Brookfield Academy Knights Notes

KnighNts OTESSUMMER2021

PASSING THE BATON

In this issue Message from
the Head of School
Message from the 2
Head of School This is my last message to
you as Head of School. As
On the Cover 2 you know, I am retiring and
handing over the reins to
Tribute to Sharon Koenings 3–5 Mr. Doug Ricci. This is an
exciting time for Brookfield
Passing the Baton 6 Academy; transition is a
natural and happy process
Reshaping Our Team 7 for a healthy organization
such as ours. I look forward
Reflecting on History 8 to learning of the many
marvelous things that will be accomplished in the years ahead.
Admissions & Vision 9
You may want to keep this issue of Knights Notes handy to refer to in the
Division News 10–11 months ahead. It is a roadmap of all the moves and changes taking place
when school begins next fall. You will see several familiar faces in new
Graduation 12–13 positions and also a few new people too. We are fortunate to have so many
talented professionals eager to step up and take on new opportunities. The
Athletics 14–15 BA journey continues – the best years yet are just around the corner!

Visual Arts 16–17 I will never be able to put into words what I feel in my heart for all of you
and for this incredible school. I will be forever grateful to have had the
Music & Theatre 18–19 chance to know and love the people, Mission, and outstanding students of
Brookfield Academy. For the past 43 years that I have been a member of
Fitness & Economics Centers 20 our BA team, I have never worked a day! Instead, I have lived a dream that
included you all.
Dinner Auction 21
Alumni Profiles 22–24 Happy Trails!

Alumni News 25 Sharon Koenings
Retiring Head of School
Retirements 26–27
On the Cover
In Memoriam 27
Students cheer as retiring Head of School, Mrs. Koenings, passes the baton to Mr. Ricci,
Golf Outing Back Cover incoming Head of School. Students featured: Rigoberto Castro-Lopez, Freshman; Emma
Camacho Adams, Level 2; Kendra Dehne, Level 7; Sydnie Dehne, Sophomore; Liam Fenelon,
Important Dates Back Cover Level B; Arjun Grewal, Level A; Sophie Haddadian, Level 1; Pius Haenle, Senior; Ameesh
Joshi, Level A; Lucy Koenings, Level 4; Stella Koenings, Level 6; Xavier Loomis, Level 5;
Publisher: Brookfield Academy Jonathan Miller, Level 3; Rohan Singh, Level 8; Isabella Toledo, Junior; Katie York, Sophomore.
Editorial Board: Mary Beth Spella Hill,
Erin Destree, Melissa Eriksen, Peter -2-
Grossman, Sharon Koenings, Larry
Pesch, Doug Ricci, Mary Ricci
Art Direction & Layout:
Erin Destree, Marketing Office
Photography:
Mark Frohna (frophoto.com/ba),
BA students, staff, alumni, and families
The Academy accepts students regardless of
race, creed, or national origin.

Tribute to Sharon Koenings

By Mr. Doug Ricci, Incoming Head of School

“What is best for Brookfield Academy?” sums up how Sharon Behind the scenes, Sharon became an insightful advisor and
Koenings operated during her 40-plus year career at Brookfield strategic visionary to the Head of School. She was named
Academy. As this past school year unfolded, what remained Assistant Head of School by Head of School Dr. Robert
best for Brookfield Academy was that Sharon continued as Solsrud in 1996. As Dr. Solsrud recalls, “The increasing student
Head of School for one final year. This year may have been population, faculty additions, and facility expansion contributed
one of the more “interesting” school years; however, grit to adding the position of Assistant Head of School. Clearly,
and determination, two of Sharon’s favorite attributes, made Sharon Koenings was the obvious selection because of her
it another great year for the Academy. Sharon embraced the experience in marketing, admissions, and college placement,
challenge of leading Brookfield Academy through a worldwide combined with her understanding of the school’s climate,
pandemic and was instrumental in providing a vision to maintain culture, and curriculum. In addition, she was deeply committed
in-person classes. to the mission, philosophy, and values of BA.”

In 1978, Sharon Koenings came to Brookfield Academy when Sharon continued her many roles under that title, including
former Head of School, Mr. Doug Couillard, hired her to teach Director of Admissions, Director of College Counseling, and
Level 4. She began teaching in a small classroom in Founders Director of Marketing – all while handling the Level Leader
Hall. Couillard recalls,
“Sharon came to responsibilities of the
A.B.E. as a ‘walk- senior class. As former
on’ when she and Upper School Assistant
her husband Richard Head Ms. Gloria
moved to the area Renkert said, “No one
for his new job. Her could tackle a problem
timing was right like Sharon. We called
since the Academy her ‘Special K’ as she
was expanding to never would quit until
two classes at all the problem was solved!
levels. Her talents and I remember the time
impulses were right, our plane was canceled
too. She mastered on the senior trip; she
her primary task ended up getting us our
as teacher from the very own plane home
first day. Equally from Arizona!”
important, her
impulses to pitch in as During Dr. Solsrud’s
a team member doing illness in 2012, Sharon
basic tasks, offering was named Acting Head
ideas, and leading as of School and led the
a positive force made Mrs. Koenings’ class, 1979 administrative team until
her invaluable.” his return and prior to
his retirement in 2015. Sharon officially became Head of School
Sharon taught until she took a maternity leave of absence in 1981 in 2017. She remained in this role for the past four years, leading
to welcome her son JB ’99 to the Koenings family. Upon her BA through the normal transitions and challenges that come with
return, Sharon asked then Head of School, Dr. Nyle Kardatzke, each year and some transitions which were not so typical. During
if she could be the school’s part-time curriculum coordinator. the 2020-21 school year, Sharon worked with Assistant Head of
Dr. Kardatzke states, “I told Sharon all the teachers think they School Mr. Doug Ricci to provide him with continued wisdom
are curriculum experts! What the school needed were students, and knowledge until making his transition to the Head of School
not a curriculum coordinator!” Dr. Kardatzke asked her to work role in July 2021.
on a marketing plan for the school to recruit more students. This
ultimately began shaping the school’s Admissions Department and Sharon’s experience as the Director of College Counseling built
led to Sharon’s role as the Director of Admissions. Brookfield Academy’s reputation as a widely recognized college-
prep school. She traveled all over the country to visit colleges and

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TRIBUTE TO SHARON KOENINGS

meet representatives, telling Brookfield Academy’s story. Sharon As a teacher and administrator, Sharon valued the
took a personal interest in each student, and this allowed her to characteristics of grit, determination, courage, and personal
work with them to find the right college fit that matched their responsibility of each BA student. A true champion of the
interests. Sharon’s attention to relationships was not exclusive to school’s ideals and beliefs, she has had a profound impact on
her students. She would often send a congratulatory or thank you the lives of thousands of students, alumni, faculty, and staff. In
note when she recognized the little things that made a difference honor of her commitment to the Academy, the BA community
for her colleagues and the Brookfield Academy community. has established the Sharon Koenings Legacy Scholarship.
This merit-based scholarship is given to a son or daughter
Sharon always strove to make Brookfield Academy better. She of a teacher, staff, or volunteer who in the classroom and on
was a visionary with a pragmatic sense and sharp attention to the stage or athletic field, demonstrates the core BA values
detail. As Dr. Kardatzke recalls, “Sharon had a gift for starting and attitudes Sharon considered essential to a successful
new programs and for sun-setting them when they had served BA education. As of June 2021, over $200,000 has been
their purpose.” She was an active observer and participant at most donated to the scholarship. To support this scholarship, please
activities and events taking place on campus. You might have seen search “Give Now” on brookfieldacademy.org and select
Sharon working in the concession stand at events, taking tickets at Scholarships under Designation.
the gate, or giving a teacher a break during their recess duty.
After 43 years as classroom teacher, College Counselor,
Sharon’s accomplishments and achievements are far Admissions Director, Assistant Head of School, and Head
too many to mention. Some of them include: of School, Sharon is now looking forward to pursuing other
adventures. We have been blessed to have her expertise and
• Launched the after-school Narnia Program and Peter guidance for all this time. In the spirit of a cherished BA
Rabbit daycare for half-day students. tradition, we say hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray
to BA’s one and only Mrs. Sharon Koenings.
• Changed Knights Notes from a legal-size newsletter
to more polished format.

• Organized and developed the Admissions Program
and created a college counseling program and
curriculum – as Dr. Kardatzke would say, “She
brought them in one door and sent them out another
on their way to college.”

• Started International Student Program.

• Developed senior class trips in a rotation of locations
in America.

• Began Level 8 “Final Four” Program.

• Created the scholarship testing format.

• Developed graduation traditions used in ceremony.

• Created Senior Assembly and the Senior Dinner
slideshow.

• Initiated Lifers and the Caps and College Ceremony.

-4-

43 Years Later

By Charlotte Aexel, Class of 2021

When she passes us in the hallway, we straighten our backs.
When she walks through our study halls or our free periods,
we turn to wave at her, and we refocus to study harder.

When we think of Brookfield Academy, we think of Mrs.
Koenings. This is because of how much she has done for
our school, and also because of her passion for her jobs,
each and every one of them that she fulfilled at Brookfield
Academy. In her 43 years working for BA, she has been a
Level 4 teacher, worked in school marketing, admissions,
college counseling, which most of us know her best for in the
high school, and of course, she has been the Head of School.
Why did she do all of these things? “When I was your age,”
she says, “I wanted to save the world.” However, when jobs
in social work didn’t pan out, she combined her passion
for helping people with her love for children, and the Mrs.
Koenings that we know came to be. Her advice for students
unsure of where their paths will lead them is to “be excited
about whatever opportunities come your way,” something
that she herself has never failed to do.

Mrs. Koenings’ excitement has caused the excitement
around Brookfield Academy, about, and within the
school. Our student culture is indebted to her passion and
commitment. However, many students and teachers this
year were worried about the effects of COVID and social
distancing on student culture. Thanks to Mrs. Koenings’
dedication, from calling the vice president of the Medical
College of Wisconsin to researching cleaning techniques to
helping both students and faculty adapt to the protocols, BA
has stayed open and healthy.

Our student dynamic has of course suffered from a lack of
student events, but BA’s perseverance has landed it new
enrollment, attracted by the offer of unchanged curriculum
and in-person learning. According to Mrs. Koenings, BA
classroom productivity has increased due to a lack of student
chatter as a result of social distancing.

She continues to be proud of BA’s culture, just as the
students are. “Look at how well you’ve done,” she says,
in reference to the student body’s ability to excel during
a difficult time. Mrs. Koenings always gives credit to the
Academy Triangle, but we know that our culture is indebted
to her. In the year of her retirement, she says she will miss
football games and reading to younger students the most.

Surely, Brookfield Academy will miss her even more.



-5-

PASSING THE BATON

By Mr. Doug Ricci, Incoming Head of School

It is an honor and privilege to lead Brookfield Academy as Dr. Bob Solsrud. It has been an amazing journey seeing our
Mrs. Sharon Koenings passes the baton to me. I sincerely thank school’s growth and commitment, witnessing how we have
her for the years of dedicated service, leadership, and insight. never wavered from our Founders initial vision in 1962. It is my
Despite a year of such uncertainty, Mrs. Koenings kept our sincere hope that I will follow in the tradition of past leaders. I
school open and oversaw the successful completion of another am counting on the continued support of our committed Board of
year of classical, liberal arts instruction, always keeping BA’s Directors, team of administrators, and dedicated staff.
mission and philosophy solidly intact.
With this in mind, everything we do begins with the combined
During my transition to the Head’s role, Mrs. Koenings served efforts of the Brookfield Academy community - faculty, parents,
as my mentor, providing the knowledge and confidence to do students, and alums. Our students, faculty, and programs
what we, as a school community, do best – prepare students for will continue to reflect our Five Stars. I am grateful for the
success in school and beyond through the Brookfield Academy tremendous support of our generous graduates and parents who
experience. My 30-plus years as a teacher, coach, mentor, and have faithfully demonstrated their dedication to this school.
administrator have given me the opportunity to learn from Brookfield Academy is a special place, and I am proud, yet
truly outstanding Heads, including Dr. Nyle Kardatzke and humbled, to lead this extraordinary institution into the future.

Meet Mr. Ricci
STARTED ACADEMIC POSITIONS: COACHED: ACADEMIC DEGREES:

a1t9BA9d0ur-ing9th1e Middle School Math MWiddrleeSschtooll Si onccegr BS Mathematics

school year Upper School Math Middle School Softball Minor in Economics and Computer Science
Athletic Director
VARSITY TENNIS University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Upper School Dean of Students VARSITY BASEBALL
Middle School Head MS Educational Leadership

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL Cardinal Stritch University

-6-

Reshaping Our Team
FOR THE FUTURE

By Mr. Doug Ricci, Incoming Head of School Admissions/Advancement/Marketing

This past school year, administrators, faculty, and staff have Dr. Larry Pesch, Executive Director of Advancement and
worked tirelessly to keep our students learning under difficult Admissions, will have a relatively new team of faces as he
circumstances. As we plan and prepare for the 2021-22 school continues to oversee the two departments.
year, we hope teachers and students will once again experience
our values and traditions under normal conditions. Part of the Mrs. Joan Doble will take over as Director of Admissions. Mrs.
plan involves staffing changes within Brookfield Academy. Doble brings a wealth of Brookfield Academy experience to
I am happy to announce as I begin my first year as Head of this important role, having previously served as Middle School
School that we have made shifts which will create a strong Division Head and classroom teacher.
administrative leadership team. This group of individuals will
confidently lead the school going forward, and I know our Mrs. Mindy Morrissey has been named the Assistant Director of
community will share my enthusiasm and confidence in seeing Admissions. Mrs. Morrissey’s background as a Primary School
some familiar faces in different roles. and Lower School teacher and academic resource specialist
gives her the skills to guide our new and prospective parents
Primary/Lower Schools through the admissions process.

Head Richard Raney will be assisted by Ms. Tanya Schwartz. Mrs. Mary Ricci will step away from the Admissions Office
Ms. Schwartz will serve as the Assistant Head and will also and become the Director of All-School Events, overseeing the
work in the Lincoln Room. She brings a strong teaching and multitude of special events campus-wide.
curriculum background to the position. Ms. Schwartz is a
graduate of UW-Parkside with degrees in Elementary Education, In the Advancement Office, Dr. Pesch welcomes Mrs. Susan Jeide
History, and Psychology. She is completing her graduate degree as Assistant Director of Major Gifts. Mrs. Jeide has worked in the
in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. Fine Arts and Athletic Offices and will begin assisting in the annual
giving efforts and securing donations and gifts.
Middle School
Mrs. Melissa Eriksen has been named the new Director of
Dr. Mark Bullio will become our Middle School Head. Dr. Marketing. Previously employed as a sales and marketing
Bullio has served as the Upper School Dean of Students for the executive, Mrs. Eriksen brings a strong marketing background
past three years and is excited to take on this Division Head role. and experience to Brookfield Academy. She earned her
Mrs. Shelly Sullivan will continue as Middle School Dean of journalism degree from UW-Madison and has done a number of
Students, giving Dr. Bullio the support to lead this dynamic and past marketing projects for Brookfield Academy.
energetic division of Brookfield Academy.
Office of Mission & Academics
Upper School
Executive Director, Mrs. Linda Pryor, will continue leading
Beginning his 39th year at BA, Dr. Dan Davis will continue to the efforts in this office by providing professional development
lead this division. and mission-appropriate activities to parents, staff, and the
Brookfield Academy community.
Mrs. Jessée Tomchek will move into the Upper School Dean
of Students position. Mrs. Tomchek is an instrumental part of I am blessed to work with some of the most committed
our Upper School staff, currently working with students in the individuals I know and look to this group of leaders to maintain
Academic Resource room. She earned her undergraduate degree and uphold the mission and philosophy of Brookfield Academy
in Psychology from Marquette University and has completed her while keeping it as a premier independent school.
graduate work in Educational Psychology at UW-Milwaukee.

-7-

Reflecting on History

By Mrs. Linda Pryor, Executive Director of Mission & Academics

As we look ahead, it is always useful to also look back and Dr. K, as we often
called him, was
reflect on our past history. Brookfield Academy has been blessed followed as Head
of School by Dr.
with great leadership. Happily, both Sharon Koenings and Doug Robert Solsrud.
Dr. Solsrud’s
Ricci have had several long tenure at
BA brought us
opportunities to learn through tremendous
growth and the
from past BA Heads. completion of our
beautiful Patriots
They both even met Hall. Since retiring Dr. Robert Solsrud
from Brookfield
our first Head, William Academy, Dr. Solsrud has moved past his challenging health
issues. His caring wife of 54 years, Karen, served as his head
Beye Smeeth, on his nurse and continues to keep Bob on his toes! They thoroughly
enjoy visiting their grandchildren in Scottsdale, AZ, but, of
return trips to Brookfield course, could only Zoom with them this past year.

or when visiting with Dr. Solsrud enjoys all outdoor activities, but particularly hiking
and playing golf with his friends. He is active with Brookfield
him in his hometown Lutheran Church, managing their weekly golf league and running
bible study classes for assisted living centers. Many of us
of Scottsdale, AZ. Mr. remember his years of humble service mowing the lawn of our
huge campus and chalking the fields for our athletes. He continues
Smeeth, one of the to do this now for the youth program in his community. And yes,
he is coaching third and fourth grade flag football and baseball!
Academy’s founders, Dr. Solsrud, too, stays in close contact with us, and we have all
reached out to him for his wisdom and advice.
was Head from the
We continue to read,
school’s beginning study, and reflect upon
the writings of all
until the mid-1970s. Mr. William Beye Smeeth three of these great
He died in 2014 at age leaders. Brookfield
Academy is fortunate
93, but he left BA with many of our traditions and values - most to have a strong
foundation on which
importantly, our treasured Five Stars. we will continue to
build a commitment to
Mr. Smeeth had a great administrative team whom he hand- excellence for all our
students.
picked when the school began, and they led us through those
Solsrud, Kardatzke, and Smeeth
years after Smeeth retired. Ultimately, the Board hired Dr. Nyle

Kardatzke, an economics professor, who grasped our mission

perfectly. After his departure from BA, Dr. Kardatzke went on

to become the Head of School at Wichita Collegiate School in

Kansas and then

at Sycamore

School in

Indianapolis,

where he lives

today. He has

three adult

children and 10

grandchildren

whom he loves

to spend time

Dr. Nyle Kardatzke with whenever
he can. He

has also self-published four books that have grown out of his

personal experiences from early childhood to the present. Dr.

Kardatzke has four more books in what he calls his “pipeline”

for further writing, including one about his two years in Ethiopia

when John F. Kennedy was president here and Haile Selassie

was the Emperor of Ethiopia. He continues to keep in touch with

us and has participated as a presenter in economics programming

here on campus.

-8-

Admissions
& Vision

By Mr. Doug Ricci, Head of School

The Admissions Office remains the lifeline for bringing new
families and students to our campus. Before prospective
parents enroll their students at Brookfield Academy, our
Admissions Office provides the family with a thorough
overview of the benefits to investing in a private,
independent school education. Families will understand
why 100% of our graduates are accepted to colleges and
universities of their choice.

How will Admissions representatives deliver this message?
Prospective parents and students need to see Brookfield
Academy in action as they are told the success stories that
our graduates achieve in college and life. The reasons why to
choose a Brookfield Academy education need to be outlined,
including how we provide an exceptional school experience
through our mission and philosophy, Five Stars, classical
liberal arts curriculum, and extracurricular program. On a
campus tour, our talented and dedicated faculty can be seen
engaging students in the classroom, advising them on making
good choices, coaching teams on our state-of-the-art athletic
facilities, and most importantly, transforming children into
lifelong learners who will become successful citizens and
leaders in their communities.

The focus of the Admissions Department will not
change as our ongoing process continues to be focused
on retaining current students and bringing aboard new
families. However, these responsibilities cannot fall
on the Admissions Department alone. Our new vision
and restructure will include members of the academic
and advancement leadership departments, as well as
representatives from the faculty, to form an effective
team capable of marketing the benefits of a Brookfield
Academy education. We are all part of the plan to achieve
our strategic enrollment goals. For Brookfield Academy
to thrive in today’s world, we must consistently deliver
mission-excellence and have a clear sense of who we are.
We must position our school-to-family Academy Triangle
partnership in a way that suggests our uniqueness as a
private, independent school.

We will continue to put students at the center of our
program, serving as a reminder to parents that our
commitment to excellence is found with our school mission
and philosophy:
1. Preparing graduates for college and life
2. Honoring the importance of family and the Academy Triangle
3. Educating students in the skills, values, and heritage of

constructive, free people.

-9-

Year End Review

Upper School News Middle School News

By Dr. Dan Davis, Head of Upper School By Mrs. Joan Doble, Head of Middle School

Despite all the obstacles posed by the pandemic, we had a When students in the Middle School look back on this year, they
very successful year in the Upper School. Students and staff will certainly remember wearing masks, navigating hallway
learned to overcome the fear and uncertainty in order to do what traffic patterns, and eating lunch each day with their homeroom.
everyone wanted - meet in person to teach and learn. Hopefully, they will also remember the fantastic group of
teachers who taught them in person and still found ways to
The majority of changes we made to accomplish this will likely have fun and make learning exciting. Students re-enacted
go away next year. The miraculous vaccine, new treatments, famous battles, played math review “trashketball,” dissected
and declining infections will hopefully open the way to a return frogs, created Tom Sawyer projects, and read, wrote, and sang
to normal. The library will open; we will eat together in the in Spanish, French, and Latin. While students did not get the
cafeteria; we will gather in classrooms in larger numbers and full BAME experience, they did participate in a government
mingle in learning groups; and, we will not need to wear masks simulation, learning parliamentary procedure and the need to
unless we wish to do so. negotiate. Perhaps, these young people will help bring positive
change to our political system.
A few innovations will still endure. Next year, we will be better
at helping sick students keep up with their learning through new Since our students missed out on many of the fun activities of
technologies which we now use. When we need to close school a typical year, we looked for new ways to bring enjoyment into
because of snow and cold, we will be able to provide students their days. Homerooms competed in a variety of challenges over
with opportunities to learn from home. After the joy of having the course of the year: sledding became a common recess activity
classes outdoors this past year, we will continue to use the for the first time in Middle School; and, two “Friday Fundays”
outdoor classrooms when the weather permits. were created in which students were able to take a break from
their regular academic classes and choose from a variety of
For the 2021-22 school year, we will cherish the return to normal enrichment classes, including British Teatime, Mountaineering,
and not take what we have for granted. and Coding.

We look forward to returning to our regular schedule with less
time devoted to cleaning and passing between classes. As we
leave behind many of the COVID routines and protocols, we
look forward to the pandemic-inspired activities becoming new
Middle School traditions.

- 10 -

DIVISION NEWS

Primary School &
Lower School News

By Mr. Richard Raney, Head of Primary School
and Lower School

The scholars of the Primary and Lower Schools have had a year
like no other. While school has looked different for them this
year, what hasn’t changed is their curiosity and wonder for the
world around them. Behind desk shields and face masks are
inquisitive minds who have embraced every challenge with a
cheerful spirit and a willing heart.
As I put a close to my first year back at Brookfield Academy
since being a student, I am honored to join this community once
again. I’ve been humbled by our amazing teachers who have
worked tirelessly under extraordinary conditions to provide
our time-honored curriculum. I have a tremendous amount of
gratitude for our parents, who have granted us the opportunity
to educate their most precious gifts, their children. Finally, I am
amazed by our scholars who have embraced the challenge of this
school year. With our teachers, parents, and students working
together, we have not just endured this school year, but thrived.

- 11 -

Congratulations

- 12 -

Class of 2021!

- 13 -

Middle School Athletics

By Mr. Nick Rechlitz, Assistant Athletic Director

In a school year that has been like no other, the spring season
finally saw some normality return for our student athletes.
Practices were back to a regular routine, and our teams were able
to compete on a consistent basis.

Through it all, our athletes made it happen and deserve much of
the credit. Without them, none of this would have been possible.
Being able to step up to the challenges, no matter what they were,
will always be the hardest part of succeeding as a student athlete.
They did that, and it is what made this year especially memorable.

Upper School Athletics

By Mr. Jon Kahle, Athletic Director

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team went through a rebuilding year in
2020-21. Playing many underclassmen, the team improved
significantly throughout the season. Junior Peytan Clarey
received first team all-conference honors in the Midwest
Classic Conference.

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball team finished the season with an overall
record of 6-8. The team finished conference play with a
record of 4-4, which was 4th place in the MCC. Freshman
Lucia Jensen and senior Morgan Allen received first team
all-conference honors. Allen, team MVP, also led the league in
scoring and rebounding.

Fencing

Since the majority of conference schools participate and compete in
Illinois, the official fencing season was cancelled in 2020-21. The
team used the winter and spring to improve skills and fundamentals.
They look forward to a successful season in 2021-22.

Ski Team Co-Op

The coed ski team experienced a successful year on the slopes
with a record number of participants. Both the boys and girls
teams qualified for State at Mt. La Crosse, finishing 9th and 19th
respectively. The MVP award winners were Peter von Hagke and
Suzanne Ackley.

- 14 -

Baseball

The baseball team finished the season with an overall record
of 12-7 and a second place finish in the Midwest Classic
Conference. The team won its WIAA regional game at home
before falling to Shoreland Lutheran on the road. Juniors
Michael Hoefgen, Jonathan Kim, Dillon Rosado, Nolan Kahle,
and Ryan Campbell earned all-conference recognition.

Track

The coed track team finished a successful season with many
State qualifiers and team success at the annual MCC track
meet at Brookfield Academy. Senior Isaac Schoenwetter (team
MVP) set the school record in the long jump. Freshman Lucia
Jensen (team MVP) qualified for State in the high jump. The
3200 M relay team qualified for State: Nathaniel Osborne,
Carlos Castro-Lopez, Jacob Reiner, Kamron Kaiser, and
alternate Ian Smith. Osborne also qualified as an individual in
the 3200 M and finished sixth at State.

Boys Tennis: State Runner-ups!

The boys tennis team had a historic season with individual and
team success. Individually, the doubles team consisting of Drew
Buckholdt and Pranav Gogineni captured the WIAA Division
2 doubles title. Freshman Adrian Yin was the WIAA Division
2 singles runner-up. Senior Tayte Matthews also qualified for
individual State. As a team, BA won a thrilling sectional title
over rival University School of Milwaukee and qualifying for
its second ever appearance at WIAA Division 2 Team State in
Kohler. The team finished runner-up to Catholic Memorial.

Golf

The golf team finished the season with many golfers advancing to the
sectional meet: Albert Pangman Velez, Pius Haenle, and Benjamin
Book. The team improved vastly over the course of the season
in conference play. Freshman Benjamin Book earned first team
all-conference recognition and an individual appearance at WIAA
Division 2 State meet (tied for eighteenth) in Wisconsin Dells.

Softball

With many youthful players on the team in 2021, BA softball
focused on building skills and fundamentals. The team remained
positive and competed well against many teams in the Midwest
Classic Conference. Junior Natalie Cartwright received second
team all-conference recognition.

Girls Soccer: State Champions!

The girls soccer team had another successful season winning
conference, regional, and sectional championships. BA qualified
for its third WIAA Division 4 Team State berth and defeated
Howards Grove 2-1 in the semifinals. Freshman Claire Tracy
scored BA’s two goals. In the championship game, BA won a
thrilling victory over Cedar Grove Belgium 4-3 in a shootout.
Junior Jacqueline Dieck scored the game winning goal in the
shootout, giving BA its second ever WIAA State Championship
in soccer!

Junior goalkeeper Anneke Zaiser was named defensive player of
the year in the MCC. Claire Tracy was the overall player of the
year in the conference. Sydnie Dehne, Sally Wilson, Carly Zeiler,
and Jacqueline Dieck also earned first-team all conference honors.
- 15 -

Fine Arts Lower School Gallery Night
Middle School Art Show 2021
By Mrs. Sheila Barker, Visual Arts
By Mrs. Sheila Barker, Visual Arts
In the Lower School, we also did a virtual art show. This year
This year’s Art Show was done virtually. Throughout the year, we focused on Embracing the Challenge of social distancing
art students in the Middle School worked hard under the strange in the art room and making sure art supplies were disinfected.
circumstances that we found ourselves in during COVID-19. Throughout those challenges, the students were so creative and
Many classes were not in the art room, and supplies were eager to create art. We focused on combining subject matter
separated and bagged. Even through all of the constraints from their classrooms and connecting it with art class.
imposed upon them, their creativity and willingness to try new
mediums and art styles prevailed! Their art soared above the fray
of a crazy year.

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VISUAL ARTS

Scholastic Art Awards Upper School Art Show

By Mrs. Elaine Buckley, Art Department Chair By Mrs. Elaine Buckley, Art Department Chair

We are thrilled to share with you a sampling of this year’s This year, students created metal, wood, and stone artworks
winners for the 2020-21 Scholastic Art Awards. Jurors at the for an outdoor art show. The aim was to create pieces that
regional and national level looked for works that exemplified could be viewed outside, free of COVID-19 related spacing
the Awards’ core values: originality, technical skill, and the and restrictions. What occurred over the course of the 2020-21
emergence of personal voice or vision. Students’ entries were school year was much innovation on how metal and even stone
blindly adjudicated by some of the foremost leaders in the visual can be used. Aluminum and used metal were collected to create
arts. Some of our winning entries were created during remote flower and animal formations. Art 3 students painted cedar fence
learning by our dedicated students. posts, and design students created digital paintings printed on
water-proof vinyl. We were thrilled to embrace the school’s
architecture and landscape for an outdoor sculpture garden show.

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Fine Arts Celebrate America
Middle School & Upper School
Band and Choral Concerts By Mrs. Rebecca Auskings, Choir Director

By Mr. Maxon Day, Band Director & Wow! When we say Brookfield Academy doesn’t stop, the
Mrs. Rebecca Auskings, Choir Director Celebrate America concert embodies this idea! It didn’t just
rain, it poured down on our music department on May 15. As
This year our students had their formal end-of-year concert on the rain came down in sheets of water, we still managed to
Saturday, May 8. Choir students sang a variety of music including sing parts of our program to celebrate America and say our
jazz, musical theatre, classical, and modern choral. Many of our music department’s goodbye to Mrs. Koenings. Mr. Day and
award winning Solo and Ensemble entries performed as well, Mrs. Auskings want to send a big THANK YOU to all of our
giving the audience a taste of our competition submissions. After musicians, their families, and community members who came
so long without a formal concert, it felt good to sing once again! out to celebrate with us and make this a memorable evening!
Congratulations to our ten graduating seniors from the choir Congratulations Mrs. Koenings on your years of service, and we
program; we wish them well on the next steps in their journey. hope we gave you a concert you will never forget!
May you always hold our music in your hearts and come visit
your choir home when you can!

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MUSIC & THEATRE

Upper School & During the afternoons, the Lower School actors and crew
Lower School Musicals enchanted audiences of friends and family with their dream-like
adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, with original music by Tony
By Mr. Wesley Schultz, Executive Director of the Arts & Karraa, a Los Angeles-based composer.
Ms. Judy Welden, Drama Teacher
Grandparents and friends near and far were able to tune into the
The Lower School and Upper School spring musicals were livestream of both events. Thanks to the cast, crew, and families
transformed into outdoor summer theatre this year! The magical of both musicals for making these end-of-year celebrations an
Upper School performance of The Sound of Music performed amazing success!
for three nights in the Patriots Hall courtyard, with Lower
School and Middle School actors guest starring as the youngest
members of the Von Trapp Family.

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Grand Opening
FITNESS & ECONOMICS CENTERS

By Mr. Doug Ricci, Incoming Head of School

On April 12, 2021, Brookfield Academy students celebrated the Upper School students began using the Economics Center and
completion of the Economics and Fitness Centers with an official classrooms this school year, taking advantage of the newly
Grand Opening. Dressed in their blue and gold “BA Strong” tee- renovated space that was the former Fitness Center. This much-
shirts, students and staff toured the new spaces and checked out needed space has provided Upper School teachers and students
the fitness equipment during the afternoon activities. Students with more classrooms to maintain smaller sections conducive
from the Primary and Lower Schools were given balloons to to learning. Economics remains a key element of the Brookfield
symbolize their role in the opening of these new facilities. Academy curriculum, and this new Economics Center will
allow us to share our program with the broader community. A
From the onset of the Fitness Center project, it was decided that all future goal for this state-of-the-art space is to host various “free
levels in the school would participate in age-appropriate exercises market,” mission-appropriate seminars and speakers.
and fitness opportunities through their respective physical
education curriculums and athletic seasons. Even our smallest
students will benefit from the multi-colored climbing wall.

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DINNER AUCTION

By Mr. Peter Grossman, Director of Development

The BA community pushed all the challenges of this year aside The themed 80s Night gathered BA families both in person and
and let their enthusiasm and energy take over for this “Rad” and virtually to raise money in support of our students and teachers
“Gnarly” Dinner Auction. The Auction could not have been a whose perseverance led Brookfield Academy through this unique
success without the creativity and efforts of Auction Chair Sarah year. Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers,
Slaughter and her amazingly talented committee of volunteers. faculty, and staff who contributed to a fabulous Auction.

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Tim Prudlow ’04

Brookfield Academy taught me the
value of doing things with passion
and purpose. While I wasn’t always
sure of the path or purpose, a handful
of classes, teachers, and coaches
influenced my course. Mr. Greg
Rackovan’s excitement for physics
rubbed off on me as I found a passion
for science courses. I ultimately became
a human biology major at the University
of Wisconsin-Green Bay. With a general
focus on a career in healthcare, I kept
my head down and simply tried to get
the most out of my courses, while also
playing tennis for the school.

“I am incredibly grateful for the path
Brookfield Academy has put me on and
love finding ways to use the gifts it has
given me to inspire and help others.”

My tennis career ramped up quickly at Waukesha Airport. Then, hopefully, years of events and
in high school, and ultimately drove activities will follow which will open the eyes of future
a successful college career. Mr. Peter generations to the joy and passion aviation creates.
Grossman showed me how to work hard
and be humble while playing at BA. From physics with “Racko,” a lighthearted coaching tip at
He also made sure I knew how to laugh state from Peter, to having a career and family, I find myself
and not take what might be stressful counting my blessings. Along the way, my extracurricular
situations too seriously. activities gave me confidence to take on challenges I wouldn’t
otherwise tackle. And they built relationships that ultimately
With an entrepreneurial spirit and guidance from a surgeon carved my career path. I am incredibly grateful for the path
father, I decided medical device sales aligned well with my Brookfield Academy has put me on and love finding ways to
strengths. In 2015, I pursued my EMBA from Marquette use the gifts it has given me to inspire and help others.
University, and shortly after began a career with Nevro where we
are uniquely helping individuals suffering from chronic pain.

One of my greatest passions that ignited in high school was
aviation. I completed my first solo flight at age 17, created
a small aviation-based LLC at age 26, and recently founded
a non-profit. Aviation teaches how to be ready for any
challenge, work with structure and discipline, and soak in the
experience along the way. The first initiative of our non-profit
(PreFlight Foundation, Inc.) is an aviation-themed playground

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Karol Nowak ’16 ALUMNI PROFILE

took every theatre class taught by Mr. Wes
Schultz and acted in all the school plays
and musicals. To be a filmmaker of any
kind, you must understand acting, and I am
very grateful to Mr. Schultz for providing
to me a head start on that education.

From the start of college class in my
junior year at BA, I knew I wanted to go
to film school. I immediately filled out
my “potential schools” list with whatever
film schools were named the best in the
country by The Hollywood Reporter. Mrs.
Koenings helped me refine my list to
include more diverse and “safe” options;
but through a lot of hard work and extra
effort on her part, I ended up at New York
University, where I graduated last May
with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film &
TV Production.

Since graduating, I’ve dived head-
first into my life’s dream: Writing and
directing my own films. I recently was
hired by BA to film the grand opening
ceremony of the new Fitness and
Economics Centers. In July 2021, I begin
production on my first feature film, The
Universe Where, which I wrote and will
direct. One day, I plan to move to Los
Angeles and see what the future holds.

When I started high school at BA, I wasn’t exactly sure what “My appreciation for the
kind of career path I wanted to head down. All I knew was that craft behind filmmaking
I wanted to be in film. At five years old, my favorite movie grew with each class.”
was Jurassic Park. I wanted to be an actor solely because I
thought actors were the only people involved in the filmmaking
process. Then, I grew up and took more notice of the other
names in the credits.

The summer before my sophomore year at BA, I took a film
course with then play director, Mr. Matt Flack. I discovered
new (to me) films such as The Godfather and The Tree of Life.
My appreciation for the craft behind filmmaking grew with
each class. While that was the only film class offered at BA, I

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Katherine Polster ’16

Katie Polster, who just completed a
Master’s Degree in Urban Education
at Rhodes College, has been awarded a
Fullbright U.S. Student Award for the
2021-22 academic year. The Fullbright
Program is the flagship international
educational exchange program sponsored
by the U.S. government and is designed
to increase mutual understanding
between the people of the United States
and those of other countries. Recipients
are chosen for their academic merit and
intellectual potential. Katie will serve as
an English teaching assistant in Taiwan
in the fall. She is no stranger to this part
of the world as she traveled there in 2018
and returned the following year to teach

“I hope to inspire students to be
curious and find love in learning.”

English in Tiajin, China. She also earned her undergraduate Katie’s curiosity and love for linguistics was sparked in the
degree in Chinese studies in 2020. “Being a Fulbright Award classroom at BA by Ms. Ruth Osier, Mrs. Joyce Cupertino,
recipient is a dream come true,” says Polster. “I love teaching Señora Kelly Burk, Señor Fred Cruz, and Herr Andrew
and learning languages, and teaching abroad has been a Richardson. Upon completion of the Fulbright grant, Polster
dream that seemed out of reach. The Fulbright grants me the plans to teach English as a second language either in Milwaukee,
opportunity to grow as an educator, to learn from and adapt to a Memphis, or abroad. “I hope to inspire students to be curious
new culture, and to achieve fluency in Chinese.” and find love in learning.”

Let’s Celebrate!
50TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 10 & 11, 2021

Class of 1971 with Classes of 1972, 1973, & 1974

For more information, visit b- 2r4 o- okfieldacademy.org /alumni

ALUMNI News

1980s 2010s
Scott Krizek ’89 Peter Francis ’12

Scott, a longtime, avid Peter Francis was married to
runner, will be participating Jordan Simunich on August
in the Hood to Coast Relay 15, 2020. Peter and Jordan
Run in Oregon this summer. currently reside in Cleveland
Known as the “Mother of all Heights, Ohio where he
Relays,” this is an overnight, is a Project Manager with
199-mile relay race from Rockwell Automation.
Mount Hood to the Pacific
Ocean. Scott currently lives Theresa Wichser ’18
in Mequon with his wife
Megan and daughters Molly, age 12, and Lily, age 10. Theresa, known at
BA for her three point
Tyler Loomis ’89 shooting, has broken the
all-time record of most
After having been in the counseling field for several years, Tyler three-point shots made
decided to hang up his own shingle in 2019 and establish TGL in a career at Carroll
Wellness focusing on counseling for adults, teens, couples, and University. Theresa
families. Tyler, his wife Kash, and family live in Muskego. Their made the record breaking
two oldest children, Jack ’18 and Mary ’20, are BA grads, while 145th three on March
their three youngest, Max, Katie, and Xavier currently attend BA. 6, 2021. Theresa broke
this 24-year-old record
in just her third season
with the Pioneers, despite playing a shortened season. She also
earned CCIW Academic All Conference Award honors in addition
to receiving the Jack Swartz Academic All Conference Award by
Carroll University. In addition to her success on the court, Theresa
recently received a Delta Sigma Nu Scholastic Honor Society
Award as a junior. Theresa looks to become an elementary teacher
upon graduation in 2022.

2000s Alumni Notes

Rachael • Welcome Class of 2021! Did you know that with
Battista ’08 the graduating Class of 2021, Brookfield Academy
Taylor has graduated 1,952 scholars?

Rachael was married to • Join the Alumni Association on Facebook and
Greg Taylor on May 15, Instagram! Links are on brookfieldacademy.org.
2021, in a small ceremony Click Alumni.
on Lido Key in Sarasota,
FL. In Rachael’s words, • We Want Your News! Please e-mail your alumni
“It was a true blessing news to [email protected].
after 6 1/2 years of dating,
one pandemic, and one • To be included in the next issue, please submit
postponed wedding date.” Congratulations Rachael and Greg. your news by October 15, 2021.

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Retirements
Janet Kenny Students in her classes wear togas, build catapults, and watch
great movies about Rome like Ben Hur and Masada. At the
By Mr. Doug Ricci, same time, her students master the Latin language at the highest
Head of School level and perform with constant excellence on the Advanced
Placement examinations. Her passion for the subject has drawn
Janet Kenny has been an icon in high school students into the study of Latin for 32 years, 21 one
Brookfield Academy’s Middle of those years here at Brookfield Academy. Her leadership of the
School math department, serving school Latin Club has resulted in nearly 20 State Championships
as mathematics chair and Level 8 in the State competition held by the Junior Classical League and
team leader, as well as teaching as many appearances in the National Competition. Also, she
algebra and geometry during her has sponsored seven Brookfield Academy students as National
28-year tenure. She has always officers in the JCL.
put her heart and soul into
developing her math lessons and school curriculum. Ms. Osier has taken Brookfield Academy students on
international trips to Italy, Greece, and London. Over the
Throughout her years, Janet has delivered a variety of methods years, she has cared about students and has been a kind mentor
to effectively teach students and engage them, ensuring they had for many serious students of Latin, as well as students in her
a thorough understanding of content and a curiosity for solving advisory group. Ruth Osier will be greatly missed. Ave atque
equations. Whether it be practicing fundamental skills on the vale, Ms. Osier.
whiteboard or solving quadratic equations with a smartboard
lesson, Janet reinforced concepts through extended practice. Rose Pankow
Passing Janet’s room or seeing her in student study areas,
she most often was found working with a student rather than By Mr. Richard Raney,
using her free period to prepare for her next lesson. Janet also Head of Primary School
used her talents to coordinate several math contests within the and Lower School
school year, giving students ample opportunities to compete and
display their mathematical abilities. She started the Brookfield Rose Pankow came to Brookfield
Academy MathCounts team. Under her leadership, students Academy in 2005 as a Level A
successfully participated in state and regional competitions teacher. She continued her career
over the years, earning not only high honors, but a sense of true as Lincoln Room Coordinator for
accomplishment in an academic area they loved. Thank you to the past several years. However,
Janet for her years of service to Brookfield Academy. her impact in the Primary and
Lower Schools cannot simply be
Ruth Osier measured in a job or in a singular role.

By Dr. Dan Davis, Rose was not someone who merely offered support to students or
Head of Upper School simply delivered curriculum. She was someone who encouraged
the love of learning through well-planned and energetically
Salvē, Ms. Osier delivered one-on-one instruction in the Lincoln Room that kept
the lamp of learning lit for all of her students.
Ruth Osier is a gentle soul who
teaches an ancient language and One of Rose’s most endearing qualities was her gentle demeanor
culture with remarkable energy with parents who needed advice, support, or a kind word about
and enthusiasm. All things Latin the challenges of parenting. Her ability to connect with parents
excite her. Latin grammar (the and students to help everyone understand the nuances of a
cases and declensions), Latin growing mind and spirit is a gift few have. Her genuine empathy
vocabulary, Roman history, Roman culture and life, and Roman and concern was felt by every student, parent, and colleague
mythology are as much a part of her everyday life as Twitter with whom she encountered. Rose inspired her students to
and Facebook are part of the life of modern Americans. Her do their best and attended to the needs of her most struggling
classroom is a veritable repository of Roman memorabilia and students, while challenging those who needed to be stretched.
includes a scale model of Ancient Rome and more friezes, busts,
and vases than one can count. She is a consummate teacher, Rose was known for her constant support of colleagues
at one time teaching History and Western Civilization before throughout the life of the school, which ultimately had an
settling in to teach Latin – she loves to learn and loves to teach. incredible impact on the students of Brookfield Academy. Her

- 26 -

positive and constructive attitude and genuine concern for others In Memoriam
were always at the forefront of her daily work in the Primary and
Lower Schools. By Ms. Kristi Johnsen ’84 Mikos

Whether you were four years old or 40 years old, Rose Pankow Dale Johnsen
had the gift of connection. She made you feel supported, heard, passed away in
and loved. She used these gifts to change the lives of many Monument, CO
of our scholars who walked these halls both past and present. in late 2020. She
Her cheerful spirit and willing heart will be dearly missed at taught for almost
Brookfield Academy. two decades
at Brookfield
Karen Schleicher Academy, starting
shortly after the
By Dr. Dan Davis, Academy of
Head of Upper School Basic Education’s
founding. Dale
Karen Schleicher is an unusual taught our “little
person with an unusual skill people” (as she liked to call our 4 and 5 year old
set. She is supremely well read scholars). She will be remembered and thanked
and highly educated – ask her for developing BA’s successful program to teach
sometime if she has read a book, reading and writing that focused on phonics with
any book, and you will likely find Montessori influences.
she has read it, remembers it, and
has an analytical opinion about it. One of her overarching maxims was to leave a
However, her lofty intellect is coupled with a legendary warmth place better than she found it. She, like all faculty
and kindness that has made her a favorite of so many students at BA, volunteered her time to make it a place
over the years. of educational excellence. She was especially
fond of remembering how she organized each
Karen has taught at Brookfield Academy for 24 years, and for level’s memory assignments for the Christmas
most of those, she was the freshmen English teacher. Nearly all program so that every child would study/learn the
Upper School freshmen took her class; and thus, she came to entire Christmas story during the six years they
know almost every student in the school. She taught students progressed through the Lower School.
to write well (her passion), read deeply, think clearly, and love
one another. Over the years, Karen has always been thoroughly She was proud of the education that BA afforded
involved in the life of the Upper School, having been an advisor its students and was grateful for the intellectual
for the Academic Decathlon, yearbook, newspaper, Poetry Club, opportunities BA furnished her children, Kirk ‘79,
Book Club, and Doctor Who Club. Karl ’80, and Krista ‘84.

Karen helped lead the faculty Sunshine Club and brought her
warmth and caring spirit to colleagues for many years. Teacher
birthdays or milestones were remembered and celebrated
because of Karen.

Karen never had an unkind word for any students she taught,
and she always found positive attributes in each of them. To her,
there were no negatives worth considering in teaching students
– there were only opportunities for growth. Karen has a sincere
and seemingly inborn faith in the value and potential in all her
young charges. She sees every student as special in important
ways, and every student feels valued in her class.

Ms. Karen Schleicher has had an outsized impact on Brookfield
Academy students and, her contributions will be missed.

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NOTES Non-Profit
Organization
BROOKFIELD U.S. Postage
ACADEMY
PAID
3462 North Brookfield Road Milwaukee, WI
Brookfield, Wisconsin 53045 Permit No. 960
Knights Notes is published by Brookfield Academy
to provide information for alumni, families of past IMPDOARTTANET S
and present students, and friends of the Academy.
Brookfield Academy is a private, independent August 9 Davis-Law Golf Outing
college preparatory school educating students
August 24 First Day of School
from K3 through Grade 12.
For more school and alumni news, September 10 Founders Day Assembly

visit brookfieldacademy.org. September 17 Founders Fest
“Like” Brookfield Academy
on Facebook or Instagram. September 18 Five Star Run
View Brookfield Academy
photo albums on Flickr! September 18 Homecoming

SAVE THE DATE October 1 Grandparents Day

25TH ANNUAL October 15–18 Fall Break

DAVIS-LAW MEMORIAL October 31 Open House
GOLF OUTING
November 5–7 US Fall Play
MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021
Westmoor Country Club November 6 S cholarship Testing/
Admissions Screening
For more information or to register online,
visit brookfieldacademy.org or call the November 19–21 Middle School Musical
Advancement Office at 262-783-3200.
November 23 Thanksgiving Assembly
Proceeds from this annual event support
Brookfield Academy’s scholarship programs. November 24–28 Thanksgiving Break

December 10 MS/US Winter Concert

December 17 PS/LS Christmas Program

December 20–31 Christmas Break

February 4–7 Winter Break