For the past several years, Belleville staff and community members have discussed options for honoring Belleville High School graduates, along with staff and community members, that have made significant contributions to Belleville.
The school board recently approved the launch of the Wildcat Wall of Fame. It is located at the west entrance of the high school. A committee will be formed comprised of community members, district staff members, and students who will then nominate, research, select, and present one candidate per year.
Wildcat Wall of Fame recipients and their families will be invited to an all-school assembly. The Wall of Fame Committee will present the recipient at this ceremony, with a student researcher introducing him or her. The recipient will be given the opportunity to address the audience and his or her plaque will be added to the wall at this time.
Belleville teacher and coach John Becker was announced at the home football game on Friday, August 25, as the first inductee into the Wildcat Wall of Fame. The inscription on his plaque reads:
John Becker began teaching and coaching at Belleville High School in 1964. He coached football in Belleville for 28 years. In that time, he amassed a record of 144-105-9. His teams won six State Line League championships and achieved three undefeated seasons. Coach Becker always put his team first and gave the credit to his players. One of his former players remarked, "He taught us the values of self-discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, poise under pressure, and 'practice makes perfect.'" He taught in the district for 33 years at the elementary school and high school in Physical Education and History. He also served as the varsity basketball coach and assistant baseball coach. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Mr. Becker retired from the School District of Belleville in 1997.
