSSCA Award Recipients
2022: Barbara Dorff
​
2016: Issy Pochowski
​
2015: Steve Fernan, DPI
​
2010: Bryan Roessler
former WSSCA Executive Director
​
2007: Mary Jean Erschen, Executive Director, Center for School, Youth & Citizen Preparedness
