Post high school education: B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from UW-Madison

Current Job: Reporter at the Jackson County Chronicle, a weekly newspaper in Black River Falls , Wisconsin

The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is informing the public and being part of an American institution that is an integral part of our democracy. Another great part of my job is meeting so many different people each week and learning new things every day. Working at a weekly paper and covering everything from city council meetings to sports, I get to become an “expert” in new topics and trends all the time.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC? Many of my school highlights and memories come from high school extra-curricular activities, like Forensics meets, performing at solo and ensemble festivals, volunteering and being a member of the cross country team. I built many friendships and relationships with our teammates, fellow group members and teachers/coaches through these activities, and I learned a lot about public speaking and leadership, too.

Activities you were part of in High School: Forensics, band, Future Problem Solvers, cross country, basketball, class officer, Viking Volunteers, student blood drive coordinator.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life? Small class sizes and Pec's extra-curricular activities allowed me to develop close relationships with teachers and classmates and develop leadership and interpersonal skills that carried with me into my college education and current career. Because Pecatonica is small, I had many opportunities to take on leadership roles that would have been more difficult to acquire at larger schools. It's important to take advantage of those opportunities because it helps develop skills and confidence necessary for success at larger post-secondary institutions, like UW-Madison.

Post high school education: BS in Elementary Education from UW-Stevens Point; MS in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University

Current Job: Elementary School Principal - River Valley School District

The best part of my job is: Walking into a kindergarten classroom on a daily basis...

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC?: Lots of great memories of the wonderful teachers I had in elementary school, going to Wyalusing in sixth grade, being in Mr. Sebranek's homeroom, having Mr. Wiemiller as a math teacher, putting a real football helmet on for the first time, homecoming festivities, watching the girl's basketball and softball teams win State Championships, the friendships established and maintained, the pride in our school, the list goes on and on...

Activities you were part of in High School: Football, wrestling, track, National Honor Society, student council, drama.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: A few things I learned from family, friends, school, and community growing up in Pecatonica...

I learned to love and value family, friends, and good neighbors.
I learned the value of a good education and how to apply it.
I learned what it means to work hard, the value of it, and that it's a difference maker.
I learned respect.
I learned that failure is a powerful learning opportunity.
I learned to listen.
I learned to be honest.
I learned to take pride in the things I choose to do and the people I associate with.
I learned responsibility and accountability.
I learned to what it means to be a friend.
I learned to dream big.
I learned to believe in others.
I learned to be resourceful.

Dustin Krahenbuhl
Class of 2000

Post high school education: UW-LaCrosse (BS - Computer Science, minors: Art, Math)

Current Job: Software Development Manager, I'm currently working for ClosingCorp, a data technology company located in La Jolla, CA. I'm responsible for the development, architecture, and maintenance of our services and the developers that build them.

The best part of my job is: I get to work with a variety of clients and technologies in a fast-paced start-up environment. I am able to be challenged daily on new products and up-coming technologies. My responsibility over the entire system gives me the feeling of ownership and makes it really easy to care about what I do.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC?: Recess was great, too bad that didn't continue throughout high school!

Activities you were part of in High School: Football, wrestling, track, National Honor Society, student council, drama.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: I think that being from a small town and tight community/school was great to help shape my career.  It was difficult to do anything without somebody knowing, so I've taken a lot of pride in my work to make sure that most everything I do is quality and accepted well.

Post high school education: I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls with a bachelor's degree in Sociology.

Current Job : I am currently an education assistant and member of the crisis team at the Alternative Learning Program at John Glenn Elementary, a part of the Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 in the St. Paul, MN. In less words, I work with special education students, mostly kiddos with autism and emotional/behavioral disorders. All of my students have very high, intense and often violent behaviors. My job is to assist teachers in their classrooms with anything and everything. Also, as a member of the crisis team, I assist in crisis intervention when a child is unable to remain in their classroom because of their behavioral disruptions.

I also work part-time as a Resident Counselor at Positive Alternatives, a group home for at-risk youth in River Falls, WI.

The best part of my job is: I love the kids I work with. I love helping them learn academically, socially and emotionally. Seeing successes is probably the best part of both of my jobs because it means I helped make a difference in that child's life and that is so rewarding!

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC?: I think senior year in general was my most memorable time at Pec, for many reasons! Volleyball, Homecoming court, and of course, graduation! I also enjoyed making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Activities you were part of in High School : Forensics, Volleyball, Softball, Future Problem Solving

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: Living in a big city like St. Paul and working in a large school district is very different than growing up in Blanchardville. I feel like the social aspect of growing up in a small town and going to a small school like Pecatonica has influenced me most of all. It's very easy to become disconnected from the people around you in a big city, but because of how I grew up knowing all my classmates names and maybe even being friends with most of them, I've learned how to build relationships with the people I meet and work with. I feel that is more important than the things that would have been available to me in a bigger school, like more electives or more extra-curricular activities to choose from.

Post high school education: I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a B.S. Chemical Engineering and a certificate in Technical Communication.

Current Job : I currently work as an Engineering Associate for Cargill Meat Solutions in Fort Morgan, CO.

The best part of my job is : My company encourages change - which is excellent for engineers!  When I question the current ways and bring new ideas to the table, it is considered a good thing and I am encouraged to explore how my idea could benefit the company. Also, Cargill is a huge company (142,000 people worldwide) with several locations.  My location in one of their larger facilities at 2,300 employees.  The size and variety that the company provides will give me a chance to change career paths as my career goals develop.  I am starting with their Management Associate Program and hope to advance in the company structure.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC? : Plays and musicals, homecoming activities with my classmates, pep band, state FPS and forensics trips, band trip to Disney, forensics meets.

Activities you were part of in High School : Forensics, FPS, Band, National Honor Society, Viking Volunteers, drama, class officer, yearbook.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: Pecatonica provides the opportunity for everyone to be involved in a variety of ways.  My extracurricular involvement has given me a firm foundation for developing myself as a leader in my college activities (student government, greek life, class projects) and in launching my career.

Post high school education: B.S. Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, Northwestern University

Current Job : Director of Supply Chain Strategy at VF Corporation

The best part of my job is : Working with people from all walks of life and corners of the globe.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC?: Lots of memories...band trip to Florida, trips to Rhode Island for FPS, running around the block for track practice, singing excellent math songs..."Domain, domain on the range".

Activities you were part of in High School : Band/Chorus, Forensics, Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Cross Country, Future Problem Solving, Drama, Math Club, National Honor Society, Student Government.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: PEC taught me about a lot of things. I learned about Pythagoras & Calculus. (Thanks, Mr. Wiemiller!) From countless science classes, I learned about creating hypotheses & negative feedback loops. I learned how to communicate effectively through writing. (Thanks, Mrs. Thompson!) But, I also learned how to feel comfortable speaking in public, how to play the flute, how to throw a spiral, and that I could run over 2 miles without dying. PEC taught me to be multi-faceted..

Post high school education: Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences – UW-Richland; Associate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management – MATC.

Current Job : General Manager, Super 8 Darlington, WI

The best part of my job is : Working with a variety of people and meeting new people who are guests.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC?: Wyalusing in 6 th grade, especially Mrs. Parkinson's ghost stories. Social studies with Mrs. Pirkel. Going to state all four years in forensics. Participating in track for four years. Classes and FHA with Mrs. Everson. Cheering on our teams at the State basketball and softball championships.

Activities you were part of in High School : Forensics, track, FHA, band, drama, volleyball, yearbook.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life?: At a small school, teachers know all the students, so students are less likely to get lost or go unnoticed. I think that helped us all be more successful. At Pec it is possible for students to participate in any activity they are interested in because there are no cuts like there are in larger schools. Many of the skills I learned that have helped me in my life and career I learned by being involved in extra-curricular activities such as forensics, FHA, and track.

Post High School Education : Bachelor's Degree in Human Relations/Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Current Job : Senior Account Manager---Direct Supply Inc. I have a sales position in the Healthcare field.

The best part of my job is : I get to work from home with a very flexible schedule, minimal travel, with a great company.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC ? I loved being involved in athletics. I enjoyed every minute of practice, games, and the friendships that were created. I loved the competition and when successful, the community support and excitement were great! Being in a small district/league meant that you were often following other schools as well, with friends in other communities. I also loved Homecoming (then and now!): being on Court, football games, band, floats, etc… There was such community support for what happened at school and a real feeling of security.

Activities you were part of in High School : Band, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Class Officer

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life ? My life still revolves around friendships created at PEC. I believe a good, strong work ethic was instilled in me at Pecatonica, creating the opportunity for a successful career and family life today. I liked the small class sizes and knowing the teachers so well---and the teachers knowing us, too.

Post High School Education : UW-Platteville/Edgewood College: Received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I have worked in various areas of nursing: Medical, Surgical, Oncology, Cardiology, Intensive Care. I traveled to Hawaii and to Florida for nursing jobs before we started our family.

Current Job : St. Mary's Madison: Cardiac Device Clinic Nurse. I care for patients who have pacemakers or defibrillators.

The best part of my job is : It is great to have an independent role in caring for patients. I have great benefits, hours and wonderful people to share my day with.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC ? Most of the memories are silly times at sporting events and in class. I sure made some great life-long friends.

Activities that you were involved with in High School : Band, chorus, cheerleading, math club.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life ? I felt like being part of a small school we had many opportunities. I felt like I believed in myself more and was willing to try new things more readily than if I'd attended a large school. The small class sizes were great. I learned so much from Mr.Wiemiller in Math.

Post High School Education : UW-School of Radiologic Technology. Stayed on at UW-Hospital for 10 years doing x-ray and CT.

Current Job : For the past 4 years I've worked for MEDRAD, a medical devices company for radiologic equipment in CT and MRI. I provide on-site training to CT and MRI techs when new equipment is purchased for their departments. I am the trainer for all of Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan, so I travel quite a bit, but am home on the weekends.

The best part of my job is : Every day is different! I've gotten to meet so many people.

What were some of the highlights and memorable times of your K-12 experience at Pecatonica? I enjoyed having Mr. Sebranek for Biology and Anatomy/Physiology. Another favorite class was Collegiate Writing with Ms. Rasmussen, and I've had many compliments during my career on my writing style. Mrs. Goetzke also offered an entirely different way of looking at Chemistry, which helped me to get into X-ray school. She truly challenged us as students. I also enjoyed being on the volleyball and basketball teams during high school.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life ? The small class sizes were great---it's good to not be ‘just another face in the crowd'. Some friends of mine were one of 500+ students in their class, but in a small school I think we have the ability to get to know the teachers better, and then felt we could go to them one-on-one for additional help.

Other comments : If Pecatonica continues to offer challenges to students each and every day in an effort to prepare them for the outside world, it doesn't matter if our school is large or small. The sports teams seem to have continued success, but to be able to show students that they can shine outside of athletics is equally important. To cultivate and challenge kids in the areas of math and science, in addition to English/writing, will show them that it's okay to be labeled as ‘smart'! I don't feel attending a small school defines who I am by any means. Our 15 year Class Reunion this past summer proved that I have very successful, happy classmates that reaped the benefits of our school. I guess it's what you make of life after the 12+ years of school and guidance that defines what that school did for you.

Post High School Education : UW-Platteville (BS in Animal Science) and UW-Madison (MS in Dairy Science)

Current Job : Assisted Reproductive Technologist (Embryologist/Andrology Objective). I work in a Fertility Clinic Laboratory with human eggs & sperm on microscopes.

The best part of my job is : Helping people get pregnant and/or preserve the fertility of cancer patients.

What were some of the highlights and memorable times of your K-12 experience at Pecatonica?
Field trips, hands-on learning, great teachers, and homecoming. I was involved in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities like FFA, Band, Drama, Forensics, and Track.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life ?
I think the most important part was all the individual attention from teachers. Small class sizes enabled future success by achieving small learning goals each day. There were also more opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sports and clubs. I still keep in touch with most classmates and take pride in telling people I came from a small school and community.

Lindsey Speer
Class of 2000

Post High School Education : B.S. in Communications/Psychology from Edgewood College, M.S. in Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University in Muncie, IN

Current Job : Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Orientation at Ball State University. I recruit students to attend Ball State, meet prospective students and their families and run an 8 week orientation program.

The best part of my job is : Making college a reality for students. I love seeing their enthusiasm about starting college. The most REWARDING part is probably working with a student who doesn't think college could be possible for them and helping make it actually happen. That's when I realize I'm really making a difference in someone's life.

What were some of the highlights/memorable times in your K-12 years at PEC ?
Bus rides, learning to play the flute, music concerts, recess, lunch in the cafeteria with our cook Erna (love her!), earning autographed prizes with Ms. Helgeson, our 6 th grade trip to Wyalusing State Park, caroling with Mr. Wiemiller while he played the accordion, going to Disneyworld with the band, acting in plays, trips to the Field House and Kohl Center for Pec basketball championship games, going to State for Forensics, becoming friends with foreign exchange students, Homecoming, Prom, knowing every one of my teachers, as well as knowing all of the students in my entire school. I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

How have your experiences at PEC influenced your life ?
When I was in college in English or Statistics classes, the information covered in class, while new, was also familiar and when put to the test, I had the skills needed to do well. Some of my college classmates didn't fare as well. That's when I realized I had received a good, solid background in High School that fully prepared me for college and other challenges in the world. When some people argue that a small school doesn't offer the opportunities of a large school, I have to strongly disagree. The teachers were always willing to assist and offer help when needed. They valued their students, knew a lot about each of us, and prepared us to be the best we could be. The biggest influence would have to be the smaller class sizes, individual attention and the sincerely caring faculty and staff, as well as the community of Blanchardville. I always felt welcomed, like people cared about me. I never felt threatened or in danger. I did not have to walk through metal detectors before entering the school. The entire community was supportive of our school. Even now, when I come home, I still feel welcomed and people seem genuinely interested in what I am doing and how I am.

Post High School Education: MATC Electrical Apprenticeship

Current Job: Electrician, Foreman on Commercial Projects

What are some of the BEST parts of your job ? Building some of the biggest buildings in Madison. Renovation of Camp Randall Stadium. I'm the ‘On-Call' Electrician for all home Badger Football Games.

What were some highlights and memorable times of your K-12 years at Pecatonica ?
Meeting friends that I still am in contact with. Playing sports and being on successful teams.

What kinds of activities that you were part of in High School ?
Football, basketball, baseball, FFA

How have your experiences at Pecatonica influenced your life?
By being on successful sports teams, you find a way to become a leader in everything you do. The taste of success makes you want to be the best at whatever you decide to do with the rest of your life.

Attending a small school, I was close to all of my classmates. It seemed everyone was friends with everyone else in the school, regardless of their grade. It was also an advantage to be a part of sports teams without having to try out or be cut. I wouldn't trade my days at a small rural school for anything. I hope someday my own kids will be able to have the same opportunities that I did at Pec. All of the teachers were great and I felt like they really cared about me as a student.