GINA PITTS NEIST

I have been a third and fourth grade teacher in the Mukwonago School district for twenty years. I earned my Masters Degree from Viterbo University a few years ago, and plan on finishing my career within the next decade. I still play the bass clarinet in a community band, but my favorite free time is spent with my seven grandkids!

I remember the solo and ensemble contest at Mukwonago High School in 1973. The school had been recently remodeled with an "open concept" (no permanent walls). The blasting of trumpets overpowered us lowly woodwinds, but we were impressed by the "commons" where students had the freedom to come and go instead of enduring study hall in a stuffy lecture room.

Funny that I ended up in the Mukwonago district! Open concept failed; we now have walls!

My son Jim Jr. has three children: Hannah, 8; Jimmy the Third, 4; and John, 2.

My daughter Jenny has four kids: Joey, 7; Grace, 5; Ella, 2; and David, 1.

"Camp Grandma" was a blast this year! The oldest kids spent part of a week with Jim & me singing silly songs, hiking in the woods, and swatting mosquitoes. I was made for this job!