Mr. Larry Cain's Remembrance Page

I was honored to present McKenzie Kirtz the “Larry Cain Memorial Scholarship” tonight at the WHPE Convention. She exemplifies the same passion and enthusiasm for PE that Larry demonstrated. McKenzie is an amazing student - she won several awards tonite! On top of that, McKenzie is from Adams, MN or better yet, Johnsburg, MN which is right across the border from Stacyville, IA where I grew up. It turns out we know some of the same people in the world. It was a fun evening!

Last night at the 2018 Wisconsin Health and Physical Education conference, we were able to award 2 scholarships in Larry's memory. Larry was passionate about excellence in PE. It always gives me great pleasure to recognize at the annual conference, a student and a PE teacher who share this vision as well. Cheyanne Broeckel, a student at Concordia University, and Jake McCarty an elementary PE teacher from Janesville were awarded the 2018 Larry Cain Memorial Scholarship.

Autumn Miller a student from UW-LaCrosse was awarded the Larry Cain Memorial Scholarship at the annual Wisconsin Health and Physical Education Conference in October. Larry's good friend and colleague, Kris Fritz, presented the award to Autumn. I am always so happy to find students who share the ideals Larry held to get kids moving.

Molly Wistl, a student from UW River Falls received the Larry Cain Memorial Scholarship last night at the annual WHPE convention. She will be a great PE teacher!

Each year at the annual Wisconsin Health and Physical Education conference, the Larry Cain Memorial Scholarship Committee recognizes Physical Education teachers and students majoring in PE, who share the same passion for, and commitment to PE that Larry demonstrated. This year scholarships were given to 6 individuals: UW-River Falls student, Jonah Campbell who is on track to becoming an outstanding teacher; and 5 teachers: Tim Mueller, Erin School District, Hartford WI, and Janesville School District teachers Carol Tyriver, Lisa Haberli, Brenda Wenzel, and Sherry Hintz. It was such an honor to recognize Jonah who has accomplished so much already as a student, Tim whose philosophy(and resume!) so closely mirrored Larry's, and the 4 Janesville teachers (who with their PE peers) continue to provide students in the Janesville School District with exceptional PE programming. It's never an easy night but it gives me comfort to know that Larry's ideals go on.

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the saying "When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade out ot it." Why in the middle of the night...... who knows, but 5 years ago today, life sort of handed me a lemon. And more like a 10 pound bag of lemons! But I think I can safely say I'm learning to make lemonade from them; and lemon bars, and lemon pie, and all good things from lemons. I'm blessed to have so many people who have helped me become so much more capable at making things out of lemons! I've learned more about what's important and what's not; and even if my lemon pie is runny, it doesn't matter. My new life is good. Larry is never far from from me, and I know he is happy at what I've accomplished. And he would really appreciate everyone of you who have helped me through the hard times. Thank you all so much!

These are the students gathered around the plaque as Mrs. Pajerski reads a memorial to Larry today. It was very cute when I walked out to the track with a little second grader. When I told her I was Mrs. Cain she said "Oh I never knew Mr. Cain but I know he was a great man. That's why we are doing a walk today." Amen. He was great in his own way; probably not in the same way she was thinking, but out of the mouth of babes...if she only knew how much I appreciated her words!

Some of the younger students are looking over the plaque...they thought this is where Larry is buried...................I am so glad that Mr. English is back to teach these students PE. He has the same philosophy as Larry and the students love him.

Every day that goes by, I still wish I could have my old life back. But on this anniversary I can finally say I know I can have a good life again, it will just take time. When I was in graduate school, I studied death and dying and I have always understood the "process" of grieving. It's quite another thing to experience it. I survived that first year, but I never really knew the need for ongoing support into year 2 and year 3 and maybe forever. To all of you who have given me a boost when I needed it, I am most grateful. To the VB staff and families, to the PE staff and Larry's WHPE friends, and especially to our friends who have done so much for me, you are all awesome. I have stayed afloat because of you and I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Each year at the PE Convention, 2 scholarships are given to PE professionals or students who exemplify Larry's passion and commitment to physical education. This year, Lori Petersen UW-LaCrosse faculty member, and Katie Schultz UW-LaCrosse senior, received the awards. They are both wonderful ambassadors for PE.

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Larry's death and I want to thank everyone for the support given and kindnesses shown me since that sad, sad day. I am especially grateful to the Van Buren staff, students and families who continue to honor his memory and ideals, and the students who still tell me what he meant to them. He would be happy to know that you learned something from him. To the Van Buren staff, you are the best!