Local political leaders and Bay View High School alumni returned to their alma mater to share how their education and experiences in Milwaukee helped shape their careers in public service. Among them were Milwaukee’s first African American Mayor, Cavalier Johnson, and Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley, along with city aldermen Marina Dimitrijevic (14th District), DiAndre Jackson (7th District), and Mark Chambers (2nd District). These influential figures engaged with students in a town hall-style discussion in the Bay View High School Library, reflecting on their journeys and offering advice for future leaders.
Many of today’s Milwaukee government offices are occupied by Bay View High School alumni, a testament to the institution’s impact on its students. Each leader emphasized a common thread in their success: the education and community they experienced at Bay View. Alderman Chambers, wearing a Bay View Redcats hoodie, proudly credited his alma mater for shaping him. “Bay View made me! This place is a melting pot of different cultures, and we all had a common goal—graduate high school,” he said.
Each leader underscored their dedication to serving the citizens of Milwaukee. Alderwoman Dimitrijevic spoke about her role in local government, saying, “I am proud to do a job that is part of our democracy. I feel like I am still able to have an impact. The day I am no longer having an impact, then maybe I will do something else. I love Milwaukee, and I have a lot of hope. I want to be a part of the solution.”
Alderman Jackson highlighted the importance of trade education, recalling how his experience at Bay View led him to champion trade programs in the city. “The trades taught me discipline, problem-solving, and the importance of seeing a project through,” he explained. Jackson has been instrumental in launching initiatives like the WRTP BIG STEP program and introducing Apprenticeship Day in Milwaukee, creating career pathways for youth.
The town hall left a lasting impression on students, who received valuable advice from these influential figures. Mayor Johnson shared wisdom from his father: “If you do good, you get good in return.” County Executive Crowley encouraged students to break barriers and embrace innovative thinking, stating, “You’ve got to shatter that glass ceiling and think outside the box.”
As Bay View High School continues to shape future generations, these alumni leaders serve as proof that the school’s legacy extends far beyond its historic walls. Their stories inspire today’s students to envision their paths toward leadership and community impact in Milwaukee and beyond.
