Beloit Memorial High School Theatre


                 


Dear Greg,

We met at Loren's retirement party.  My name is Lisa (Anderson) Antle,
Annie:   1984, Annie, Hello Dolly:  1985, Minnie Faye, Joseph:  1986,
Narrator.  I have returned to the state approximately 2 years ago and
will soon finish my doctorate in Nursing.  I am very interested in this
cause.

My family has worked for the district close to 30 years.  I have such
rage to the inability for this school system to not fund their capital
building requirement.  How could this school have been renovated beyond
what my class ever required for success in higher education?  Is it not
to be repaired because their department was not one of the most honored
theatre departments in the state, or known directors?  If I do recall,
this venue made the district capital to break even with the theatre
department's budget many years while Loren was there.  What is the
status of the athletic department's capital to the district?  (I cannot
comment on the revenue that you have demonstrated and for that I
apologize.)

I very much would like to see an audit of the athletic funding because
for many school districts the arts are considered a sport.  I chose the
Shorewood School System specifically for the value the district holds in
the arts.  The educational literature has demonstrated beyond reasonable
doubt to the value of Art's education.  I also felt that the district
knew they had at risk students and embraced the most current educational
literature for student success.  

How many of our graduates have gained incredible success and self esteem
to complete high school and to pursue higher education?  I absolutely
find this a disgrace.  Have financial statements of the athletic
department been analyzed?  What higher education success has the
athletic department brought to honor this district?  

I was an avid swimmer and gave up this sport to participate in Loren's
theatre department.  There were not scholarships afforded to women while
I entered college.  Now there is equal sponsorship to women.  This
"sport" (theatre) gave me opportunities to be recruited by the state
academic theatre scholarships at that time; however, I choose to pursue
other career goals.    

I add that having graduated with a Bachelors of  Science in Nursing from
UW-Madison, a Master's of Science in Nursing, from SMastersis University
and completing my final degree (hopefully in 2 more years) with a PhD in
nursing from UW-Milwaukee quite an accomplishment that was mentored by
Loren Sass, Mary Mowers and Lois Ulvin.  Has the Beloit Public Schools
not kept informed of the current trends in educating teens that are at
risk?  The theatre provides a sense of belonging and family for many
students during a difficult and vulnerable time in their life.

I very much would love to get in touch with David Anderson.  We always
sat near each other because we were both Anderson's.  He is absolutely
right, the theatrAndersonsment kept him in school!  Bravo for him, what
an accomplishment.  I would also like to visit with Stephanie (Joey)
Klett '85, Miss Wisconsin, or Annette Calud '81. Each of these ladies
was recipients of the Beloit Memorial High School Hall of Fame Award.  

I believe if this mailing was sent to prior casts of individuals that
have been extremely successful due to this type of mentorship will be
willing to petition and have other departments audited in the district.
I cannot believe there is not funding.
 
What an absolute dishonor for the district to offer $5,000!  I believe
when I was Annie, Loren filled that theatre four times to capacity.
There is funding in the district it just needs to be leveraged.

Fondly,

Lisa

 

 

Last updated: 01/14/2009 by Greg Wallendal , David Korab and Cash Laidman                                                                                                                     
Pictures by: Greg Wallendal, Sean Lynch, Ross Zentner, Dr. Elzy, Greg Long, Mr. Mac and SDB