Ghost Stories

In the first episode of Ghost Stories for the 2026-27 school year, we hear from senior student section leaders Madison Pahl, Gunnar Falstad, and Mo Jobe about the Kaukauna Krazies and how they lead student sections at athletic events through themes, chants, and strong sportsmanship. The students share how they promote school spirit while encouraging respectful behavior, and onboarding freshmen early. The episode also highlights Homecoming Week events and a memorable moment where they invited a young girl to lead a cheer at the Kimberly game.

To close out the school year, we are sharing a snapshot of a favorite tradition called Senior Conversations. This episode features Mallory Raether, Reese Fauske, and Ian Bass, along with district communications coordinator Bryanna Moody.

These three brought an incredible perspective to the table. They talk honestly about a variety of topics, including navigating school with autism, tackling tough AP classes, and learning how to be comfortable in your own skin.

Listen in to hear their favorite memories, their thank-yous to KASD staff, and their raw advice for underclassmen.

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.