Hall of Fame

The KEMPA Hall of Fame was established by the Board of Directors as a way of recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions, over an extended period of time, to the success and progress of the Kettle Moraine Press Association.

Suggestions for a Hall of Fame recipient may be given to any board member. Decisions on membership in the Hall are made by the Board of Directors and announced at the annual meeting held at the Fall Scholastic Journalism Conference at UW-Whitewater.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee is Bob Kay

Bob joined the KEMPA board in 2014.  Since 2015, he has served as Scholarship Chair and Membership Vice President. Despite his retirement from the classroom, he is still committed to connect to member schools and offer his knowledge and expertise to scholastic journalism programs and their advisers. When faced with challenges within my own school district, Bob became a reliable source of support and legal guidance.

Bob’s contributions extend to our organization’s governance. In 2016, his legal knowledge and foresight on our bylaws committee led to the inclusion of a virtual meeting option, which certainly came in handy a few years later.

Fellow KEMPA Board member Dean Bradshaw reflects on Bob’s impact, stating “I have been part of KEMPA for most of my 20 years advising. During that time, Bob has been equal part friend, mentor, and resource. His smile and laugh is always a great welcome, his insightful questions always help us think differently and deeply, and his empathy always a much needed and cherished support. KEMPA and all our members have benefited from Bob’s dedication. I cannot think of a more selfless and dedicated champion for scholastic journalism.”

Linda Barrington, former KEMPA board member and Executive Director, echoes this sentiment, describing Bob’s devotion to KEMPA and scholastic journalism. “Bob has faithfully served as Membership Chair for eight years, but even more importantly, he has been an active board member, consistently contributing to discussions, posing thought-provoking questions, volunteering for additional responsibilities, and always offering his assistance with special projects and KEMPA events.”

KEMPA takes immense pride in honoring Bob for his outstanding contributions beyond the classroom in support of scholastic journalism. Congratulations, Bob, and welcome to KEMPA’s Hall of Fame. 

2023 Bob Kay, Libertyville (IL) High school (Retired)

2020 Matthew Smith, Fond du Lac (WI) High School
2019 Carolyn Wagner, Lake Zurich (IL) High School
2017 Evelyn Lauer, Niles West (IL) High School
2016 Jeff Willauer, Waunakee (WI) High School
2015 Tom Juran, Brookfield Central (WI) High School
2013 Mike Doyle, Belvidere North (IL) High School
2011 Kathleen Burke, Regina Dominican (IL) High School / Mike Gordy, Antioch Community (IL) High School (retired) / Audrey Kemp, D.C. Everest (WI) High School / Dave Wallner, Stoughton (WI) High School (retired)
2010 Carl Sigler, Wisconsin Academy (retired)
2009 Stan Zoller, Rolling Meadows (IL) High School
2007 Jill Cook , Brookfield Central (WI) High School
2006 Joe Koshollek, Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel
2005 Linda Barrington, Wauwatosa East (WI) High School
2004 Sandy Jacoby, Tremper (WI) High School / Alan Packard, St. Mary’s Springs (WI) High School
2003 John Culbertson, Waterloo (WI) High School
2002 Katherine Conover, Janesville Parker (WI) High School
2001 Hank Koshollek, The Capital Times / Susan Tantillo, Wheeling (IL) High School
2000 Mark Thompson, Antioch (IL) High School
1999 Tom Gebhardt, Prospect (IL) High School
1995 Nancy Becker, Milton (WI) High School / Stuart Ciske, DPI, Madison (WI)
1993 Elsie Stiffler, Willowbrook (IL) High School
1992 John McCullough, WTMJ Channel 4 Milwaukee
1991 Ron Beem, Byron (IL) High School / John Rowley, Willowbrook (IL) High School
1989 Eileen Kohnke, New Berlin Eisenhower (WI) High School / Dr. Thomas McLeRoy, Dean of Continuing Education, UW-Whitewater
1988 Jan Kohls, Fort Atkinson (WI) High School/ Judy Zigler, Whitewater (WI) High School
1987 Dr. Richard Nelson, founder of KEMPA / Dr. I.W. Schaffer, UW-W (Executive Director)