This week’s story features Elizabeth (Bit) Ohvall – Class of 2013.
Friends, this week’s story is about Elizabeth (Bit) Ohvall and all her adventures beyond MHS. She begins with roots that were planted during her years in the Menomonie Public School District.
Menomonie may be a quiet town, but its school halls have echoed with the footsteps of impressive individuals. With outstanding teachers, tight-knit classrooms, and a community that values learning, the Menomonie School District has long been the launchpad for big dreams. I graduated in 2013, but the memories from my hometown are steadfast.
River Heights Elementary has long been more than just a school—it’s where curiosity is sparked, futures take root, and teachers are lifelong role models. Mrs. Jeanne made me feel creative, Mrs. Mayer made me happy everyday, I built many friendships in Mr. K’s class and Mrs. Catto truly taught me how to read. During my years at MMS I learned the value of trying any sport to just have fun and became a musician thanks to Mr. Utphall. In high school, Señora Ruegnitz sparked an excitement toward international travel and world languages. All of these lessons but most importantly the teachers, led me to pursue the profession myself.
After graduation, I spent four thrilling years at the University of Wisconsin Madison. In that time I became a Big-Ten Champion on the crew team, jumped around in Camp Randall Stadium, and performed in the orchestra, all while completing a double major in elementary and special education at the renowned School of Education. Shout out to Dirty-T and Fort Dame!
Following college I traveled to Thailand to earn a certificate in teaching English as a Second Language. I taught English at Dejanusorn Primary School in Nakhom Chai Si. While in Southeast Asia I was able to cheer on olympians in Pyeongchang South Korea, get my Open Water Diver certification to swim with sharks in Bali Indonesia, and trek around Mt. Fuji in Japan.
In 2018 I moved to Seattle. It was then that I joined the local November Project chapter. It’s a free local fitness nonprofit. Through NP, I began to build the amazing network of friends I have in the pacific northwest. Other hobbies of mine now include watercoloring, going paddleboarding and leading my Book Club. I also ran my first marathon in June of 2023, the infamous Grandma’s Marathon from Two Harbors to Duluth, MN.
At school, I was recently awarded the Educator of Year and am about to finish my 7th year teaching elementary special education in Mercer Island, Washington. I credit my passion for becoming a teacher to the amazing teachers I had growing up. As I reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m headed, I appreciate the steady rhythm of Menomonie’s small community and the teachers in the classrooms of our local schools.
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected].
