MESSMER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
MESSMERTODAY SUMMER 2018
PILGRIMS ON A SPIRITUAL AND HISTORIC JOURNEY Messmer High School campus ministry students traveled in prayer and friendship, making a pilgrimage this summer to Civil Rights monuments.
table of contents
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers John S. Scheid Scheid Investment Group, LLC; Retired, PircewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
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Letter from the President We Are Called
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Principal Feature: Messmer Saint Mary 5 Questions with Kendra Kuhnmuench
PBS Visits Messmer Saint Mary
Kathy-Ann Edwards Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Day in the Life: Messmer Saint Mary Summer Learning Prepares Students for Fall
Patrick J. Byrne
Vice President and CFO, Erica P. John Fund
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Principal Feature: Messmer Saint Rose 5 Questions with Jordan Last
Directors Hon. David Borowski, MHS '84
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Day in the Life: Messmer Saint Rose Beta Club Promotes Leadership and Service at Young Age
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Civil Rights Pilgrimage Civil Rights Past, Present and Future
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Principal Feature: Messmer High School Welcome, Melisssa Trepte
Circuit Court Judge, Milwaukee County
Dr. Kathleen Cepelka
Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Dr. Xavier Cole
Vice President of Student Affairs, Marquette University
William Mahler
Chairman, Equity Capital Markets, R.W. Baird
Carmela Payne, Saint Rose '71
Vice President of Operations, Sasafrasnet, LLC
Lisa M. Pendergast
Vice President-Treasurer, MGIC
Rev. Warren Sazama, S.J.
Batter Up: Girls' Softball Team Approved
Past President, Marquette University High School
Dr. Daniel Schmidt
Retired, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
Keith Stanley
Executive Director, Near West Side Partners
Conrad York
Past Vice President of Marketing, Northwestern Mutual
Emeritus Board William Goldammer, MHS '52 Financial Management Professional
Mikel Holt
Associate Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal
Alfred H. Mattacotti, MHS '58 President, Milwaukee Plating Company
Jeffrey Monday
Principal, Marquette University High School; Past Principal, Messmer High School
Peter J. Salza, MHS '60 Attorney at Law
Day in the Life: Messmer High School Rain Barrel Initiative Encourages Community Outreach
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Reflecting in Gratitude Elementary School Leader Retires In Memoriam
Cover: Students from Messmer High School, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School made a pilgrimage to sites of historic significance in the Civil Rights movement, beginning in downtown Milwaukee (main photo) and including the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama (inset). Comments/questions about MESSMERTODAY may be directed to our Advancement Office at advancement@messmerschools.org | 414-264-5440
LETTER FROM the PRESIDENT
We are called Reflecting on our institutional pilgrimage
In reflecting on the 92-year tradition of Messmer – first as a high school and now as a three-school K-12 system – I think that institutions too can be on a journey. They evolve in response to the changing times and to the needs of the people whom they serve. I cannot imagine that the diocesan priests and the Schools Sisters of Notre Dame in the 1920’s could ever have envisioned the Messmer of today, say nothing of the path it took to get here. But when does a mere journey become a pilgrimage? As you read this issue of Messmer Today, take some time with the piece on Messmer’s participation in the three-school civil rights pilgrimage. After a year of formation, these young people were challenged to prayerfully reflect on what their experience may be calling them to in their own lives. That reflection – that sense of being called – is an important element of pilgrimage. You will also read about the three principals of our schools and about how they view leadership in a Catholic school system. We are blessed to have them and we are grateful that they answered the call to serve Messmer’s students, families and staff. The Messmer pilgrimage today includes our students’ participation in providing rain barrels for City of Milwaukee residents, the establishment of a National
Beta Club chapter at Messmer Saint Rose (the only one in Milwaukee), the forming of a softball team at our high school, and a first-ever appearance by a Messmer Robotics Team at a State competition. Messmer is made up of people (may I suggest pilgrim people) who are constantly reflecting on who we are serving and on how that service ought to manifest itself. We are blessed with opportunities to prayerfully reflect on our call to serve students and families on Milwaukee’s north side. We are humbled and grateful for your interest, your prayers, and your financial support. Gratefully,
Jim Piatt President, Messmer Catholic Schools 2018-19
Do not grow weary
doing good in
2018-19 Scriptural Theme "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
MESSMER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
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PRINCIPAL FEATURE: MESSMER SAINT MARY
5 QUESTIONS WITH KENDRA Kuhnmuench How her high school AP Biology class changed her life and her approach to her vocation
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What was your professional path to your current role at Messmer Saint Mary?
Growing up, I was able to participate in a variety of community service opportunities with my church. Giving back to my community and making it a better place was very important to me and led me to study at Marquette University as an undergraduate. As I explored career options, I discovered teaching allowed me to combine my love of learning, children, and a way to give back to my community. I began my career in education at a UWM Charter School in Milwaukee, Capitol West Academy. In 2016, I decided I wanted to make a change and joined Messmer Saint Rose as the Assistant Principal and then moved over to Messmer Saint Mary in 2017 as Principal.
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What piece of wisdom that you learned from one of your own teachers do you still find yourself applying in your work?
As a high school senior trying to decide what career path to take, my AP biology teacher shared an important lesson with me: seek balance. Work is just one aspect of any person’s life. This is important to remember as a principal because you work so closely with families and staff. I need to remember that school/work is just one piece of their lives and they have a lot more to them as people outside the four walls of our building.
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What is the most rewarding thing about working as an educational administrator?
I recently attended an 8th grade graduation of my former students. As I listened to the students’ speeches, it was very gratifying to know that I helped build each child and shape their experiences as their teacher and their school leader. It is rewarding to know that the school experience I help build for our students will shape their mindsets, attitudes, and future.
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What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten from a student or parent?
The best compliment I have received is that I was missed during my maternity leave! If I was missed, that means I made a difference for that child.
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What makes Messmer a great place to work as an educator?
Our teachers are so talented and dedicated to our students. It is so exciting to see the passion and creativity that goes on in our classrooms and common areas on a daily basis. Messmer teachers really care about their students and live the Messmer mission.
#messmermoment 2
Messmer middle school students just completed the 2018 Summer Boat Camp, sponsored by the Building2Learn consortium (Messmer is a founding member). Six teams of students built wooden rowboats as a part of their STEM/ trades curriculum.
DAY IN THE LIFE: MESSMER SAINT MARY
summer learning prepares students for fall Messmer Saint Mary hosts School Readiness Program with the YMCA Messmer grade school students again had the opportunity to participate in the YMCA School Readiness Program this summer. The program is run in tandem with the Messmer K4/K5 School Readiness Wrap-Around Program, and was developed as part of the YMCA mission of promoting healthy living with a community focus. The program served 12 students in 2017, and this year expanded to serve 18-20 incoming K4 and K5 students.
The summer-long day camp took place at Messmer Saint Mary and serves students from both Messmer grade schools. In the morning, students enjoy structured cognitive lessons that resemble the rules and culture of the school along with four "brain breaks" for reflection and self and group play. Afternoon programs were also available. “A child's readiness for school is multi-faceted, encompassing the whole range of physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive skills that children need to thrive,” said Curtis Borri, Associate Principal at Messmer Saint Mary. “This particular program was started to not only serve the school and community, but to help the students become acclimated to the customs and structure of a typical school day so that the students are better prepared when they enter as K4 and K5 students of Messmer elementary schools in the fall.”
PBS VISITS MESSMER SAINT MARY Messmer Saint Mary students were featured in a Milwaukee PBS Special, "A Busy Bee-The Making of a Children's Opera," in April. "A Busy Bee" is the newest production by the Florentine Opera Company. This original one-act opera is based on the SHARP Literacy
"We Love to Learn" book that tells the story of Bella the honey bee, who tries to find her place in the hive.
watch the pbs program! tinyurl.com/messmerPBS
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PRINCIPAL FEATURE: MESSMER SAINT rose
5 QUESTIONS WITH jordan last How "grit and grace" have shaped her career in education
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What was your professional path to your current role at Messmer Saint Rose?
I began my career teaching 2nd grade on the south side of Chicago. Later, I did some work with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. I then worked within the Charter School network in the city of Milwaukee both as a teacher and school leader. My entire educational journey from early childhood to post graduate school work has been in Catholic schools. I feel at home at Messmer!
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What piece of wisdom that you learned from one of your own teachers do you still find yourself applying in your work?
The importance of grit and grace were instilled by my high school English teacher (Tayna Schneider, who still teaches at Catholic Memorial High School). Grit to get through the difficult times and grace while celebrating the successful times.
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What is the most rewarding thing about working as an educational administrator?
Seeing new teachers become successful! Knowing I was a part of the coaching and success of a teacher, especially new teachers fresh out of college, is very
rewarding. The first years of teaching are delicate ones, and when I see the progress and grit and grace in those teachers I feel my impact as a leader.
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What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten from a student or parent?
From a parent, "I trust you with my child 8 hours a day." From a student, "Mrs. Last, you just get us." Both affirm how hard I work to make sure that students love coming to school. Their parents feel that from their kids. I recognize that trust doesn't just come, but is earned, through follow-through and support.
#messmermoment 4
Messmer elementary students spent time this spring at the Milwaukee Catholic Home participating in the Intergenerational Education Program, which brings older adults and students together to learn from each other. Messmer students have been blessed to participate in this program since 2016.
DAY IN THE LIFE: MESSMER SAINT ROSE
beta club promotes leadership and service at young age The only Junior Beta Club in Milwaukee is at Messmer Saint Rose
Fourth and fifth graders at Messmer Saint Rose have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Beta Club. Founded in 1934, the Beta Club is a national non-profit program promoting academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among elementary and secondary school students. With 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally, it is the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. Messmer Saint Rose is the only chartered Beta Club currently active in the Milwaukee area. The activities of the club this year have include participating in morning announcements and assemblies, leading the Mother’s Day Faith Experience, and offering up part of their recess to provide peer tutoring for first and second grade students.
messmer alumni:
what are you up to?
“I decided to start Junior Beta Club at Messmer Saint Rose to encourage and support high academic achievement in school, to prepare our students to be future leaders, and to lead by serving those in the school and surrounding areas,” said Olivia Stephan, 2nd grade teacher and club coordinator. “I am so proud to be a sponsor of such a fantastic group of student leaders!” More information about the National Beta Club can be found on their website at www.betaclub.org.
Update your Alumni Profile today!
VISIT THE ALUMNI PAGE AT MESSMERSCHOOLS.ORG
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"I believe God has placed on my heart the desire to be an activist in this fight for civil rights." Kayla, MHS '18
A PILGRIMAGE THROUGH HISTORY Messmer High School students culminate a year of learning, prayer and reflection with a week-long pilgrimage to historic Civil Rights sites. From May 30 to June 5, eleven Messmer High School students, along with 25 students from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School, embraced the ancient Christian tradition of pilgrimage with a prayerful journey to sites of historic significance in the Civil Rights movement. “The vision of this pilgrimage grew out of conversations between some of the adults who work in the partnering schools.” said Laura Hancock, Director of Campus Ministry at Messmer High School. “We believe that, at this moment in history, it has become necessary for representatives of the youth from throughout the city of Milwaukee to deeply explore not only our Civil Rights history, but also to dig deeply into our current societal reality, and to grow as leaders and as people of faith who are prepared to make a positive difference in our world and in our city.” In preparation for the pilgrimage, participants came together for four formation sessions to educate and prepare themselves for the experience. They explored
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forms of prayer related to pilgrimage and learned from guest speakers Jon Parsons and Reggie Jackson about the notable people and events of the Civil Rights movement in Milwaukee. The pilgrimage symbolically began with the crossing the Fr. Groppi Unity Bridge. “We were literally walking in the footsteps of those who have gone before us and charting our path into the yet unknown,” said Hancock. “It felt very symbolic in its significance of passing the baton to the next generation of faithfully-formed civil rights leaders.” The pilgrims received a blessing from Bishop Jeffrey Haines on May 16, and departed on their journey on May 30. Their six-day pilgrimage took them to cities including Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma. Some of the most significant sites they visited were: the National Museum of Civil Rights, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Rosa Parks Museum, the Legacy Museum, the Peace and Justice Memorial Garden, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Each stop
CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
along the way involved prayer and reflection, both individually and as a group. The pilgrims also had opportunities to hear a number of guest speakers, including Joyce O’Neal, who participated in the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The pilgrims learned about both the historical Civil Rights movement and the ways in which racism and injustice continue to impact communities today. Hancock believes that the pilgrimage educated and empowered students to find further ways to take part in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the fight for those who are marginalized or oppressed. “I’ve seen pilgrims feel emboldened by courage to begin already brainstorming ways that they can share the stories of this pilgrimage as well continuing the work of racial justice in our own communities,” she said. “This pilgrimage experience truly taught me a lot of important lessons. I was touched by everything we saw, experienced, lived and learned,” said Flor Barojas, a rising MHS senior. “In the future I see this group of students making an impact first within their school communities and then in Milwaukee.”
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PRINCIPAL FEATURE: MESSMER HIGH SCHOOL
welcome, melissa trepte New principal looks forward to "creating a faith-filled and engaged community" The Messmer community is excited to welcome new Messmer High School principal Melissa Trepte! Trepte began her career teaching biology and chemistry at the middle school and high school levels, and received her master’s degree from Marian University in Educational Leadership. She has worked extensively with the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which supports students from communities underrepresented at the college level in pursuing higher education. Trepte is enthusiastic about putting her experience at the service of the Messmer community. "I was drawn to the strong history and tradition that’s here at Messmer. It’s the total package! There’s so much potential for growth, and amazing leadership and an amazing teaching corps.” Trepte believes that there is a unique service focus to a Messmer education, which she is looking forward to supporting through her leadership. “I believe the importance of service and impacting your community is huge. These kids are actually out there living it, doing it, and being a part of it, and I think that’s rare,” she said. “They’re our beacon of light out there, showing people what their generation is capable of.”
Trepte also values Messmer’s commitment to providing a broad range of options to students after high school, and to preparing students to succeed in careers or college. “From getting into service fields, getting them prepared for a two-year or four-year college, or going right into the career force, we’re helping them to see that there are so many opportunities for them." Over her first year, Trepte hopes to forge close connections with her team to continue to expand opportunities to meet the needs of families and students. She is particularly drawn to Messmer’s extensive campus ministry programs, and hopes to become more involved. As she anticipates her future at Messmer High School, Trepte looks forward to taking the time to get to know the Messmer culture and finding new ways to support Messmer’s goals. “Creating a faith-filled and engaged community is at the forefront, and we are always focused on building student success. Those two things are going to be the overarching goals that continue to drive us," she said.
#messmermoment
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Messmer High School students celebrated their completion of the SecureFutures Money Coach program this spring. Money Coach empowers teens to make thoughtful financial decisions by learning and utilizing skills such as tracking expenses, budgeting and goal-setting.
DAY IN THE LIFE: MESSMER HIGH SCHOOL
RAIN BARREL INITIATIVE ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY OUTREACH Messmer High School students build rain barrel stands to help neighborhood project Messmer High School has a new initiative to promote environmental responsibility through water conservation. Dina Bunke, Learning Support Coordinator, and her husband Eric, are taking the lead on a program that will involve the Messmer community in building and installing rain barrels in Milwaukee homes. Rain barrels help reduce household energy sources and protect local sources of fresh water. Eric Bunke is an engineer at Badger Meter and is studying for his master’s degree at UW-Milwaukee’s
School of Freshwater Science. He received funding to implement a public engagement campaign to educate Milwaukeeans about the benefits of rain barrel use, and thought Messmer would make a great partner. As part of the initiative, Messmer students in the Introduction to Craftsmanship class, taught by Justin Spaeth, were asked build a number of wooden stands for rain barrels. This gave students the opportunity to learn new woodworking skills and serve an important community effort in the process. The program culminated with a workshop on July 21, hosted by Messmer High School, and offered local families training in the benefits of rain barrels and how they can be installed and used. Qualified participants received a rain barrel, stand, and the necessary hardware to properly install and operate the barrel.
batter up: GIRLS' SOFTBALL TEAM approved Messmer High School now has a girls Junior Varsity Softball team! After a year of gauging interest and running a club team, coach Nicole Ward was excited for the team to receive athletic status in the 2017-18 school year. The team had 16 athletes on its roster.
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HONOREES: VINCENT LYLES
PRESIDENT + CEO, GREATER MILWAUKEE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
ULICE PAYNE
PRINCIPAL, ADDISON-CLIFTON
AND
CARMELLA GARZA PAYNE ST. ROSE ‘71
MESSMER COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP DINNER
CHARLIE UIHLEIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEENS GROW GREENS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: GALE KLAPPA
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT + CEO, WE ENERGIES GROUP
SAVE THE DATE
10.4.18 THE WISCONSIN CLUB
Messmer’s Community Partnership Dinner will lift up our unique, historic mission, and honor an influential group of individuals.
MILWAUKEE
PURCHASE TICKETS + REVIEW SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION AT
MESSMERSCHOOLS.ORG
STUDENTS RECEIVE 'SERVICE ABOVE SELF' AWARD Messmer High School students among group of area teenagers to receive honor Each year, the Milwaukee North Shore Rotary Club accepts nominations and selects about 12 area high school students to receive their 'Service Above Self ' award, recognizing students with exceptional leadership skills. Two Messmer High School students were among this year's honorees. Congratulations to Queene Massey and Trevion Rimmer!
CLASS OF 2018 fast facts
63 10
Students attending traditional four-year college
28
Students attending MATC or another technical school
reflecting in gratitude
elementary school leader RETIRES Donna Schmidt infused Messmer Catholic Schools with her passion, faith and leadership A reflection by Jim Piatt In June, Donna Schmidt retired from her position of Director of Elementary Education at Messmer Catholic Schools, and from a distinguished career of substantial dedication, passion and accomplishment in Catholic education. Donna began her career as a teacher at St. Ann School in Cleveland before moving to Milwaukee and raising four children with her husband, Peter. She served as a substitute teacher, a strategic planning facilitator, and principal of St. Florian and Prince of Peace schools before working with the Urban Education Fellows Program for eight years. During that time, she was a leadership mentor for Messmer. In 2013, Donna assumed the role of Principal and Director of Elementary Education for Messmer.
assessment. Her infectious passion and faith-centered leadership has renewed the mission upon which our Catholic education is offered to diverse and often disadvantaged children in the heart of Milwaukee. Donna has been a compelling advocate for the rebuilding of the campus at Messmer Saint Rose; during her tenure, Messmer has raised $5.5 million toward a $6.45 million campaign to significantly upgrade the safety, accessibility and quality of the learning environment at Messmer Saint Rose.
During these past four years, Donna was a key contributor to Messmer's first K-12 accreditation through AdvanceEd. She led a comprehensive reform of the primary grades literacy programming, which has doubled the proficiency rate for reading among our elementary students. Her team also implemented Messmer's first system-wide progress monitoring program. This past year, Donna initiated the reform of our elementary math program.
As stated in the mission of Messmer Catholic Schools, "Called to teach as Jesus did," Donna's commitment to Messmer Catholic Schools over this past decade has been profound. In her heart, Donna has embodied the highest ethic of a teacher and principal, to act "en loco parentis," treating children just as a loving parent would. Donna has been a blessing to our students and their families, our teachers and support staff, and to the administrative team.
Donna's impact has extended well beyond these vital improvements in curriculum, instruction and
Congratulations, our deepest thanks and best wishes for a happy retirement!
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Students pursuing skilled trade apprenticeships
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Students entering the workforce
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Students enlisting in the military
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in memoriam 1930 s
Jeanette Bar (nee Wienciorkowski) ’35 on October 21, 2017 Genevieve Nycz ’35 on February 26, 2018 LaVerne Salzer (nee Solomon) ’35 on February 26, 2018
rest in peace MESSMER EXTENDS ITS CONDOLENCES TO THOSE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE.
Joseph Stoll ’36 on February 24, 2018
Mary Jane Glomski (nee Antkowiak) ’45 on August 9, 2017
Eileen Janke (nee DeBoth) ’48 on October 21, 2017
Audrey Heine ’37 on January 28, 2018
Marian Osmanski (nee Meltz) ’45 on June 1, 2018
Thomas Joda ’48 on October 26, 2017
Elizabeth Roorda (nee Mulcahy) ’37 on September 22, 2017
Arlene Stock (nee Miller) ’45 on November 23, 2017
John Kolokithas ’48 on December 17, 2017
Grace Bueno (nee Dineen) ’39 on November 29, 2017
Sally Andersen (nee Maslowski) ’46 on October 11, 2017
Christine Moeller (nee Lorenz) ’48 on March 19, 2018
Mary Bursek (nee Watt) ’39 on October 31, 2017
Audrey Brennan (nee Zarnow) ’46 on November 8, 2017
Robert Riedl ’48 on December 31, 2017
Evelyn Chandler (nee Hucovski) ’39 on November 11, 2017
Mary Krieps (nee Schatzman) ’46 on March 25, 2018
Joan Dwyer (nee Haut) ’49 on October 26, 2017
1940 s
Lillian Monigal (nee Kroener) ’46 on April 12, 2018
Virginia Frampton (nee Domach) ’49 on December 13, 2016
Carol Ottman ’46 on January 11, 2018
Donald Hoffmeister ’49 on March 20, 2018
Patricia Shusterich (nee Barta) ’46 on August 21, 2017
Joan Kelly ’49 on October 24, 2017
Edward Wagner ’46 on February 14, 2018
Arline Strasser (nee Schomer) ’49 on March 8, 2018
Virginia Beasler (nee Gorgen) ’47 on February 19, 2018
1950 s
Eleanore Chuppa (nee Ertl) ’40 on October 17, 2017 Anthony Handzlik ’40 on December 12, 2017 Sr. Rose Kreuzer ’40 on November 29, 2017 Eleanor Murphy (nee Sajdak) ’40 on January 5, 2018 Mildred Ashby (nee Szulta) ’42 on January 28, 2017 George Puechner ’42 on April 10, 2018 Mary Ann Guyon (nee Watkins) ’43 on June 19, 2016 Bernice Schmitz (nee Kolb) ’43 on December 9, 2017 Edward Semrad ’43 on November 30, 2017 Orrin Smith ’43 on April 7, 2017 Anne Swirkowski (nee Voden) ’43 on February 22, 2018 Elizabeth Hoffmann (nee Biniok) ’44 on November 27, 2017
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William Cooper ’47 on March 29, 2018 Audrey Cosgrove (nee Reiff) ’47 on September 23, 2017 Patsy Gutierrez (nee Deem) ’47 on April 1, 2018 Ruth Jaeger (nee Greenwood) ’47 on December 22, 2017 Joan Jeffords ’47 on February 27, 2018 Mary Mizer (nee Markgraf) ’47 on March 31, 2018 Rosemary Schimmel (nee Haubner) ’47 on December 13, 2017 Gladys Byrum (nee D’Amore) ’48 on June 3, 2018 Mary Corcoran (nee Hurley) ’48 on April 22, 2018
Thomas Gleissner ’50 on May 17, 2018 Douglas Mackett ’50 on October 13, 2017 Beverly Rempe ’50 on September 27, 2016 Mary Ann Olson (nee Kuhn) ’50 on August 13, 2017 Louis Altschwager ’51 on June 14, 2018 Anthony Bova ’51 on April 16, 2018 Vivian Gust (nee Brott) ’51 on April 18, 2018 John Slattery ’51 on February 3, 2018 Patricia Tinglof ’51 on December 19, 2017
Frances Wagner (nee Slagle) ’51 on February 24, 2018 Marion Bell (nee Leygraf) ’52 on February 14, 2017 Dorothy Goerke (nee Domach) ’52 on May 13, 2018 Maureen Haines (nee Morearty) ’52 on January 23, 2018 Ivona Holubowicz (nee Haeffner) ’52 on November 7, 2017 Joan Kehoe (nee Maltby) ’52 on May 14, 2018 Barbara Peters (nee Cronce) ’52 on January 21, 2018 Mary Lois Rauen ’52 on June 12, 2018 Mary Steppe (nee Bonerz) ’52 on February 28, 2018 James Winter ’52 on March 13, 2018 Joan Wucherer (nee Mutz) ’52 on November 2, 2017 Curtis Ackeret ’53 on November 30, 2017 Rosemary Brown (nee Baus) ’53 on February 16, 2018 Donald Czech ’53 on March 18, 2018 Richard Jacobi ’53 on May 5, 2018 Gerald Luedtke ’53 on December 21, 2017 Patricia Raap ’53 on January 10, 2018 Arthur Roubik ’53 on September 24, 2017 Jerome Zimmer ’53 on August 11, 2017 Faith Davis (nee Osterhaus) ’54 on April 4, 2018 Gerald Koelsch ’54 on January 14, 2018 Donald Pelczynski ’54 on January 31, 2018 James Skiba ’54 on October 16, 2017
Philip Stemo ’54 on March 12, 2018
John Malone ’57 on October 22, 2017
Edward Vander Grinten ’61 on October 27, 2017
Patricia Barbieri (nee Newman) ’55 on December 26, 2017
Kenneth Maltby ’57 on February 22, 2018
John Baltes ’62 on January 28, 2018
Marlene Charapata (nee Katzer) ’55 on April 18, 2018
Thomas Pochert ’57 on October 12, 2017
James Elsner ’62 on April 10, 2018
Robert Clancy ’55 on January 26, 2018
Nancy Russell (nee Mangen) ’57 on April 30, 2018
Lawrence Maloney ’62 on October 20, 2017
Terry Dineen ’55 on August 26, 2017
Barbara Rynski (nee Bobzin) ’57 on September 5, 2017
John Heisler ’63 on January 30, 2018
James Hall ’55 on January 24, 2018
Charles Wilging ’57 on January 14, 2018
Michael Ballering ’64 on January 17, 2018
Michael Stehling ’55 on September 22, 2017
John Betz ’58 on December 8, 2017
Sandra Kobylarz (nee Staska) ’64 on December 28, 2016
James Brahm ’56 on April 3, 2018
William Gebhardt ’58 on May 3, 2018
Richard Panella ’64 on January 12, 2018
Mary Ann Helstad (nee Haertl) ’56 on January 17, 2018
John Hecher ’58 on January 8, 2018
Harold Radtke ’64 on November 3, 2017
Paul Laumann ’56 on March 6, 2018
Darrell Schattl ’58 on May 19, 2018
Patricia Williams (nee Hurley) ’64 on October 8, 2017
Penelope Liedtke (nee Tegge) ’56 on November 25, 2017
Michael James ’59 on September 23, 2017
Joseph Rick ’65 on January 30, 2018
Edwin Ostrowski ’56 on December 11, 2017
Michael Matusinec ’59 on January 8, 2018
Daniel Winter ’65 on October 4, 2017
Mary Hollyce Schmidt (nee Smith) ’56 on May 2, 2018
1960 s
Mark Paulbicke ’66 on April 7, 2017
Marvin Landry ’81 on November 20, 2017
Terrance Dulek ’67 on September 23, 2017
Thomas Siegel ’82 on January 10, 2018
Jacquelyn Mazzari (nee Potochar) ’67 on November 11, 2017
1990 s
Thomas Volkmann ’56 on May 14, 2017
Mary Benzinger (nee Hebein) ’60 on January 28, 2018
Richard Hoban ’57 on February 26, 2018 Annette Jones (nee Chmielewski) ’57 on August 16, 2017 Mary Kane (nee Stoffels) ’57 on December 12, 2017
Jerome Bence ’60 on May 27, 2018
Marlene Morse (nee Kacik) ’60 on April 26, 2018 Ronald Staver ’60 on November 14, 2017 Jerome Pelczynski ’61 on April 14, 2018
Gary Barzyk ’68 on April 18, 2018 Robert J. Weis ’69 on January 2, 2018
Giving in
gratitude Consider using Messmer in your will or estate plan
1970 s
Russell Gross ’70 on November 27, 2017 Thomas Tadyshak ’70 on January 2, 2018 Elisabeth Bradshaw (nee Thimm) ’71 on May 18, 2014 Stephen Przybylowski ’71 on September 20, 2017 Debra Dupuis (nee DeMore) ’73 on November 25, 2017 Cynthia Patrick (nee Lisowski) ’73 on July 19, 2016 John P. Williams ’75 on September 19, 2017 Thomas Burzynski ’76 on September 27, 2017 Harold Dean Straszewski ’77 on November 24, 2017 Rosemary Haslee (nee McGrath) ’78 on December 19, 2017
1980 s
Cheryl Nimmer (nee Valenti) ’80 on November 16, 2017
Nathan Haase ’97 on August 8, 2016 Save Messmer Committee Member Ambrose Ciano on February 27, 2018
Doing so helps Messmer continue its 90+ year mission of educating Milwaukee’s children to be faithful, hard-working, socially-responsible members of our community. To start the conversation, contact: Mike Brauer, ’80 Vice President for Advancement mbrauer@messmerschools.org (414) 264-5440 x1299
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MILWAUKEE, WI PERMIT NO. 4764
ROBOTICS CLUB BUILDS SKILL, ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION
learning stem applications + teamwork
Messmer High School's Robotics Club prepares students for college-level engineering work The Robotics Club is going strong at Messmer High School! After earning a 2nd place finish at a Robotics competition earlier in the year, students participated in the State Vex Robotics Tournament in March at MSOE. Students helped to build the two robots to be entered in the competition, supported by teacher Justin Spaeth and volunteer Robert Krause. Students design, build, and program robots to play a game during these competitions. The competitions are all about cooperative play as two teams of two randomly chosen robots compete against each other in an effort to score points by moving, lifting, or placing items around an arena.
“While the game changes each year, Robotics Club stresses to students that using a collaborative process to design something should always be a constant,” said Spaeth. “The engineering or design process has a lot of trial and error, near successes, and actual successes. Our students experience this process first hand in a way that not even many college students get to experience.”