Hometown Hero
Lori Volkman

For many of us, our teachers have been incredible mentors as we begin to learn about the world. Often, we strive to emulate them. Other times, they are our biggest advocates as we set out into the real world. For students of Lori Volkman at Holmen High School, their teacher is their champion and guide for their transition from high school into the working world.

For her tireless work on behalf of her students, Lori received the Distinguished Educator Award from the 2013 Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative’s Transition Academy Awards. This award is given out every year to an educator “who has demonstrated dedication and commitment to youth with disabilities in the transition process.” Lori more than fits that description.

Lori Volkman has worked for the Holmen School District for 22 years as a special education teacher. She works with students who have cognitive disabilities and helps them transition from school to the community. Her students are generally between 14 to 18 and together they learn daily living skills and put them to work in real world opportunities. By the time they are 16, the majority of her students have paying jobs. With the experience of working in high school, Lori’s students are more likely to go on to find good jobs once they graduate.

One of the things that makes Lori and her job very special is the bond she gets to form with her students. She truly gets to know her students and works very hard to make sure that all of their needs are met. Nikki Osgood, the Holmen School psychologist who nominated Lori for the award, told the Coulee News that “It’s definitely something innate… It’s just her personality and the way these kids respect her and listen to her.” Osgood noted, “you don’t see [this] in the average teacher.”

Dale Carlson, the Holmen School District Administrator, also has high praise for Lori. He believes that the “Distinguished Educator Award recognition is well deserved. Teaching for Lori is more than a job; it is her passion. She loves her students and works tirelessly to help prepare them for a successful transition after high school.”

Lori is also helping the Holmen Public Schools as they test out the state’s new “Let’s Get to Work” grant program. As one of nine school districts chosen to pilot the program, Holmen will be paving the way for other schools around the state. Through the grant, students receive scholarships for workplace training. They also receive opportunities to speak around the state and in Washington, D.C.

Not only does Lori go above and beyond the call of duty in her job, she also plays an active role in our community. She works with the La Crosse County Special Olympics program and takes her students on outings and field trips making each one a learning opportunity. She also takes the time to visit her students when they are in the hospital.

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet with some of Lori’s students when they came to the State Capitol as part of Disability Advocacy Day. It was a very special opportunity for me to talk with these students and hear their experiences. When I asked Lori if I could feature her as a Hometown Hero, she modestly noted that she does not particularly like the spotlight. Like so many of our previous Hometown Heroes, she did not seem to think that what she was doing was anything noteworthy. That is exactly what makes someone a true hero; they do extraordinary things simply because they know it is the right thing to do.

So congratulations to you, Lori. Our students and our community benefit tremendously from your hard work and diligence. We definitely need more people like you out there who are selflessly devoted to helping our students succeed.

Keep up the good work and continue to be a Hometown Hero.

Hometown Hero is a regular feature put together by Rep. Steve Doyle (D-Onalaska). If you have any suggestions of a Hometown Hero, send a short description of why you think this person should be a Hometown Hero and contact information of both you and the nominee to rep.doyle@legis.wisconsin.gov.