WHS social studies teacher Greg Stewart honored by League
By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
Greg Stewart was presented the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area’s sixth annual Making Democracy Work Award at the League’s Holiday Dinner at 841 Brewhouse Dec. 4.
Stewart, a social studies teacher at Whitewater High School since 1998, coordinated a contest at the high school in which students designed and produced videos highlighting the voter ID law and the importance of registering to vote. The winning videos were screened at the 2016 Wisconsin Council of the Social Studies Convention, as well as the state of League of Women Voters convention.
Stewart was the recipient of the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 and is also a member of the Wisconsin Geographic Alliance Steering Committee.
For many years, he has been a driving force in encouraging WHS students to compete in projects at the state and national level related to social studies.
“Mr. Stewart’s passion for American Government is contagious. He does an outstanding job of educating our students to be civic-minded citizens to the Whitewater community, state of Wisconsin, and America. It comes as no surprise that he is recognized for his civic contributions, and is very well deserved,” Doug Parker, WHS Principal, said.
Emma Stutzman, a 2016 graduate who had Stewart as a social studies teachers and as an assistant coach of the girls tennis team, shared her reflections – described as simultaneously humorous and thoughtful – of the many ways Stewart has been a positive influence on her growth and development.
In accepting the award, Stewart provided examples of several community service projects that WHS students and staff have contributed their efforts.
Adding to the evening’s festivities was a performance by the WHS Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Abi Pulvermacher.
Giving credence to the saying that “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Jim Stewart, Greg Stewart’s father and the 2010 recipient of the League’s first Making Democracy Work Award, was in the audience.
