6 added to Milton Wall of Honor

MILTON — George Crandall, Richard Dabson, Jarrett Goodman, Sally (Shadel) Hasselbrack, Jon Plats and Rachel Salisbury have joined other notable Milton residents on the Wall of Honor at Milton High School.

The 6 Wall of Honor inductees received plaques and got to share a little about themselves on Thursday night in a ceremony in the high school auditorium. The inductees, or their family representatives, were also invited to take part in Friday’s student pep assembly and a recognition ceremony during the high school Homecoming game.

This is the third year that the school district has held a Wall of Honor induction.

“The School District of Milton Wall of Honor selection committee was impressed with the exceptional caliber of this year’s candidates,” Jeremy Bilhorn, chairperson for the district’s Wall of Honor committee, said in a release. “We are proud to honor individuals whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on both our school district and the broader Milton community.”

George CrandallA 1910 graduate from Milton Union High School and a 1914 Milton College alumnus, a notable student-athlete who returned to Milton after serving in WWI to become a professor and athletic director at Milton College. Crandall became a champion for student athletics and education in the Milton community and beyond.

He helped establish the tri-state conference that allowed Milton the chance to compete at a higher level.

Richard Dabson

Former Milton High School Music Educator and former Milton Mayor Richard Dabson’s dedication to the Milton community made him a central figure during the second half of the 20th century.

Under his direction the Milton band marched at John F. Kennedy Inaugural parade.

“His commitment to the arts and to the community was a seamless lifelong pursuit, one that still resonates in the halls of Milton High School and in the streets of the town. He helped guide his belief in the power of music, his vision for a more vibrant Milton and his unwavering standards continue to inspire us today,” Kari Klebba, communications director for the school district of Milton.

His wife and his children accepted the award on his behalf.

“He loved his town. He loved his band. My dad was fiercely competitive, and that drove his passion, for the students we’re very proud to be part of his legacy, and thank you all for the recognition,” his son Dave Dabson said.

Jarrett Goodman

A 1969 graduate of Milton Union High School, Goodman was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970. His service was marked by both bravery and sacrifice, earning him two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

He worked for the Milton Post Office for 30 years, was the EMS Commissioner for 12 years, and is currently serving on the Rock County Veterans Service Commission.

“It is that kind of dedication and ability to personally connect with others through kindness and understanding that has made him not just a veteran, but a hero, both to those he served with and to the community of Milton,” Klebba said.

Sally (Shadel) Hasselbrack

A 1953 graduate from Milton Union High School, Hasslebrack was a trailblazing pioneer in the science of fire safety. Using the sewing skills she perfected while in 4-H, and in her high school’s home economics classrooms, Hasselbrack, while with Boeing Commercial Airline Company, set international standards in fire prevention and fire suppression.

She created and patented fabric utilized in the aircraft that reduces the flammability and allows for more time for people to get out of the plane if it were to catch fire.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that her work has saved lives,” Klebba said.

Jon Platts

Jon C. Platts served as the School District of Milton’s superintendent for 30 years, guiding the growth of Milton schools as enrollments nearly tripled in size during his tenure.

He wasthe youngest superintendent in Wisconsin history, hired at just 28 years old.

“Dr Platts led with a steady hand through nine major construction and remodeling projects for the completion of Northside and the development of Schilberg Park,” Klebba said.

Platts said one of the highlights of his career was marching on City Hall when the Milton College Library was to be sold.

Rachel Salisbury

Dr. Rachel Salisbury’s life and career are deeply woven into the fabric of Milton’s educational and community history. While attending Milton College as a grad student in the late 1920s, she supported herself by teaching English and literature at Milton Union High School. In her tenure at Milton College, she led the school’s College of Education.

Beyond the classroom, Salisbury’s efforts and advocacy led to the establishment of the Rock County Historical Society, the Rock County Humane Society, and the Milton House’s authentication as an Underground Railroad station.

“Dr.Salisbury’s influence remains a cornerstone of Milton’s identity,” Klebba said.