West High School’s Jules Da Costa Named Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Youth of the Year

MADISON, Wis.—Jules Da Costa, a student at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) West High School, has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor for Club members. 

“Jules embodies the qualities we hope to see in all young people: dedication, courage and a willingness to lift others as they pursue their goals,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “We are proud to see an MMSD student recognized for this prestigious honor.”

Every year, the award recognizes a young leader who has demonstrated exceptional character, academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

This year, all four finalists were students from MMSD, underscoring the district’s commitment to supporting student growth through programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)/Teens of Promise (TOPS) and year-round Boys & Girls Clubs initiatives. 

“For years, I let other people’s narrative of me dictate my story, but through AVID, I learned to write my own,” Jules said. “I learned to step out of my shell, advocate for myself and collaborate with others—skills that will carry me far in life.”

Many MMSD students participate in AVID and TOPS through support at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, where the Clubs provide mentorship, community, and additional resources that help students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

The other finalists, all seniors, were:

• Raul Amaya, East High School: A four-year Club member and aspiring biologist who will attend UW-Madison. Raul says AVID gave him a community to share his voice, build confidence, and prepare for a future in the medical field.
• Kevin Portillo-Bazoria, Vel Phillips Memorial High School: A six-year Club member planning to study architecture at UW-Madison. Kevin cites his family’s immigrant experience and AVID/TOPS as sources of resilience, organization, and motivation to pursue his goals.
• Christian Rubio Robledo, Robert. M. La Follette High School: A six-year Club member planning to attend UW-Madison to study neuroscience. Christian credits AVID and the Club with helping him persevere through challenges and develop the skills and determination to give back to others.

Also recognized was West junior Atavia Johnson, who was named the Junior Youth of the Year winner for her outstanding work in both the classroom and community. 

“We are immensely proud of all our Youth of the Year finalists,” said Michael Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. “Each student demonstrated remarkable determination and shared their stories with courage and pride. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible—especially our Youth of the Year sponsors—for their generous support of the outstanding AVID/TOPS program.”

The winner was announced at a ceremony that took place on the evening of Friday, Nov. 7, and raised more than $170,000 to support the AVID/TOPS program.

For more information on the Youth of the Year program, please visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County website. For information regarding AVID programming within MMSD, please visit the district’s website.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County

BGCDC is a local not-for-profit youth development organization serving thousands of youths in multiple locations, including four school-based sites and four traditional Club sites, including the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. The Clubs inspire kids to dream big and provide them with the essential skills they need to succeed at a crucial time in their lives, offering impactful programs in five key areas: Character & Leadership Development; Education & Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. See the impact they make in the life of each Club member here: www.bgcdc.org.

Madison Reading Project Named A Statewide Innovator of the Year

MADISON – Madison Reading Project, one of more than several dozen statewide businesses nominated this year for Wisconsin Technology Council’s Innovator of the Year Award, won first place in the Nonprofits category at an award celebration on November 4.

Held at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, the Council honored Madison Reading Project as one of six winners among 27 finalists from throughout Wisconsin.

 “Judges said our ADA-compliant/wheelchair lift-equipped Big Red Reading Bus, which allows access to all as we deliver free books and literacy programs to area children, was quite the innovation,” says Rowan Childs, founder and co-executive director. “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award. It confirms that our mission of connecting our community with diverse books and literacy resources to ignite a love of reading is truly valuable.”

Madison Reading Project’s literacy programs provide more than 130,000 free books every year to children, educators, community organizations, neighborhood centers, and social services agencies throughout Dane County and beyond.

The Council recognizes the state’s most creative, original products and services, selected by a statewide panel of judges with expertise in technology, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government operations. 

Madison Reading Project will soon launch its annual Community Book Drive campaign to collect new and gently used books to be given away this winter. Info at: madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 20134 Madison Reading Project delivers, at no charge, high quality culturally and linguistically diverse literacy enrichment programs and brand-new books to children in an ongoing commitment to reversing low literacy rates, closing opportunity gaps, building family libraries, and inspiring literacy delight! 

MMSD Schools Among Top-Ranked in Wisconsin, Per U.S. News & World Report

MADISON, Wis.—Several Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) schools have again been recognized as some of the highest-performing in Wisconsin, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for elementary, middle and high schools.

“Our students and staff put tremendous effort into learning and growing every day,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “These rankings highlight the results of that commitment and the exceptional learning environments our schools strive to create.”

At the elementary level, Shorewood Hills ranked seventh of 1,921 schools statewide, with a score of 99.29 out of a possible 100, while Van Hise placed 12th, with a score of 98.89. Randall (97.27) and Marquette (92.81) both also ranked in the top 5% statewide.

Among middle schools, Velma B. Hamilton earned the 12th spot of 1,456 schools, scoring 97.96. Spring Harbor (83.09) and Georgia O’Keeffe middle schools ranked in the top 10% of Wisconsin middle schools, as well.

For high schools, West earned the 28th spot among 549 eligible contenders in the state, with an overall score of 93.65.

“Strong academics are an essential part of what we do, but these rankings also speak to the sense of purpose, curiosity and care that define our classrooms,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “With the support of our talented staff,  our students are acquiring the skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals, shape their futures and strengthen their communities.”

Rankings for elementary and middle schools are based primarily on student proficiency in math and reading on state assessments;.high schools’ consider college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, performance of underserved students, curriculum breadth and graduation rates.

It is important to note that, while the rankings provide one way to view school performance, they are not the only measure of a school’s quality or the learning experience it provides. They are based on selected criteria and available data each year, and do not capture every aspect of teaching, student culture or community strength.

U.S. News & World Report has published high school rankings since 2007 and elementary and middle school rankings since 2021.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

EMMY AWARD WINS IN CHICAGO FOR FILMMAKER JASON RAJASINGHE AND RAD PRODUCTIONS USA

RAD Productions USA and filmmaker Jason Rajasinghe both won an Emmy this year at the 67th annual Chicago / Midwest Emmys in Chicago this past weekend. The awards honor outstanding achievements in regional media and broadcasting. The Chicago / Midwest Chapter is one of the largest and most senior local chapters in the country, and is chartered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), based in New York City.

RAD Productions USA received its first Emmy win in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Commercial – Single Spot for Gamber Johnson’s Brand Film, while Jason brought home his first Directing win in the category of Outstanding Crafts Achievement for Directing for the same.

Jason Rajasinghe notes, ‘This category is meaningful to me because Directing is about trust — trust with my team, my Clients, and trusting in what God created me to do. This award is a celebration of that trust and collaboration, and I’m deeply grateful. I’m looking forward to bringing this home to WI, where it’s my mission to use these experiences to help educate the youth and grow the industry.’

RAD Productions USA states, ‘We are thrilled to bring home our first Emmy Award in recognition of our work and the team’s talent. It is an honor to represent Wisconsin and to be recognized amongst the best in the Chicago / Midwest region’.

Darrell Martin, Director of Marketing for Gamber Johnson states, ‘I had a grand vision for how I wanted to share the story of Gamber-Johnson — to showcase who we are to our customers while capturing the raw adrenaline and energy of the industries we serve. I knew that if executed correctly, this commercial would grab the attention of the masses and elevate the GJ brand to the next level. I knew they could bring my vision to life effortlessly — and here we are today, with two Emmy Awards to prove that the vision paid off.’

RAD Productions will be heading into production for a documentary series in December, anticipated for international release.

——

RAD Productions USA LLC incorporated in 2022; is a creative video production agency known for its guerrilla filmmaking and prides itself on its storytelling abilities by business partners Jason & Hope Rajasinghe and Annika Senanayake.
www.radproductionsusa.com

iFilm Sri Lanka is Rajasinghe and Senanayake’s Sri Lankan creative production entity synonymous for its storytelling. www.ifilmsrilanka.com

Bergstrom Automotive Earns Prestigious Great Place to Work® Certification

(Neenah, WI – November 5, 2025) – Bergstrom Automotive is proud to announce it has earned the Great Place to Work® Certification, joining a global community of exceptional workplaces. This milestone reflects Bergstrom’s ongoing commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. The certification recognizes organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, fairness, and a positive, thriving workplace culture.

The Great Place to Work Certification is built on insights gathered directly from employees through a fully anonymous survey, giving an authentic view of the workplace culture. This rigorous, research-backed process not only validates a company’s commitment to its team but also helps attract top talent, strengthen employee engagement, and showcase a culture where people thrive.

“We have a terrific team who care about our guests and each other,” said John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. “Together, we all focus on creating an environment where we all enjoy coming to work and we win by focusing on serving our guests to the highest of levels.”

According to Great Place to Work research, employees at Certified™ workplaces are 4.5 times more likely to report having a great boss, 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and twice as likely to feel treated fairly in terms of compensation and promotions.

About Bergstrom Automotive

Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

###