2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

His research dovetailed with the grant study on Lake Mason and the water chemistry inventory by the DNR. By measuring various nutrients in 1992 coming into the pond and leaving it, it was determined that Big Spring Pond was a nutrient trap throughout the year, but during August it released its nutrients from the settlement into Lake Mason, causing excessive plant growth in the lake.  In collaboration with the DNR, it was decided to drain the pond in 1993, to help reduce the nutrient load into Lake Mason. Jim's work left a lasting impact on environmental management in the area.

Jim’s career as a teacher began in 1971 at Oshkosh Lourdes Academy, where he served as a science teacher and head wrestling coach. In 1977, he moved to Wisconsin Dells High School, where he spent nearly three decades teaching biology. Jim’s passion for teaching earned him the prestigious Award of Excellence as the High School Teacher of the Year in 1984. Over his 35 years in education, Jim’s teaching philosophy focused on discipline, respect, and creating an environment where every student felt valued. He emphasized humor and story-telling to build rapport with his students, making learning enjoyable and relatable.

Beyond the classroom, Jim took on leadership roles. He served as the chairperson of the Science Department at Wisconsin Dells High School from 1993 to 2006, where he helped develop budgets, mentored young teachers, and contributed to curriculum development at both the local and state levels. Jim also played a key role in advocating for educational improvement, serving in various positions in the Wisconsin Dells Teacher Association, including president and head negotiator. His efforts to negotiate better terms for teachers helped improve work conditions, pay, and professional development opportunities.

Jim’s commitment to education extended beyond the walls of the classroom. In the 1990s, he arranged and chaperoned seven summer trips to Eleuthera, in the Bahamas for over 100 students to study marine biology. In 1999 and 2000, he organized and chaperoned trips to Costa Rica in the OSA Peninsula to study the rainforest. These experiences enriched his students' learning and provided them with invaluable real-world exposure to environmental science.

Jim’s contributions to his community are numerous and varied. He has been an active member of the Briggsville United Methodist Church since 1980, serving on various committees over the years. His leadership extended to local government, where he served as the treasurer for the Town of Douglas for 40 years, managing the town’s budget and overseeing property taxes and expenditures.

In addition to his work in education and governance, Jim has been a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation. He was president of the Spider Lake Association in Iron County, where he led water sampling efforts and contributed to research on local ecosystems. He also served as an appointed board member for the Lake Mason Management District, working with lakeshore owners to promote land stewardship and improve water quality.

In 1987 Jim proposed a 3% room tax to the Village of Lake Delton and the City of Wisc. Dells to help fund community infrastructure and education through tourism. Although the room tax proposal failed, Jim's efforts contributed to the idea of a state Premier Resort Tax (PRT), which eventually help fund the construction of a new high school in Wisconsin Dells. 

Jim’s achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his wife, Carol, to whom he has been married for 56 years. Together, they raised three children, all of whom have gone on to successful careers. A stepson and his family joined their family in 2005. Jim is also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, cherishing the time spent with them.

In his personal life, Jim enjoys several hobbies, including genealogy, photography, and trapshooting. His passion for genealogy led him to trace his family’s roots back to Germany, where he visited his great-great-grandfather’s birthplace. Jim has also been an avid trapshooter, participating in local, state, and national competitions. He finds peace and joy in fishing and hunting, appreciating the natural world around him more than the pursuit of success.

Jim Brancel’s career is a testament to his dedication to education, community service, and environmental conservation. Whether in the classroom, at local meetings, or on environmental projects, Jim’s impact is profound and lasting. His teaching philosophy, centered on respect, discipline, and encouragement, has shaped generations of students, many of whom continue to reach out to him with gratitude for his influence. Jim’s work continues to resonate in the communities he served, and his legacy lives on through the countless students, families, and environmental initiatives he helped shape.

Jim’s contributions to his community and profession reflect a life lived with purpose and dedication. As he enjoys his retirement, Jim remains committed to his passions, his family, and his community, always striving to make a positive impact wherever he goes

Lisa began her teaching career in 1974 and spent an impressive 38 years educating students across three Wisconsin school systems, with the majority of her career in Monroe. She brought energy, creativity, and heart to the classroom—often with a guitar in hand—continuing Señor Heverly’s tradition of singing Spanish Christmas carols with her students. Her dedication to immersion and comprehension were admirable and effective and left a lasting impact on her students.

An active member of the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT), Lisa served on the Grants and Scholarship Committee, was Secretary for three years, and chaired the Summer Language Leadership Institute. Her passion extended beyond the classroom through summer teaching at the Concordia Spanish Language Village Camp and frequent travel with her students to Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, and later, Costa Rica. Lisa’s partnership with Costa Rican teacher Tobias Ramírez Gutiérrez led to one of the most beloved international exchange programs in Monroe, enriching students' lives on both sides of the experience.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to language education, Lisa received the 2018 WAFLT Distinguished Language Educator Award. Her innovative spirit was reflected in the way she tailored her curriculum to meet students’ varying needs, pioneering a proficiency-based path for continued language study—well ahead of its time. Her students didn’t just learn a language; they gained a deeper understanding of culture, identity, and the world beyond their own.

Lisa’s commitment to global citizenship was further exemplified through her work with the AFS Intercultural Exchange program. As the dedicated Monroe-area coordinator, she was instrumental in organizing meaningful exchange experiences and was honored with the AFS-USA Mission Award in 2022. Her leadership, inclusiveness, and genuine love for diversity helped AFS students and host families alike feel welcomed, valued, and supported.

Since 2016, Lisa has also served as the secretary of the Multicultural Outreach Program (MCOP) of Green County. In this role, she organizes educational forums and youth outreach initiatives aimed at bridging cultures. MCOP supports immigrants, particularly from Latin America, by assisting with housing, employment, medical care, and promoting adult ESL classes through the Literacy Council of Green County.

A passionate mentor, Lisa has inspired ten of her former students to become Spanish teachers themselves—a true testament to her impact as an educator. She continues to promote learning, empathy, and global understanding in every endeavor.

On March 16, 1984, Lisa married Andrew Hendrickson, and they have made Monroe their home ever since. Together, they share a love for travel, family, and cultural exploration. Whether journeying to European countries, Australia, or New Zealand, Lisa continues to embrace the world with the same enthusiasm she brought to the classroom. She remains deeply devoted to her family, cherishing time spent with her sisters and honoring the legacy of her parents. Lisa has also supported the H.H. Bennett Studio, preserving the rich history of her hometown.

Lisa Reese Hendrickson’s life and work embody the spirit of cultural exchange, lifelong learning, and heartfelt service. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations to connect across borders and embrace the richness of language and culture.