Each year, the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) proudly recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have made a lasting impact on gifted education in Wisconsin and beyond.
At our 2025 Fall Conference, we celebrated these outstanding advocates, coordinators, administrators, and educators for their exceptional contributions to advancing opportunities for gifted and talented learners. Their work continues to inspire equity, excellence, and advocacy across our state and the nation.
🏆 Outstanding GT Administrator 🏆
Mandi Buehl
Mandi Buehl was honored for her exceptional leadership in reviving and expanding The Center for Advanced Academics, formerly WCATY. After the program’s dissolution during the pandemic, Mandi rebuilt it from the ground up – investing personal resources, reestablishing partnerships, and ensuring that hundreds of gifted students once again had access to high-quality enrichment opportunities. Her vision, resilience, and advocacy have reignited a vital statewide resource that continues to grow and thrive under her leadership.
🏆 Outstanding GT Coordinator 🏆
Mary Kennedy
Mary Kennedy received recognition for her 15 years of dedicated service supporting gifted and advanced learners in the Poynette School District and beyond. She has coordinated AP programs, led math teams, organized creative arts and leadership events, and helped connect rural students to enrichment opportunities. Through her collaboration with WATG, GDCALN, and CWTAG, Mary has had a far-reaching impact on gifted education statewide, fostering creativity, leadership, and challenge for countless students.
🏆 Outstanding GT Coordinator 🏆
Rachel Scherrer
Rachel Scherrer was recognized for her innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to equitable gifted education across southeastern Wisconsin. As Gifted and Talented/Talent Development Coordinator at CESA #1, she established the Regional GT Support Network, created the Take Flight Drone Academy, and led district audits and professional learning to strengthen services statewide. Rachel’s vision and advocacy continue to elevate gifted education and inspire educators to reach all students with potential.
🏆 Sylvia Rimm Champion of Gifted Education and Children Award 🏆
Dr. Kimberly Lansdowne
Dr. Kimberly Lansdowne was honored for her visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to gifted education. As the founding Executive Director of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy at Arizona State University and co-author of the Naglieri General Ability Tests, she has championed fairness and access for gifted learners. Her national influence, engaging presentations, and mentorship have inspired educators across the country to adopt more equitable identification and programming practices.
🏆 Outstanding GT Organization 🏆
Multi-Health Systems (MHS)
MHS was recognized for its groundbreaking work in promoting equity and fairness in gifted identification. Through the development of the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT) and GRS 2, MHS has helped schools identify high-ability students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their tools have led to measurable improvements in representation, ensuring that gifted potential is recognized equitably across districts. MHS continues to serve as a national leader and advocate for fair gifted identification practices.
🌟 Thank You to All Who Support Gifted Education
WATG extends heartfelt gratitude to every educator, parent, administrator, and advocate who champions gifted learners every day. Your efforts ensure that every student with advanced abilities is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
If you know someone making a difference in gifted education, we invite you to nominate them for the 2026 WATG Awards and help us continue recognizing those who inspire Wisconsin’s gifted community.
