I was born and raised in Waukesha and have lived here most of my life, with the exception of two years out of state. Two important events for me come each fall – homecoming celebrations at Waukesha North High School where I graduated from in 1996 and at Carroll University where I graduated from in 2008.  I am not sure many alumni come back for high school homecomings. I have faithfully attended Carroll University’s Homecoming since my graduation.

All this homecoming talk makes me think of memories.  I can officially say that I went to Waukesha North High School before there were windows. I have, a few times, recently gone back and noticed major changes in the atmosphere of the school. If you’ve been inside Waukesha North High School in the past five years or so, you will notice the wonderful lobby area upon entering the front doors of the school.  I almost feel like there should be a fountain in the middle.  Perhaps, that’s too high-tech.  Many of the teachers have, of course, moved on since 1996. However, when I visited in the spring of 2010, I was pleased to find out that Greg Pachowitz was still teaching.  Mr. Pachowitz also coached the wrestling team that I was on while at North. I still also keep in touch with Kathy Atkinson who was a Social Studies teacher and the advisor of the Key Club I participated in while at North.  I was also in the Student Council, helped lead a before-school Bible study, and was in the cast and crew for many North theater productions.  It is no wonder why I am so passionate about young people getting involved in co-curricular activities.  This year’s homecoming game left Waukesha North victorious over Mukwonago High School.

As far as Carroll’s homecoming.  As I have said before, I have never left.  However, I do look forward to attending the Communication Alumni tailgate party before the Homecoming football game versus Lawrence.

The next part of my column is bittersweet for me.  It is sweet because Waukesha is home, and I love calling it home.  I am sad to inform you, dear readers, that this will be my final column on Waukesha Patch.  I would like to thank Sarah Millard for giving me the opportunity to be part of your weekly reading lives for the past 10 months.  I will land on my feet friends.  See you around the bend, at home, in the town I affectionately refer to as the ‘Sha.