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OUTSTANDING INNOVATION
AWARD FINALISTS
Innovative approach, program, project or other idea that improves an existing experience or program, or creates something new for the benefit of students, staff, and/or our community





Ben Lamp
CREATE COACH
Ben Lamp, Create Coach, is an innovative leader who continuously reimagines Career and Technical Education experiences for secondary students. He is deeply committed to empowering both staff and students, encouraging them to fully utilize makerspaces and seamlessly integrate them into the curriculum. Ben’s collaborative approach fosters a supportive environment where staff feel heard, often rethinking initial ideas through his thoughtful guidance. He actively builds partnerships with community businesses, expanding real-world learning opportunities for students. Ben consistently goes above and beyond by writing and managing grants that bring crucial resources to support student innovation. His dedication and leadership have had a lasting impact on elevating the educational experience at Pewaukee.
MARKETING/COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Miranda Kozlik
Miranda Kozlik, Marketing and Communications Manager, embraces every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. She covers all forms of communication across the district, skillfully celebrating the wonderful things happening at Pewaukee by consistently showcasing others and lifting up those around her. Miranda’s innovative standout projects include designing the 4K Environmental Rooms, single-handedly developing the new district website, and even painting the bookmobile bus. Her expertise in photography, videography, communication, social media, and community publication "The Perspective" allows her to creatively engage the community. Always looking for fun, innovative ways to celebrate the culture at Pewaukee, Miranda’s contributions help bring the district’s story to life in meaningful and impactful ways.
2ND GRADE TEACHER
Sarah Torbenson
Sarah Torbenson, a dedicated 2nd grade teacher at Pewaukee Lake Elementary, is always thinking of new and exciting ways to engage students and bring the school community together. She played a key role in facilitating memorable events like the 2nd grade lock-in, the PLE Prom, and the creation of a new PHS scholarship, fostering school spirit and building connections among students, staff, and families. Sarah’s creativity extends beyond the classroom, as she continually seeks opportunities for families to get involved in the school community, making everyone feel like an integral part of the PLE family. Her dedication to creating fun, meaningful experiences ensures that both students and staff have lasting, positive memories of their time at Pewaukee Lake Elementary.
3RD GRADE TEACHER
Emily Jasinowski
Emily Jasinowski, a first-year 3rd grade teacher at Horizon Elementary, has already made a remarkable impact with her creativity and initiative. She developed the idea of creating a hammock garden in the Horizon courtyard, bringing a refreshing outdoor learning space to life. Emily took the lead in creating a committee and collaborating with outside companies to bring the concept to fruition, even securing a PTO grant to fund the project. She didn’t stop there—Emily also developed and implemented activities that tie the hammock garden into classroom instruction, ensuring that students were not only able to enjoy the space but also actively participate in its design process. Her innovative approach to learning and community involvement has already made a lasting impression at Horizon.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Nelson Brownell
Nelson Brownell, Technical Education Teacher at Pewaukee High School, has been a driving force behind reimagining what technology and engineering education can look like for students. Over the past two years, he has been instrumental in forming and nurturing impactful community partnerships with local manufacturing, construction industries, and WCTC. His commitment to innovation and collaboration led to the launch of the first Business Alliance meeting, where he brought together these partners to engage in meaningful conversations about curriculum development, facilities, and work-based learning opportunities. Nelson’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to creating authentic, real-world experiences for students continue to shape a vibrant and evolving Tech Ed program, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
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