2022 Spring Advantage

WLHS Advantage Spring 2022 | Grade School Parent Publication

74.5% of Freshman Class from Conference Grade Schools Highlights from: • Garden Homes, Star of Bethlehem, St. Paul’s - Franklin, St. John’s - Milwaukee, and Risen Savior Lutheran Grade Schools

Our WELS Commitment Strong WELS Enrollment

During the past five years, our freshman class has seen a steady average enrollment of more than 74% from our Conference grade schools.

81.4%

74.4%

80%

82.4%

83% 74.5%

2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23

(projected)

“It is easy to see how our Risen Savior students grow at Wisco — not just academically or athletically — but socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Our alumni who have attended Wisco are on the path to future success in college or whatever they want to do.”

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— Mr. Robert Dusseau, superintendent, Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2022

“WLHS takes seriously its commitment to keep Christ as the focus in the dayto-day activities of our students.

Our focus goes Brad Wetzel (‘98) Director of Admissions well beyond daily chapel. It extends into every aspect of the school day, including all academic periods and all co-curricular activities.

As a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), our confessional Lutheran identity is a pillar of our mission that we are blessed to share with each family we serve — from those who have been part of the WELS their entire life to those who are newly introduced.”

Students from Risen Savior Lutheran Grade School

70+ Scholarships Available

Tuition assistance and scholarships are two of the resources WLHS offers to help make its tuition affordable for families.

“I encourage parents to contact me once they begin thinking about high school. Even if your child is in second or third grade, it’s never too early to start talking about what we can do together to have your son or daughter attend Wisco.”

— Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions, 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@ wlhs.org Two New Scholarships

New Scrip App for Tuition Savings

John and Janet Tadin Memorial Scholarship

Through the Scrip program, families can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars in tuition credit simply by using gift cards as payment for groceries, gas, clothing, home supplies and more.

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded based on financial need.

John and Janet Tadin loved the experience and education their daughters and grandchildren received at WLHS. They created the scholarship to assist families with the privilege of sending their children to Wisco.

•

Scrip now has an easy-to-use app

so gift cards can be downloaded

to a phone.

•

Dr. Mary D. Snell Medical Scholarship Established in 2021, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior with a 3.5 or higher GPA who shows a strong interest in the medical profession.

To register for Scrip,

call 414-453-4567 and

ask for Shelley Goede

or email scrip@wlhs.org.

Dr. Snell graduated from WLHS in 1973 and established the scholarship because she is forever grateful to her parents for her Christian education.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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A Mind for Math

In 2020, WLHS alum Ms. Gina Radue (’12) joined WLHS to teach a variety of math classes, including honors algebra 1, algebra 2, and geometry.

Gina Radue (‘12)

“I know math isn’t everyone’s favorite subject but I love teaching it. I try to make it relatable so my students appreciate its worth.

I emphasize the problem-solving skills they are developing and I encourage them not to give up. I also stress that mistakes are OK. Being resilient and a creative thinker are valuable skills they’ll need in college, career, and throughout life,” says Radue.

Sophie Carlson (’23)

In addition to teaching math, Radue, who played softball all four years at Wisco, is head coach of the varsity girls’ softball team.

Algebra 2

Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School, New Berlin

“Our girls are coming in with prior experience and a passion for the game,” says Radue. “Our program is at an exciting stage of development and we have a very promising future in front of us.”

Sophie Carlson

Fun with Math Each week, Ms. Gina Radue (’12) posts a math joke to bring smiles and joy to a subject that some students find challenging.

Avyiana Story (’23) Algebra 2

Why should you never trust a math teacher?

Garden Homes Lutheran School, Milwaukee

Because they are always plotting something!

“Ms. Radue changed the whole way I look at math but the best thing is she cares so much about her students and their lives.

She’s a mentor to me and I know she’ll always be there for me.”

Avyiana Story

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“Ms. Radue teaches each lesson a few different ways to make sure everyone understands it. Before I had her sophomore and junior year, I hated math but now I know what I’m doing.”

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2022

Boys’ Soccer Success

The 2021 season was strong for both the varsity and JV boys’ soccer teams.

Varsity finished with a record of 12-7-3 and won its regional game, advancing to regional finals for the first time since 2015.

JV notched a 13-3 record with a talented and dedicated group of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Zach Adams (’22) Varsity Co-captain

German Immersion School, Milwaukee “The program is great because the coaches push you to be the best athlete and Christian man possible.

Our team really was like a Zach Adams family, and we grew a lot from the previous season.

This year’s winning record is a solid foundation for the younger guys to build on.”

Adams is a multi-sport athlete who earned a baseball scholarship to Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn., where he plans to pursue a pre-med track.

Boys varsity soccer

Visit wlhs.org/athletics for information about Wisco sports.

New Trap Shooting Club Led by science teacher Josh Nelson, WLHS has added another co-curricular to its offerings.

Shoreland Lutheran, Marquette High School, Wauwatosa East, and Brookfield East.

The Viking Clay Breakers is a trap shooting club that’s open to both boys and girls.

“Many people don’t realize trap shooting is an Olympic sport and there are also college scholarships that are available for trap shooting athletes,” adds Nelson.

“Anyone can do this sport. It doesn’t matter if you’re tall, short, big, or small because it doesn’t require athletic ability. Instead, it takes handeye-coordination, along with discipline and focus — two skills that are valuable throughout life,” says Nelson.

The season runs February through June and the Viking team competes against other area high schools, including

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Viking-2-Viking Career Exploration

Throughout the year, WLHS hosts Viking-2-Viking “real world” sessions for juniors and seniors. The program brings alumni back to Wisco to talk about life after graduation and share their career paths and how to be productive, Christ-centered women and men.

Trade professionals returned to WLHS to share valuable insights with students. The group discussed selecting the proper courses in high school, the discovery process when pursuing a specific trade, and the importance of communication skills in the workplace.

• Holly Wintrone ('16), electrician apprentice, Roman Electric (pictured front left) • Charlie Falkner ('92), foreman, Prime Industrial (pictured front middle) • Mike Dibb ('97), CNC manager, Tool and Die Maker (pictured front right)

2021-22 Topics

Actuarial Science and Finance

Business

College Life

Health Care

Ministry

Social Work and Psychology

Trades

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2022

Alumni in business careers came to speak for Viking-2-Viking. The speakers included: • Stephanie (Hunt) Smokovich ('02), President and Creative Director at Bella Blvd LLC (pictured front left) • Matt Totsky ('02), Director of Investments at Northwestern Mutual (pictured front right)

Viking Christian Leaders

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

UNITY

PEACE

Ingrid Buschkopf (‘22)

Joe Kallies (‘22)

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

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

St. John’s Lutheran School, Milwaukee

“I try to mediate when people are having conflicts and work to get them to see things from the other person’s perspective. Now that I know others see me as a peacemaker, I’ve actually increased my peace behavior.”

Buschkopf is attending Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and plans to major in violin performance.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Franklin

“Freshman year I didn’t reach out to others as much.

Now, if I see someone struggling, I go out of my way to talk to them and try to make them feel better.

I make sure they know God is there for them and we’re one in Christ. When you go to a Lutheran school, it’s filled with people who care and want to help.”

Kallies is attending Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa, and plans to major in business management.

For a list of Viking Christian Leaders, visit wlhs.org/vcl Stay connected to WLHS! WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Where Success Means More 330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

What are you doing this summer?

2022 Viking Explorers Camp For Kids Grades K-9

Sign up for camps that include: sports, robotics, theater and more!

Information and registration available at wlhs.org/explorers.