2020 Spring Advantage

WLHS Advantage Spring 2020 | Grade School Parent Publication

More at WLHS Highlights from:

• Atonement Lutheran School, Milwaukee • Siloah Lutheran School, Milwaukee

• Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School, New Berlin • Trinity Lutheran School, Waukesha

Why We Choose WLHS

Twenty years ago, Michelle and Ryan Olson were having a tough conversation about where their children would go to school.

WLHS Connections 79% – of students are

involved in one

or more co-curricular activity

51% – of students

participate in the fine arts

40+ – clubs, activities

Jack Olson (pictured center) was the Class of 2019 salutatorian

Michelle is a woman of faith who had attended public school. Ryan had gone to a Lutheran grade school and high school.

“I felt there were advantages I wanted our children to have. At a Lutheran school, I knew my children would hear about their Savior every day. They’d have a more intimate environment with smaller class sizes and be with teachers who would help solidify their moral character and help us give them a Christian upbringing.” — Ryan Olson

The Olsons continued talking. Michelle prayed about it and then they decided to pursue Lutheran education.

Once the Olsons committed to a Lutheran grade school, a Lutheran high school was next.

“Our kids wanted to attend Wisco. They saw it as their place,” says Michelle. “Wisco connected with them during grade school and they developed a community of friends through sports and camps.

Everyday I’m thankful we gave this faith experience to our children.”

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2020

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and co-curriculars are available

– average class size at WLHS

Jack (pictured right) with brother Samuel (‘21), and sister Lauren (‘23)

Jack Olson (’19) Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School, New Berlin “One of the best things about Wisco is the close relationships you develop with your teachers and coaches. I knew my teachers truly cared about me, my faith and my future.”

Olson is attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison and was a direct admit into the School of Business

Student Council Expands

For the past few years, the WLHS Student Council has been evolving and changing to better reflect the student body.

What had once been a small group is now 140 strong.

“We’ve got more than 100 students who are passionate about WLHS and want to share their voice, their ideas and their energy to make the school and its culture even better,” says Andre Gosch, Student Council faculty advisor.

The expanded Student Council is leading to more student engagement. This fall, nearly 80% of the student body attended the homecoming dance.

And, an energized student body can accomplish amazing things.

Brielle Miles (’20), who attended St. Marcus Lutheran School in Milwaukee, is Student Council president and led the school’s effort to raise $30,000 to support Branch Lutheran Schools in Haiti.

“I was hesitant to take on the role but I’ve learned I love bringing people together and leading. We organize and host more than 30 different activities each school year. When you have an event that goes well, it’s so exciting,” says Miles.

Student Council volunteers at the 2020 Kids Carnival

One of the biggest outreach events Student Council plans is the winter Kids Carnival. This year, more than 60 WLHS students hosted 600 children, parents and grandparents who spent the afternoon playing games, taking in a magic show and jumping in a bounce house.

Brielle Miles (‘20) (pictured left) volunteering at the 2020 Kids Carnival.

“I’m so proud of our students and how they interact with the children during the Kids Carnival. It’s a great representation of who our Wisco students are and how they show Christ’s love,” says Gosch.

“I encourage the kids to test out new ideas because, even if something doesn’t work, it can lead to better plans next time.” — Andre Gosch, Student Council faculty advisor

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE.

Andre Gosch

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More at WLHS The Wisco Way

During the past two years, WLHS has implemented three new initiatives to support a positive school culture and promote the development of foundational Christian values and leadership traits in students.

“The Wisco Way was created to succinctly communicate who we are, what we believe and how we conduct ourselves as followers of Christ. We’re encouraging students to live their faith through the words and actions of Jesus.”

— Campus Pastor Phil Huebner (’99)

“And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:32).

Each month, the Wisco student body develops a deeper understanding of the Wisco Way word of the month through chapel and the Viking Christian Leadership Academy (see page 10). Here’s an example of how Love, one of the Wisco Way words, guides students and directs their actions.

LOVE Why?

Who?

What?

(my motivation)

(my identity)

(my response)

Because he loved me . . .

I am loved.

I love him and others.

This leads me to show . . .

Forgiveness, Compassion, Empathy, Sympathy, Obedience, Respect, Kindness, Patience, Self-sacrifice

KEY BIBLE VERSES “We love because he first loved us.”

“For God so loved the world . . .”

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2020

Viking Christian Leaders

More at WLHS

Each month, a male and female student whose actions exemplify a Wisco Way word are recognized with a Viking Christian Leaders Award.

PEACE

UNITY

Trinity Moore (’20)

Evann Vasatko (‘20)

Unity = When I live in Unity, I act in Love, Peace, Fellowship and Friendship with others.

Peace = When I live in Peace, I act with Gentleness, Calm, Contentment, Joy, Forgiveness, Unity, Confidence, Security and Connectedness.

Siloah Lutheran School, Milwaukee

“I like to get to know everyone and make sure they’re included. If I see someone who is alone, I go and talk to them. I think that’s especially important for the international students because they come to Wisco not knowing anyone.”

Moore is attending Mankato State University on a track scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in nursing.

Trinity Lutheran School, Waukesha

“As a senior, I’ve noticed there’s more interaction and connection between the grades. They’re getting to know each other better and really understanding we’re all part of the same Wisco family.”

Vasatko plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

For a list of Viking Christian Leaders, visit wlhs.org/vcl WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE. MORE

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More at WLHS

Viking Christian Leadership Academy

The Viking Christian Leadership Academy (VCLA) is a focused and intentional leadership development program at WLHS. It’s a school-wide initiative to support a culture of Christian leaders and student development by providing students with the opportunity to learn, reflect and apply Christian leadership principles.

VCL Academy Snapshot

• Launched in August 2019

• Led by Brian Gottschalk with 10 faculty mentors

• 134 juniors and seniors

• Monthly meetings focused on a Wisco Way word • Monthly Wisco Way homeroom devotion and discussion led by a VCLA member • August orientation and April retreat with guest speakers delivering advice and inspiration on how to be a Christian leader “Our prayer is that the VCL Academy sparks students to think of themselves as Christian leaders. We’ve identified a lot of students, some of whom maybe didn’t even think of themselves as leaders, and have given them responsibility. It’s working because I’ve already seen a difference in how VCLA members interact with underclassmen and each other,” Brian Gottschalk, VCL Academy faculty leader.

“Being a Christian leader is more than just being a nice person and working hard. Strong Christian leaders learn how to build positive relationships with those around them. They have strong Christian character and inspire others to act.”

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— Brian Gottschalk, VCL Academy faculty leader

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2020

VCLA Student Benefits Resume: Colleges and employers want candidates with strong leadership skills. They’re looking for integrity.

They want young men and women who can motivate themselves and others and have the initiative to go above and beyond.

Growth: Colleges and employers are asking more behavior-based questions to uncover candidates’ strengths. The VCL Academy gives students concrete leadership examples to share.

Impact: Studies show that involvement in co-curricular activities has a positive effect on student learning and the overall educational experience. Students who are actively engaged are more likely to experience school success.

Career Introductions

This year, WLHS added “Viking-2-Viking,” a career exploration program that brings together alumni with juniors and seniors to talk about life after graduation, career paths and how to be productive, Christ-centered professionals.

Student Feedback

Hailie Kittell (’21)

Atonement Lutheran School, Milwaukee “It was super interesting because you could ask any sort of question and get real-world answers. I talked to Kyle Safranek (‘00) from Glenn Rieder after his presentation and was able to line up an apprenticeship for next year.”

Viking-2-Viking Alumni Alumni, including Dr. Krista Hernandez (’03) and Max Long (’07), returned to share their insight and college and career experience with students. The inaugural year of Viking-2-Viking brought business, engineering, healthcare, law, military, teaching, preaching and trade professionals to WLHS.

Corey Tipton (’21)

Saint Lucas Lutheran School, Bay View “Math and science are two of my favorite subjects so I liked learning from the SpaceX engineer about where he went to college, his initial internship and how he moved up the ranks.”

Max Long (‘07), SpaceX (pictured center) After graduating from WLHS, Long attended the Florida Institute of Technology where he earned his bachelor and master’s degrees. Long has been with SpaceX since 2011 and is currently senior manager of the 81-person Falcon Assembly team.

Ashley Joe-Fuqua (’20)

St. Marcus Lutheran School, Milwaukee “During the healthcare and military talks, it was helpful to hear about the paths they each took, the schools they attended and the internships they had. It was great motivation for me to stay focused, engaged and to keep pushing.”

Dr. Krista Hernandez (‘03), Advocate Aurora Health, Major in the United States Army Reserve (pictured center)

Dr. Hernandez attended Wisconsin Lutheran College, majoring in psychology and Spanish. She is a licensed psychologist and currently works in behavioral health care in a program that serves military, veterans, first responders and their families.

Stay connected to WLHS! WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE.

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GUIDED

BY FAITH. DRIVENAvenue

BY EXCELLENCE. 330 North Glenview Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

WLHS Day of Caring On April 14, WLHS celebrated Milwaukee Day with a WLHS Day of Caring. Family and friends spent the day sharing photos of Christ-like acts of kindness.

Jennifer Poston from Atonement Lutheran Church shared a photo of her son, Connor, crocheting mask mates, which help protect the back of the ear from chafing when wearing a surgical mask.

“We know that many people have been effected by the coronavirus,” says Jennifer. “We wanted to help those in the medical field who are making sacrifices every day.

We are happy to be able to show love to others like Christ has asked us to, especially during this difficult time.”

To date, the Poston family has made 160 mask mates.

For more inspiring photos from the WLHS Day of Caring, visit the WLHS Facebook page.

Connor Poston