Graduate Jenny Schultz (née Fellman), from the class of 2000, has been named Hamilton High School’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. Nominations for this award are solicited from the community and voted on by Hamilton High School (HHS) faculty. The recognition serves as a historical account of the excellence nurtured at Hamilton High School.
Schultz was nominated by her own nephew Tyler, a HHS Class of 2026 graduate, who wanted to recognize his aunt for helping to establish the Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League (ASL). The league began during the 2025-26 school year to ensure high school students with disabilities have the same opportunities as other students who participate in quality competitive sports programs.
“Hamilton is where I discovered the lifelong impact of athletics,” explains Schultz who was a four-year varsity swimmer, band student and National Honor Society member. “I learned what it means to be part of a team, along with the discipline it takes to set goals that felt just out of reach, then chip away at them one practice at a time.” She says as she looks back on her days at Hamilton, what stands out most are the friendships and camaraderie. “Decorating each other’s lockers, wearing matching team shirts and hosting pasta dinners the night before big meets, along with qualifying for state as a relay team,” she adds.
Schultz continued swimming in college and finished her career holding four school records. Afterwards, she found a new challenge in distance running. Schultz has completed 17 marathons, including qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon five times. Her professional path began in education. She spent 20 years as a teacher and principal. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary and adaptive education, a master’s degree in educational leadership and a Ph.D. in leadership. Schultz later moved into Learning and Development, where she now leads initiatives that help people and organizations grow. She has created a nationally recognized Emerging Leaders Program which was featured in Forbes magazine.
“As meaningful as those professional accomplishments have been, creating the Adaptive Sports League is the most personal and rewarding work of my career,” shares Schultz. “It brought together my perspectives as an athlete, educator, leader and parent in a way no other project has, and it was made possible only through the support of an incredible school district and community.”
Schultz says she began envisioning such a league when her younger son Connor prepared to begin his high school career after watching his older brother Jack play sports for years. “He told us how excited he was to play baseball for the Chargers,” explains Schultz. “As a parent, I wanted Connor to experience the same pride, friendships, confidence and belonging that high school athletics provide.”
She says the first year of the ASL exceeded every one of her expectations. “My vision was to create a varsity program for students with disabilities, one where athletes compete independently, proudly represent their school, play in front of cheering fans and have the opportunity to earn their varsity letter. I’m incredibly grateful the Hamilton School District embraced that vision from day one. Together, we created opportunities for students with disabilities to compete in varsity soccer, bowling and baseball, with the same pride of representing their school as every other student athlete.”
Schultz was quoted in her senior yearbook as saying, “Enjoy every moment of high school because the time flies by.” When asked what advice she would give current HHS students she said “Do not underestimate what can begin with one idea, one conversation or one decision to act. You do not need to have your entire future mapped out, but you should pay attention to the things that matter deeply to you. Your interests, experiences and even the problems you notice can become clues to the impact you are meant to make. Get involved, work hard, stay curious and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Most importantly, believe that you can create change. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities are not the ones you are given, but the ones you help build for others.”
A Hamilton Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient is selected every year from community submissions. This tradition dates back to 1989. A submission form can be found on the school district website.