Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award: Investing in the Future
By Sarah Williams-Berg
Oconomowoc students were recognized for their perseverance and resourcefulness in their personal and academic ventures at Oconomowoc Rotary’s noon meeting on the Shorehaven campus Feb. 2.
Pictured left to right, Oconomowoc High School students Rachel Windett, Arlo Busalacchi and Jamison Neary.
OHS seniors Arlo Busalacchi, Rachel Windett and Jamison Neary were recognized for overcoming challenges and pursuing their goals. School staff Carrie Schultz, Alex Eidman and Susan Verhagen cited “purpose, accountability and hope” as some of the students’ strongest suits.
Verhagen said that Neary “had found the joy and love for learning again, especially joy.” Eidman noted that Busalacchi has demonstrated “a steady commitment to moving forward,” while Schultz shared that Windett had become a “confident, creative leader.”
“It is humbling to stand here in the wake of your stories,” Rotary President Mike Menefee told the students. “Consider that this is a contract, and we are investing in you.”
The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award is named after Rotarian and former OHS faculty Lyle Neeb, who initiated the scholarship program decades before. Rotary continues to dedicate funds toward continuing education for students recommended by OHS staff.
Brewfest 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
Get ready for our biggest fundraiser of the year! Enjoy local brews, live music, and great company as we raise funds for our community projects.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Rotarian who so generously matched our donations in December, and to every one of you who stepped up to contribute. Your collective spirit and commitment ensure our community grants will sparkle for generations to come.
