Elmbrook Schools is proud to recognize a group of outstanding alumni who have chosen to give back to the district that helped shape them. As part of the 2026 Engaged in Excellence Awards, these individuals are being honored for their continued commitment to serving students, supporting schools, and strengthening the Elmbrook community as recipients of 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards.

Representing both Brookfield Central and Brookfield East, this year’s honorees have returned to Elmbrook in a variety of roles - working behind the scenes, supporting classrooms, mentoring students, and helping schools run smoothly each day. Their work reflects a shared dedication to creating positive experiences for the next generation.

This year’s honorees include:

Brookfield Central

• Ilse Frayer (1989) – Library Instructional Technical Lead at Brookfield Central
• Jen Beug-Hoffman (1990) – Administrative Assistant at Swanson Elementary
• Matt “Sammy” Smanski (2006) – Custodian at Brookfield Central
• Connor Dunn (2015) – Theatre Technical Production Lead at Brookfield Central / District-wide

Brookfield East

• Eileen Zingale (1985) – Staffing Budget Coordinator at District Office
• Carrie Bronson (1990) – Kindergarten Assistant at Burleigh Elementary
• Kim Zahn (2006) – Groundskeeper for Elmbrook Schools
• Megan Oliver (2020) – Food Service Team Member at Brookfield East

From classrooms and cafeterias to libraries, offices, and performance spaces, these graduates bring their talents, compassion, and pride in Elmbrook to their roles every day. Many credit their time as students for inspiring their career paths and shaping their commitment to service, and they now play an important role in fostering the same supportive environment they once experienced.

Elmbrook Schools celebrates these alumni not only for their professional contributions, but for their decision to invest in the same community that invested in them. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of an Elmbrook education.

The Engaged in Excellence Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, May 4 at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center and streamed on the Elmbrook Schools YouTube channel. Free tickets are available here and space is limited.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you for continuing to make Elmbrook a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive!