CHS/GCF Podcast Collaboration

CHS Students Capture GCF History through Podcast Project

In the late 1990s, Cedarburg High School English teacher Dr. Cass led his students in creating a book to celebrate CHS’s 100th anniversary. At that time, GCF Past President Joe Rintelman and current CHS Principal Casey Bowe were students. Last year, Joe approached Casey about another collaboration—this time to commemorate GCF’s 25th anniversary.

After discussion, Principal Bowe suggested a modern twist: a podcast series featuring interviews with GCF members. CHS digital media teacher Rick Wagner introduced the idea to his students. What followed was an innovative, intergenerational project that allowed students to interview GCF community leaders and transform their stories into a growing archive of digital podcasts. The initiative aims to document personal accounts of local GCF history while also giving students hands-on experience in journalism, production, and community engagement.

Through this innovative partnership, students like Callie Daute, Jake Nelson, Brady Lane, and others are bridging generations and preserving the local history of an organization that has served the community for 25 years.

Both the student interviewers and GCF interviewees enjoyed the project. 

“At first, I was very nervous to interview Carol Alexander Coutts since she is a very influential part of Cedarburg and the GCF. As soon as she introduced herself, all my nerves went away as she was so welcoming and had a calming presence. I enjoyed hearing the details in the stories that she told me about GCF and her husband, Jim, who founded the foundation,” student Callie Daute stated.

Interviewer Jake Nelson commented, “Working with the GCF has been a truly rewarding experience. Their commitment to supporting local initiatives and making a lasting impact in our community is inspiring.”

Student Brady Lane said, “Peg Edquist was a great guest, really knowledgeable in her craft, so that made it nice. It was also great to be a part of a community activity with a community group.” 

The five podcast interviewees included current and former GCF board members Carol Alexander Coutts, Patty Gallun Hansen, Peg Edquist, Pat Thome, and Joe Rintelman.

GCF Past President Joe Rintelman reminisced, “It was a bit surreal to be interviewed at CHS. Twenty-five years ago, just as the foundation was launched, I was sitting on the other side of the table as a CHS senior. Twenty-five years from now, perhaps some of these young people will be leading our Foundation.” 

The recordings are available on GCF’s YouTube channel, ensuring that the voices and stories behind GCF’s legacy will remain accessible for years to come.

Through this project, CHS students have not only deepened their understanding of the community’s history—they’ve also strengthened ties between generations and helped tell the story of GCF’s decades of giving, service, and impact.