Community Spirit–June 2026
Ryan Ruggles, District Administrator
Amherst Hall of Distinction 2026
Amherst High School has a rich history of success in a variety of areas, and a long list of individuals that have made a profound impact on the school, students, and the greater community. The Amherst Hall of Distinction was started in 2019 as a way to honor and recognize former students, coaches, advisors, staff, community members, and volunteers who have made a lasting impact on society, achieved remarkable success, and brought honor to Amherst schools. The Hall of Distinction serves as an inspiration to current students, highlighting role models whose lives reflect exceptional character, dedication, and achievements.
Eligible nominees for the Amherst Hall of Distinction come from various backgrounds and have demonstrated achievements that go above and beyond the ordinary. Whether through professional success, community service, or significant contributions to society, these individuals exemplify qualities that inspire others and set a standard of excellence for Amherst students to follow. Past inductees have included individuals who excelled in their professions, advocated for positive social change, or have contributed meaningfully to Amherst schools and the wider community. This year we honor two individuals, one posthumously, and one sports team.
For our first inductee, we honor Miss Winifred Harvey for 54 years of service to the students of this community. In her admirable tenure, she taught social studies and agriculture classes. She served as librarian, Vice Principal, and the advisor to numerous clubs. For decades, Miss Harvey advised the Student Council with unrivaled passion. Former student and student council member, Sally Prideaux recalls, “Winifred was the optimistic and motivating force behind the members. She encouraged us to have more student events including hosting rock band concerts which would be open to the public. Winifred made certain that every student, regardless of income, would be included in all events and activities.”
Our second inductee is William “Bill” Schweitzer, a long-time teacher and Athletic Director at Amherst High School. Bill taught history and coached several sports including baseball, where he led the varsity team for 36 years. Coach Schweitzer won over 300 games as a varsity baseball coach and led the team to the state tournament in 1986 and 1992. Coach Schweitzer was also the first Athletic Director of AHS, a position he served in for 20 years. Bill continues to help out at AHS by working the clock for home basketball games, and is a huge supporter of the athletic department.
We will also honor a second team for the Hall of Distinction, and our first women’s sports team. The 1999 Amherst Lady Falcons made school history becoming its first State Qualifier and Championship Basketball Team after knocking off Viroqua 49-33. The Falcons defeated three highly ranked opponents before dominating Viroqua in all aspects of the Division 3 State Wisconsin Basketball Championship. In the final, the Falcons jumped out to a 19-0 lead after the first quarter using a dominating 2-2-1 full-court press. The Falcons became a Cinderella story as an unranked team that took down several ranked opponents, most notably the number one ranked North Fond du Lac in the semifinals with a score of 55-43. While they didn’t match up on paper, their ability to press full-court and their discipline in rebounding allowed them to achieve their goal. They closed out the season on an 18-game winning streak to take home the gold ball. The Falcons were coached by Shelli Haferbecker.
We would like to thank all of the community members that nominated individuals or teams for the Hall of Distinction, and also thank our HOD Committee for their planning and service. We look forward to celebrating the new inductees at a dinner ceremony at the Jensen Center on Friday, October 2nd, and then again during halftime at the Homecoming Football game that same night.
Go Falcons!