Thank a Coach/Adviser Week: Debbie Berhow helps students 'shine bright'

Winona Area Public Schools is joining several organizations and schools across the state to celebrate “Thank a Coach/Adviser Week,” and it invites the Winhawk community to contribute. Was there a coach or adviser in Winona Area Public Schools who made a difference in your life, or the life of your children? Tell us about it. We'll share some of the responses on social media and on our website.

Today’s Thank a Coach/Adviser Week post is devoted to Debbie Berhow, the driving force behind the talented WSHS Theatre Group.

Parent Jen Slinkman writes: “Our family has been blessed to work with Debbie for many years. Debbie is the most supportive theatre director. Before a show, she has meetings to bond the students together while creating an environment of love and respect. She encourages the students to step out of their comfort zones and to support their peers as they step out of theirs. She’s not only helping them to be better actors, but better people as well.

“Thank you Debbie for the ‘family’ you build during every show. Thank you for the way you challenge the students when they want to keep it simple. Thank you for finding that special something in each person that graces the stage in front of you and helping to bring that out in them. Finally thank you for helping the students become stars and shine bright.”