District Administrator Steve Harrison | Neenah Joint School District
District Administrator Steve Harrison | Neenah Joint School District
The Neenah Joint School District Hall of Fame Committee has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame Class, which includes former teachers, athletes, and a World War II veteran. The five alumni and former employees were revealed on February 18.
According to the Neenah Joint School District (JSD) Board of Education agenda packet for its February 18 meeting, the recommendations by the 15-member committee constitute the tenth induction class, bringing the total number of inductees to 61. The newest Hall of Fame members will be honored during Homecoming weekend on Friday, September 26. An induction ceremony and brunch will follow on September 27 at Bridgewood.
The agenda packet lists Tom Bachhuber (Class of 1967) as one of the selections. Bachhuber is the co-founder of the Center for Life Transitions and has authored five books about career and life planning. He designed the LifeSHIFT retreat offered in ten cities from 2010 to 2023. He lettered in football, basketball, and track and field and was a member of the Rockets' undefeated football team in 1966. He earned an economics degree from Ripon College and master's and doctorates from the University of Virginia.
Rick Carlson spent 31 years in the Neenah JSD as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. According to the agenda packet, he oversaw the transition from junior high to middle school, led a referendum to link the Armstrong and Conant buildings, and initiated the high school's block scheduling concept. Carlson still resides in Neenah.
Ron Fedenko was another selection noted in the agenda packet. Fedenko taught science for 34 years in Neenah at Horace Mann, Shattuck, and Neenah High School. He has coached nearly six decades in various sports including basketball, cross country, football, and track and field. He notably coached the girls' cross country team to three consecutive WIAA state championships from 1981-1983.
Kathy (Monard) Sahli (Class of 1985), also included in this year's class according to Fedenko's remarks in the agenda packet, was a key contributor for his state championship teams. She placed second individually at the 1984 state meet and later achieved success at Ohio State University by placing ninth at the NCAA championships in 1986 and winning a Big Ten track title in the 5,000 meters in 1987. Sahli was inducted into Ohio State's Athletics Hall of Fame and currently works as a financial advisor.
Wayne Fetters (Class of 1934), described as a decorated World War II veteran by those involved with his nomination process mentioned in the agenda packet, earned a Silver Star for his leadership during the Battle of Bulge among other honors such as two Purple Hearts after being wounded in action during Holland operations as part Sicily invasion’s first platoon paratrooper groupings; furthermore became known locally through earning four varsity letters within single academic year while attending NHS before joining American Can Corp workforce where retired plant manager status reached post-31-year tenure alongside serving Boys Brigade/Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts community involvement efforts plus contributing towards NPRC board activities spanning two decades until passing away aged seventy-eight back1994.