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Scenes from a Day to Remember: Public Education Belongs to You

Thursday, October 3, 2024


"Our hopes and dreams for public education are achievable! When you believe in our public schools, in all the folks who make them work. When you believe in our students – our wonderful, bright, challenging, and sometimes, struggling students. When you understand that we are uniquely positioned to help our kids and communities succeed...you don’t quit. You won’t quit. We won’t quit."

-Dr. Jill Underly, Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Group of Anishinaabe singers and drummers played in the rotunda
Mashkiiziibii Youth Singers and Drum Circle from Ashland High School perform as the audience enters the rotunda for the State of Education Address. All images: DPI.
Governor Tony Evers chats with Deputy State Superintendent Tom McCarthy, and the ceremony's emcee, DPI Policy Initiatives Advisor Tacara Lovings
Before the ceremony begins, Governor Tony Evers (L) chats with Deputy State Superintendent Tom McCarthy (C),and the ceremony emcee, DPI Policy Initiatives Advisor Tacara Lovings.
Badger Boy Max Marty stands behind the podium with his hand over his heart and leads the audience in the pledge of allegiance
Badger Boy Max Marty leads the audience in the pledge of Allegiance flanked by emcee Tacara Lovings, Dr. Jill Underly, and Herb Kohl Philanthropies President and CEO, JoAnn Anton.
Performance of the National Anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Student Alleannah Hancock-Jammeh sings the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before student Jane Story performs the Star Spangled Banner on violin. 
Wide angle view of the capitol rotunda as Dr. Underly delivers her speech at the lectern
Dr. Jill Underly delivers her speech in the capitol rotunda.
Five teachers stand and receive applause from the audience as they are awarded the 2025 teacher of the year plaques
The 2025 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year receive thundrous applause from the state of education address audience.
Rachel Sauvola, one of the 2025 teachers of the year, gives her impassioned speech to rapt listeners in the rotunda
2025 Teacher of the Year Rachel Sauvola delivers her impassioned remarks in front of a rapt audience of listeners in the rotunda.
School children on a tour of the state capitol peer over a railing in the top of the rotunda down at the state of education address
School children on a tour of the state capitol are a surprise audience for the state of education address from far up above the proceedings.
Dr. Underly delivers her hopeful remarks behind the lectern in the rotunda.
Dr. Underly delivers her state of education address, emphasizing that belonging is not just some vague notion, but rather a necessity for students and schools to thrive.
Tacara Lovings, Dr. Underly, and JoAnn Anton pose for a photo together after the ceremony.
Tacara Lovings, Dr. Jill Underly, and JoAnn Anton (L to R) pose for a photo together after the state of education address concludes.
Dr. Underly holds the banner for the Mashkiiziibii Youth Singers as she poses with the group for a photo outside of the capitol building.
Dr. Underly poses with the Mashkiiziibii Youth Singers and Drum Circle from Ashland High School on the steps of the state capitol.
Dr. Underly poses between Alleanah Hancock-Jammeh and Jane Story.
Alleanah Hancock-Jammeh (l) and Jane Story (r) provided gorgeous musical introductions to the ceremony. 

For more coverage of the 2024 State of Education Address:
Read or watch Dr. Jill Underly's speech
Read or watch 2025 Teacher of the Year Rachel Sauvola's speech