CHS Senior Isabella Greene Receives WI CEC “Yes I Can!” Award

Campbellsport High School Senior Isabella Greene was presented the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children (WI CEC) “Yes I Can!” Award at the Campbellsport School Board meeting on Monday, May 4.

According to the WI CEC, the award celebrates students with special needs “who have shown personal integrity, perseverance, and achievement, overcoming barriers related to disabilities and challenging public misconceptions.”

There are seven award categories: academic, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, and independent living skills. Greene received the award in the category of employment as she works towards a career in healthcare.

“This is about the strength, perseverance, and determination of this young woman, who reminds us all that anything is possible,” said WI CEC President Becky Zingsheim. “The “Yes I Can!” Award is more than a recognition. It represents the belief that every student, regardless of the challenges they face, has the ability to achieve, grow, and succeed. It celebrates students who push through barriers and shows us what resilience truly looks like.”

When nominating Greene for the award, her special education teacher, Heidi Retzer, shared Greene’s resilience with the WI CEC.

“She described you as someone whose journey has not been easy,” Zingsheim stated to Greene. “But despite those challenges and any obstacles that made school a daily struggle, you didn’t quit. Your story didn’t stop there. Instead, you made a choice–a powerful one. You chose to keep going. Over time, Isabella transformed into a strong self-advocate. She committed herself to growth even when it was hard.”

Along with her resilience, Greene achieved the “Yes I Can!” Award for her dedication within the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and while working as a CNA at Harbor Haven.

“She brings compassion, professionalism, and a level of care that reflects her strength and her heart. Her experiences have shaped her into someone who truly understands others, and that is exactly the kind of person we want and need in our healthcare community,” said Zingsheim. “Bella, your journey is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by the absence of challenges but by the courage to keep going. You don’t just represent this award; you embody it.”

After graduation, Greene plans to continue her education in Moraine Park Technical College’s (MPTC) nursing program.

School Board Matters:
• The school board designated the Campbellsport News/Kewaskum Statesman as the district’s official newspaper in a motion made by Keith Peters, which passed 6-0. Vice President Sharon Gazzola was absent from the meeting.

• The school board discussed designating National Exchange Bank & Trust, Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), Wisconsin Investment Series Cooperative, and PMA Financial Network as the district’s official depositories for 2026-2027. The motion to approve the depositories was made by Treasurer Maureen Koch and passed unanimously.
• The school board also considered designating Robert Grass with SSM Health as the district medical advisor for 2026-2027. Treasurer Koch made the motion to designate Robert Grass, which passed unanimously.
• Additionally, appointing a CESA 6 representative for 2026-2027 was discussed by the school board. Debby Flasch was appointed to be the representative in a motion made by Treasurer Koch, which passed unanimously.
• Similarly, the school board discussed appointing a WASB delegate and alternate for 2026-2027. Clerk Jim Ninnemann was appointed as the delegate and President Mike Weiss as the alternate in a motion made by Treasurer Koch. The motion passed unanimously.
• The school board considered approving NEOLA 35-1 updated policies. The school board decided to reject policy 9215 - School Support Organizations due to its relation to Neola’s partnership with the crowdfunding service Givebacks. Instead, the school’s current policy, 9211 - School Support Organizations, will be retained. The school board decided to approve the remainder of the NEOLA 35-1 updated policies in a motion made by Clerk Ninnemann, which passed unanimously.