January 18 highlander

the A

highlander

Vol. 32, No. 3

Jan. 18, 2013

Homestead High School, Mequon

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n exciting year of politics reached a turning point on Nov. 6, 2012 as President Barack Obama was re-elected, and Homestead students were able to cast their votes for the first time in an historic election.

Wisconsin, according to wisconsinvote.org, was a “blue state” as Obama secured a majority of votes. Nevertheless, Ozaukee County tended to vote predominantly Republican with candidate Mitt Romney receiving 35,991 of the 55,565 votes.

Mrs. Susan Lueders, social studies chairperson, explained that Ozaukee County’s high per capita income and tendency to hold conservative values resulted in a majority of Republican votes.

Examining the big picture, Wisconsin played a relatively important role in re-electing President Obama. Mrs. Lueders explained that there was a potential for Wisconsin to be a swing-state, but it didn’t end up happening as the people responded with a Democratic voice, the same as it has been for many past elections.

At Homestead, a handful of seniors had the opportuinty to vote for the first time.

Katy Blaser, senior, stated “As young adults, it is important to vote for what we believe Wisconsin was considered a “blue,” is right for the country. This is our governor Democratic, state, but Ozaukee ment and our voices should be heard. Aftercounty voted mainly Republican. wards, I was so proud of what I had done for myself and for my country!”

very year, Pasadena, California is thrust into the spotlight as thousands of people come together to view an American tradition: the Rose Bowl. The new year marks the 124th year of the iconic game, and this time, Homestead ‘08 alumnus and defensive end for Stanford, Ben Gardner, helped clinch a victory for Stanford.

“My whole family was in town, and everyone back home was watching,” Gardner said. Additionally, having his former Homestead coaches, Mr. Fritz Rauch and Mr. Dave Keel in town helped to make the game especially memorable.

Gardner, now in his senior year, played defensive end for Homestead, according to Mr. Rauch, defensive coordinator for the Highlanders.

In his senior year, Gardner helped the team secure the state title in the Division 1 championship against Arrowhead, winning 13-11.

“They were both tough goals to accomplish,” Gardner stated of winning state and the Rose Bowl.

“We were really close a couple of times, both in high school and in college, and over the years the desire to win built.”

Gardner received a scholarship to Stanford and has played football all four years. He plans to return to Stanford next year as a “fifth year senior,” to work on a master’s degree.

Submitted Photo

Mequon, WI

Looking back...

Ben Gardner clenches a rose in his teeth in celebration of making it to the Rose Bowl.

2012’s national headlines hit close to home

By Katie Bandurski

I

W

p. 2 Give from the heart.

Donate blood.

Blood Drive

S

he started as an unseasonal storm, forming off of the coast of Nicaragua, but as this tropical depression moved inland, she became much more: the super storm known as hurricane Sandy, whose path of destruction stretched as far as Wisconsin.

According to National Geographic News Watch, Sandy first hit Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, leaving death counts and destruction in her wake before moving on to the United States.

Reaching landfall on Oct. 29, Sandy dumped torrential rain and destructive winds on the East Coast, knocking out power, shutting down transportation in major cities and closing the New York Stock Exchange for the first time in 124 years, according to the TIME article Hurricane Sandy By the Numbers: A Superstorm’s Statistics, One Month Later.

“In my hometown of Tewksbury, New Jersey, everyone had no power for two weeks and was left without water to shower or clean,” Ann Marie Metzendorf, junior, stated regarding Sandy’s destruction. “I’ve never really seen anything as big as Sandy. It was completely mind blowing.”

100 +

Americans died because of Hurricane Sandy.

8,100,000

homes lost power, in as many as 17 states.

-Time Magazine

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-Time Magazine

20,000,000

Tweeters responded to Sandy between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1

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-NY Times

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t was supposed to be a fun event. Thousands of movie theatres across the country were excited to show the new Batman movie, The Dark Night Rises, when the unthinkable happened.

Being inside the theatre was very eerie and chaotic. Everyone, including myself, seemed confused,” Carey Rottman, Homestead ‘03 graduate, and victim of the July 20 shooting, confirmed.

A CBS News article explained that a gunman opened fire on a theatre full of midnight moviegoers in Aurora Colorado, killing 12 and injuring 59 others, including Rottman, who was shot in the leg.

“When I realized what was happening, I got down and put my arm over my friend for some sort of protection. I remember thinking that we just needed to get out of there as quickly as possible, hoping each shot fired would be the last,” Rottman continued.

Photo provided by Carey Rottman After being shot in the leg, RottCarey Rottman, left, recieves a hospital visit from man managed to exit the theatre Batman actor Christian Bale, right. while the gunman was changing weapons. He made it to safety into the back of a squad car.

“Initially, the aftermath of this tragedy was confusion and chaos,” Rottman explained. “No one knew who the shooter was or what actually just happened.”

In response to the attack, Rottmann argued, “I strongly agree with our rights as US citizens to bear arms, but there needs to be stricter controls on those arms.

We need to be more educated on mental illness and recognizing those sorts of distressing symptoms as family and friends to get these people the help they need before tragedies like this keep happening.”

Photo Illustrations by Katie Bandurski

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news

President Obama’s second inauguration approaching

Photo illustration by Katie Gresham courtesy of Brittanica Image Quest

President Barack Obama was relected in November 2012 and will be inaugurated in January 2013.

By Suri Pourmodheji They will not be easily met in a short span On Jan. 21, 2013, the forty-fourth presi- of time. But know this America, they will dent of the United States, Barack Obama, be met,” according to the Joint Congressiowill be inaugurated to begin his second term. nal Committee, better known as Congress.

President Obama made history in 2009 This speech, a piece of history itself, folwhen he became the first African American lowed the first ever African American presipresident to be elected in the United States. dential inauguration in America. As indicated As an historical figure, President Obama by Congress, President Obama used former will carry on the traditions and responsibili- President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration ties of the presidency starting with the fifty- Bible which is “bound in burgundy red velseventh inauguration in American History. vet with gilt edges” in his inauguration.

Four years ago, President Obama preThis upcoming inauguration’s theme, “Faith sented his first inaugural address saying, “To- In America’s Future” honors the 150 year anniverday I say to you that the challenges we face sary of the positioning of the Statue of Freedom on are real. They are serious, and they are many. the White House dome, according to Congress.

Interesting facts, provided by the Joint Congressional Committee (http://www.inaugural.senate. gov) • The inaugural platform is constructed entirely from scratch for each inaugural ceremony.

• The platform will be more than 10,000 square feet—the same size as the platform used for the 2005 inaugural, which was the largest platform ever built for an inauguration.

• On inauguration day it will hold more than 1,600 people including:

o The President and Vice-President-elects

and their families

o Members of U.S. Senate and House of

Representatives

o Cabinet members and nominees

o Justices of the Supreme Court

o The outgoing President and Vice President

o Former presidents

o The Joint Chiefs of Staff

o Governors

o The diplomatic corps • In addition, bleachers built above the platform, on the Upper West Terrace will hold another 1,000 people including choirs and guests.

• It is built entirely of lumber, to protect the surfaces of the Capitol.

• It is designed to blend architecturally with the U.S. Capitol.

• Planning and design of the platform began more than a year ago.

Flextime workshops provide assistance Information compiled by brooke bayer

Only three flex time workshops left for this trimester!

Blood Drive: Students give from the heart

By Suri Pourmodheji

Im age Qu est

“Every time you donate blood you save three lives,” they need to have some form of identification present.

Donors should also check with a student counMrs. Dawn Pfaff, student council adviser, said, noting the Homestead Student Council blood drive on Feb. 19. From cil representative to confirm eligibility standards 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. on an early release day, students will be if they have traveled outside of the country within the last year, Mrs. Pfaff disclosed. able to donate blood in the field house.

“Donating blood is a unique and Even though students will be life-changing volunteer experiup bright and early for the start of ence. With one donation, three school, they should still get a good lives are saved,” Blaser revealed. night’s sleep. Eating a good breakIn agreement, Alverson remarked fast as well as getting a good night’s that “giving blood is the greatest gift sleep is critical, Katy Blaser, senior you can give to somebody. Time and and president of Student Council, money don’t have the same exact efstated. “While a regular balanced diet fect on peoples’ lives as donors do.” is recommended, we emphasize the imFurthermore, Mrs. Pfaff explained portance of hydration and healthy eating sy that “giving blood with your friends is a at least a day before donation,” she divulged. e t r cou much more enjoyable experience than donatEliseAlverson, senior and Student Council memto o ing alone.” Additionally, snacks and treats will ber, mentioned that the student council gives donors Ph be available in the field house throughout the day. a list of foods as well as packet of raisins the day before The demand for blood from hospitals within the area the drive to help prepare students for donating blood. is huge, Mrs. Pfaff commented. According to her, the In addition to eating healthy foods, Mrs. Pfaff said, “Meeting the height and weight requirements are Homestead Student Council blood drive donates about very important in order to be a successful donor.” If 180 pints of blood. “All of the blood we donate goes to donors are under the age of 16, they must have a par- local hospitals such as Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Cenent present throughout the process in order to donate, ter and Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital,” she explained.

Blaser added. Even if students are over the age of 16, of

Academic/Test anxiety Thursday, Feb. 21: This flextime workshop will assist students with any test taking anxiety, such as decreasing the stress and avoiding tension. The counselors will provide strategies and learning tips to studying and relaxing before tests.

Photo by Katie Gresham

The blood drive planning committee works to orchestrate logistics of the drive before school on Friday Jan. 11 in Mrs. Pfaff’s room.

Br itt an ica

NCAA College bound athletes Thursday, Feb. 14: This flextime workshop will provide assistance to high school athletes playing in college, providing a checklist of items needed in order to play for particular schools, such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, grades and credits students need for particular classes.

Student-athletes can also access college coaches and counselors will be on hand to answer any questions.

Method Test Prep Tuesday, March 19: This flextime workshop is for any students taking the ACT/SAT who want test practice. The counselors will show a tutorial on how to use the free online test prep course that will help students prepare for the tests. The course offers actual questions from the real ACT/SAT tests for practice.

3

Student Opinion

Our View

Piecing together a universal puzzle

News of natural disasters, mass destruction and athletic accomplishments almost always grace the front page. Yet, while headlines might not encourage our interest, the local ties associated should.

Although Mequon represents a miniscule fraction of the world’s population, its inhabitants can have the same effect as those living in Tokyo, Japan, the world’s most populated city. In some way, every single one of us is connected with another.

We share common interests and passions, come from the same culture and celebrate similar traditions.

We, the Highlander staff, celebrate individual accomplishments and recognize that we are all pieces of a universal puzzle.

We can all make a mark on the

world. Influence extends across oceans and mountains. It is especially important to consider the consequences of our actions. We may not know it, but our impact can reach far into the depths of the African deserts or the bustling streets of London.

To be specific, either self interest or group interest drives our behavior.

The best outcomes, however, usually result from selfless actions. It is essential that we continue to act in a kind and generous manner to benefit the global puzzle.

Many of us contribute to the universal puzzle through years of dedication and hard work. As Ben Gardner’s story demonstrates, dreams really can come true. With the right amount of effort, we can all achieve our dreams. Seeing others

accomplish incredible feats simply propels us to reach for the stars. We realize that nothing is impossible, as long as we set our minds to the task and persevere through difficulties.

Above all, we must never give up hope, even when things do not seem to be going our way.

Additionally, life is a rollercoaster of positive and negative experiences. Both are necessary to learn vital lessons; unfavorable situations remind us to appreciate loved ones.

When a shooting takes over the news, we often believe that it could never happen here in Mequon, a relatively small city. It is important that we take time to reflect upon our surroundings rather than constantly taking people and our possessions for granted.

We do not have to be people who are destined for greatness or find the cure for cancer; even the littlest acts of kindness can touch those around us. Happiness is contagious; the most sought-after emotion can spread like wildfire. To take advantage of this, we should take time to make others feel good; a simple compliment can go a long way. Doing good deeds will add a sense of kindness and kinship to the master puzzle.

It’s a new year. That calls for new goals and ideas. While 13 may have an unlucky reputation, let’s do our best to make it a year filled with good deeds. We all supply unique pieces to form a massive universal puzzle of an estimated seven billion people; let’s make a difference.

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The Staff Adviser

Editor-in-Chief News and Activities Editor

Winner of the 2012 First Award in Overall Exellence from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the KEMPA First Place Award.

Student Opinion Editor Feature Editor

Mrs. Rachel Rauch Lucy Smith Katie Gresham Kelly Burke Lana Katz

Copyeditor

Lauren Olson

Sports Editor

Adam Bodner

Layout and Design Editor Public Relations Reporters and Photographers

Homestead High School 5000 W. Mequon Road Mequon, Wisconsin 53092

Katie Bandurski, Katie Gresham, Samantha Hansen, Ilana Katz Brooke Bayer, Adam Bodner, Maggie McGowan, Maddy Wagner Megan Lyneis, Suri Pourmodheji, Alex Talyansky

The Highlander’s editorial policy is to present facts and opinions in a fair and honest manner on issues pertaining to students at Homestead. We uphold the right to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to agree with the majority. Letters to The Highlander are encouraged; however, we reserve the right to edit for length and grammatical errors. In addition, letters must be signed, but names will be withheld upon request. Any student who wishes to express his opinion through The Highlander should drop off the letter in room 506.

4

Student Opinion

Ordering in Starbuckian

IBA: Intense Ballin’ Association Mad skills showcased on Monday nights

By Blake Leeson

Intramural Basketball Association (IBA) includes all walks of life - not just the elite athletes - and when Monday night comes around, it’s show time. Let’s be honest; we all know the truths about IBA. IBA is divided into specific groups of people or teams. We have the team of former basketball players making up for lost dreams when they were younger, as if they were verbally abused as a child athlete and are trying to make up for it by going extremely hard in their IBA game.

We have the team that shows up dressed ridiculously and purposely sabotages its own performance to hide how truly, truly bad they are.

You know who you are.

Along with them, we have the traditional one or two girls teams. Those games always make for a good story.

Who doesn’t love waiting for someone to take a shot for three minutes?

Lastly, we have the few

teams that everyone gets a chance to play against during the course of the season.

The teams that as you enter the court to play, you turn to your teammate and say, “Do they go here? Since when?”

Like I said before, IBA welcomes all walks of life.

In addition to unique teams and I mean “unique” in the strongest sense of the word, there are the unique team names. IBA offers students a way to let their hormones take over and their immaturity engage.

The two ingredients multiplied by a minimum of five equal a recipe for disaster.

Picking the team name is often the highlight for some IBA participants.

Naming the team provides team members with a chance to scour the web and use their creativity to produce a more-frequently-than-not inappropriate team name in the sneakiest way possible.

Some of these names are just blatantly obvious, but that’s what makes IBA so great. The new addition of the IBA website on the MTSD web page allows par-

ticipants to check the latest stats and scores in addition to finding out g a m e times and scheduled opponents.

The IBA website offers new opportunities, Matt Boyles, junior, said. “It makes it more convenient for roster riders, such as myself, to plan which games to show up for.”

Connor Quick, junior, added, “Learning that I would have an IBA- season-ending surgery hit me hard, because I had intramural scouts coming to watch me.”

IBA really brings out the best in people, even around the holidays. Not calling fouls, traveling and excessive celebration is highly encouraged, along with half-court shots.

Eric Wade, junior, agreed, “When everyone starts yelling at each

other, you know the fun has begun.”

Holding their own on the female side of the basketball is the one-and-only Joan Lawlor and her team Senior Citizens.

“IBA is my life! Hard w o r k a n d dedic a -

tion is what it takes, and it has paid off by our los-

ing every game so far,” Lawlor, said. She added, “Never give up, keep trying and always push yourself to the limit.

You gotta keep your head in the game.

High School Musical taught me that!”

A well-learned lesson it is. If hard work doesn’t get you and your team anywhere, you can always foul, according to Kate Caputa, senior. It’s a high priority in her team’s strategy.

All in all, IBA is an exceptional experience and is even worth missing “Teen Mom 2,” Hayden Braaten, junior, said.

Whatever your sacrifice is for IBA, it’s all worth it when it comes Monday night.

Photo by Samantha Hansen

Here’s to a healthy new year... maybe

Photo by Samantha Hansen

By Lauren Olson

“I’ll have a venti o n e pump caram e l , o n e pump white mocha, two scoops vanilla bean powder, extra ice frappuccino with two shots poured over the top (apagotto style) and caramel drizzle, double cupped,” she rattled.

“And a grande Pike Place roast for me please,” the next man in line curtly said.

Step through the doors of any Starbucks, and over the soulful

droning of Norah Jones, you may find yourself scratching your head and saying, “Huh?” Unfortunately, I think we all know at least one person who causes us to avoid a coffee date with him or her.

As you roll your eyes in utter disdain, this Starbucks cult member will assure you that the barista doesn’t care; never believe a Mequon girl.

Rolling out of bed, sliding into her PINK yoga pants and Uggs, she will be nothing more than a zombie stumbling her way through the Homestead halls, while periodically tweeting about her levels of exhaustion and sluggishness. Like I said, never listen. Baristas are not your best friends, and they don’t have a secret life in developing their memorization skills in the pursuit of “Employee of the Month.” And if you take a moment to listen to the absurdity of some of these orders, you may just learn a new language: Starbukian. Make sure to take these tips to heart before you drop back in.

1) “I’ll take a skim, non-

fat caramel macchiato.”

Rewind. Last time I checked, skim milk is milk from which the fat has been removed. Save yourself the breath and just order a stinkin’ nonfat drink because if you don’t come to your senses and correct yourself, the barista at the counter will surely be tempted.

so don’t take it out on them.

2) Don’t be one of those cult members who orders a two-thirds decaf Americano. Decide whether you want your caffeine or not. It’s just that simple.

6) Lastly, DO NOT be the person who must have things just so.

“Umm...I specifically remember asking for a tall, iced coffee in a grande cup with extra ice, three pumps hazelnut, two pumps classic, one inch of nonfat milk with a dome lid and a venti straw. I’d say there are a few cubes too many, I can taste the two-percent milk, the straw is too short for my liking, the coffee is too coarse, and I asked for the dome lid for a reason.” Wait.

What reason? “Oh, and lay off on the hazelnut next time. It tastes more like four pumps.” You people give Mequon a bad name.

No matter how you like your “cup of Joe,” just remember to thank your Starbucks barista next time you feed your caffeine fix, because without them, you can’t enjoy your next venti, nonfat, no-whip, sugarfree, lactose-free, double caffe mocha with three pumps of peppermint.

3) Let me spell out the sizes for you. Tall, grande and venti. Don’t complain about the special names and say, “I don’t speak Starbucks.”

You can threaten to run across the street to a McDonald’s for a more practical menu, but I can assure you that things won’t be any better.

Take your complaining to them, and they’ll just make you add a “Mc” in front of every menu item.

4) Don’t get ticked off when your nonfat vanilla latte comes with whipped cream embellishing the top. It automatically comes with it, so you need to specify that you want “nonfat, no-whip.” The baristas are there to serve your first-world demands,

5) “I’ll have a grande, extra dry cappuccino with extra foam.” Wait.

Is extra dry just the coffee beans without any liquid? Please explain to me how this works and why this would ever be a necessity.

Real Housewives:

By Maggie McGowan

Conner Knuth (left) and Jourdnae Moore (right), seniors, display the antithesis of their New Year’s Resolutions.

By Kelly Burke

It’s that time of year again, everybody. New year, new you; at least that’s how the saying goes. This year, Homestead students are stepping up their New Year’s resolutions, striving for nothing less than extraordinary. Since everything at Homestead is above and beyond average, you would expect nothing less for New Year’s resolutions, right? Exactly.

Everson Mayerstein and Carmen Soler, seniors, share a common goal: to speak fluent Spanish. A stretch for the two, natives of Mexico and Spain respectively, they are determined to achieve their goals.

In addition to students’ intentions to shoot for the stars, their goals are also very specific. Some of these goals include Chris Mueller, junior’s, “to beast it more” and Conner Knuth, senior’s, “to not get caught.”

Some resolutions are a little more detailed, and the students plan to commit to them. Katy Blaser, senior, wants to “get rock hard abs.” Blaser is confident she’ll

5

Student Opinion

Photos by Kelly Burke

max out her Elite membership for at least two weeks.

The most frequent pledge of students is to stay or to become healthy. Because we all know after at least three years of being a couch potato and chowing down on the Highlander Bowl day after day is so easy to change.

Jourdnae Moore, senior, claims she wants “to stop eating like a man.” Which is oh, so easy when Mequon just opened its very own Noodles & Co., months after adding Taco Bell, a health nut’s dream.

Other resolutions, like Lizzy Jorgenson’s, junior, seem attainable. “I want to get more sleep,” Jorgenson said. Easy enough, right? Until your English teacher assigns a five-paragraph Hamlet essay, your Spanish teacher gives you five pages of reading comprehension work and your math teacher announces an upcoming test on limits: the next day.

When intentions for self-improvement are so easy to derive and so hard to accomplish, maybe Homestead students will most likely continue procrastinating, eating their hearts out and avoiding the gym.

When one thinks of a “real housewife,” a shapely blonde who spends her time working out, sipping mimosas with her seemingly perfect girlfriends and delving in her hubby’s wealth may come to mind. What is a real housewife?

A typical day begins with a seven dollar venti chai made exclusively for her every morning at Starbucks. When she burns her tongue on the coffee, she complains and asks for the manager.

Next, she must get the children off to school and the other ones off to daycare on time to make sure not to miss a single minute of her morning workout. This is usually followed by a gos-

sip session at a local Sendik’s.

With friends, shopping is a must whether it be for more Frey Boots or Tory Burch flats. Of course, there’s always time for a retouch on the nails and hair at the spa.

Later in the day, the housewife has to make a tough decision: “Should I drive the BMW or the Range Rover?”

She chooses the latter: the one with 9 MPG. A housewife on the road is not something you want to encounter. If you spot a real housewife behind the wheel texting at 60 mph in a 45 mph zone, just move quickly.

If she pleases, she may make some instant mac and cheese for the children before she heads out for a lavish dinner at the country club with her husband. Reminder: add the second-shift

Photo by Samantha Hansen

Shopaholics plan spending sprees

By Maddy Wagner

The time has come, shopaholics. Nordstrom is coming to Mayfair Mall in 2015. Although we have years to wait, women are already counting down the days.

“I was with my mom when we found out, and she just about collapsed onto the floor. It’s safe to say we are counting down the days!” Dara Schuman, sophomore, said.

With the hype already high, expect the the opening week to be as crowded as Black Friday.

Survival of the fittest will be key into the opening day of this store. Competing with the brandobsessed teenagers and the North Shore Nancys, it will be every shopper for herself.

The claws will be out for the last Burberry handbag in stock or the size 6 Marc Jacobs high heels.

The popular prom dresses Nordstrom sells will now be seen on more than one girl at the same dance, causing inevitable unplanned and slightly awkward twinning.

If you expect to make it out alive without being either mentally or physically harmed, think again.

This is the first Nordstrom within a 20-mile radius. Although the opening date is unclear, the common shopaholic has already filled the shopping bag in her mind- multiple times.

“Now that I won’t have to drive so far away, you can expect me there all the time,” Emma Match, senior, said.

Nordstrom for the average Mequon mom is equivalent to Barneys for a NYC upper east sider.

The impact Nordstrom is having on Milwaukee hasn’t been this big since Macy’s decided to make the same decision a few years ago.

“I will more than likely be at Nordstrom more than Macy’s once it opens. There’s more clothes to choose from, and they have a better shoe department,” Becky Dummann, senior, said.

So to all females brave enough to endure Nordstrom’s opening: sharpen your claws, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Manis, pedis, shoes and spa days, what a life

nannies to the holiday shopping list.

Check.

A socializer at her finest, she must attend the weekly bridge game nights consisting of cocktails and gossip.

Dressed almost head to toe in Dolce&Gabbana and Louboutin’s, a Louis Vuitton bag on her arm, topped off with Gucci sunglasses, a real housewife can rival the best of those on “Jersey Shore.” Just try to keep up.

Photo illustration by Samantha Hansen

6

Feature

Read Campaign: Stick your nose in a book

Photo by Katie Bandurski

By Alex Talyansky

A wise philosopher by the name of Marcus Tullius Cicero once said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” With this philosophy in mind, Homestead’s goal has been to encourage reading outside of the class environment.

According to a Nov. 19 press release, “Taking part in the American Library Association’s READ promotion, the IMC is producing a series of posters featuring Homestead staff and students reading.”

As part of their new Read Campaign, Mrs. Suzy Zellmann, Instructional Media Director, has launched a series of READ posters, featuring students and teachers to promote a love of reading.

The newest poster, featuring Mrs. Susan Godfrey, physical education instructor, shows Mrs. Godfrey in a yoga pose while reading a book. Other Posters include members of the varsity football team and their coach, Mr. Fritz Rauch.

It is true that students and teachers alike find value in reading for enjoyment.

Lindsay Kurtin, junior exclaimed, “My favorite books right now would probably be the Hunger Game series. They’re a really fun read!”

Ana Kreynin, freshman, said, “I love the book Maximum Ride. It always keeps me interested.”

Jesse Nye, junior, mentioned, “My favorite book is my algebra book. I mean it takes up most of my time anyway, so why not?”

Mrs. Zellmann said, “I can’t necessarily tell you my favorite book, but my favorite genre is fantasy sci-fi!”

Mrs. Meehan, Instruction Media Center librarian, said, “My favorite book would be In the Heart of the Sea.” Mr. Daigle, English teacher, said, “I really love One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

Teachers lead secret lives

By Brooke Bayer

Snapchat (Photo and video) -Snapchat is the fastest way to share a moment with friends. You take a quick picture or video with the Snapchat app and send it with a text to a friend for up to 10. It erases immediately after viewing. Fast, fun and easy way to capture the moment with a friend!

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English

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First year at Homestead: 1991-92 Interesting or unexpected fact about your past: I trained to become an air traffic controller.

When: 1985 Did you enjoy it? I loved the respect it garnered; I loved the details and the challenge to my brain; I did not love the effect on my family.

Favorite memory of this: The camaraderie of training with the people I would have worked with.

Google Maps (Navigation) Sick of getting lost with the Apple maps? Then download the Google Map app, and you will never get lost again! From street side view, to perfect directions, this app sure has it all. Find your way to a bus station, or access live traffic information in cities across the world!

CSR racing (Games) Race your dream car in the ultimate test: a drag race along the deserted city streets. You can upgrade your dream car with nitro, turbo and tweaks to make it the fastest car on the track. Download the app now to become the fastest racer and rule the car race world!

Instacollage (Photo and video) Make a picture collage with up to five different photos! Add a creative and customized frame, and call it your own! Add fun graphics such as a heart or a smiley face!

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Find my iPhone (Utilities) Ever lose your iPhone, iPod, iPad or Apple device? This app will help you find it! Login into the app with your Apple username and password, and let the app do the rest! The app will send a noise to your missing device, play that sound until you find it.

First year at Homestead: 1994 Interesting or unexpected fact about your past: I was a speed skater, starting at age seven, and continuing for 15 years. As a senior in high school, I qualified to skate the Olympic Trials with only 12 other women, but did not make the team. I tried again four years later.

Did you enjoy it? I loved it, and was pretty successful. After I retired, I spent another 22 years working at the various meets with the timing equipment, the computers and publishing the results. I worked at world championships, national championships and other meets in Milwaukee.

Favorite memory of this: Getting to work at the speed skating oval at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.

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First year at Homestead: Fall of 1990 as a substitute teacher and frosh boys’ basketball coach.

Interesting or unexpected fact about your past: For a college summer job, besides helping my mom and dad on our dairy farm, I worked at an ice fishing tackle manufacturing company.

When: Summers of 1985 and 1986 Did you enjoy it? When I worked by myself it was fine, but I had to work on the assembly line one day and it was the worst and longest day of my life.

Favorite memory of this: Working outside doing “piece work” and getting a sun tan.

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First year at Homestead: 2002 Interesting or unexpected fact about your past: I lived in Rome, Italy for three years.

When: 1982 to 1985 Did you enjoy it? Yes! Good food, great friends and adventurous travel.

Favorite memory: Coming to know some remarkable young men who were refugees from Ethiopia.

Anything else you’d like to share: I love to learn about life with and without books!

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TOP 5 APPS OF THE NEW YEAR

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Photo by Ilana Katz

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Information compiled by Lauren Olson

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Photos provided by VIP

Feature

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AFS students dish about life in America

Information compiled by Ilana Katz

Sara Kickmayer, Austria Carmen Soler, Spain

Favorite American food: Pancakes Something you experienced in America for the first time: Football games and cheerleading Favorite American song: Thrift Shop by Mackelmore Favorite American TV show: Modern Family Host parents: Mr. David and Mrs. Linda Pearce How does your school differ from ours: It is harder, and we go to all classes with the same people.

Favorite American sport: Football and tennis Favorite activity to do in America: Curling Favorite class and teacher at Homestead: Math and Mrs. Solorzano American myth: Everybody is fat!

Favorite American food: Chocolate chip cookies Funniest American word: Funny Something you experienced in America for the first time: Too many to name Favorite American song: The National Anthem Host parents: The Blazichs, the Lookers and the Rowes How does your school differ from ours: The teachers come to us, and I remain with the same people throughout the entire day.

Favorite American sport: Basketball Favorite activity to do in America: Cheerleading Favorite class and teacher at Homestead: I love them all and I am very grateful for this opportunity American myth: Everybody is heavier.

Lilli Wiedemann, Germany

Favorite American food: Mac-n-Cheese Funniest American word: Fuzzy Something you experienced in America for the first time: Orchestra Favorite American song: Most of the bands and singers I listen to are American Favorite American TV show: Family Guy, How I Met Your Mother and The Simpsons Host parents: The Kerkmans How does your school differ from ours: School is generally easier but much stricter Favorite American sport: Football Favorite class at Homestead: Drawing, Painting and Creative Writing American myth: Americans are fat and only eat McDonald’s.

Jan Sricharoen, Thailand

Karl Gustafsson, Sweden-Göteborg

Favorite American food: Chicken tenders Funniest American word: Obnoxious Something you experienced in America for the first time: Snow!

Favorite American song: Daylight by Maroon 5 Favorite American TV show: New Girl Host parents: The Collins How does your school differ from ours: School in Thailand is harder Favorite American sport: Football Favorite activity to do in America: Shop Favorite class and teacher at Homestead: Literary Seminar and Mrs. Pfaff

Favorite American food: Culvers Funniest American word: Scrub Something you experienced in America for the first time: School sports Favorite American song: Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield Favorite American TV show: Scrubs and South Park Host parents: The Hilbys How does your school differ from ours: Classes differ everyday and high school is not mandatory Favorite American sport: Football Favorite activity to do in America: Curling Favorite class and teacher at Homestead: American History and Mr. O’Brien American myth: Americans are fat and only eat fast foods.

Submitted photos

Shuffle the deck: Searching beyond the backpack

By Samantha Hansen

The Highlander made a deck of cards containing the names of the entire student body. For each issue, we will shuffle the deck and pick a student to feature. This issue’s pick: Andy Deneen.

This year, Andy Deneen, senior, will complete his final year at Homestead. As a senior, he has had the chance to get involved in many activities around the Homestead campus.

Those activities include boys’ swim team, Latin club and National Honor Society. His favorite activity is swimming. “The camaraderie and people are extremely fun, and it’s something I look forward to every day,” Deneen stated.

Deneen considers beating Sam Silver, senior swimmer, in the 100 free race to be one of his best accomplishments.

“It was my goal for most of the season and finally accomplishing it was great,” Deneen added.

Along with his extracurricular activities, Deneen takes rigorous courses to challenge himself. AP U.S. History is among one of his favorites. “Mr. Sloma is a great teacher, and I love U.S. History,” Deneen mentioned.

School, however, is not the only thing in Deneen’s life.

He enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing pickup games of Frisbee. Also, he enjoys watching movies and sports in any free time he gets.

Recently, Deneen was accepted into his first choice college: Vanderbilt University. “There was nothing to not like about Vanderbilt. The city, students, and academics are all great, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.”

Deneen then added he will be an undecided engineering major at Vanderbilt.

Throughout Deneen’s four years at Homestead, he has kept himself busy with school activities, sports and class work. With those components, he has created many great memories. k Dec Five Fun Facts the e ffl The Dark Knight 1. Favorite movie: Shu

2. Favorite Song: From Heads Unworthy

by Rise Against 3. Favorite Band: Rise Against 4. Fun Fact: My license plate is “Ginger” 5. Favorite Actor: Rupert Grint

Photo provided by Andy Deneen

Highlander Publications

Homestead411

homestead

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8

Athletes work hard, even from the sidelines

By Adam Bodner

Jake Mueller is entering his senior season as a part of the Homestead wrestling program, and he is gaining recognition from his peers and coaches for his accomplishments both on and off the mat. “No one in the wrestling program cares more than Jake. He is always looking after his teammates,” Mr. Ernest Millard, varsity wrestling coach, stated.

Mueller is a four year letter-winner and captain of a wrestling team rich with seniors. But it’s Mueller’s work ethic that sets him apart, according to Mr. Millard. “He has a great work ethic, a lot of energy and an awesome personality,” Mr. Millard continued.

Mueller also has exhibited his great talent on the mat as well, placing fourth at Regionals last season and earning a spot in the Sectional. “He’s a technically sound wrestler, and he’s very good on his feet,” Mr. Millard said. His teammates also value his skills. Jacob Sanner, sophomore, noted, “He’s a great wrestler. He’s very talented and he leaves it all out on the mat.”

Sanner also mentioned that Mueller was great in practice. “Jake works incredibly hard in practice. He gives 110% in every single drill. He’s very determined to do well.”

Mueller put in more than his fair share of work over the off season, according to Millard. “Jake came back this year in much better physical shape. He is much stronger” he said. Mr. Millard also explained that Mueller attended both the Whitewater and J. Robinson wrestling camps to hone in his skills.

Overall, Jake Mueller’s abilities and commitment to his team make him a noteworthy student-athlete.

As of Dec. 2, Karley Marotta was excited for her senior basketball season, her third year on varsity. She also looked to continue her success from her previous two years as she achieved captain status. Marotta had worked hard over the off season to ensure her success this year, according to girls’ varsity basketball coach Mr. Matt Heuser. “Karley definitely put in time in the off season in AAU playing with some very good competition,” he explained.

Unfortunately, Marotta will be unable to realize her expectations since she tore her ACL, ending her season and her high school basketball career.

The team was understandably let down by the news of one of their own falling due to injury, but the fact that it was Marotta was even more devastating, according to Taylor McIlwraith, freshman and starter. “I’m very sad she can’t play this year, because with her we could’ve accomplished great things as a team,” McIlwraith said.

Heuser agreed, “Had she played this year I think she could’ve been one of the best ever to come through this program.”

However, Marotta isn’t letting her injury get in the way of helping her team. “She remains a leader although she isn’t able to be with the team physically. During practices and time-outs during games, she tells us ways that we need to improve and what to look for when we’re playing,” Jourdnae Moore, senior and teammate, said.

Coaches and teammates agree that Marotta’s continued effort is what still makes her a valued member of her team.

We are the mighty

Highlanders

Facts about the Homestead mascot, Angus information compiled by adam bodner and lucy smith

The original Angus was created in 1993 by Mr. Jeff Pollard, a graphic artist in Portland, Oregon who also designed the logo for Tiger Woods.

Mr. Charlie Gross, former athletic director, came up with the idea of Angus as a mascot to add more school spirit in 2004.

The mascot was designed and the costume shipped to Homestead from a company in Michigan.

After a very competitive naming contest, the mascot took on the moniker Angus.

The Angus Highlander Facebook page is not run by the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

Wes Gebhardt was the face behind Angus for four dedicated years.

The current identity of Angus remains an enigma, but the district is always looking for anyone interested in taking on the role of Angus fulltime.

No formal training is needed to be Angus; you only need to have an excessive amount of school spirit!

Odd Wisconsin mascots Rhinelander Hodags Kakauna Galloping Ghosts Badger Badgers Butternut Midgets Cuba City Cubans Kimberley Papermakers Laona Fighting Kellys Mellen Granite Diggers Monroe Cheesemakers Whitewater Whippets Ashland Oardockers DeForest Norskies Wabeno Log Rollers Hurley Midgets Independence Indees

Photos provided by Mr. Fritz Rauch

The Rose Bowl stadium (left) hosted the 99th-annual college football matchup between Wisconsin and Stanford on Jan. 1. This year, Homestead football coaches Mr. Dave Keel (center, left) and Mr. Fritz Rauch (center, right) traveled to Pasadena to watch former Homestead football player, Ben Gardner, Class of ‘09 (center, middle), defeat the Wisconsin Badgers 17-14 (right).