Congratulations Dena Radtke, Lifetime Achievement Award!

Words from Julie Incitti: The first words that come to mind when I think of Dena are professional, reliable, caring, innovative, thoughtful, producing high quality work, exceptional leadership, and positive, smiling, and kind. Dena was always willing to help out, to provide her guidance and expertise, and to take action to support employees, colleagues, families, and the school social work profession. She always ensured that there was a strong connection between MPS social workers and WSSWA, providing a vital link. She put into place many structures and systems, to not only better support kids and families in MPS, but also to better support the school social workers as professionals. Dena kept in regular contact with DPI, and stayed on top of current research and practices to bring to the work. She fostered strong connections and collaborations, and continually strove for all voices to be heard and included. Dena has been such a great resource and positive model and inspiration to many. Thank you does not do enough to capture the full extent of what we all owe her.

Congratulations Carla Vorpahl, 2022 School Social Worker of the Year!

 Carla M. Vorpahl has devoted over 20 years of   her career to serving students as a school         social worker in the Sheboygan Area School     District in southern Wisconsin. In this time, she   has formed and championed diversity and   inclusion initiatives, such as a Hmong girls’   student leadership group and the Harbor   Program for students with mental health or   special education needs. Carla has established   a food pantry to serve her school community;   was   an important member of a collaborative   team to bring free school-based mental health   programs to Sheboygan; and has trained over   800 educators in trauma informed practices. 

 Her accomplishments are many, but they are   overshadowed by the impact she has on others.   In the words of her school’s principal, “My   confidence in Carla Vorpahl is unmatched as   she moves people forward. She continually   empowers those around her to work not only   harder but smarter. I would follow her   anywhere. So should we all."

Congratulations again Carla on an extremely well-deserved award!