For the City Times

Mr. Adam Klonowski Nominated For 4th Annual Award

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, in partnership with Skyward Inc., are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2017 Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award.

Adam Klonowski. (Courtesy: Wisconsin Rapids Rafters)

Mr. Adam Klonowski, a Technology Education teacher at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, was recently presented with a certificate by Rafters’ general manager John Fanta commemorating his nomination.

Mr. Adam Klonowski has been a teacher at Lincoln High School since 2013. He attended Lincoln High School as a student and returned after graduating from UW-Stout. Adam teaches the engineering and graphic production courses where students are pushed to use their creativity and problem solving skills. With the use of these skills, Mr. Klonowski is able to build upon and integrate new technology into his classes.

This includes 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, and other computer controlled tools for students to utilize while developing hands on skills. Adam is also involved in the SkillsUSA events that his students participate and compete in to showcase their hard work. Many of his students have won awards for their work at these state wide events. In addition to Adam’s work in the classroom, he also coaches Wisconsin Rapids Junior High wrestling team.

The Rafters and Skyward Inc. will hold the 4th annual Educator’s Appreciation Night at Witter Field on Tuesday, June 27th. As part of the evening, the Rafters and Skyward will honor Mr. Adam Klonowski with a bobblehead to be given away to fans.

Mr. Klonowski will also be invited to attend the Educator’s Appreciation Night and be recognized on the field prior to the Rafters game by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition, Adam and his family will receive free tickets to attend the game, courtesy of Skyward Inc.

To facilitate the selection of the teacher, the Rafters held an essay contest for students in grades K-12 in the area during the months of November and December. All students were encouraged to nominate a teacher who they felt has made a positive impact on their life and write a 300 word essay on the reason as to why this teacher deserved to be recognized as the Skyward Central Wisconsin Teacher of the Year.

The Rafters received an overwhelming response to the essay contest, with over 350 submissions from students in the area districts. Speaking even more to the outstanding quality of educators in the area, over 90 teachers received at least one submission nominating them.

To help narrow down the submissions, an internal rating system was used that included the following areas: Number of nominations submitted on behalf of each teacher, years of service by the teacher to the district, essay substance regarding the teacher, principal recommendation, and the most unique characteristics described by students about the teacher.