Shepard staff, alumni featured for WHM

To celebrate Women’s History Month, District 218 has recognized graduates from Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard high schools who have achieved noteworthy success academically, professionally, artistically, in public service, or in some other field of endeavor.

Shepard celebrated the following alumni and staff among many others:

Jennifer Fischer ( Class of 1989) – Jennifer Fischer teaches German and coordinates the exchange program with Johann Wolfgang Goethe Gymnasium (high school) in Germersheim. Shepard and Goethe students visit one another every other year.

She also founded and manages Traveling Tails, a dog rescue group that focuses on finding homes for dogs from high-conflict areas such as Yemen and Syria.

“Her group has fostered and adopted out hundreds of dogs who otherwise would have been put down. Because many of the dogs they work with are abused or injured, Jen's group funds medical procedures and works with families to ensure that these dogs find their forever homes,” wrote Karen Krueger, the District 218 Curriculum Director for Foreign Languages, who nominated her.

Ashley Buksa (Class of 2014) - Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology Health Promotion from the University of Iowa in 2018 and a master’s degree from Lewis University in 2020.

After graduating from Lewis she passed her licensure exam and will work as a registered Occupational Therapist.

“Ashley was a wonderful student inside the classroom and socially with her peers. Her compassion and love of people is one of the main reasons why she is so special!” said District 218 Director of Articulation and Equity Dr. Jacqueline Johnson, who taught Ashley at Shepard.

Ashaunti Graves - Ashaunti Graves works in security at Shepard. She earned certification from Olive-Harvey College in various computer office skills and an associate’s degree in Graphic Art from Robert Morris College. In addition to working security, she volunteers for Operation Snowball (an annual leadership development program focused on the prevention of drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse.)

“Ashaunti has always put the kids of D218 first. She makes sure that there is food and snacks for them at the end of the day for those that need that extra meal. She also collects clothing for students that are in need,” wrote Tamekca Williams, who nominated her.

“Ashaunti is involved in snowball and makes herself available for students to confide in her. She always goes the extra mile for students and staff. She always cares about the needs of others and not just students. Whatever Ms. Graves does, she gives it her all,” she added.

Kendal Wigboldy (Class of 2013) - Kendal earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in language arts and science at from Western Michigan University.

After earning an endorsement in early childhood education, Kendal started working as a teacher in Kirby School District 140.

Richards High School teacher Rahaf Othman knows her well.

“Kendal currently teaches my youngest, who is special needs. She is doing a phenomenal job, especially with the pandemic. She is kind, patient, compassionate and truly cares about her students. We could not have asked for a better teacher this year. The bonus is that she brings a lot of awareness to diversity and inclusion in her lessons--something I haven't seen before in my 13 years as a parent in this district. I actually got emotional when I saw an assignment about "Hair Love" at the start of the year. She has continued to create lessons about diversity, inclusion and acceptance throughout the year. I just love her--can you tell?” she wrote.

Lauren Sheehan (Richards High School, Class of 2003 – Lauren Sheehan teaches special education at Shepard. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Illinois State University; a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University; a master’s degree in Special Education from Arkansas State University, and a master’s degree in Assistive Technology from Bowling Green State University.

Lauren began teaching 14 years ago in District 218 in the BUILD program. She currently teaches in the multi-needs program at ABS where she also serves as the Special Olympics facilitator helping organize and expand athletic opportunities for Special Olympic athletes.

This spring Lauren will begin working as an adjunct professor at Saint Xavier University where she will teach future educators about Adaptation Accommodations and Assistive Technology in Special Education.