Work hard, do what you can to make others’ lives better
Lori Mittermeyer-Oemig (left) and Harley Oemig spoke at the Excellence in Education banquet, in front of students and educators, about their success on returning to their hometown. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Coming full circle, Lori Mittermeyer-Oemig and Harley Oemig returned to act as the speakers for the 27th annual Excellence in Education banquet May 10, held to recognize student accomplishments at Cornell and Lake Holcombe. The couple both were honored students during their senior years, before heading out into the world.
After graduating from Cornell High School in 1999, Lori attended UW-La Crosse, receiving a bachelor’s of science in chemistry, math and radiation therapy. She is currently a radiation therapist for Marshfield Clinic and until this spring, and served as the director at the Cornell Public Library.
“My educators taught me to love books and reading… I spent a lot of time as a child at the public library,” said Lori, adding that those who don’t read are at a disadvantage. “Read anything you can get your hands on.”
As a radiation therapist, Lori treats cancer patients, where she sees adults and children in a fight for their lives. To make it a little easier on their ordeal, Lori and her fellow technicians do what they can for each individual, even if it means blasting Katy Perry.
The struggles the cancer patients face didn’t truly hit home until Lori herself was diagnosed with cancer and needed the treatments. It could have gotten her down, but with her support system in place, Lori didn’t give up and faced that time of her life with grace.
“Even if it’s something small, do what you can to make other people’s lives a little bit richer,” said Lori. “Make the best of any situation you are dealt.”
Harley, too, learned a different outlook on life, when Lori was fighting cancer. He graduated from Cornell, in 2000, before attending UW-La Crosse, for a degree in history, with a minor in anthropology and archeology. Afterward, Harley started Hometown Tax & Accounting, and his newest venture is in running The Main Scoop ice cream shop.
“Our second life began when we heard the word cancer,” said Harley. “We were all in day-to-day survival at that time.”
When Lori won that battle, the two decided to be close to their support network and return to their hometown, opening their businesses. They also share three growing children.
“Hard work, determination and perseverance were our keys to success, although success is a relative term,” said Harley.
He said everyone has the power to determine what will happen in their life, whether in relationships, work or anything else. Everyone starts at the bottom, so Harley’s advice is to put in the time and effort needed to succeed.
“Commit to excellence, because you can do anything you put your mind to,” he said.
Although they each lived in multiple places and larger cities after high school, the couple moved back to Cornell, because of the sense of community they have here. Lori encouraged the students to go out into the world and spread their wings, then come back to their home to continue to make it the best place to live.
Even if people don’t reciprocate or treat you the same, Lori says to help them out and be nice anyway, and give back to the community.
“It doesn’t matter what others do, it matters what you do,” said Lori.
[caption id="attachment_182100" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Celebrated for their success in not only school, but life, select Cornell and Lake Holcombe students were recognized at the 27th annual Excellence in Education Banquet May 10, at Mill Yard Park in Cornell, along with their chosen educators who made an impact in their life. Recipients, left to right, are honored educator Kylee Crank; Taiylor Sturgis, Danielle Mihalski, Avery Turany, Nicole Modl, Dylan Bowe, Marcus Leland, Kayden King, Jeff Milas, Caitlyn Kolter, Shaylae Szotkowski, Trenton Kron and Todd Senoraske; and honored educator Mary Jean Hornick.[/caption]
