Alumni

Nov 09 2022

Kingsley through the Generations

The Moore family officially has three students at Kingsley elementary this year, Avery in fifth grade, Harper in third grade, and Leo starting his first year in kindergarten. Thankfully, their grandma and grandpa live right across the street where they have resided for roughly 52 years, watching the ebb and flow of the neighborhood as Waterloo continues to grow.

Mason Moore, their father, once attended these same elementary halls himself, as did his father, Patrick Moore, and his father, Elmo Moore, founder of The Overhead Door Company of Waterloo. 2022 marks the year that all four generations of the family have officially made their mark at Kingsley elementary, as they’ve begun making memories and milestones at 201 Sunset Rd.

According to Mason Moore, Kingsley elementary has been the heartbeat of the neighborhood as long as he can remember. Growing up, his mother was a big advocate for the community while on the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

“She was a big proponent of keeping it a neighborhood school,” said Mason Moore. “Kingsley is a part of the neighborhood, it’s where we played, it’s where we met, it’s a community neighborhood school. It’s important to have that.”

Even today, after the last school bell has rung, kids can be seen coming to play in the school yard before the sun has time to set.

One memory that still makes Mason Moore laugh is when Mr. Krull, the school’s custodian, helped find and safeguard their family dog, Duke, who got out of the house one day. They couldn’t find him, and then the next day Mr. Krull called them up saying Duke had come over to say hi and that he was safe and sound.

“Everybody wants the best for the school,” said Mason Moore. “They’re all our neighbors.”

Nov 02 2022

Finding a BOLD New View with Cole Kelley

“Remember to be respectful,” said Cole Kelley, 2021 West High graduate. “Everyone is a potential connection.”

After graduating last year, Kelley decided to pursue his love for video production at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC.) Kelley said he’d begun learning all about camera operations and potential career opportunities during his classes at the Waterloo Career Center (WCC.)

“My final project in the video production class really helped me see how all the pieces fit together,” said Kelley. “It was after that class that I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Matthew Dunkerton, interactive media instructor at the WCC, remembers watching as the spark of storytelling caught Kelley’s attention his senior year.

“I enjoyed seeing him explore his curiosities as he searched for a career path. It was evident that digital media was the right fit,” said Dunkerton. “He’s put in a great deal of hard work over the past few years to position himself for success and I am confident and excited to see where it leads him next.”

“I really enjoyed his tenacity to learn everything he could, whether it was video production or marketing, he worked hard to make whatever he was doing quality,” said english instructor, Samuel Bass.

According to Kelley, the feeling was mutual, saying the encouragement and inspiration throughout the WCC was a key component to his decision to dive into video production.

“They were all very open to listening to ideas, always helping and inspiring students to create,” said Kelley.

Digital graphics instructor, Todd Kern, remembers Kelley’s impeccable work as a student, always striving to learn the foundations of concepts instead of just a surface level understanding.

“Cole always had a professional vibe around him,” said Kern. “He wanted to learn everything taught to him. He challenged me on issues and concepts to fully understand whatever was being discussed and he gave one hundred percent on all the work he turned in.”

Recently, Kelley got to learn on location with a film director, soaking up another exciting learning experience. Although, due to a customary non-disclosure agreement, he is unable to share details about the project, he says seeing a professional documentary director intently observe their surroundings to set up future shots is something that’s helped him start envisioning his potential career paths after graduating from DMACC.

Wherever his love of filmmaking takes him next, Bass, Dunkerton, Kern, and the rest of the WCC, will be there cheering for him each step of the way.

Oct 26 2022

Finding bold career paths with the class of 2000

In the spring of 2000, NYSYC, Destiny’s Child, and Lonestar ruled the billboard charts, alongside iconic favorites such as AOL Instant Messenger, the Motorola Razr, and Cupcake Wars. The class of 2000 (also know as Y2K) was there, witnessing the tidal wave of change brought about by the growth of the internet throughout the 1990s. Information now spread across the world in minutes compared to hours or days, and both teachers and students had to learn how to incorporate digitized information, credibility, and citations into their research and writings.

Thankfully, a group of students from West High’s class of 2000 found inspiration within their halls to return, and help the next generation navigate our ever changing technological landscape. Composed of principals, teachers, a superintendent, and more, this group of educators is passionate about their community, and connecting with the students they serve.

According to Joshua Payton, principal at George Washington Carver Academy, it was the opportunity to give back to the community which gave so much to him that sparked his career path within Waterloo Schools.

“Personally, the Cedar Valley was the village that shaped me into who I am today,” said Payton. “Knowing I have a chance to create a positive impact on everyone I work with fills me with pride.”

Not everyone in the class of 2000 knew they wanted to become an educator, like so many students today, different life experiences shaped their views and ambitions, leading them back to Waterloo.

“Originally, I went to the University of Iowa to study communications,” said Abby Regenold, sixth grade literacy teacher at Hoover Middle School. “ I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at that point in my life. After some different life experiences and lessons, I came to the realization that I wanted to do something that would make a difference in other people’s lives.”

After college, she found herself teaching in the same room she’d studied science in as a student at Kingsley elementary.

“I loved that room, because it made me feel connected to the past and reminded me of the journey I took to become a teacher,” said Regenold.

Regenold isn’t the only educator to become a leader in their former classroom. Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith now walks the halls of his former elementary and high schools, reminiscing with several teachers who taught him as a student. He says that knowing the impact these educators have made on him helped to kindle his passion for teaching when he was just seventeen years old.

“During my junior year at West High I realized I wanted to work with kids after tutoring at West Middle School,” said Smith. “I truly love giving back to the students and families of Waterloo. I was in their shoes and want to tell them they can do anything they put their mind to!”

Angela Webb also knew early on that she wanted to become a teacher in the Cedar Valley. After graduating from West High, she attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, along with her master’s, and doctorate. Webb currently teaches the expanded learning program at Central Middle School and Irving Elementary School.

“Waterloo Schools offer a lot of great opportunities for students. The expanded learning program educators are a great group of caring professionals and I knew I wanted to learn from them,” said Webb. “Both of my girls attend Waterloo Schools and we see every day the wonderful work that Waterloo educators are a part of.”

“The Cedar Valley is a great place. I love being here in this community and I have been here my whole life,” said Mike Landers, assistant principal at Central Middle School. “The entire Cedar Valley has everything you need to lead a great life. I am a fourth generation person from Waterloo.”

Landers says West High’s basketball coach, Dr. Anthony Pappas worked with him a lot as a teenager. Still to this day Pappas keeps up with his career in education, continuing to be an invaluable resource for Landers and the students of Central Middle School.

“Waterloo Schools has great people working here and they prepare young people for the real world,” said Landers. “I knew that I wanted to make an impact somewhere and I knew that I had a passion for helping others. I could not imagine being in any other school district. We have great kids and great families in this district and this community.”

Many educators remember the uncertainty of high school graduation, and trying to find their passions as a young adult.

“I didn’t decide what I wanted to do until my second year in college,” said Jacobson. “Growing up, I never thought I would’ve clicked with kids the way I’ve grown into it today.”

Dylan Jacobson earned his teaching degree from UNI, and then worked as a substitute teacher with Waterloo schools before receiving his master’s degree in special education at Upper Iowa. Jacobson now works one-on-one with students at the Expo Alternative Learning Center as an instructional strategist.

Alternatively, Sheena Frickson knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age, but says she took many different paths before choosing to set her sights on education. It was one of her childhood teachers, Mrs. Johnson, who encouraged her passion for teaching, especially while Frickson worked as a student teacher in her classroom.

“I remember when I was in fifth grade and she arranged for me to get extra help with a teaching volunteer. We would work one-on-one together outside of the classroom, with no distractions for me. That was a time when I felt most successful in elementary school. Mrs. Johnson noticed my struggle and arranged for me to have help, in a way that built up my confidence,” said Frickson. “Years later I was able to student teach with her and then, when she retired, she came and volunteered with me in my classroom!”

Now Frickson enjoys building relationships with her own students, watching them grow and develop, and being a part of their success.

For Korey Minard, employee relations and liability specialist, she says that being able to listen and help people is what she enjoys most about her role with Waterloo Schools.

“I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I graduated, but I’m glad to have found my place here!” said Minard. “I have been able to find a career that I enjoy, working with people that I can laugh and learn with.”

Fortunately, many graduates tend to find their own unique niche, in their own unique time, just like Patricia Carlson, lead teacher at Kingsley elementary school.

“At the time of graduation I really didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought I had so much more time to figure it out,” said Carlson. “I knew I wanted to work with kids and being a pediatrician was always on my mind. I had never thought about education or teaching until I started at UNI my junior year of college.”

After graduating from UNI with a double major in elementary education and early childhood education, and an administration degree several years later, Carlson became the principal of Franklin elementary school in Boone, Iowa. While she enjoyed her two years in administration, Carlson says she missed the everyday instruction and interaction she had while teaching, prompting her to return to the Cedar Valley community she loves.

“I really wanted to work in the Waterloo Schools because of the diversity that we are exposed to in this district,” said Carlson. “We have the opportunity to learn so much from our students and support them on their educational journey.”

According to Carlson, Waterloo Schools is paving the way for an innovative education, giving students opportunities to succeed in ways the class of 2000 never dreamed of.

“We need to tell our story, because our story is beautiful!” said Carlson.

Oct 12 2022

Finding Bold New Paths

Siblings Imana and Alen Dizdaric have found bold passions to pursue after being inspired as students in Waterloo schools. With Imana ready to graduate from the University of Iowa this spring with a major in psychology, and Alen preparing for his first collegiate basketball season at Mount Mercy, these two West High alumni are making their teachers and their community proud.

“It affects you, leaving a community like Waterloo,” said Imana Dizdaric “There are so many teachers at West that impacted me.”

One such teacher is Ms. Heather Wagner, English teacher at West high school. According to Imana Dizdaric, she was one of her most understanding teachers, challenging students in a healthy way while treating them as people first and students second. Alen Dizdaric agreed, citing her way of teaching as motherly, encouraging students toward their ambitions in education and beyond.

For Alen, his love for basketball, and the added encouragement of Coach Cliff Berinobis, are what propelled him to search for a college that would support his desire to continue playing.

“I’m a shooting guard, but I feel like for my first season I’ll be playing all over,” said Alen Dizdaric. “Playing at West, I learned a lot about mental and physical toughness on and off the court.”

While both siblings found their collegiate homes in-state, they share in the appreciation of being far enough from home to explore life on their own, yet close enough to come visit family on the weekends.

“They’re the reason for who I am, and what I’ve accomplished so far,” said Imana Dizdaric. “I would not be able to do it without them”

Upon graduating, Imana plans to continue her education, aiming next for her masters in mental health counseling. While she is thankful for the full-ride scholarship she earned from the University of Iowa, she advises graduating high school seniors to take a breath before plunging into a four year program.

“It’s okay if you don’t feel ready for college, and it’s okay if you don’t go, or don’t go right away,” she said. “Don’t rush yourself, just take it one day at a time.”

Oct 04 2022

A Taste of East: Alumni Stories

Vendors from across the Cedar Valley came out to serve up some incredible food, and unforgettable swag for East High students for this year’s homecoming celebration. Chick-Fil-A and Jimmy John’s were in attendance, in addition to iconic cedar valley food trucks Big Head Burger and 1st Base Bar-B-Que, and delicious specialty foods brought to life by community leaders such as Rhounda Wise and Shenique Rembert.

Across the campus Trojan alumni were leading the charge, serving students, and showcasing the impact of community-based entrepreneurship. Sausha Petroske, owner of Saucy Creations, and East High Homecoming Court alumna, was thrilled to be returning to her alma mater to join in the celebrations.

“When I was at East, I loved helping Mr. Day put together this event!” said Petroske. While it’s been a few years since East last got to hold this fun and food-filled celebration, it holds a special place in Trojans’ hearts to see it coming back to life once again. While students and staff loved perusing all of her colorful creations on campus, Petroske says you can find her products at the Spark Lot in Waterloo, Iowa.

In addition to showcasing her business at Taste of East, Petroske was also supporting Club Les Dames alongside East of High alumna Carolyn Sallis. The club works to support and encourage young women in Waterloo, highlighting them through the club’s annual cotillion event.

On the other side of the yard, representing the East High class of 1980, is Rhounda Wise, serving up her mouth-watering wings alongside Ecstacy, Diaz, and Airrius. She says cooking for others is one of her passions, and she has been serving her community through her delicious recipes since age ten.

“Wings are my favorite thing we make,” said Wise.

Lunch goers soon learned just how good those recipes are, keeping Wise and her team busy with a line of hungry students and staff, eager for some of her iconic hot wings.

East High alumna Shenique Rembert and her husband Kenny were excited to be serving students some of their homestyle southern favorites such as shrimp boils and decadent cheesecake. According to the two, they started their business, Rembert Enterprises, LLC, in 2019, offering a variety of services including the culinary arts.

“We needed a change, we wanted to do something meaningful together,” said Shenique Rembert.

In addition to their food service capabilities, the Remberts have supported the Waterloo community by offering products such as face-shields, hand sanitizer, and freight dispatch training throughout the past two years.

After so many incredible choices for lunch, the 2 Scoops team, including Sherman Anderson, East High Class of 1998, was ready with homemade ice cream for dessert.

Overall the event kicked off an afternoon filled with school spirit, smiles, and overwhelming support from the Waterloo community.

“It’s exciting to put something fun on for the kids to celebrate, we know that it’s an old tradition of East High,” said Nikky Herman, VP of East’s Booster Club. “After a few years without it, we’re glad to revitalize the event for alumni and students to continue to celebrate today.”

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