The DeForest Area School District’s Walk of Honor recognizes individuals within our greater school community who have demonstrated ongoing commitment and significant contributions to their school district. Honorees may be alumni or former staff members of the DeForest Area School District, or area community members, who best personify the school district’s vision and have aided in achieving its ends.

Alumni are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments while enrolled in the DeForest Area School District as well as achievements following graduation. Alumni may not be considered for nomination until ten years* following their graduation from the DeForest Area School District.

Staff are recognized for their contributions to the DeForest Area School District, as well as the greater community. Individuals may not be current employees of the school district and may not be considered for nomination until five years* following their completion of employment with the district.

Community members are recognized for their contributions to the DeForest Area School District. Consideration is given to those who demonstrate contributions or service for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years.

A community-based committee reviews nominations and conducts research of records to select outstanding candidates for the Norski Walk of Honor. Nominees who are not selected are automatically reconsidered the following year and consecutively after that for a maximum of 5 years.

(* may be granted posthumously)

Process
Norski Walk of Honor Committee: The Norski Walk of Honor Committee provides oversight of the program and convenes every other year to consider nominations. The DASD board of education, and staff within the superintendent’s office, establish the committee members and coordinate the committee’s work. Committee members serve four-year terms, which may be renewed to provide continuity on the committee. The committee consists of community members and school representatives such as: alumni, board of education, member of the clergy association, historical society, chamber of commerce, half-century club, owner or editor of local newspaper, DeForest Area Education Association, DeForest Area Support Staff and DASD administration. Other district representation is advisory, and includes the high school principal and/or assistant principal, superintendent, and coordinator of school/community relations. 

Limitations of honorees: Generally, honoree selection will not exceed three individuals at one time. Although, the committee may elect to modify the number of honorees.

Nomination forms available throughout the community or may be downloaded by clicking  Walk of Honor Nomination Form.

Nomination forms must be postmarked by April 15 in order to be considered in the selection year. (Committee members are not allowed to submit honoree nominations.)

The selection committee reviews nomination materials and selects the most deserving honorees. This process may be accomplished through a series of meetings. A member of the committee is designated to facilitate the selection process. The honorees are selected by consensus of the committee, if at all possible. If consensus cannot be reached, then the decisions occur through a majority vote of the committee members. If a number of nominees are deserving of the award, the committee also has the option to designate up to two ranked alternates for the award, who may be so honored in the event that the first honorees are unable or unwilling to participate in the recognition program. The selection decisions of the committee are final.

Staff in the superintendent’s office verify the accuracy of nominee information and conduct additional research as directed by the committee.

Final selections are made by May 30. Honorees are notified of their selection and may be asked to submit additional information. A photograph is requested for recognition purposes. Arrangements for a portrait or photograph may need to be made.

The superintendent’s office, in cooperation with high school staff, plan and facilitate appropriate modes of recognition. Honorees are recognized and entered into the Walk of Honor during the high school/community homecoming celebration. A plaque with the honoree’s photo (or etched drawing) and summary of accomplishments is permanently displayed on the Walk of Honor (located at the high school - on the south wall in the hallway between the pool and south gym).

Questions: Contact the DeForest Area School District at 842-6577 or 842-6581.