Bulldog Nation Foundation

Mission & Vision

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What is Bulldog Nation Foundation?

While Wauconda High School offers a great education, there is more we can do to support new academic experiences in the classroom for our students.

That’s where Bulldog Nation Foundation comes in.

The Foundation is a group of dedicated community members who are interested in supporting our academic programs during the high school years.

Purpose of Bulldog Nation Foundation

The purpose of Bulldog Nation Foundation is to provide financial resources for innovation in the classroom to help support a more robust academic educational experience for all Wauconda High School students.

Wauconda High School

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Currently, students at Wauconda High School receive an outstanding educational experience.

The ACT Composite Score of 22.0 far outpaces that of the state and national averages.

The majority of graduates from Wauconda High School go on to a two- or four-year college experience or technical school (85%).  

A total of 140 courses are offered at Wauconda High School along with 15 Honors classes and 7 Advanced Placement classes.

However, we can do more.

 

Members

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Meet the members that started it all and continue to keep Bulldog Nation Foundation to what it is today. To learn more about us and our cause, and know about any of our upcoming events, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please click on the members’ photos to learn more about them.

Board of Directors

 

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Steve Diol

Board of Director - President
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Steve is currently First Vice President - Investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors. Steve and his wife have four children and have lived in Wauconda since 1995. All four children have attended schools within Wauconda D118, where Steve experienced the positive impact the PTO provided to the Elementary and Middle School students. After several of his children began attending Wauconda High School, Steve helped create the Bulldog Nation Foundation. The goal is to assist the High School by providing financial resources specifically for innovation in the classroom. Steve enjoys helping the teachers by providing the extra tools needed to enhance the overall educational experience. Steve also volunteers with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), another club at Wauconda High School. Other interests include bicycling, golfing and boating on Bangs Lake in Wauconda.
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Brian Swanson

Board of Director - Vice President
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Brian has been in the commercial fitness industry for over 25 years. Clients include Health Clubs, Park Districts, and YMCA's. He is currently a manager and salesperson at Direct Fitness Solutions. He manages a staff of technicians, inventory, and the company's ebay store. Brian is the BNF Vice President and was instrumental in creating the foundation with Dr. Coles and Steve Diol. Brian has served three 4 year terms on the Wauconda District 118 school board. He was one of the founding committee members of the annual Wauconda Triathlons. He coached LYAA baseball for 8 years. Brian has lived in Wauconda Township since 1986, with his wife Sue Jones Swanson (WHS grad), and his two children Dana & Erik, (WHS grads).
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Daniel J. Coles

Board of Director - Secretary
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Dr. Daniel J. Coles is a founding member of the Bulldog Nation Foundation which was formed in 2011. He has been the Secretary of the BNF Board for the past three years and also serves as the liasion between the BNF and Wauconda High School. "The BNF has helped to provided much needed technology and learning materials for our classrooms at the high school through the grant awarding process." states Dr. Coles. "The BNF has served as the vehicle to help assist teachers with innovation in the classroom and to enhance an already great education at Wauconda High School".Dr. Coles has served as Superintendent of Schools for Wauconda CUSD 118 since July of 2004. Prior educational work experience includes Director of Human Resources, Principal of Cotton Creek School and Assistant Principal of Wauconda Middle School in Wauconda CUSD 118. Dr. Coles also served as a teacher and coach in both Palatine-Schaumburg Township High School District 211 and Schaumburg Elementary School District 54 after completing his Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University in 1987. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2004 and a Master of Science in Educational Administration in 1994 both from Northern Illinois University. He has served as President of the Board of Control of the Lake County High Schools Technology Campus, the Executive Board of the Special Education District of Lake County and Lake Country Superintendents Association.He and his wife Ann enjoy spending time with their two children, Madelyn and Brian. Hobbies include reading, boating, fishing, camping and cycling.
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William Harkin

Board of Director - Treasurer
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William Harkin has been with Wauconda CUSD 118 since July of 1994. He has served the District as the Associate Superintendent – Business Services for nineteen years. Prior to his time in Wauconda, Bill served as Controller for CCSD 54 in Schaumburg for two years.Bill earned his Masters of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1995. He also is a 1979 graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. He also was awarded his certificate as a Certified Public Accountant in 1982.Bill serves as Chairman for both the Northern Illinois Health Insurance Program (NIHIP), and the Intergovernmental Utilities Purchasing Cooperative (IUPC). He is also a member of the Executive Board for the Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative (CLIC) serving over 170 school districts.Bill and his wife Susan are active with their six children. They enjoy traveling, cards, theater and working outside.
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James Stolt

Board of Director Member
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James Stolt is Vice President of Wells Fargo’s SBA Small Business Lending Group. James is responsible for SBA Lending in Illinois. He has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry and has specialized in SBA financing for the last 8 years. James holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. An active community member James is involved with local business associations, community college business seminar instruction, and is on the board of a local charitable organization. He is currently a member of MBBI, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries. James Lives in Wauconda, Illinois with his wife and two children.
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Paul Washburn

Board of Director Member
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Paul Washburn is the Vice President of Finance for Acres Enterprises, the largest privately owned landscaper in Illinois. He has been with the company for over 18 years and has worked in Wauconda for his entire business career. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University and a MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. During his time in Wauconda, Paul has served as treasurer and president for the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce and currently is the Volunteer Chairman for the Wauconda Triathlon along with being a director for the Bulldog Nation Foundation. Paul lives in Lake Zurich, Illinois with his wife and two children.
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Jocelyn Wilhelm

Board of Director Member
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A very passionate advocate of the Wauconda community, Jocelyn Wilhelm, serves on the Board of Director in-charge of digital marketing, including the web & social media. "I am honored to have been asked to be a member, as I'm truly passionate about the community and the Wauconda education system. Both my children attend(ed) Wauconda school district and we've lived in Wauconda since 1999." Jocelyn chaired many of the events for BNF and is also a member of Main Street Attraction, FBLA and volunteers for many of the events in the community. "Speaking of community, I own a consulting business in social media and web design & development, so click on any of the social icons above and let's connect!"

 

 

 

Members At Large

 

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Melissa Hayden

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Melissa Hayden is the owner and founder of the Academy of Ballet Wauconda. The Academy of Ballet has been in Wauconda for the past 11 years. It brings professional instruction and performing opportunities to many community members. Melissa Hayden likes to be involved in the community’s continual growth and the academic success of its youth.
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Erin Kafka

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Erin Kafka has been a resident of Wauconda for 13 years. Erin is an elementary school teacher, with 20 years of experience.She also has a Masters Degree of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Erin and her husband Joe Kafka are the co-owners of Bulldogs Grill, Middleton's on Main, and The Green Goat, all located in downtown Wauconda. Erin and Joe have two children, Quinn and Ashleigh that attend Wauconda School District #118. Erin is an involved member of the Wauconda community, volunteering and participating in several events regularly throughout the year. Erin's goal and purpose for being on the Bulldog Nation Foundation is to help support Wauconda School District #118 staff, and provide opportunities for its teachers to enhance their daily teaching styles with up-to-date materials and experiences that contribute to the growth and academic success of District #118 students.
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Patrick McHugh

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Crystal McClure

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Crystal McClure is the President of Wauconda Community Bank a branch of Libertyville Bank & Trust Co. Crystal is responsible for day to day operations, commercial lending, Chief Consumer Credit Officer as well as overall adherence to policies, procedures and Regulatory compliance. She has more than 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. An active community member Crystal is involved with local non for profit organizations, serves as a Trustee for the Wauconda Fire Pension Board and volunteers for various community events within the Village of Wauconda. "As a former student of Wauconda High School, I was honored to accept the opportunity to participate in BNF. The foundation provides a wonderful platform to “give back”.
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Jeff Middleton

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Jill Morino

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Jill Morino has lived in Wauconda since 2008 and has been a BNF Member at Large since 2013. A vocal community proponent, Jill volunteers extensively at Robert Crown Elementary School and is an avid supporter of a variety of Wauconda businesses and organizations. A former public relations executive, Jill brings communications and planning expertise to BNF, including serving on the Dinner/Dance organizing committee and chairing the planning team for the new Trivia Night fundraising event. Prior to moving to Wauconda with her family, Jill lived and worked in Chicago and Milwaukee. She grew up and attended high school and college in Central Illinois, graduating with honors from Normal Community High School and with a BS from Illinois State University."I joined BNF because even though my kids are in grade school, I want to make sure the high school they will attend down the road can offer them the very best education and opportunities. I have been so impressed with all of the WHS students I've met through working with BNF and the PTO. But the best part of BNF is how our events bring the community together. There were close to 200 people at the Masquerade Ball and we were able to secure donations from almost 100 local businesses and residents! It's inspiring to see how much support Wauconda gives to its schools and students."
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Beth Nolan

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Michael Salisbury

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Michael Salisbury is the Owner of Lake County Watersports and Wauconda Boat. Master Technician for both Mercury Marine and Bombardier. Michael is also very involved with the community. He is a Board member for Veterans R&R Veteran outreach program, a member of Wauconda Lions Club, Wauconda Moose Lodge and Wauconda Chamber of Commerce. Mike has been in BNF for two years. When asked why he joined Bulldog Nation Foundation, "I joined BNF because I believe I could be helpful to our cause in helping the school, teachers and students." When asked what advice he would give students, "I would tell students to focus on academics and be involved in your community as you grow into a young adult."
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Glenn Starkey

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Glenn Starkey is all about community involvement, from Star Charities, "where within a team we host numerous charity drives and events each year, including The Wauconda Bunny Hop and the Wauconda Turkey Trot." He also serve on the Wauconda Area Chamber Board of Directors as the president-elect. Glenn became a director of the Bulldog Nation Foundation when it was first formed, and assist in promotion of upcoming events including the newly launched Trivia Night, which will be a unique social fundraiser. Glenn sees BNF being a strategic benefit not only for the direct programs it raises funds for, but also for residents (and potential residents) considering Wauconda High School to know that there is an additional level of support for needs to be fulfilled. While attending Holy Cross High School on Chicago’s northwest side Glenn was able to get to know recent grads and was able to consider their advice on the different career paths one could take. His advice - "Be inquisitive, even investigative, as to how those in their mid-to-late twenties dealt with struggles and created their successes. The do’s and don’ts of those who have just recently transformed from student life to the working world can be made into a successful roadmap ahead."
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Jen Vogler

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Grants

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The Bulldog Nation Foundation has awarded over $130,000 in innovation grants since its formation in 2011.

2017 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  • Functional Physiological Skeleton for Science Classes

Dem bones, dem bones… The BNF is enhancing anatomy and biology classes by providing a complete scientific skeleton (made of durable, unbreakable plastic) that is realistic in weight and size. Students will use the skeleton to learn the functionality of the skeletal system and for 3D presentations.

  • Laptops for Business Education Classes

Create, plan, present and repeat! The BNF is supporting the Business Education Department with a grant purchase of six laptops to assist students with presenting student-created business ideas as part of the Entrepreneurial course. Students will learn how to leverage technology to present their business plans to a panel of judges.

  • Digital Recording Technology for Band Classes

This is on the record. The BNF is purchasing mobile digital recording technology to provide instantaneous feedback for our band students. The recording technology and updated stereo system will allow our bands to focus on student-centered learning and to develop critical thinking skills while developing advanced musicianship.

  • E-Readers for Library-Media Center

Got books? School libraries are so much more than the Dewey Decimal System. The BNF is providing 10 Kindle E-Readers, 5 iPads and two 40” Monitors to continue to digitize the Library-Media Center.  Students will enjoy more engagement and more personalized learning while in the heart of the school.

  • Real Care Babies for Child Development and Adult Living Classes

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back …The Family and Consumer Sciences Department needs some crying babies so the BNF is obliging by providing five Real Care Babies. Students participate in a parenting simulation by learning about the real challenges of caring for a newborn baby when they are assigned to a computerized baby. Yikes.

  • 21st Century Furniture for Science Class

Desks and chairs in nice, neat rows? That is so 2016. The BNF got in the furniture business by buying 18 portable, stand-up desks for a science class. Students will take an active role in designing the classroom environment depending on the learning activities for that day.

  • Wireless, Digital Lighting for Theatre Arts Classes

Let’s shed some light on the matter. The BNF is illuminating the Theatre Arts Classes by securing wireless, digital lighting systems that can be used in the Auditorium or anywhere else a drama production may occur. Students will engage in new and exciting uses of lighting that will enhance the music, production value, and artistic design of all of our Fine Arts programs.

2016 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  • Fitness Database Program for Physical Education Classes

We are going to pump you up! The BNF supports healthy living and this grant does all of that and more. The WHS Wellness Department will create an online database for each student to track their fitness progress and provide targeted exercises for improvement. This BNF awarded grant also includes 14 Samsung Galaxy Tablets and accessories to complement the fitness database program. The tablets allow the students to interface with their tracked data and fitness improvement programs in real time during class.

  • Quality Repertoire for the Advancing Curriculum for Band Classes

It’s time to get the band back together, and the BNF is there to support the effort.  A grant award to the WHS Fine Arts Department will allow all band students to have the opportunity to play at least one cornerstone piece of music each year of high school through a BNF purchase of twelve pieces of high quality band literature.

  • Sewing Machines for Interior Design Classes

Why buy it when you can make it! The BNF is supporting the Applied Arts Department with a grant purchase of twelve sewing machines for students enrolled in the Housing and Interior Design course. Students will learn new skills while providing the opportunity to use their design creativity.

  • Television/Media for Media Communication Classes

Lights, camera, action! The BNF is enhancing last year’s English Department’s awarded grant with additional technology purchases to support the Television/Media program. The 5 additional flat screen monitors with accessories will be mounted throughout the school for viewing as well as 10 computer screens to be used in the classroom for production.

  • IXL for Math Classes

Donald Duck in Mathemagical Land? That is so 1970. The BNF is purchasing 300 software licenses for the Math Department to provide and for an interactive web-based math program called IXL.com. The program provides supplemental math support for every level of math from basic foundations to higher level math.

  • Pear Deck for All WHS Classes

Lightning does strike twice! The Math Department also was awarded a second BNF grant to purchase a software license for Pear Deck, but this is for all WHS staff!  Pear Deck is an interactive presentation tool that instantly collects data and promotes student engagement. All students can answer teacher questions in class using this software and an electronic device.

2015 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  • iPads, movie mounts, mics, software, flat screens and other equipment for Digital Media Communication classes

Thanks to the BNF, students in the new Digital Media Communication classes use up-to-date digital equipment and software to produce a daily new cast called “The Bark”. This newscast is broadcast via newly wired flat screen tvs strategically located throughout the building. Students have the opportunity to engage in all facets of a daily news show: writing script, on-air delivery of the new cast, filming of the broadcast and editing for final viewing. “The Bark” can be seen daily at Wauconda High School by all students!  

  • LabQuest2s, Lenovolaptops and other equipment for Science classes

The BNF once again shows support for our future scientists who now can conduct computer-based inquiries using the LabQuest2s. Hands-on learning in both Physics and Chemistry is greatly enhanced through probeware modules that promote understanding, comprehension and application of knowledge and skills. The LabQuest2s also assist students in creating graphs and data tables for in-depth analysis and understanding. Science has never been so fun!

  • DBQproject materials for Social Studies classes

The new DBQ (Data Based Questioning) learning materials provided by the BNF will not only provide enhanced learning from U.S. history to world history, but also promote better writing skills across disciplines. The DBQ materials may also be shared vertically between the high school and middle school teachers to encourage a common learning and thinking community among our grades 6-12!

  • Experiment supplies for Psychology classes

For the fourth year in a row, the BNF is supporting the purchasing of experimental supplies for the high school psychology class experiments. The purchase helps to make the learning come to life and are fun for the students as well! 

2014 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  1. Two short-throw projectors (technology) for Language Arts classes
  2. Two short-throw projectors (technology) for Mathematics classes
  3. Three document cameras (technology) for Social Studies classes
  4. Audio and video recording equipment (technology) for Drama, Theater, Band and Choir
  5. Novels for the study of annotation for all English 2 students
  6. Experiment supplies for Psychology classes
  7. Graphic novels on the Holocaust for US History classes
  8. Two short-throw projectors (technology) for Science classes
  9. PC-connected writing tablets (technology) for Mathematics classes

Please read our latest press release announcing its 2014 grant recipients.

2013 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  1. Fifteen iPads (technology) for Biology Classes
  2. Seven Thinkpads (technology) for Physics Classes
  3. Two Short Throw Projectors (technology) for English Classes
  4. One Short Throw Projector (technology) for World Language Class
  5. Sight Reading Books and Drummer’s Toolkit for Band Classes
  6. Experiment Supplies for Psychology Classes

2012 Bulldog Nation Foundation Funded Grants

  1. One LCD projector w/special IPAD adaptor (technology) for Biology and Physical Science Classes
  2. One Video and Digital Camera (technology) for Journalism Classes
  3. One Short Throw Interactive Projector (technology) for Anatomy, Physics, and Physical Science Classes
  4. Illinois Heritage Garden Materials for Biology Classes
  5. Five Short Throw Projectors (technology) for World Languages Classes
  6. One Experiment Station for Chemistry Classes
  7. One Interactive Smart Board (technology) for Bilingual Classes
  8. Experiment Supplies for Psychology Classes
  9. Literature Books for English Classes (students with special learning needs)

To Apply

Grants will be awarded based upon merit and available funding. Grant applications should support the mission of the Bulldog Nation Foundation by supporting 21st Century classroom success through innovation in the classroom.

Any Wauconda High School staff member is eligible to apply for a grant. WHS staff grant applications are due April 30th of each year.

You may view and download the Bulldog Nation Foundation Grant Application Form by visiting our Contact Us Page.

Contact Us

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We welcome any questions or comments. Please fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you promptly.

Below you will find more information about our Grant and can download application form for your convenience.

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You may download and fill out the following Grant Application Form and mail it to:

Bulldog Nation Foundation

555 North Main Street

Wauconda,IL 60084

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Donations may be mailed

Bulldog Nation Foundation
555 North Main Street
Wauconda,IL 60084

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