It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with my former students, and this week is no different. Bethany Risler describes herself as a “proud 2003 graduate of Menomonie High School” who has stayed close to her roots. After graduation, she attended UW-Stout, where she pursued her education and continued building a life with her high school sweetheart, Josh Risler. The two married and have raised their family in Menomonie where they still reside today.
Bethany reflects fondly on her own high school years, especially her involvement in choir—not just for the music, but for the sense of community it gave her. “Choir was so important to me,” she shares. “It connected me with people on a level that isn’t typical for a high school student.” Under the guidance of Mr. Aamot, Bethany and her classmates learned more than just music—they learned about life, teamwork, and the power of shared experiences. One of her favorite memories was traveling with the choir to St. Louis, Missouri, where they sang at several memorable locations, including an impromptu performance under the Gateway Arch.
Music continues to be a cornerstone of Bethany’s life. While she no longer performs herself, she finds joy in watching her children and her community create intimate artistic experiences. “At a time in our world where it feels like we’re divided on everything, one thing remains constant—music and art,” Bethany says. “We can sit in a theater or auditorium, not talking, not thinking, just listening and absorbing the sound and beauty around us.”
Bethany and Josh are the proud parents of two teenage boys, Jack (a senior) and Elliot (a junior), both attending Menomonie High School, just as their parents did. This past spring, Bethany chaperoned Jack’s choir trip to New York. The highlight? Watching him perform at Carnegie Hall, just as she had done during her own high school days. They also saw “Hadestown” on Broadway, adding another unforgettable experience to their travel memories.
Bethany and Josh have remained deeply involved in the Menomonie community. Bethany serves on the Menomonie Theater Guild Board of Directors and the Mustang Chorale Board. Continuing her lifelong love of the arts, she co-directed MTG’s “Annie” last winter and works as the choreographer for the high school musicals. Josh is equally active, serving as Treasurer of the MHS Boys Soccer Board and the Mustang Chorale, He also founded Menomonie’s first “Parknership,”—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and improving local parks.
Their sons are just as engaged. Jack is a talented performer, having played leading roles such as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” Crutchie in “Newsies,” and Kristoff in “Frozen Junior.” Elliot is a sports enthusiast who loves golf, tennis, skiing, and soccer, as well as watching football and basketball.
The Risler family loves to travel and prioritize experiences that create lasting memories. Their adventures have taken them on several Caribbean cruises and to destinations across the U.S.—including Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Florida (where Disney was a magical highlight), North Carolina, and New York.
Now, Bethany finds herself on the other side of the college search, this time as a parent. Jack plans to attend UW-Madison next fall, while Elliot, who will be a senior next year, is considering UW-Stout. He’s exploring several programs and can see himself thriving in the same college environment his mom once did.
Bethany currently works as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at UW-Stout and continues to be deeply involved in her community. Josh also works at UW-Stout in the Business and Financial Services area. Together, they treasure the small-town charm of Menomonie and the opportunity it’s given them to raise their children in a place filled with tradition, connection, and heart.
“I’ve loved watching my boys grow up where I did,” Bethany shares. “Menomonie has always been home, and it always will be.” In a bit of a theatrical closing to Bethany’s story, I echo Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”—“There’s no place like home!” We’re so glad Bethany and her family continue to consider Menomonie as their forever home.
