Ghost Stories

This month on Ghost Stories, hockey player Evie Mursau and swimmer Avery Eisenschink join the podcast to discuss the unique world of co-op sports. These programs bring together student-athletes from across the valley, creating teams where students who are rivals during the school day become teammates after the bell rings.Evie and Avery share what makes these partnerships work - from the logistics of travel to the bonds built between students of different schools. They also explain how other students can get involved

In this episode, we hear from four members of our highly-successful forensics team—Hope Luehring, Anna Bestul, Javis Retzlaff, and Lilly Pingel.  They tell us what forensics is all about, including what tournaments look like, the long day schedule, and what practice entails.  They also discuss learning to give and receive constructive feedback.  Hear the stories behind their success and the communication skills they're honing.

Ever wondered what the students are really thinking? Our latest episode of Ghost Stories features sophomores Trenton Menzel, Zoe Kruchoski, and Ashlynn Unser. The conversation is a deep dive into the challenges and joys of high school life, discussing everything from the impact of social media to the nuances of academic success. The students flip the script and ask me some questions about principal life, too.

This episode highlights the Kaukauna High School Boys Basketball team. First-year head coach Ryan Bowers, alongside Senior Andrew Jensen and sophomore Tyler Schwalbach, discusses the team's smooth transition under his leadership, their strong brotherhood, and their shared values of respect, integrity, and servant leadership. The episode also highlights the team's bonding activities, such as post-game meals at Culver's, and the positive culture they maintain both on and off the court. Coach Bowers emphasizes the broader life lessons gained through basketball, while Andrew and Tyler reflect on how the sport has shaped their leadership and personal growth.

This episode features our foreign exchange students at Kaukauna High School - Tsomo from Mongolia, Nila from Norway, Lea from Germany, and Ines from Belgium. We sit down and talk about what it’s really been like for them to move to the US and become part of KHS.They share where they’re from, why they chose to study abroad, what surprised them most when they arrived, and how school here compares to school back home. We also get into things like sports, school spirit, and day-to-day life, and how different those experiences are from what they’re used to.It’s an honest, fun conversation that highlights both the challenges and the positives of being an exchange student, and it’s a good reminder of how welcoming and supportive the KHS community can be.

This episode features students from our Civic Engagement class, where juniors and seniors take the lead on real community projects. Students Marli Sanderfoot, Lily Wendt, and Oriana Geitner share their work on the Grignon Park Project, a plan to turn the park into a winter destination with a warming shelter, ice rink, and better sledding hill. It’s amazing to see high school students running a project of this scale - they’ve already raised $650,000 toward their $1.5 million goal through fundraising and sponsorships. Along the way, they’re building skills that will serve them well in their futures. You can learn more and donate at grignonmountmajesty.com.

In the first episode of Ghost Stories for the 2025-2026 school year, Principal Aaron Herm highlights the achievements and culture of Kaukauna High School's band program. This episode features insights from lead drum major Camila Poppe, senior percussionist Em Stevens, and band director Jacob Martin. They discuss the dedication required for marching season, the community-building aspects of band participation, and their upcoming exciting performances and trips, including a special visit to Disney in March. You’ll learn about the importance of discipline, mentorship, and the deep connections formed within the band, as well as how our community can continue to support the band's efforts.

The Breaking Boundaries Triathlon is so much more than a race. It's about students of all abilities coming together, challenging themselves, lifting each other up, and showing what true teamwork and inclusion look like.  In this episode, athletes and mentors share their stories, the emotional moments behind the scenes, and how this incredible event has changed their lives - and our community - for the better.

In this episode of Ghost Stories, our guest is Detective Lieutenant Mike Sewall from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. Detective Sewall, an expert in internet crimes against children, shares crucial advice on ensuring online safety for students and families. He discusses the prevalence of online threats like sextortion and cyberbullying, the importance of privacy settings on popular platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, and practical steps for parents to protect their children online. He also emphasizes the importance of trust, open communication, and responsible digital behavior. This episode aims to empower parents and students with the knowledge they need to navigate the complex digital world safely.01:01 Introducing Detective Lieutenant Mike Sewall02:41 Mike Sewall's Background and Experience04:09 Day-to-Day Work of an Internet Crimes Detective05:55 Posing as a Child Online07:32 The Prevalence of Snapchat in Online Crimes08:45 Privacy Settings and Sextortion14:57 Trust and Communication with Your Child17:30 Other Social Media Platforms: Instagram and Facebook19:33 Digital Identity and Privacy20:20 Social Media Platforms and Privacy Settings21:35 Parental Guidance and Child Safety Online23:57 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health27:54 Screen Time and Its Consequences31:17 Empowering Kids and Parents36:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

This month’s episode of Ghost Stories features Head Wrestling Coach Jeff Matczak, junior Liam Crook, and freshman Ron Ramadani to talk about Kaukauna Wrestling’s dynasty and what fuels their success. Fresh off their fifth straight state title, they share how discipline, mental toughness, and brotherhood set the standard for excellence. They also dive into what it’s like for newcomers to adapt to the program, the challenge of balancing academics and athletics, and the unmatched support from the Kaukauna community. Beyond the wins, they reflect on how wrestling teaches lessons that stick with them for life.

This episode is all about KHS’s brand new, innovative Business Incubator class. Designed to equip students with entrepreneurial skills, this class goes beyond traditional classroom learning by involving students in real-world business development tasks. Featuring insights from business teacher Rob VanderHeiden, local business mentor Sydney Hummell, and students Kyle Kress, Sam Weber, and Logan Arft, the episode highlights how the class exemplifies practical education that prepares students for life beyond high school, fostering adaptability, leadership, and teamwork.

This episode features yet another impressive student-led initiative at Kaukauna High School. Sources of Strength students Anna and Daisy, along with their advisor, Emily Gross, discuss the group's planning for an upcoming winter spirit week.  Learn about the activities in store, emphasizing the importance of mental health and community engagement, and hear more about KHS students who are shaping the positive culture of our school.

This episode is all about the impactful initiative 'Merry Mental Health,' aimed at supporting students and staff during the holiday season. Student leaders Allie Resch and Bo Kaschner, along with school nurse Emily Jansen, share their experiences and insights about this student-led initiative. Merry Mental Health includes various activities such as cookie decorating, gift wrapping, and mindfulness exercises to alleviate holiday stress. The episode highlights the importance of mental health support and the collaborative efforts of various student organizations to make the holiday season more joyful for all.

This fascinating episode of Ghost Stories features our foreign exchange students joining us at Kaukauna High School this year: Salome Boisrame from France, Camille Dolisy from Belgium, Giovanna Sidoti from Brazil, and Kosta Vasilev from North Macedonia.The students share insights about their home countries, cultural differences, and their experiences and challenges adjusting to life in the United States. They also reflect on the unique aspects of American culture and education while discussing what they hope to take back from their time in Wisconsin. 00:37 Meet the Exchange Students01:45 Sharing About Home Countries06:46 Cultural Impressions and Differences18:49 School Life26:30 Locker Struggles and School Differences31:27 Academic Pressure and Mental Health40:29 Extracurricular Activities and Involvement42:34 Future Travel Plans48:17 Reflections and Takeaways

This episode features key members of Kaukauna High School's upcoming musical production of ‘Mean Girls’. Cast members Kaci Franzen (Regina George), Molly Poffenroth (Janis Ian), and Max Aschauer (Aaron Samuels), along with vocal director Joy Poffenroth, share their insights on the efforts that go into staging a high school musical. The students also discuss the sense of community, personal growth, and the friendships forged through theater. Mean Girls goes on stage at Kaukauna High School on November 7, 8, and 9th.  Get your tickets here: https://cur8.com/22718/project/125342

This episode features Technology & Engineering Teacher Dan VanBoxtel and his students, Auttumm Sauerhammer and Keegan VanKauwenberg. They discuss the evolution and impact of the Auto Shop program at Kaukauna High School. Mr. Van Boxtel shares his 42-year journey in education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. Auttumm and Keegan highlight the value of hands-on experience in their chosen career paths. The episode underscores the significance of tech ed classes and the opportunities they provide, including dual credit courses and working with advanced equipment. The conversation also touches on breaking stigmas associated with tech ed and encouraging more female students to explore these fields.

This episode of Ghost Stories features members of the Kaukauna Ghost football team on the eve of the new season. Coach Matt Binsfeld, along with senior players Sam DiPiazza and Reed Wittman, discuss the team's culture, the bonding experience of their overnight camp, and memorable moments such as last year’s big homecoming game victory and community service projects. Additionally, they share insights on growth, leadership, and team spirit as they prepare for their senior season.

Join Aaron Herm, the first-year principal of Kaukauna High School, as he kicks off the inaugural episode of 'Ghost Stories,' a podcast dedicated to highlighting the extraordinary individuals at Kaukauna High School, home of the Galloping Ghosts. Joined by Tina Scott, the school psychologist and co-advisor of the Ghost Crew, and Delaney Ward, a senior and Ghost Crew leader, this episode delves into the mission and activities of the Ghost Crew. They discuss their initiatives aimed at supporting freshmen and new students, developing leadership skills among mentors, and fostering a welcoming school environment. Learn about upcoming events like the annual tailgate and activities designed to ease the transition for new students. Tune in to discover how the Ghost Crew is making a significant impact at Kaukauna High School.