Heidi Klage, a German teacher at D C Everest Junior High and the Global Scholars Program coordinator, introduced four students recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for completing the Global Scholars Certificate of Competence.

The recognition acknowledges students who completed globally focused coursework, cultural-literacy reflections and community engagement beyond the school day. "These students have completed globally focused academic coursework, cultural literacy reflections, and community involvement beyond the regular school day," Klage said as the board presented certificates.

The students who spoke were Ola Anotilo (Spanish 6), Kaden Goff (Spanish 6), Caden Goff (German 6) and Elin Nielsen (German 6). Ola described volunteering with New Beginnings for Refugees and said, "For me, it became much more than that after working with the refugees for just a little while." Ola recounted activities including ornament painting, caroling and organizing donations and said she helped form a student advocate group to integrate newcomer youth into the school community.

Caden described multi-year language study and international experiences, including a school trip to Costa Rica and attendance at a German cultural fair, saying the program "boosted my confidence and my social skills" and helped spark plans to study abroad in college. Kaden focused his presentation on cultural empathy through music and historical study, citing the Chilean folk singer Víctor Jara as particularly influential. "If more people indulge themselves into different cultures and experiences, the world would be a much better place," Kaden said.

Elin credited the program and her teachers, writing that the Global Scholars program "has prepared me to be more respectful, more accepting, and more educated in our globalized world," and said the experience encouraged her decision to attend college in Europe next year.

Superintendent and board members congratulated the students and the district provided certificates at the meeting. New Beginnings' new executive director spoke during public remarks to thank the students for their volunteer work.

The presentations were moved earlier on the agenda from their originally scheduled place after a board motion to hear them just after the consent agenda.