Congratulations to Wayne Hamilton, who was presented with the 2008 Citizen of the Year award* on April 22 by Mayor Chiovatero.

Gary Drinan nominated him, maintaining that Wayne Hamilton was deserving of this honor because of his active involvement in New Berlin youth sports for over 41 years.

Mr. Drinan’s compelling nomination letter conveyed that Wayne Hamilton-----

• Is an upstanding citizen, committed volunteer, Korean War Veteran, married 52 years to Audrey and has 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
• Joined the New Berlin Youth Athletic Program (NBYAP) in 1967
• Volunteered for the newly created New Berlin Athletic Association (NBAA) Board in 1972, which succeeded NBYAP and continues to be an active board member
• Besides his duties on NBAA Board, served as county coordinator for youth sports from 1975-1987
• In his 41 year association with NBAA, has coached, recruited others to coach (boys and girls sports---baseball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, track and bowling)--and coordinated award dinners & ceremonies, including arranging for prominent speakers. Echoes the NBAA philosophy: “The NBAA was formed to give all kids a chance to play. There is no cutting. If they come out to play, they make the team.”

    In addition---

• New Berlin Lakes Baseball, Inc. was formed in 1971 to serve talented youth and adults who wished to play baseball after high school. In 1972, it combined with NBYAP to form the NBAA. Wayne Hamilton not only played on the team for 2 years, he managed it for 3 years, winning the Land O’Lakes Grand Championship in 1977.
• In 1977, Wayne Hamilton assumed the General Manager position, helping the team secure financing and to keep it functioning to the present. He worked closely with the City Parks and Recreation Department and NBAA board to keep the hardball diamond at Malone Park in excellent playing condition, installing modern lighting and reconditioning the playing field with a new drainage system and playing surface. Wayne Hamilton was inducted into the Land O’ Lakes Hall of Fame in 2004.

* Nominations for Citizen of the Year are judged by the Mayor’s Office and City Clerk on this criteria: Contribution to community welfare; Civic achievement; Contribution of something of a lasting effect on the community; Volunteerism; Enrichment of the cultural, civic, and youth facilities of the City of New Berlin.

The board meeting began with Board President Keith Heun flubbing the Pledge of Allegiance. ( See my blog entry Holy School Board! ) 

After the Pledge of Allegiance, outgoing Board Member Susan Manley was recognized for her board service. Outgoing board members are traditionally honored in this fashion.

The oath of office was administered by Jennifer Eitel to the newly elected school board members-- Dave Maxey and incumbent Art Marquardt (Marquardt was attending by teleconference ). School board members (except Marquardt) voted for their board officers (by secret ballot). Thomas appointed two board members to positions.

Then came recognition of students   It was listed on the meeting agenda as:

POPLAR CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  

• Brittany Biddle--State D.A.R.E. Essay Winner

NEW BERLIN WEST HIGH SCHOOL

• Byron Butler--WIAA State Champ--100 Yard Butterfly
• Co-op Swim Team Members--WIAA State Qualifiers

NEW BERLIN EISENHOWER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

• Basketball Team--Division 2--WIAA State Champions
• Cheerleaders--National Champs, 2^nd in State
• Academic Decathlon Team--3^rd Place, Division II at State
• Dance Team---3^rd in State
• Co-op Swim Team Members--WIAA State Qualifiers
• Woodland Conference Varsity Math Champions
• 2008 State Fair Art Winner
• National Art Competitor

Wow. Congratulations to all of those students and teams for their remarkable achievements. Obviously, New Berlin Public Schools has many talented and hard-working students and athletes.