Adams-Friendship Area Education Foundation, Inc.

05/28/2026

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Adams-Friendship VFW was the site of the eleventh A-F Area Educational Foundation Academic Hall of Fame Induction. The Hall of Fame partners with the Adams-Friendship Alumni Association to celebrate honorees during the annual alumni event. Hall of Fame co-chair, Tania Bonnett, served as emcee assisted by, A-F Educational Foundation Treasurer, Deb Wachholz.

Our final featured inductee is Legacy Patricia Kierstyn

Patricia Kierstyn (1959)
The true meaning of the term “legacy” is the richness of what an individual has accomplished and the impact he or she has had on people and places. Members of the Adams County Historical Society took this definition to heart in their nomination of Patricia Cherveny Kierstyn for induction as a Legacy member of the Adams-Friendship Academic Hall of Fame.

Historical Society members share high regard for Pat’s contribution to our community. She had provided outstanding service as an officer of the Adams County Historical Society. With many years of active membership preceding her tenure as president, she has continued her commitment to the organization following her retirement from that role in May 2023. Although no longer serving as president, Pat remains a board member, offering guidance to volunteers as the society works to collect, preserve, and share the history of Adams County.

Pat, the daughter of a railroad worker whose employment required frequent relocations, attended kindergarten in Adams, subsequently departed, and later returned to complete her education at A-F High School, graduating in 1959. Following graduation, she married Frank Kierstyn, a member of the A-F Class of 1958. Frank's professional obligations led them to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where they raised three children. The family acquired vacation property in Adams County, maintained regular visits with relatives and acquaintances, and established permanent residency in 1996. Pat has resided in various locations but consistently regarded Adams County as home.

While in Pewaukee, Pat founded and managed a drapery design service, enhancing her expertise in artistic and design principles. She applied these skills in Adams County, initially serving on the committee responsible for designing and constructing the new St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Pat has continued to contribute her talents to Historical Society properties, including the Niebull School, McGowan House, and the Heritage Center.

She contributed as a member of the Historical Society team that led and managed the transfer of the Niebull School building from the county fairgrounds to the McGowan site, collaborating with state and local authorities, utility providers, and moving personnel. Over the past twenty years, the school has served as a venue for historical programs attended by students throughout the A-F system.

Pat was instrumental in the Historical Society’s acquisition of the Gunning-Purves building located in downtown Friendship. Pat also oversaw its transformation into the Heritage Center, ensuring the restoration met the standards required for inclusion on both the state and National Register of Historic Places. Apart from the county courthouse, it is the sole building in the county listed on the National Register. The Heritage Center project totaled approximately $450,000, and Pat directed the fundraising initiatives that facilitated its completion.

Beyond her involvement with school programs, Pat has contributed to our annual cemetery tours, town history visits, theater initiatives, county fair exhibitions, and a range of other activities. She has also assumed responsibility for maintaining the properties, which is a significant undertaking given that the buildings are 120 to 130 years old.

The Adams-Friendship Academic Hall of Fame Committee wholeheartedly agrees with the Adams County Historical Society's nomination, affirming that Pat fully embodies the qualities of a Legacy.

Congratulations to the newest members of the A-F Academic Hall of Fame. You are genuine exemplars for Preparing Students to Perform for Life.

Nominations for the Adams-Friendship Academic Hall of Fame may be submitted at any time. Nominations for 2027 must be submitted by January 15. More information is available at Adams Friendship Area Education Foundation - Nomination Process (afedfoundation.org) or by emailing [email protected].

05/26/2026

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Adams-Friendship VFW was the site of the eleventh A-F Area Educational Foundation Academic Hall of Fame Induction. The Hall of Fame partners with the Adams-Friendship Alumni Association to celebrate honorees during the annual alumni event. Hall of Fame co-chair, Tania Bonnett, served as emcee assisted by, A-F Educational Foundation Treasurer, Deb Wachholz.

Today, we feature Distinguished Alumni Jodie Woodruff.

Jodie Woodruff (1983)

A 1983 graduate of Adams-Friendship High School, Jodie’s journey has spanned business leadership, educational innovation, and global teaching and all shaped deeply by the lessons she learned as a student at the A-F Area Schools.

After high school, Jodie began working at The Daily News in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Hired for just 10 hours a week, she quickly immersed herself in the organization, often working over 60 hours and learning every department. Within six months, she became the youngest Circulation Director in the history of the Scripps League, which moved her to their corporate office in California, for fourteen years.

While visiting a youth program run by Patty Brogan, she found herself teaching a 16-year-old who had been expelled from school how to tell time. That experience revealed her calling. Within a week of returning to California, she called Patty, she gave notice at her job, returned to Wisconsin, working for Patty at Bridges For Youth.

In California, Jodie earned degrees in Human Services, Criminal Justice, and Business Management. Once back in Wisconsin, she soon registered for the Special Education program at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She learned of a project-based-learning school in Rhode Island, The Met High School in Providence, Rhode Island, where she completed her student teaching and was hired as a special educator.

At The Met, a diverse Title I school, Jodie became a principal within two years. Her work focused on real-world, interest-driven learning. When disengaged students expressed interest only in making money, she helped them launch an all-natural soda company. With $10,000 in funding, the business secured forty-eight accounts in six months, including Whole Foods.

This success led to a larger entrepreneurship initiative. Jodie developed curriculum, taught business plan writing and operations. She spearheaded funds of $1.4 million to build the nation’s first free-standing entrepreneurship center for a public high school. Her students’ success continues to be her greatest measure of impact. Many have launched businesses, sustained them through college, and changed the trajectory of their lives and their families.

Jodie’s work extends beyond Rhode Island. She has trained educators across the United States and internationally, including in the Netherlands and China. Since 2016, she has co-led an educational consulting company designing STEM-based project-based-learning camps in Shanghai and surrounding cities, writing immersive curricula, training, and coordinating American teachers abroad.

In addition, she has taught over 10,000 students through the Community College of Rhode Island’s driver’s education program and has worked for more than two decades in a group home supporting adults with autism. She also teaches at College Unbound, leading courses centered on learning through experience.

Her work has earned numerous honors, including the Henry Ford Innovator of the Year Award, the Rockefeller National Innovation Award for Social Emotional Learning, The Global Entrepreneurship Educator Award and the National Life Changer Award. Yet for Jodie, the most meaningful rewards are personal. She has seen students build businesses, support families, and overcome extraordinary adversity.

Jodie’s philosophy is deeply rooted in her own experiences at Adams-Friendship. The lessons she learned from her teachers remain central to her work. Mrs. Morgan’s “Good, Better, Best” still hangs in her classroom. Mr. Waterman’s approach to public speaking shapes how she teaches business plan presentations. Miss Webster’s (Machan) journaling practice lives on in her daily classroom routines. Mr. Manning’s emphasis on current events and discussion continues through her use of media and open dialogue with students. And, Mr. Craig’s typing classes came in handy when keyboards rolled out. And, knowing to sing, however off key, when she needs to feel good from Mr. Pufall.

Equally important were the lessons in accountability, integrity, and self-awareness. A pivotal moment in high school, when Mr. B. (Beversdorf) asked her a difficult but honest question, set her on a path that ultimately changed her life. These experiences shaped not only who she became, but how she teaches: high expectations, authenticity, and deep belief in her students.

Jodie believes education is most powerful when it is personal, experiential, and rooted in relationships. She values being able to see and measure student growth in real time, through their actions, choices, and lives.

Her advice to students reflects her journey: Be true to yourself. Find your passion and you’ll find purpose. Take risks. Stay authentic. Ask questions. Keep moving forward.

For Jodie Woodruff, education is not just a profession, it is a lifelong mission to help others discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming.

05/26/2026

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Adams-Friendship VFW was the site of the eleventh A-F Area Educational Foundation Academic Hall of Fame Induction. The Hall of Fame partners with the Adams-Friendship Alumni Association to celebrate honorees during the annual alumni event. Hall of Fame co-chair, Tania Bonnett, served as emcee assisted by, A-F Educational Foundation Treasurer, Deb Wachholz.

Each inductee's story will be featured throughout the next few days.

Distinguished Alumni-Rushell Moyer, Class of 1984.

In January of 1984, during my senior year at Adams-Friendship High School, I was accepted into the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. While considering my future, I felt a strong calling to follow in the footsteps of many family members and serve my country. Inspired by the excellent science and health educators at AF High School, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.

I enlisted in the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Medical Specialist and was sworn in while still in high school. I began military training immediately, continuing through graduation. After graduating, I completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. My military career spanned 12 years and included missions to Panama and Germany during Desert Storm, where I also advanced to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer.

Alongside my military service, I built a life centered on family and service. I am married and have raised four wonderful children. While working full-time, I attended Mid-State Technical College, (receiving a diploma for Phlebotomy) when my children were young. As they grew older, our family opened our home to foreign exchange students from countries including Moldova, Afghanistan, Italy, Spain, East Germany, and Malaysia—an experience that enriched all of our lives and broadened our global perspective.

Professionally, I spent the majority of my career in two fields: administrative support and working with children and adults with disabilities. I have been employed by Mound View Hospital, Adams County Health and Human Services, Adam- Friendship Area Schools, the State of Wisconsin, and private companies. In each role, I focused on service, compassion, and advocacy for others.
One of my most influential teachers at Adams-Friendship High School was Mr. Mike Manning. In his classroom, and with the encouragement of my parents, I learned the importance of being involved and giving back to the community. That lesson has guided my life.

My volunteer service over the years has included coaching Special Olympics, leading Girl Scout troops, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, working Strongs Prairie elections, serving on the Strongs Prairie Township Property Committee, serving as a parent or community representative for several A-F School committees, and chaperoning numerous school activities. I have participated in multiple mission trips to an Arizona reservation, Brazil, Tijuana, Cuna Maya (Mexico), and Peru.

Currently, I volunteer weekly as a patient advocate with the First Care Net Mobile Clinic, serve in multiple roles at my church, and am an officer with American Legion Red Cloud Post 250—a member since 1994 and past Post Commander. I also work elections as a Chief Inspector for Easton Township, assist with judging fair entries, and volunteer with Adams-Friendship Powerlifting.

To current students, I would offer this advice: High school is only a moment in time compared to your whole life. After high school, you get a new start. Your choices matter, your actions make a difference, and your example will influence others.

05/22/2026

Don't miss out on the food and the fun! The Adams County Dairy Breakfast is tomorrow, May 23, from 7-11 in the Adams-Friendship Middle School Cafeteria. Sponsored by the A-F Area Educational Foundation, Adams County Dairy Promotion Committee, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Proceeds from the Dairy Breakfast help support the A-F Educational Foundation Classroom Grants program.

05/20/2026

Don't forget to start your holiday weekend off right by attending the Dairy Breakfast at the A-F Middle School. Sponsored by the Adams County Dairy Promotion Committee, The A-F Area Educational Foundation, Inc, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

05/17/2026

Show day! 2:00 PM at the A-F Fine Arts Center! Tickets available at the door. Stuff the Van for the Adams County Humane Society in Friendship, Wisconsin before the show to help our local shelter animals. Rainy Sunday afternoon? No problem. The Mutts are waiting for you!

05/15/2026

Weekend's here! There's still time to get some tickets to see Mutts Gone Nuts Unleashed at the A-F Fine Arts Center at 2:00 PM on Sunday. A-F County Market still has a few tickets and you can always pick them up online at afasd.tix.com or at the door one hour before show time. Don't miss the delightful comedy dog show. "They'll steal your heart, then they'll steal your socks!"

05/11/2026

05/09/2026

Get your tickets for this fun and funny event today! Online sales here: afasd.tix.com. Also at A-F County Market and the box office from 11-1 on Wednesday, May 13.

05/04/2026

May 17th at the A-F Fine Arts Center. Tickets available at afasd.tix.com and A-F County Market. Box office is open Wednesday, May 6 and 13 from 11-1. It's going to be so much fun! Presented by the A-F Area Educational Foundation with Featured Sponsors Steven and Sandra LaVallee to benefit the Adams County Humane Shelter.