Trout Educator Award
Recognizing Excellence in Teaching & Service
(scroll down for nomination links)
Throughout its history, the Lord has blessed Fox Valley Lutheran High School with numerous dedicated and outstanding teachers. These men and women not only excelled in their classroom work with their students, but also contributed through service among varied cocurricular duties, leadership in the FVL Federation, and volunteer roles at their home congregations. We thank our loving Savior for these role models and the many who served FVL's ministry along side them. To God be the glory!
David & Florence Trout Family Educator Award
In 2007, Dr. Monroe Trout and his wife Sandra established a special award to honor FVL's outstanding educators. Awarded annually, this award recognizes one full-time FVL teacher for their efforts both inside and outside the classroom. The award includes a financial stipend to be used for professional growth that advances the winner's education and benefits the FVL student body. A designated amount is left to the discretion of the educator for personal use.
Through this award, Dr. Trout is honoring his parents - David and Florence Trout - along with his brothers and sisters: Helen, David, Robert, Elizabeth, William, Herman, Charles, Arthur, Theodore, Harold, Pauline, Chester, and Hazel. Sandra Trout grew up as a member of St. Paul-Appleton and treasures the Christian education she received there.
Nomination Process and Links
- Nominations can be submitted by students, parents, FVL graduates, teaching colleagues, Federation pastors/teachers, or community leaders.
- All full-time FVL faculty are eligible except the President or the Principal, who chairs the Selection Committee.
- Nomination criteria include the teacher's impact on their classes, the FVL family, and the church/community at large.
- All nominations are to include at least one letter of recommendation from someone in addition to the person making the nomination.
- Winners from past five years are not eligible, but may be re-nominated after that time.
- All nominations must be submitted to the FVL Principal by the posted deadlines.
- Nomination forms are downloadable or can be picked up at the FVL School Office during regular hours. You can also submit a nomination form online.
Consider Nominating FVL's Next Trout Educator Award Winner!
Nomination forms are due January 31.
Nominations are OPEN for 2025-26
- Nominees must be full-time FVL faculty members
- Look under the Nomination Process header for instructions
Trout Educator Award Winners
- Mr. Joel Kramer (2025)*
- Mr. Peter Sehloff (2024)*
- Mrs. Amy Gilmet (2023)*
- Mrs. Kathy Stern (2022)*
- Mr. Brian Zunker (2021)*
- Mrs. Karie Mindock (2020)
- Mr. Dave Voss (2019)
- Mr. Nathan Nolte (2018)
- Mr. Isaiah Degner (2016)
- Mr. Craig Charron (2015)
- Mr. Shawn Hill (2014)
- Mrs. Jenny Retzlaff (2013)
- Rev. David Wenzel (2012)
- Mr. Brian Zunker (2011)
- Mr. Dave Payne (2010)
- Mr. Paul Grubbs (2009)
- Rev. Leon Ehlert (2008)
*NOTE: The 5 most recent winners are not eligible to be re-nominated.
"Receiving the Trout Award as a teacher was incredibly humbling and affirming. I don’t teach for recognition, but to make a lasting impact on the lives of my students—not just academically, but spiritually and personally as well. This award reminded me that faithfulness in the everyday moments of the classroom matters. It’s a privilege to be part of shaping young lives, and this recognition encourages me to keep leading with compassion, purpose, and a heart grounded in Christ.
This award also includes the opportunity for professional development, which I’ll likely use to grow in areas like health, leadership, men’s ministry, and creative ways to keep teenagers moving—so I can continue to serve my students and community with energy and excellence. "
Mr. Joel Kramer, 2025
"It is truly a humbling experience to be selected for the Trout Family Educator Award. Teaching at Fox Valley Lutheran is an honor and to be recognized by colleagues, parents, and students is extremely gratifying, to God be the glory!
Teachers are learners. I am always looking for opportunities to grow in my depth of knowledge and understanding of US history. Thanks to the Trout Educator Award, I will be going to Gettysburg, PA, to attend a seminar on the American Revolution. I will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of Little Round Top. From Gettysburg, I will travel on to Antietam and tour that battlefield. Thank you to the Trout family for making this trip possible. Thank you for the encouragement and support of Christian education at FVL."
Mr. Peter Sehloff, 2024
"Receiving this award has been truly overwhelming. I am blessed to work with amazing colleagues, students, and families at FVL. It is a joy and a privilege to serve in this ministry and I am ever thankful.
I am currently in a graduate program for school counseling and will be using this generous gift as I continue my studies this summer."
Mrs. Amy Gilmet, 2023