The Face Behind Our School Spirit
Photo from Shannon O’Dwyer
Sarah Kidd
Ever wonder why our school has put on more new events than ever before this year? Why does Hamilton now have a mascot, and who was behind the yearbook signing event? The answer to these questions lies in one key addition to Hamilton: Mrs. Carpenter.
Mrs. Carpenter has taken the initiative this year to add school spirit to Hamilton in new and exciting ways. Most recognizably, Carpenter organized the entire yearbook and was advisor for yearbook and photo club, put on the yearbook signing event, secured the new mascot, and brought back the Charger horse that ran across the football field at the homecoming game. She has done so much for our school this year, and her involvement has impacted the student body in such a positive way.
In addition to the visible events that Mrs. Carpenter has organized, she has been a part of our school behind the scenes for many years, most notably in band, football, and the Hamilton Education Foundation. For the band, Mrs. Carpenter was instrumental in raising $41,000 for their new marching band uniforms that debuted at the Memorial Day parade. She also redesigned the band’s website, restructured the band booster board, and designed many other items such as t-shirts, spirit wear, yard signs, car stickers, and competition props. As for football, she created the TD Club web pages (TD Club stands for “Touchdown Club” and is comprised of player parents who support the football program) and the football/band inserts for Friday Night Lights games. Finally, Mrs. Carpenter is an integral part of the Hamilton Education Foundation. Not only is she a trustee, but she also designs marketing materials, yard signs, gala invites, the Foundation Fest logo and invites, social media graphics, and auction decorations. Clearly, she cares a lot about the student body, and has poured a lot of time and effort into making Hamilton a school students are proud to attend.
I asked Mrs. Carpenter some questions about her experience this year working closely with the yearbook for the first time and the district in general, and her responses truly indicate her passion and love for the Hamilton community.
What got you into all of these endeavors with the district?
As a freshmen, Rhett, my oldest son (’21) was doing both football and band, and then his sophomore year he decided to just do band. When your child is in the band you should get involved and volunteer your time or talent if you can. They are a large group and there are a lot of moving parts to make them sound and look good during marching season and throughout the year. I learned a lot my first year helping out and saw a need, so I stepped up to a booster board position in Rhett's sophomore year. During my time with the band boosters, we had to raise a large amount of money because the marching uniforms were over 18 years old and falling apart (approx 80k total–$500 per uniform). This is probably the turning point of my involvement at Hamilton. I really wanted my son to be able to wear a new uniform before he graduated and the drumline needed new instruments as well. So the boosters decided to start a campaign to raise money. A tier sponsorship was created named Crescendo and the parents and community got behind us. We raised 41k in just over a year and a half. The School District matched us and with their help new uniforms were voted on and purchased.
2) What was your favorite/most rewarding project?
I have had quite a few lately...it is really rewarding to surprise teachers in the district with a big check and balloons from HEF. The grants we give them really make a difference and enhance learning in the classroom. Also, for the Memorial Day Parade in Sussex last weekend, the band debuted the new uniforms; I had goosebumps when they marched by me. I did feel a twinge of regret that my son wasn't able to wear the cool new shakers. Then there is this year's yearbook "REDefined." It really feels like it captures the year, as the mascot (Big Red) that showed up at events and activities made for great pictures, plus students seem to like it. Big Red will be awesome at football games this year. Speaking of football, of course the horse leading our varsity team onto the football field was a pretty great surprise for the fans–we even made Fox News. It seems crazy that we pulled that secret off now when I think about it.
3) What was your biggest obstacle this year?
Honestly a few parents called me and a few others out in a meeting and second guessed our motives and integrity. It has been pretty uncomfortable moving forward from that but you can't please everybody…in the end for me it is always about the kids. Whatever I'm involved with in planning, fundraising or starting something new, I always talk about if we are forward thinking for the next group so they don't have to rethink the wheel–everyone has busy lives.
4) Were you involved in the yearbook when you were in high school?
Yes, I was an editor of my high school yearbook at Sheboygan South HS and as well in college for The Spectrum (the Lakeland College yearbook).
5) In your opinion, what are the best ways to promote school spirit?
Support classmates/friends by going to games and competitions, take part in spirit week, join clubs and activities, send in pictures to the yearbook, participate in surveys that are sent out, wear school colors, etc!
6) How did you put together the yearbook?
I like great pictures in the yearbook and I think a good yearbook should represent the year and the students, faculty and staff. So who does this for Hamilton? Ham House & Student Council. I reached out to the Ham House leaders and Student Council to find out about their ideas and plans. I went to activities and mingled with the kids and saw what they did, asked questions and engaged with the students. I looked in past HHS yearbooks and memories from my younger days in high school and went from there.
7) Do you have any plans for next year (concerning yearbook or anything else)?
I have been thinking about being my son Gavin's class (’25) advisor so I can help them fundraise and plan Junior & Senior prom, and maybe help with planning the homecoming dance. We have talked about a Homecoming Parade down Main Street or something fun to add to homecoming week with the TD Club.
8) How can kids get involved in the yearbook in the future?
There are a couple things they can reach out to me for: yearbook staff is an email to me carpju@hamilton.k12.wi.us and when school starts in the fall there will be a sign up to wear "Big Red" for next year's sports, activities and clubs.
Through all the things Mrs. Carpenter has accomplished for the Hamilton student body the past couple of years, it is clear that she is all about the students. Her drive and passion to make Hamilton a more fun and exciting place to be is incredible, and it is refreshing to see someone so invested in our student experience. We are all grateful for everything she has done this year, and I am sure she will continue to accomplish great things for this school in the future. If you see her in the hallway, make sure to give her a huge “thank you” for all that she has done!
