Community

The Lower Wisconsin River travels 92 miles downstream to the Mississippi River, completely unimpeded.

A group of local “gals,” in the words of Gaila Olsen, start a bike ride at her house in Black Earth and rode through beautiful Vermont Township, ending up lunching in Mazomanie, recently. “The weather, food, and fellowship were great,” said Olsen, and “all enjoyed the ride, especially Pleasant Valley.”

Clay Hutchins, son of Laura and John Hutchins, was selected as the September Sauk Prairie Optimist Middle Level Leader. In September, Robert Marquardt, Middle School Student Advisor, proudly nominated Clay Hutchins for the Middle Level Leader Award. According to Mr. Marquardt, “Clay is actively engaged in various school and extracurricular activities, going out of his way to assist fellow students in the classroom and the hallways. Serving as a 6th Grade Mentor, Clay is crucial in helping new students acclimate to the school environment. He leads by example, consistently choosing the right path even when those around him are not. Clay’s warm smile and kind demeanor make him a favorite among his peers.” Apart from his academic commitments, Clay participates in cross country, show choir, track, and will be taking on the role of Marlin in Finding Nemo Jr., this year’s Middle School musical, in November. Outside school, he is an active member of a club volleyball team and serves as an assistant minister at his church. In the past, he has also been in many of Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild’s children’s plays and was in the high school’s musical performance of Big Fish. Looking ahead, Clay aspires to continue his journey in show choir and musicals during high school, with hopes of pursuing Psychology and Environmental Science at UW-Madison. His ultimate dream is to carve a career in the music industry, aspiring to work on Broadway or as a music producer. Pictured from left, Laura and John, Clay’s parents; Kylie, his sister; September Optimist Sauk Prairie Middle School Middle Level Leader Clay Hutchins with Middle School Principal Tricia Rodey and his music teacher, Jennifer Gulsvig Dunn on September 18. The Sauk Prairie Optimist Club meets at 7 a.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the 6:8 dining room, 821 Industry Rd. in Sauk City. If there’s a fifth Wednesday of the month, the club meets at the Sauk Prairie School District’s Board Meeting Room at noon. All are welcome.

Mariella (Mari) Viola, daughter of Melissa and Brian, is the September 2024 Sauk Prairie High School Optimist Student of the Month. According to Assistant Principal Shane Been, Mari is a talented student athlete, with excellent characteristics in both. In the classroom, English teacher Heather Slosarek describes her as someone who “approaches lessons with curiosity and drive. Her ability to make meaningful connections between the text, her individual experiences, and worldly issues is commendable. She is a gifted writer, who prides herself in carefully crafting her communication.” As an athlete, track coach Andy Sherman says that “what truly sets her apart is the radiant joy she brings to every moment of her grueling training. She embodies the spirit of her sport, not only as one of the finest sprinters in the state but also as a beacon of inspiration for all who surround her. Her ascent to elite status is a testament to her relentless dedication and passion; her unwavering commitment to her craft shines brightly, uplifting those around her and igniting their dreams as well.” Mari’s accomplishments range from taking several AP courses in high school to playing #1 doubles to qualifying for state in three events in track the last two years. She is also active in the Black Student Union. Mari plans to attend the University of West Georgia next year to study psychology. She may serve as a social worker or as a forensic psychologist. She is also planning on running track there. Pictured from left Parents Brian, Melissa, and Optimist Student of the Month for September Mari (Mariella) Viola with Sauk Prairie High School Assistant Principal Shane Been after Mari was presented her award. The Sauk Prairie Optimist Club meets at 7 a.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the 6:8 dining room, 821 Industry Rd. in Sauk City. If there’s a fifth Wednesday of the month, the club meets at the Sauk Prairie School District’s Board Meeting Room at noon. All are welcome.