Melissa Enger
2022
A 1997 graduate of Johnson Creek High School, Melissa Schultz Enger, has been selected for the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award for 2022.
Melissa grew up in the Johnson Creek Community entering the school as a kindergarten in 1984. After her high school graduation, she attended UW Stevens Point before transferring to UW-Whitewater. She then transferred to MATC Madison, completing an associate degree in Recreation. Melissa then returned to UW Whitewater 2002 to complete her bachelor’s degree in Education, while also working full time at MPI in Deerfield and Lake Mills.
Upon completion of her degree, she was a substitute teacher in Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson and Jefferson which she also taught summer school. In the fall of 2007 Melissa accepted a position as a kindergarten teacher in Johnson Creek in which she served as both a lead and team teacher. In the fall of 2016 Melissa was given the opportunity to serve as the school’s lead teacher while the principal was out on a health emergency. Melissa’s leadership skill was recognized in 2018 when the principal retired. As part of a “grow your own program”, Melissa was offered the principals position and the opportunity to attend graduate work to complete her certification. She completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis along with licensure in Curriculum and Instruction at UW Madison in2019. She is now completing her 4 th year as principal at Johnson Creek Elementary School.
While implementing personalized learning, a major effort in the district, Melissa was asked to present the concept at conferences to many school districts within and outside of Wisconsin. She has mentored three student teachers, was nominated for a Kohl Award in 2013, and recognized as a teacher of merit by the Johnson Creek School Board. One highlight of her career was moving into the new school in the fall of 2021. Outside of her employment, Melissa is a wife and the mother of two. Through the years she has volunteered with Big Brother-Big Sisters, at school and community events in both Johnson Creek and Fort Atkinson.
Melissa stated, “My experience as a student in Johnson Creek was positive and one that wasinfluential in who I am today. I had many teachers who provided positive experiences that I have implemented in my own career as a teacher and leader.”
Her nominator, Natasha Steenbergen says, “Mel is living the American Dream as an authentic Blue Jay.
She is a highly respected leader.”