2008 grad excels at building relationships
Editor’s note: Lakeland has a tradition of welcoming students from all over the world to Sheboygan County, and many choose to call this region home. This is the latest in an ongoing series profiling Muskies who have decided to settle locally after graduation.
Sheboygan North high school teacher Allison (Komaromy) Norman ’08 understands that the subject she teaches – mathematics – is not on a lot of favorite subjects lists.
The Illinois transplant, who has been a teacher at North High for over a decade, has created a supportive environment in her classroom that is a hit with her students.
“I know math isn't everyone's favorite subject, so I try to keep class fun and help students have a positive experience in their math class,” Norman said. “I enjoy building relationships with the students and providing them with support on their high school journey.”
In addition to her teaching duties, she advises the students who plan North’s prom and she’s done some basketball coaching. As a former member of Lakeland’s women’s basketball program, coaching has allowed her to stay involved in the sport that initially brought her to Lakeland. She has a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine (Calif.)
Norman could easily get a teaching license in many other states, but she and her husband, Zach, and their two children, Mya and Marcus, have found a home in Sheboygan County.
“I absolutely love the math department that I teach with, which includes several other Muskies,” Norman said. “I love the support we have from our administration, our meet and confer team, the school board and the community. We are really all in this together.
“I grew up in Illinois, but I enjoy the slower, simple pace of life here in Wisconsin. There’s less traffic, many wonderful local restaurants, businesses and programs, beautiful state parks and close access to Lake Michigan. The people are also so very kind in this neck of the woods.”
As if teaching doesn’t keep her busy enough, as a hobby she operates Allie's Gourmet Cake Pops, which grew out of making cake pops for North’s prom 10 years ago. Her then-fiancé encouraged to pursue the passion as a business, and her tasty creations have been a hit ever since.
Norman returned to Lakeland in December for the annual Science & Technology Colloquium, an event that allows current and prospective LU students to meet and hear from successful Lakeland graduates.
In reflecting on her Lakeland days, she encouraged current and prospective students to embrace opportunities to be leaders and to explore Sheboygan County and all it has to offer.
“The biggest part of my job as a teacher is building relationships,” Norman said. “But there are opportunities to do that anywhere. You want to surround yourself with good people, and Lakeland did that for me. Be a team player and be reliable, and always have fun.”
