Giving Thanks for Our Tiger Alumni

Thanksgiving is coming up in a hurry, and with it comes a reminder to think of all the things in our lives for which we are grateful. For members of Ripon Tiger Nation, that may include the time you spent in Ripon schools! Many people are shaped by their time in high school, so even those who graduated decades ago likely can still think of formative experiences from their teenage years in school or in extracurricular activities. 

RASD has recently honored two graduates!

2021 Distinguished Alumni: Jim Floros

Jim Floros Named 2021 Distinguished Alumni

"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson

These are the words that have inspired James (Jim) Floros for his entire nonprofit career that spans nearly four decades. Doing something bigger than yourself and making the world a better place has made Jim the person he is today. 

Jim Floros was born and raised in Ripon and while he left Ripon for San Diego after graduating in 1979, he has remained an ambassador of Ripon and the State of Wisconsin. Jim always touts that his midwestern roots and strong work ethic have served him well in his life and career. And while he has lived in San Diego, CA since 18 – he still bleeds green and gold and is a Packers Fan for life. 

Jim graduated from the University of San Diego with an International Relations degree. From there Jim’s quest to make the world a better place started at the World Headquarters of Project Concern International – helping build community-based health clinics around the world. From there Jim moved to the Burn Institute, where he assisted burn survivors to cope with the devastation of their injuries and preventing burn injuries and fires. In 2008 Jim was awarded the prestigious National Burn Prevention Award for his dedicated efforts. Jim joined the San Diego Food Bank (SDFB) in 2013 where he worked tirelessly to end hunger and lift people out of poverty. Jim’s finest achievement maybe his work during the COVID 19 Crisis. Jim mobilized his agency to expand from feeding 350,000 to 600,000 people a month. He raised tens of millions of dollars, purchased millions of dollars in food, helped create innovative program strategies to meet the increase in need, and is credited with not only leading the SDFB through the pandemic but the San Diego community as well. He received numerous awards during the pandemic but was always adamant that these awards were reflected on his great staff and volunteers.  

Jim and his wife Cheryl reside in Chula Vista, CA, and have two grown sons who have always excelled in their endeavors. Jim is quick to say that his greatest achievement in life are his sons, Jack and John.

When asked about his life and what it has meant to the thousands of lives he has touched, improved, and perhaps saved, Jim’s reply is simple, “life is too short to not do something that matters.”

2021 Friend of Public Schools: Candie Webster

Candie Baker Named the 2021 Friend of Public Schools

Candie Baker is a true Friend of Public Schools. The Board selected Candie Baker for her ongoing support for both students and staff through her work with youth, leadership with Catalyst Charter School; monetary donations to enhance instruction; and commitment as a Ripon business owner. Candie was born and raised in Ripon. She played varsity volleyball, softball, and basketball before graduating from Ripon High School in 1996. Candie went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in kinesiology and a Masters in Education from Southwest Minnesota State University. 

Candie taught physical education for 7 years in Detroit Lakes School District in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota before relocating back to Ripon in 2010 with her husband Kevin and their three children Jocelyn, Eva, and Hayden all of whom are now Ripon Tigers like their mom. Candie returned to Ripon to take over her family’s business Webster’s Marketplace. A job she is very familiar with as she worked at the store from a young age and remembers being assigned to clean the restrooms. 

Upon her return, Candie began to invest in the community, joining Ripon Rotary, working as a coach for youth basketball and travel teams, and imparting valuable employability skills to Ripon students hired to work at Webster's. She believes through sports and employment, one learns a team is only as strong as their weakest individual so we need to build each other up to make the team stronger. Candie did that over the past year and a half in her rigorous efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 at Webster's.

Candie has provided ongoing support to the Ripon Area School District. She was a Catalyst Charter School Founding Board member serving in various board positions including president and secretary. Candie’s vision and leadership helped bring project-based learning to the middle school level in Ripon. The Webster Foundation, formed by Candie’s parents, has contributed to the development of Ripon’s fine arts program; and supported area students with 1.3 million in scholarships, matching funds and grants. Candie believes knowledge is power and when our schools are doing a great job, it brings not only families to the area to buy groceries but smart talented individuals to work in her store. Candie shared that the stronger the schools are the stronger our community.

Candie is a believer in the value of education, noting she still carried her National Honor Society membership card in her wallet to this day. Ripon is so very fortunate to have the support of a person like Candie. Katie Baird, a local retired fellow business owner and the grandparent of an athlete Candie coached, said “I am stewing about how to condense in a sentence how awesome Candie Baker is.  I have nothing but praise for her (and her family) in any business dealings we have had. Their generosity is incredible. I am so humbled by the lessons and sportsmanship she has taught while coaching my granddaughter’s team. She and her family are a true asset to Ripon.”

If you want to take some concrete steps to give thanks to your alma mater this year, here are a few ways you can do so.

• Reach out to a teacher: If you are still able to get in touch with any teachers you had in high school who influenced you, consider reaching out to them to let them know the impact they had on your life. Teachers are truly the people who make schools special, and they do not get nearly enough appreciation for everything they do. Practice giving thanks by showing them your gratitude.
• Donate: There are plenty of opportunities for you to give back to your alma mater through donations. These could include participating in the upcoming #RiponRoar drive, donations to specific school initiatives or organizations, or donations to in-class fundraisers. Whatever method you choose, this is a way to make a tangible impact and communicate how thankful you are for your alma mate.
• Volunteer: Giving your time and energy through volunteering may be the ultimate way of showing your thankfulness to your alma mater. There are all kinds of ways to get involved as a volunteer, so find something you’re passionate about or experienced with and use the skills and gifts you have to help the school and its students.

• Be present: If you’re still in the area, come to school events like sporting events, concerts, plays, and more. Having a physical presence and supporting everything happening at the school is a great way to showcase your gratitude.

We’re thankful for all of our members and supporters, and we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!