Whitewater, WI (Whitewater Unites Lives Submission) Dr. Jim Shaw was nominated to be this week’s Hometown Hero, and he graciously declined, requesting that the Whitewater Unified School District Teachers and Staff receive this award instead, “For, overnight, transforming instructional methods during the COVID-19 school building closures; for connecting with every student and family; and for their caring and dedicated work on behalf of all students.”

He adds, “I am honored, and humbled to be nominated as a Whitewater Hometown Hero. I am honored, because the school board gave me the opportunity to be part of wonderful Whitewater and serve as the Interim District Administrator.  I am honored, because Whitewater supports public education, and values the schools as an essential part of the community. I am honored, because during the COVID-19 school closure the WUSD teachers were heroes who overnight transformed instructional methods, and connected with every student and family. I am humbled, because I don’t deserve recognition for the community’s longstanding support of public education, or for the caring and hard work of WUSD employees. The award recognizes WUSD. That’s why I will always cherish it. Thank you, Whitewater.”     

Dr. Jim Shaw was nominated “For always putting Whitewater students and families first, from helping to coordinate food distribution for Whitewater Unified School District families to planning a graduation under extremely difficult circumstances, for always being open to feedback, and for visiting each and every classroom in the district.”

Included in his nomination is the following: “Dr. Jim Shaw served as District Administrator of the Whitewater Unified School District during a critical time of transition and has led staff, teachers and students with professionalism, care, and he was always focused on what was good and right for students. In a few short months Dr. Shaw also had a tremendous impact on teacher and staff morale.  He has always been open to feedback and visited each and every classroom in the district-he might not live in Whitewater, but he’s a proud Whippet and a hero to our community.”

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com