Arnie Oswald is a fixture at Badger High School where for the past 47 years he has been teaching technology education and specifically woodworking/construction. In addition to woodworking and cabinetry classes, Oz, as he is called, also teaches Building Trades Academy, a two-year, evening program overview of the building trades with potential employment in the construction industry. Students use the skills learned in class by participating in building projects such as sheds, playhouses, and other structures. His classes are held in a large pole building located on the west side of the high school campus. Yesterday at the faculty meeting, Badger High School dedicated the building to Mr. Oswald, naming it the Oswald Construction Academy Center.
Past and present co-workers saw a photo presentation featuring a modicum of the projects Oz has been involved in at Badger and in the community including numerous sheds, trophy cases, cabinets, bookshelves, tables, concession stands, ticket stands, document racks, clocks, baseball and softball dugouts, soccer pressbox, benches, pavilions, and most recently more than 200 plexiglass COVID barriers, to name a few. In the community, he has been involved in projects for the City of Lake Geneva in making lifeguard stands, at Black Point, and the Geneva Lake Museum. And for his friends he has led building additions, remodels, and repair projects.
Most importantly, Oz has shaped the lives of hundreds of students who have learned from his humble and kind nature. The slide show featured prize-winning furniture designed and built for the Lakeland Builders Show High School Showcase, SkillsUSA projects, and class projects. From his service projects to serving kids who have learned just enough carpentry to take care of their future homes to those working in the industry now, our community is better because of Arnie Oswald.
A socially-distanced cookie reception featuring tool-shaped cookies baked and decorated by Badger's Baking & Pastry students was held following the presentation for the Oswald family members, Badger staff, School Board members, and a handful of retirees who worked closely with Oz throughout his career.