Marcelle chosen as recipient of 2021 L-C Distinguished Alumni Award

LUXEMBURG, Wis. – Deb Marcelle, a 1973 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School who subsequently taught at the school for 36 years, is the recipient of the 2021 Luxemburg-Casco School District Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Luxemburg-Casco School District annually recognizes a past graduate at its graduation ceremony. Among the criteria in selection of the Distinguished Alumni Award are achievement in high school or beyond, community service and the ability to serve as an inspiration to L-C students. The 2021 commencement will be held on May 26.

“Deb not only graduated from Luxemburg-Casco High School, she later returned to impact our students for three-and-a-half decades and multiple generations,” says Principal Troy Haws. “We believe she is an ideal selection as this year’s winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award.”

The youngest of 10 children, while attending Luxemburg-Casco High School Deb Marcelle was honored for her performances in acting and forensics, along with being a member of the National Honor Society. She also participated in the Fine Arts Club, the Library Club, Thespians and was part of the yearbook staff as a senior.

She subsequently attended Carthage College in Kenosha on an acting scholarship, graduating in 1977 with a degree in theatre and communication, plus a minor in English. After working for two years at women’s clothing manufacturer Jack Winter Inc., Marcelle returned to the college to run its theatre’s technical department.

In late August of 1980, Marcelle applied for a theatre and English opening at Luxemburg-Casco High School, and five days later began a teaching career that would span 36 years until her retirement in 2015.

“I did not accomplish this on my own,” says Marcelle. “I learned from some really good teachers, mostly by example. I was fortunate to work with an administration that didn’t bury its teachers in red tape and encouraged us to work towards improving our curriculum, procedures and goals.

“I always felt like I had ownership and if my name was on a plan, I wanted that plan to succeed. I was put in a good situation to succeed.”

Her hobbies include scuba diving with her husband, Kevin Crocker, puzzles and furniture refinishing.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was not presented in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Al Breitlow, a 1956 graduate of Casco High School, received the honor in 2019.