Everyone has that one teacher, one secretary, or that one principal they remember through their years of education. They leave a lasting impact on a student’s life. They strive to make each day a better experience both academically and socially. They provide shoulders to cry on, advice for the future, or sometimes just wise words of wisdom. South High Principal Mr. Michael Trimberger is one of those memorable individuals.

Trimberger has been principal at South for six years, and this year is his last. He graduated from North High, and went on to attend Silver Lake College and earned his Bachelor’s degree. He earned his Master’s Degree while teaching.

After college, he hopped from school to school–first in Wilmot and then Sheboygan Falls, before ending up returning to North High. All of these years, he was a special education teacher. From North High, he moved to Farnsworth Middle School as Assistant Principal, then to Sheridan Elementary School as Principal, and landed a job right here at South High as principal. Trimberger’s experiences and credentials are more than admirable.

Along with his many accolades, Trimberger helped expand the Redwing Way beyond athletics for every Redwing to live by. Focusing on leadership, pride, effort, respect, and commitment. Trimberger added what he believes sets South apart from every other school, along with what he feels it means to be a Redwing,

“Three things: Strong learning, strong classroom, strong connection. Here, students learn to their best potential. During my time at South, I myself have learned as much as I possibly can. Learning happens not just in the classroom, but in the community as well. Provide for not just your school, but the city of Sheboygan. Teachers are here for not just the students, but co-workers and for me as well. Pride is another big aspect of being a Redwing. Love your school, show your pride. At the end of the day, we may disagree on issues or events, but we’re Redwings… a family. That is an aspect I have always admired about South and will miss the friendly Redwing atmosphere.”

Trimberger has worked tirelessly to make sure that South is, as he says, the best school in the universe. In 2015, he helped establish Flex Mod as the schedule of South, which took a lot of convincing of board members, parents, teachers, and even students. Today, Flex Mod is two years in a five year contract that states Flex Mod must be in place for those five years. Co-worker and future principal of South Mr. Kevin Formolo elaborated on what he plans to do with Flex Mod as he takes over and hopefully extend the five year commitment,

“Flex Mod is always something that could use improvement. We are still very new to this schedule and are still adjusting, slowly but surely. Attendance is another thing that needs improvement with Flex Mod. Making sure students are accountable and in school ready to learn. Mr. Trimberger has done a very nice job getting the ball rolling and I am eager to take over. We have always had a strong relationship and have worked nicely together. Everyone has a voice with him, and it is important that everyone is heard, he makes sure of that.  I’ve got big shoes to fill, but am excited for the challenge.”

Trimberger has not only left an impact on the staff at South, but also the students. Freshman Antigone Schwartz has had Trimberger as principal both in elementary school at Sheridan, and in high school here at South,

“Mr. Trimberger always has a positive attitude. He will say ‘Hi’ to anyone and everyone in the hall and that is an important quality in a principal. He was very kind and had interesting things to talk about. He supported me the best he could when I was upset. He was there and it was very comforting knowing that.”

As for Trimberger’s future plans, he has accepted a position as superintendent of the Random Lake School District and will be starting in the fall of 2017. When asked what he will miss most about South and hope to take with him to his new job, Trimberger replied with,

“I will miss how caring the staff is in this building. We respect each other not just as individuals, but also as educators. Five years from now, I hope to see South as a Nationally Acclaimed Blue Ribbon School. I believe it can be achieved through the students and teachers. I’ll miss how great the students are in this building, the interactions we have. I am very eager for my next position as superintendent, but I will certainly miss South High.”

An educator can be that one person to change your life. It can be for the good, or for the bad. That depends on you, and your drive to succeed. Mr. Trimberger believes we can all achieve greatness, but it is up to us to carry out his aspirations. There will be an important person missing next year in the halls, but he will leave his positive light to illuminate the halls.