Community

Olivia Breunig, daughter of Eric and Heidi Breunig, is the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club’s April Sauk Prairie High School Student of the Month. The nominator stated, “Olivia is a student who always brings joy and positivity to the classroom. She pushes herself academically to be the best she can be and inspires others to do the same. Through her own dedication and optimism, Olivia is a leader recognized by her peers. She was able to maintain her “can-do” attitude even through COVID setbacks. I’m sure Olivia will go on to inspire others to do well, be their best selves, and stay positive as she continues her educational journey.” At the April 7 Optimist Club’s Zoom meeting, Olivia and her parents were introduced by Shane Been, SPHS Assistant Principal. “Olivia has the ability to see outside herself. She has compassion and empathy for all types of people. She gives me hope! She takes Advanced Placement classes and volunteers with the National Honor Society and the Knights of Columbus. Olivia in on the Leadership Council for athletics, is active in 4-H, and is a 12-Sport Athlete. She has a real passion for volleyball and was awarded Honorable Mention- All State among other awards. She really demonstrates her spirit in softball as well.” Olivia plans on attending UW-Oshkosh in the Pre-Occupational Therapy program. Olivia Breunig, Sauk Prairie Optimist Club’s April SPHS Student of the Month, left, stands with SPHS Assistant Principal Shane Been in the SPHS gym on April 5. Breunig was honored at the April 7 Sauk Prairie Optimist Zoom meeting.

Andrea (Genesis) Quezada Godoy is the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club’s Middle Level Leader for April. She is an eighth grader and the daughter of Ronald Quezada Larios and Eylin Godoy Castillo. Nominated by her core eighth grade teachers, they shared, “Andrea is an outstanding leader and student. As providence would have it, April 6th was Andrea’s two year anniversary of joining the Sauk community from Nicaragua. Andrea played basketball for the middle school this year and competed with sportsmanship and great effort. On the court and in school, Andrea lives the leadership and the values that other students may emulate. Andrea values reading and is an avid reader. She is exactly the role model schools need to be present in the hallways and classrooms. School is important to Andrea and that shows in her work. Andrea helps make our school and community better.” At the Middle School, Andrea is involved in basketball, Bridges and Latino Club. She volunteers at the Food Pantry and likes to spend her free time dancing and reading. After High School, Andrea would like to pursue a career in technology and engineering or finance. Andrea was honored at the April 7th Optimist Zoom Meeting. In attendance were Ted Harter, SPMS Principal, SPMS teachers Clara Bakken, Steve Liebert, Veronica Gallus, Mary Bittdorf, and Julie Dahlman. In addition, her grandparents, uncle, and cousin attended via Zoom from Nicaragua! Andrea (Genesis) Quezada Godoy, April Optimist SPMS Middle Level Leader, left, recieved her framed award, gift certificate, and Optimist pen from her Principal Ter Harter on April 6 in Harter’s office at Sauk Prairie Middle School. She was honored at the Sauk Prairie Optimist Zoom meeting on April 7.

The Black Earth Area Chamber of Commerce received a $1000 donation for Power in Communities week on April 29, 2021 from State Bank of Cross Plains, Black Earth. Pictured are Paulette Glunn, BEACC President and Desiree Wood, Retail Service Manager. A big Thank you to the State Bank of Cross Plains team.

April 30th was Drive Your Tractor To School Day at Wisconsin Heights. One student couldn’t get theirs to campus, so they improvised.

River Arts Inc. will debut a new series, “Al Fresco House Concerts” with the Caravan Gypsy Swing Trio on Saturday, May 22nd at 6 p.m. at the River Arts on Water Gallery (590 Water Street, downtown Prairie du Sac). Caravan Gypsy Swing Trio features Christo Ruppenthal, Scott Hlavenka, and Kevin Tipple. They are a world traveling instrumental acoustic jazz group based in Madison, Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Roma Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble also pulls influences from American jazz, European Folk Music, traditional Latin, Parisian waltz, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes from the “Hot Swing” repertoire, originals, and standards done in uniquely arranged styles. Al Fresco House Concerts are held outside with socially distanced seating. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. For more information visit riverartsinc.org/caravan or call 608-643-5215. This performance is sponsored by Culver’s. Pictured, Scott Hlavenka, Kevin Tipple, and Chris Ruppenthal.

A few children from Black Earth decorated Heartland County Village a few weeks ago.