Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. Award recipients to be honored March 25

WAUKESHA — The Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. (WEF) announced the recipients of the 2025 WEF Awards, who will be honored at the 2026 Evening for Education on March 25.

The WEF Corporate Partner Award will be presented to Eaton Corporation for its support of Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy, Schools2Skills field trips, FEMADE Clubs, and community sponsorships, including a $250,000 grant to the WCTC Foundation for an Artificial Intelligence Lab.

The WEF Community Partner Award will be presented to the Waukesha Police Department School Resource Officer Program, nominated by SDW secondary principals who stated “it is one of the most important partnerships in the SDW.” The program enhances school safety, prevention efforts, and student education through strong collaboration with schools.

The Sally Jo Michalko Lifetime Excellence in Education Award will be presented to James Boling, recognized for 38 years of service through the University of Wisconsin system supporting Waukesha students. His work includes mentoring and expanding access to programs such as UW pre-college, Emerging Leaders, 4-H, and student unions. He believes that “every young person deserves a chance to find their spark,” a news release said.

“These awards honor organizations and individuals in our community who support our schools and help us live our motto of Strong Schools = Strong Businesses = Strong Communities,” said Lynnette Kalmadge, WEF’s executive director. “We are excited to celebrate their contributions.”

“The contributions and involvement of these honorees have directly impacted student success,” said WEF Board President Janaka Subotnik. “Their dedication to education and our schools is truly inspiring.”

“The contributions and involvement of these honorees have directly impacted student success. … Their dedication to education and our schools is truly inspiring.”

The Evening for Education will be held March 25, at the Milwaukee Marriott-West (Waukesha). The community is invited. Sponsorships and limited tickets are available at https://wefefe26.givesmart.com, by texting wefefe26 to 76278 or calling 262-9701143.

Since its inception, WEF has awarded nearly $1 million in grants and scholarships benefiting School District of Waukesha students.

Learn more at www.waukeshaeducationfoundation.org.

James Boling poses with students in his Emerging Leaders Club, as well as his nominators from both North and South high schools and members of the Waukesha Education Foundation after learning he was the recipient of 2025 WEF Sally Jo Michalko Lifetime Excellence in Education Award.

Jackie Pride, center, Eaton’s Communications & Engagement manager, accepts the 2025 WEF Corporate Partner Award, presented by nominator Mollie Haubenschild, School District of Waukesha, left, and WEF Board President Janaka Subotnik, right.

Courtesy of Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc

Nominators from the School District of Waukesha and team members from the Waukesha Education Foundation pose with the Waukesha Police Department School Resource Officer team after informing them they have been selected as the 2025 WEF Community Partner Award winner.