The Road She Traveled

View the 2009, Commencement Ceremony for The Road She Traveled project. Over the past several years, Longfellow Middle School students have been diligently working on a one-of-a-kind history project to honor women in the Coulee Region, titled The Road She Traveled. With the guidance of the La Crosse Area League of Women Voters, women that have made a significant impact on our community have been identified, and our students have conducted interviews, written biographies, and created docudramas to detail the success of these distinguished community members. This is an ongoing venture, and to date, we have 89 digitally captured oral history projects archived on our website and podcast. You are cordially invited to The Road She Traveled 2009 Commencement Ceremony. Visit our website: http://wiki.lacrosseschools.org/groups/theroadshetraveled/ The Road She Traveled is created by Longfellow students, hosted by the School District of La Crosse, and sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Even with a diagnosis of cancer, Sister Thea Bowman didn't allow her goals to be compromised. Thea persevered, and this devotion earned her the honor of Viterbo University's Most Outstanding Person. Sister Thea was a sought after speaker making over 150 speeches a year promoting world peace and humanity and directing her award-winning gospel choir. If she were alive today, Sister Thea would still be preaching her inspiring message about peace, love, and giving. Docudrama by Tanshanita.

Teaching and worshiping about world peace was Sister Thea Bowman's life goal, and she achieved that with love in her heart and selfless giving. Interview by Tanshanita.

For a woman who grew up poor, she couldn't have turned out any richer … in spirit. With the will power to want to change and set straight what is right for the goodness of not only our community, but injustice anywhere, we honor June Kjome. She was a dedicated nurse and longtime activist who spent 19 years in South Africa treating the sick and needy. For over 40 years, June Kjome has been hard at work on streets and in offices protesting and participating in marches, which shows her over towering integrity and powerful heart used to serve people. View docudrama by Isaiah.

June is an activist that is extremely focused on human rights. She was a nurse in La Crosse and in South Africa. View interview by Isaiah.

Sister Marie Leon La Croix is a woman who has dedicated her life to making sure everyone has access to theater. She envisioned a wonderful, top notch Fine Arts Center that could offer various experiences to the residents of La Crosse. Starting with a dream, we got even more after Sister Marie was asked to start a Fine Arts Department at Viterbo University, which educates students and theatre patrons. When asked about which lessons teens could learn from her, Sister Marie responded, “If you have a dream, you can make it come true if you set high goals, love what you are doing with a passion, and don't be discouraged by failures. Use your God given gifts to show and help others.” It is with this philosophy that Sister Marie Leon La Croix was able to create the theatre program at Viterbo University. View docudrama by Heather.

Sister Marie Leon LaCroix started the cherished and engaging theater program at Viterbo. View interview by Heather.

A local creator specializing in pottery, Marti is active in the local art community. View interview by Mariah.

A local creator specializing in pottery, Marti is active in the local art community. View interview by Mariah.

Beth Vacek was an outstanding basketball player at Viterbo University. She has worked hard to achieve her goals, and over the span of her athletic career, she has won high school basketball championships, set records for Viterbo University basketball, and immortalized on the Viterbo's “Wall of Fame.” Besides athletics, Beth is a U.S. military veteran who served in Iraq. View docudrama by Cody.

Beth was inspired by 9-11 to volunteer her service in Iraq. She also coaches basketball, and was a head coach for the Viterbo V-Hawks. View interview by Cody.

Dorothy Wetterlin volunteers for a program called CASA, Court Appointed Security Advocate, which provides support for abused and abandoned children. After earning degrees in health education and biology, Dorothy extended her education to a master's degree in counseling. She passionately contributes her expertise of health education by volunteering, public speaking, and publishing. View docudrama by Dallas.

Dorothy oversees the care of children who are abused or abandoned and has authored a manual for Gunderson Lutheran Hospital and partners with church organizations and other non-profit groups in La Crosse for the betterment of our children. View interview by Dallas.

Dorothy was a very special woman who lived to be 100 years old. Dorothy journeyed all around the world and made friends in many countries. View interview by Kersten.

Dorothy was a very special woman who lived to be 100 years old. Dorothy journeyed all around the world and made friends in many countries. View interview by Kersten.

During a dangerous time in Southeast Asia, Maomoua Vue was born in Mongcha, Laos. Her family fled to Thailand to escape the hazards of the Vietnam War. Through the jungle and across the river, they hid and ran. Finally, her unforgettable journey led to the United States and moving to Wisconsin with her family. Amazingly, Maomoua learned English quickly and became an interpreter, but she was determined to do more and saw an opportunity to educate the Hmong community. She graduated from Viterbo University and became the first Hmong licensed dietician in Wisconsin. Maomoua says she wouldn't change one thing about her past because all her experiences have made her who she is today. View docudrama by Hai.

Maomoua is the first Hmong licensed dietician in Wisconsin and among a select group in the United States. View interview by Hai.

Judy Bouffleur is the kind of person that is willing to give back to her community. Whether it be volunteering or playing piano, Judy is dedicated to sharing her gifts with the children and residents of La Crosse. She serves as a volunteer at the public library, the local public schools, the children's museum, Oktoberfest, and many more charitable organizations. We are very thankful for all the gifts that Judy Bouffleur shares with our community. View docudrama by Sam.

Starting the giving tradition as a child, Judy continutes to give freely of her time and energy as an uplifting volunteer in our community. View interview by Sam.

Starting the giving tradition as a child, Judy continutes to give freely of her time and energy as an uplifting volunteer in our community. View interview by Sam.

Not only has Ann Quinlisk dedicated more than 20 years to the prevention of domestic violence, she has made our whole community a healthier place to live by sharing her expertise and compassion for the well-being of women and children. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is a free service provided to residents of La Crosse County. Ann says she doesn't need a plaque or a framed certificate to honor her years of devotion to battered women and children. Instead, her awards are the many people she has helped over the years escape from violent situations and move forward to a happier life. View docudrama by Heather.

Ann Quinlisk is an amazing woman who has given back to our community in many ways with either her dedicated actions in domestic violence or sharing her motivational views on life. View interview by Heather.

Dorothy Dedo was Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, founder of the Community Theatre in La Crosse, and many other amazing accomplishments in politics. She has not only impacted La Crosse's future but also affected what lays ahead for the entire country. View docudrama by Mitchell.

Dorothy Dedo was Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, founder of the Community Theatre in La Crosse, and many other amazing accomplishments in politics. She has not only impacted La Crosse's future but also affected what lays ahead for the entire country. View interview by Mitchell.

Mary Patros has volunteered at various occasions over the past five decades from dressing up and dancing on stage for Senior Miss Wisconsin to playing Mrs. Santa Clause for the Children's Christmas party at the Shrine. She has served thousands of volunteer hours and yet still has time to devote to her family. Mary has been the recipient of countless awards for her involvement in the prosperity of La Crosse. Her attentiveness towards the community is inspirational. View docudrama by Molly.

Mary Patros has been a devoted volunteer for forty-seven years and has logged almost 30,000 service hours to the La Crosse community. View interview by Molly.

Throughout the years, Rachel Gundersen discovered what her special skills were, like raising children, listening, writing and asking the right questions to get kids talking. When her children reached the high school years, there was a major drug problem creeping into La Crosse. Rachel figured that the only way to get something done about it was to go back to college at the age of 43 and become a La Crosse District school psychologist. Rachel's message to parents was strong. “Stick with it! It'll get better.” It turns out that it did get better for many of the parents and teenagers. Rachel was pleased she had made a positive difference. View docudrama by Kelsey.

Rachel's passion is improving children's lives at home and in schools. She is a talented woman that has plays many roles in our community. View interview by Kelsey.

Born in Laos during the turbulent Vietnam War Era, Pa Moua experienced the courageous move from Thailand to America. Since in La Crosse, Pa Moua assists and educates the Hmong community paying special attention to the elders. She started as an interpreter for the children of the La Crosse School District and then began to help minority students and other service organizations. Pa Moua has been nominated as chairperson of the La Crosse Hmong New Year. She continues to achieve many important goals in her life with determination and passion. View docudrama by Tou.

With boundless determination, Pa Moua became the first Hmong social worker for La Crosse County's Community Management Organization (CMO). View interview by Tou.

Vernetta is a true inspiration to the people of our community. She is an admirable role model to future women around the area and all over the world. Vernetta was in the Marine Women's Reserve during World War II and was stationed in El Toro, California as a quartermaster where she helped the military greatly by releasing soldiers to go overseas into combat. After her war years, she became a teacher and reading specialist. Doing so, she helped countless adolescents around the Coulee Region. View docudrama by Tony.

Vernetta is an inspiration to other women in our community. She participated in WWII as a quartermaster in the Marine Women's Reserve. View interview by Tony.

Marilyn McElligott spends much of her time caring for the needs of others. As a retired nurse for nearly a decade, Marilyn continues sharing her talents of giving and nurturing by volunteering in our community. "I will volunteer "til the day I die,” Marilyn says with conviction. If she were to be honored for her life's accomplishments, Marilyn would want an award engraved with the words, Devoted Mother and Caring Nurse. The La Crosse community surely benefits from Marilyn's loving dedication and kind human spirit. View docudrama by Emily.

Marilyn is a retired nurse and fills her additional time with volunteer work. View interview by Emily.

“Give 100% effort in your life.” Bobbi Vandenberg believes and models this in her life as she teaches young people. Interview by Garrett.

“Give your best effort.” A four-word motto that Bobbi Vandenberg can't stress enough. Whether it's playing various sports or coaching athletes, Bobbi has shown that she truly lives by her motto. Bobbi is an amazing athlete who doesn't just play sports. She takes it steps further by creating a passion and a need for teamwork, sportsmanship, and competition. Bobbi participates in athletics like she can't live without it. Docudrama by Garrett.

Sandra is a well-respected nurse at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, as well as, an active volunteer supporting charities like the Children's Miracle Network and American Cancer Society. She belongs to many local organizations that give back to the community and takes on a variety of assignments at the hospital. From the pulmonary clinic to coordinating operations, Sandra can do it all. Docudrama by Marissa.

Sandra works in the nursing and healthcare departments at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. She is involved in numerous local volunteer activities and belongs to many organizations. Interview by Marissa.

Kathryn dedicated her career to the School District of La Crosse. She was an outstanding teacher that children loved dearly, and she had a knack for knowing just what they needed. Her work as a Curriculum Supervisor was innovative, insightful, and forward thinking. She is highly revered by all those who worked with her. View docudrama by Alyson.

Kathryn was an outgoing, out standing woman praised by her co-workers as an excellent model of an educational executive. View Interview of Ruth Kielley about Kathryn Cappelen (1923-2007) by Carter.

Betty works diligently to ensure that the La Crosse community has a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of art. Betty has used her vast knowledge to teach appreciation of the creative gifts that have been bestowed upon us. Betty shows that by living in a community, or even traveling somewhere abroad, the artist deep inside of us can emerge simply by appreciating the local talent that the area has to offer. Docudrama by La Sharra.

Betty is an art teacher and Behind the Brewery Gallery owner. Interview by La Sharra.

After earning a college degree in nursing, Nancy joined the United States Navy and was commissioned on the docks of her hometown. During the years of Operation Desert Storm, Nancy courageously spread comfort, strength, and hope to all the patients she encountered in the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. She looks back on her years of military service and is proud of the difference she made in the lives of her patients. Deservedly, Nancy was awarded the U.S. Navy's Accommodation Medal before being honorably discharged. Docudrama by Kevin.

Nancy Henckel was a United States Navy nurse during Operation Desert Storm and served our country by saving lives at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Interview by Kevin.

Marcia Jagdozinske has been the president and CEO of Riverfront Incorporated for many years. Since her involvement, it has grown in size and expanded across both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Marcia models her life by a quote of her father's,“I have five years of things to do and not much time left to do it.” Riverfront is a round-the-clock job but gives Marcia a full, rewarding life. Positively, Marcia never looks at the past because she is too busy looking at what the future holds. Docudrama by Lesley.

Marcia provides assistance for people living with disabilities through her work with Riverfront, Inc., a non-profit organization serving 55 counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Interview by Lesley.

Mary Lu Gerke graduated from college with a nursing degree. Her excellence in the medical profession was honored by a two-time election as Nurse of the Year. As a well respected person in our community, Mary knows that she has made the right choices in her nursing career and credits the many people who influenced her along the way. Docudrama by Josh.

Mary serves as vice president of Clinical Operations at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital and is a respected leader and member of various La Crosse community organizations. Interview by Josh.

Sheila devotes her time and energy to the community of La Crosse to form an exceptional place for living and raising a family. Sheila is the executive director of the La Crosse Community Foundation and has served as La Crosse's 9th District County Board Supervisor. Sheila volunteers and takes care of her own three children. She has an impressive way of turning negative situations into positives. Docudrama by Kaylee.

Sheila is the executive director of the La Crosse Community Foundation and has served as La Crosse's 9th District County Board Supervisor. Interview by Kaylee.

Barb Gibson is a dedicated University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Women's gymnastics coach who gives her time and talents to her athletes. Her natural teaching ability started at the young age of nine when she began to coach and has developed over the years into award-winning coaching skills. Most recently, Barb has been honored as the La Crosse Coach of the Year. Barb Gibson is an outgoing coach with a personality that knows no limits. Docudrama by Cyndi.