Being inducted into the South Shore Wall of Fame is a tremendous honor that not everyone is chosen for. Dr. Emil Samuelson and Cecil Kavajecz have been selected as the inductees for 2020. Also being recognized is Richard Kresky, longtime president of the South Shore Education Foundation.

The South Shore Wall of Fame honors alumni that have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service to others, business, or government. Nominees must have graduated at least ten years ago and no more than three can be inducted in any given year.

Due to COVID-19, South Shore will not be able to hold their annual induction ceremony. However, we would like to share with you a little about this year’s inductees.

Dr. Emil Samuelson was one of the first two graduates of what was then known as Port Wing High School. He received his teaching certification from the Superior Normal School in 1918, a B.A. from Milton College in 1925, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1932. He also completed postgraduate studies at Columbia University. He first taught in Wisconsin and Indiana schools, including at Port Wing, where he coached the first boys basketball team in 1922. After receiving his doctorate, he went to Central Washington University, where he was a distinguished educator and administrator for nearly four decades. He held various positions including professor, department chair, Dean of Students, and advisor for several student organizations. He was also involved in various professional and community organizations. The Samuelson Building at Central Washington is named in his honor. 

Cecil Kavajecz graduated from South Shore in 1954. While in school he excelled in football, basketball, and track and field, served as president of the student council, and was an honor graduate. He was a three time state qualifier in track and field. He graduated from Wisconsin State College – Superior with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958 and received a master’s degree in education from Iowa State Teachers College in 1964. He was an educator, administrator, and coach in several Wisconsin school districts. He finished his career at Northwestern Middle School where he won the Teacher of the Year award. He was also a businessman and involved in civic affairs, serving as chairman of both Hughes and Clover. While serving as Clover town chairman he was instrumental in the renovation and preservation of the historic Herbster Gymnasium. He was a founding member of the South Shore Education Foundation.

Although Richard Kresky did not graduate from South Shore, he is being recognized for his major contributions to South Shore as president of the South Shore Education Foundation. During his twelve year tenure, he helped establish key programs and initiatives at South Shore, including the 1-to-1 student computer program, grant request process, Willard Ogren Fitness Center, Annual Gala, Wine Tasting Event, and annual fundraising campaigns. He was a graduate of Green Bay West High School and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He was a food service management executive with

Stouffer’s, served as president of the Society for Food Service management, and ended his career as Senior Vice President at Marriott International.

The Wall of Fame selecting committee is comprised of one representative each from the South Shore School Board, Alumni Association, Administration, Staff, and the South Shore Education Foundation.