Aristos Scholars are selected by two methods. They may be nominated, or they may be selected based upon the quality of their Aristos grant implementation.

Eleven new Aristos Scholars joined the Aristos Academy in 2007-08. Six were selected based upon the quality of their Aristos grant implementation and four were nominated. One new Scholar was nominated as well as the author of a successful grant implementation. Scholars serve a three-year term.

Gail Borchers
As the Lake View library media teacher, Gail knew that the more students read, the better readers they will become. She used a small amount of grant funds, only $1,400 to design a reading incentive program benefiting all Lake View Elementary students. This creative reading incentive program encouraged students to increase their independent reading time both in school and at home by teaching them how to select books at a "just right" reading level and by providing them with LMC books leveled by difficulty. After students read enough books to reach a personal goal, they receive a $5.00 "Book Buck" coupon that enables them to purchase books at the school's annual book fair.

Sara Cutler
Sara was a multi-age teacher at Leopold Elementary School at the time she implemented her grant. Currently she is a Math Instructional Resource Teacher in the Teaching and Learning Department. Sara was nominated for the Scholars Academy. She was described as an educator who is always on the cutting edge. Sara's classroom was a thriving, inclusive space where students had multiple means of expressing what they know and have learned. She is described as a leader, a teacher with vision, energy and intelligence, a creative thinker and problem-solver. Sara also implemented an Aristos grant during this school year. Her $4,500 grant supported the success of multiage programming for students as well as staff by creating an opportunity for students and teachers of different grade levels to work together. The Friday Enrichment Program was built upon the belief that students become more engaged in school when they have opportunities to explore and learn more about things that interest them.

Erica Kruger
Erica is a guidance counselor at East High School. She was nominated for the Aristos Scholars Academy and described as someone with a stellar mind and energy to burn. Among the qualities we look for in nominees for the Scholars program are innovation, creative thinking, and problem solving skills. All are qualities of this nominee.

Tally Kruger
Tally is a science and math teacher at Sennett Middle School. Her nominees describe her as a life-long learner who has made significant contributions to the science and math curriculum at Sennett. Tally created an after school program to pre-teach language skills needed for the next lessons in math and science to her English Language Learner students. Tally is also the recipient of the Distinguished Elementary Education Alumni Award from UW-Madison.

Lisa Kvistad
Lisa is principal of Lowell Elementary School. She is described as a leader among her colleagues and is frequently sought out to serve on committees. Lisa is an insightful problem-solver, a person who works well with parents, staff and students, and a creative thinker who energizes others. Under Lisa's exemplary leadership, Lowell School earned a New Wisconsin Promise Recognition award from the Department of Public Instruction.