Celebrating Excellence: PWHS Wall of Fame Induction

October 22, 2026

Today, we had the honor of welcoming home Dr. Melissa Sherman (Spagnolo), Port Washington High School Class of 1989, as our newest inductee into the PWHS Wall of Fame!

Dr. Sherman's journey from the halls of PWHS to becoming a nationally recognized scientist, entrepreneur, and business leader is truly inspiring. After earning her chemistry degree from UW–Eau Claire and her Ph.D. from the University of Akron, she built an extraordinary career spanning multiple industries. As the founding CEO of MOBILion Systems, she has helped advance innovative technologies with the potential to improve how diseases are diagnosed and treated. Her accomplishments include recognition as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year regional award winner and a UW–Eau Claire Distinguished Achievement Award recipient.

While her professional accomplishments are remarkable, it was her message to our students today that truly left an impact.

Dr. Sherman shared three powerful lessons:

1. Make Mistakes. Have Bad Days.

"Success is a lousy teacher." Growth doesn't come from everything going right. It comes from taking risks, making mistakes, learning from challenges, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.

2. Embrace the Rule of Thirds.

The truth about success is that not every day will be great. Some days will be good, some will be average, and some will be difficult. Embrace those difficult days because they are an important part of learning, growing, and ultimately finding success.

3. Choose Your People Wisely.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and have your back. Dr. Sherman encouraged students to use a little basic math when choosing the people in their lives. Find those who ADD value and MULTIPLY your potential. Recognize those who SUBTRACT from your happiness or DIVIDE your energy and focus. Most importantly, find that one person who will always have your back.

Perhaps her most powerful message came as she reflected on her own journey:

"I had no clue what my journey would be."

And that's okay! Students don't need to have their entire future figured out today. Every experience, every opportunity, every mistake, and every unexpected turn can help shape the path ahead.

Dr. Sherman closed by recognizing her family and friends, thanking them for being the "multipliers" in her life. 

And, of course, we loved hearing some of the memories from her PWHS days.

Thank you, Dr. Sherman, for coming home, sharing your story, and reminding our students that success isn't about having all the answers. It's about embracing the journey, learning along the way, and surrounding yourself with people who help you become your best.

Congratulations on your induction into the PWHS Wall of Fame! Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate!