Skyward Unsung Hero of the Year Award- Now Accepting 2025 Applications!

The Skyward Unsung Hero of the Year Award is presented each year to a professional at a local school district to give them the recognition they deserve. The award began as Teacher of the Year, but was changed in the last few year to highlight all of those who make a difference in schools. This year's deadline is December 6th.

Jeanine Kleman- 2024 Winner

Kate Kaster- 2022 Winner

Scott Johnson- 2021 Winner

Nominations take place in the off-season, typically from December-February. Skyward and the Rafters then sit down and decide on a winner. Rosco will go to the school and surprise the winner, who will be recognized on field at a Rafters game. They will also receive a customized bobblehead, while fans will receive a Rosco bobblehead themed after the unsung heroes line of work.

How To Nominate Someone

To facilitate this exciting promotion the Rafters are encouraging all students to nominate someone who they feel has made a positive impact on their life and deserves to be recognized as the Skyward Unsung Hero of the Year. Students, K-12, as well as parents and guardians are invited to participate by submitting an essay (Criteria: 300 words or less, single spaced, 12 font):

By mail to:
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
ATTN: Teacher of the Year
521 Lincoln Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

-Or

E-mail info@raftersbaseball.com.

Past Winners

Year Name Class or Line of Work School
2014 Scott Sigourney 5th Grade Woodside Elementary
2015 Bill Oswald English WRAMS
2015 Jessica Fischer Special Ed Ben Franklin Jr. High School
2016 Cathy Tritz English WR Lincoln High School
2017 Adam Klonowski Tech Ed WR Lincoln High School
2018 Mary Sabo 5th Grade Washington Elementary
2019 Rebecca Sturdy 5th Grade Grant Elementary
2020 Julie Stoffel Music Ed WRAMS, WR Lincoln High School
2021 Scott Johnson 5th Grade Washington Elementary
2022 Kate Kaster Computer Science SPASH
2023 Sue Theisen Food Service Pacelli Middle School
 2024 

Jeanine Kleman

    Art Lincoln High School