Kathy Wilson, a lifetime of working with area youth

Posted: Feb. 9, 2010

Kathy Wilson has spent the past 37 years serving the community's children by volunteering as a leader for local 4-H group, the Phantom Clovers. Wilson, who earned her teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, hasn't always worked as a teacher, but she has been a positive influence on children through her work with 4-H.

Wilson grew up on a dairy farm outside Waukesha and moved to Mukwonago when she got married to her husband, Kemp. She had been teaching home economics at a high school in Fond du Lac County when she moved to Mukwonago and began teaching part time at East Troy High School. While in Fond du Lac County, Wilson served as a 4-H leader, and that was something she didn't want to give up when she came to the area.

"I was in 4-H myself for 10 years," she explained. "I really liked it, and I wanted to give back." Wilson began as a clothing leader for the Phantom Clovers and later worked as the cake-decorating leader. When the general leader left about 24 years ago, Wilson took on the role and has been acting general leader ever since. Her duties involve working with the kids, preparing and submitting all of the paperwork to the county, accounting and much more.

"I was a leader long before my kids were born. Then the kids got involved, which was so much fun," she said.

As a general leader, she works with the kids to lead meetings and has had the opportunity to teach them to effectively lead.

"She has taught me many leadership skills as she helped me out while I was president of the club," said Sam Scharles, a Mukwonago High School junior, who has been a member of Phantom Clovers since fourth grade.

Wilson most enjoys watching the children develop over time.

"Seeing how the kids develop over time is really neat. When you meet them as a 9-year-old, and can see their development as they grow up, it's really great," she said. "The kids that do stay in, you can see their decision-making skills and their leadership improve. And they have the opportunity to meet other youth and travel."

"Mrs. Wilson has helped me to always strive for the best," explained Scharles. "She always encourages me to work toward the best trip, pushes me to be the best I can be. I have enjoyed my time working with her over the years."

Not only is Wilson involved in the local club, but she also volunteers in a countywide level, and is actively involved with the County Fair. She was the president of the leaders association and was on the county level executive board.

Nancy Berg, who is also a 4-H leader and has worked closely with Wilson, noted that Wilson does a lot for the kids.

"She gets the meetings together for the kids, makes sure all their paperwork is turned in on time and does an excellent job keeping track," said Berg. "I think she's a very dedicated, hard-working individual for the organization."

Although Wilson volunteered while her children were involved with the club, she continues to do so, even as her youngest daughter, Alexis, is no longer in the club.

Wilson also spends her time with her daughter, Alexis, who has Down syndrome, and participates in the Special Olympics and the Association for the Rights of Citizens with Handicaps.

Marsha Grutzmacher, who nominated Wilson, calls Wilson "an advocate of students with special needs."

Wilson is also the secretary and treasurer for the Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education, which meets once a month.

She has five children, Rachael, Evander, Johanna, Elias and Alexis, and works as the Town of Mukwonago clerk.

Five Who Give nominees

This year's nominees include Ted Bachhuber, Darold Kukowski, Rosie and Jordan Krueger, Loren Tieman, Kathy Wilson, David Adams, Merle Teske and June Dybul. For the next five weeks, we'll feature the five nominees selected for the Mukwonago Chief's 2010 edition of Five Who Give.