Newsletter of Sevastopol School District
Volume 41 Issue 3
Celebrating the Sevastopol High School Class of 2025: Leading With Excellence and Heart BY TROY SCHAEFER, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL As the 2025 school year comes to a close, it is with great pride and emotion that we celebrate the remarkable seniors of Sevastopol High School. This is an exciting time in their lives, filled with reflection, anticipation, and well-earned recognition. As the principal, I’ve had the distinct privilege of witnessing this extraordinary class grow over the past three years, and I can say without hesitation, our future is in good hands. The Class of 2025 is made up of 40 dynamic, compassionate, and driven individuals. Twenty-one students will be attending four-year universities, while 11 will continue their education at NWTC and Fox Valley Technical College. Seven students are stepping confidently into the workforce, and one is still exploring the many opportunities ahead. This class leaves with an impressive academic record, boasting an average ACT score of 22.125, well above the state average of 19.4 and national benchmarks. Leading this exceptional group are our valedictorian, Eve Andreae, and our salutatorian, Naomi Rikkola, two students who truly exemplify what it means to be a Sevastopol Pioneer. But numbers only tell part of the story. What makes this class truly special is their character, their commitment to one another, their community, and to making a difference. During our annual testing day, while other grades were hard at work, our seniors had the day off. Instead of sleeping in or relaxing, they launched the heartwarming “Seniors Helping Seniors” initiative. They spent their morning visiting local senior living centers, playing games, sharing stories, and simply being present. Their time, laughter, and compassion left a lasting impression on both the residents and all of
us privileged to witness it. Their spirit of service doesn’t stop there. From organizing and running a successful Color Run and Chili/ Soup Cook-off to flipping pancakes with smiles during our Fine Arts Night, these students have repeatedly stepped up to support and enrich our school and community. These moments, these selfless acts, are what define the Class of 2025. At Sevastopol, we uphold five core values: personal responsibility, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence. Our seniors have not only embraced these values, they’ve embodied them. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or out in the community, their leadership and resilience have inspired us all. As they prepare to take their next steps, we know they’ll carry the Pioneer spirit with them. We are excited for what lies ahead, for the classrooms they’ll excel in, the workplaces they’ll energize, the communities they’ll serve, and the world they’ll help shape. No matter where they go, they will always have a home here at Sevastopol High School. To the Class of 2025: thank you for your creativity, your energetic personalities, your brilliance, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment to making Sevastopol a better place. You have made a lasting impact, and you will always be a cherished part of the Sevastopol family. Congratulations, graduates. The world is waiting, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll change it.
The Class of 2029 has 48 students.
Reflecting on an Incredible Year Together Dear Sevastopol Families, As my first year serving as your superintendent comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that our students, staff, families and community have accomplished together. What a truly amazing year it has been. From classrooms filled with curiosity and achievement to performances and competitions that showcased our students’ talents and determination, our district has shined in every corner. One of the many highlights was our high school girls basketball team making it all the way to the sectional finals—a testament to their hard work, grit and team spirit. In the realm of creativity and innovation, our Destination Imagination program saw five teams advance to Global Finals, representing our district on an international stage. The arts were equally inspiring this year. Our students brought James and the Giant Peach to life in a musical performance that was nothing short of magical. Our Fine Arts Night celebrated the incredible visual and performing arts talent that lives in our schools, reminding us all of the importance of creativity in a well-rounded education. At our Literacy Night, students proudly created and demonstrated engaging educational activities in reading, while families enjoyed a fun-filled evening featuring a picture-taking station with literacy-themed images, interactive games, story time sessions and a vibrant book fair. Perhaps most touching has been the unwavering support from our community. This fall, we passed a successful operating referendum—a clear and powerful statement that this community believes in the value of public education and in the future of our children. Your support makes everything we do possible, and I am truly thankful.
Band and Choir Perform and Sightsee in New York The Sevastopol High School band and choir had the opportunity to travel to New York City during spring break this year. Students endured the 19-plus-hour bus ride and started their tour at Rockefeller Center, seeing the iconic ice-skating rink and then touring Radio City Music Hall, where they were able to meet a member of the Rockettes. Other sites they visited throughout the tour included the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9/11 Memorial, Chinatown, Little Italy, a stroll through Central Park, Times Square, taking pictures from the top of the Empire State Building, and walking along the base of and
INSIDE:
taking pictures of the Statue of Liberty. Students also had the chance to see two shows while there: the first being a private party with live jazz and blues by Cotton Club musicians, followed by the Broadway show Hadestown. To top off the visit, students performed two separate concerts for residents of the Actors Fund Home, a retirement and rehab facility for actors and musicians in the performing arts. The students had a busy and tiring experience but are eternally grateful for the community and school board support that made such a trip possible.
2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian page 2
As we now shift into summer, I encourage families to continue fostering a love of learning at home. Amid camps, vacations and time in the sun, help your children set daily routines that include reading, writing and math—small habits that make a big difference when school starts again. Mark your calendars for Aug. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., when we’ll welcome everyone back at our open house. I hope to see many of you then—if not before. Thank you for making my first year in this role so rewarding. It’s an honor to serve a district filled with such heart, talent and promise. Warmest wishes for a safe and joyful summer.
Sincerely, Randi Ryskoski Sevastopol School District Superintendent
Longtime Teacher and Coach page 3
Athletic Update page 4