2015 Spring Advantage

WLHS

ADVANTAGE SPRING 2015

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Making WLHS Affordable

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WLHS Band Reaches New Heights

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Grads Reflect/ Academic Support

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Christian Health & Wellness

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Roundabout Invitation

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Viking Explorers Camp

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

Making WLHS Affordable

Each year, WLHS awards more than 60 scholarships to students and their families to make its superior, Christ-centered education affordable.

Scholarships include: 4 Steve and Heidi Bohlmann Family Scholarship $4,000 award for students who otherwise couldn’t afford WLHS. 4

Robert Andreas Memorial Scholarship Award to cover half the WELS conference tuition rate for students from a single parent family.

4 Waukesha State Bank Scholarship $3,500 award for students who reside in Waukesha County.

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Quint Music Scholarship $3,000 award for sophomores, juniors or seniors who play an instrument in the WLHS band or orchestra.

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Jeske Family Scholarship $2,500 award for students who plan to pursue the preaching or teaching ministry.

More than 50% of the WLHS student body receives tuition assistance and/ or scholarships. Please contact Brad Wetzel, our director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org for more information.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2015

Meet Anna Grepo The Jim and Loie Guenther Scholarship Recipient

“No matter what happens, God is always looking out for me and he always surprises me,” says Anna Grepo, a sophomore at WLHS who Grepo (‘17) has three siblings. “I face challenges but then God comes forward in unusual ways to provide for me.”

This year, Anna received the $1,000 Jim and Loie Guenther Scholarship. Randy Fink, WLHS’ director of operations, suggested she apply for the scholarship since it’s awarded to students who are involved in extra-curricular activities and lead by example.

“When my mom and I were working out how to pay for high school, WLHS assured me that they wanted me here and said they’d do all they could to help us out. I could tell they really cared about me and my family.”

Anna certainly meets the scholarship criteria. She’s part of Agents of Change, sings in the choir, is a member of the varsity dance team and serves on Student Council. She also maintains a 4.0 GPA and is considering a career as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practioner.

Anna is grateful for God’s blessings and WLHS. “I’m thankful for the kind, loving friends I’ve made at Wisco and I’m thankful we have chapel together every day. It lets us put our problems aside and reminds me that God will take care of us.”

Anna pictured at the 2014 WLHS Scholarship Luncheon with her scholarship donor, Jim Guenther.

WLHS Band Reaches New Heights

It may be Quinten Petersen’s first year as Director of Bands at WLHS but you wouldn’t know it based on everything he’s accomplished in just a few months.

This school year, for the first time, the WLHS band worked with an international guest conductor, maestro Filippo Salemmi from Italy.

“The kids absolutely adored him. He was able to pull music out of them they didn’t realize they had,” says Petersen. “Under Maestro Salemmi’s baton, they added exceptional Italian music to the Spring Band Concert.”

The relationship will continue in April when the maestro brings 18 of his students from the municipal school of music “N. Maurizi” in Bevagna to WLHS. The WLHS band notched another first during the Spring Concert. It premiered Good Night, Dear Heart

by Dan Forrest, an acclaimed choral composer.

“A handful of universities have presented the piece, but we’re the only high school in the world to have performed it,” says Petersen.

WLHS Band Opportunities

• Marching Band

• Pep Band

• Concert Band

• Pit Orchestra

• Jazz Ensemble

• Jazz Band Lab

• Woodwind Ensemble

• Saxophone Ensemble

• Brass Ensemble

• Percussion Ensemble

Piano players are encouraged to join band since their talents can be showcased in the Marching Band front ensemble and used on keyboard percussion instruments.

Director of Bands Quinten Petersen (pictured right) with guest conductor maestro Filippo Salemmi.

The 2014-15 WLHS Concert Band

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Recent Grads Reflect on WLHS Meye (‘13)

Rachel Meye

Jacob Roecker

UW–Eau Claire, Health Care Administration Major, Attended Salem Lutheran

Martin Luther College, Pastoral Studies, Attended Trinity Lutheran, Waukesha

The Christian environment at Wisco helped me figure out who I was, who I wanted to be and how to present myself. I was always proud to tell people that I went to Wisconsin Lutheran High School!

All of the teachers at WLHS really wanted to see me succeed as I went off to college. The English department did a tremendous job teaching me the skills I need for written and verbal communication.

Roecker (‘13)

I took AP Psychology during high school so my college psych class was material I’d already learned.

I definitely was well prepared for college and felt very comfortable my freshman year.

Marcus Jennings

Carly Forbes UW–Whitewater, Accounting and Finance Major, Attended Woodlands School Wisco prepared me spiritually by bringing me back to the church. When my Forbes (‘13) grandmother died years ago, I stopped going to church but, after being at WLHS for four years, I began to attend my grandmother’s church regularly.

Before I graduated from WLHS, I became a church member and had my first communion.

Wisco prepared me very well for college. I say that because I made the Dean’s List my entire freshman year.

There were so many leadership opportunities at Wisco and I found so many ways to let my light shine when I was there.

Jennings (‘12)

Milwaukee Area Technical College, Architectural Woodworking/ Cabinetmaking Diploma, Custom Cabinet Maker at A. Fillinger Inc., Attended Atonement Lutheran

Deciding to go to Wisco was one of the best things I did. The environment is based on success so you’re always working to do your best. I called it “the school of brotherly love” because my friends and relationships ran so deep.

All of the classes I took during high school directly apply to my career today. I learned so much in Wood 3 and Advanced Wood about tools and techniques. I used that knowledge at MATC and I apply it now at my job.

Megan Leverence Wisconsin Lutheran College, Elementary Education Major, Attended Star of Bethlehem Lutheran

Leverence (‘13)

2014 graduating class 4

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2015

My favorite teacher at Wisco was Pastor Becker. Every time I left his religion class, I felt I had learned so much

information that actually applied to my life. Because of Pastor Becker’s influence, I decided to go to school to become a teacher.

The teachers at Wisco held us accountable for our homework, tests and other assignments and would not let us slide by or fail without putting up a fight for our success.

Greg Strommen UW–Madison, Mechanical Engineering Major, Attended St. Paul, Franklin WLHS got me into the habit of integrating God and my faith into all parts of my everyday life. Right from the beginning at Madison, Strommen (‘13) I got involved with Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel & Student Center and was able to make a lot of friends there. I go to church with my friends, participate in small group Bible studies and teach Sunday school to three- and five-year-olds.

I took the AP classes at WLHS and was able to start college with 24 credits, which is about two semesters worth of credits. Also, the Project Lead the Way© classes gave me exposure to engineering concepts, computer programs and machines and that’s been very beneficial for me in my college engineering courses.

Judy Metzger (‘74) Student Outreach Coordinator, Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel & Student Center, UW-Madison

Academic Support & Success

Adjusting to the academic demands of high school can be challenging.

To address that, more than 10 years ago WLHS established an Extended Learning Center for freshmen and a Resource Center for sophomores, juniors and seniors. The centers are an opportunity for students to receive one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance.

To ensure freshmen are getting the help they need, WLHS has a school-wide system in place. At the beginning of the year, some students are assigned to the center, based on their freshman entrance exam.

Others are referred by teachers or the Guidance Department. Still others come to the center after first quarter grades are issued.

Often times, students who use the Extended Learning Center as freshmen choose to come to the Resource Center as sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students say it provides an academic atmosphere that’s different from commons or study hall.

“We don’t want any of our students to struggle so we give them all the tools to succeed. No student is going to fall through the cracks at Wisco,” says CL Whiteside, director of the Resource Center.

“We offer a focused environment that’s quiet and all about studying,” says Whiteside. “Students know they can come to us to get extra attention and many use it to get ahead in their classes.”

The students from Wisco are bold witnesses for us.

They’re a core group of leaders who we depend on and they truly understand service ministry. They know how to attractively spread the message and they aren’t afraid of doing it.

You can tell they have a level of sophistication about them since they’ve been at a high school where they’re around different cultures. They’re able to easily adapt to the large, diverse campus that’s Madison, live their faith and grow as a Christian.

“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:9-10am, NIV) GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Christian Health & Wellness

It’s a class you won’t find at any public high school but it’s a class that’s absolutely imperative for freshmen.

Andre Gosch, a teacher with 23 years of experience at WLHS, leads the Christian Health & Wellness course that all freshmen take.

“We look at issues that are hot-button teen topics. In each area, we apply God’s perspective so students can make Christian decisions when they’re faced with lifestyle choices,” says Gosch.

During the semester, Gosch addresses a wide range of material that relates to students’ physical, mental and spiritual health. The content covers growth and development, dating, conflict resolution, bullying, depression, suicide, nutrition, eating disorders and drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

“I use humor to make the kids comfortable when we’re talking about sensitive issues. And, each class

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) The Christian Health & Wellness class is guided by God’s Word.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2015

is different because of the questions that come up.

They’ll say, ‘I’ve heard this. Is that true? What if this happens?’ I get questions the kids may not feel comfortable asking their parents but they’re topics that are so important to talk through,” says Gosch.

And, while there are lots of questions during class, Gosch also uses practical assignments to engage the teens. They role-play conflict resolution techniques, complete a family health history and keep a food journal to evaluate whether they’re eating a balanced diet.

“I love teaching the class because I know I’m equipping them to make important, God-pleasing decisions later in life,” says Gosch.

Viking Explorers Camp “For we are

God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

My dad loved team sports. In high school, he was a standout in football and basketball and he was always ready to play catch or H.O.R.S.E. with me.

However, he cared little about hunting or fishing.

My maternal grandfather, on the other hand, loved to fish and he also enjoyed woodworking. He said, “Jesus was a carpenter and he hung out with fishermen. I think I have a couple of good hobbies.”

My dad and grandfather enjoyed their interests all throughout their lives and I happen to have similar hobbies. Sometimes I wonder if there are other pastimes I should have tried. Would my memory be better today if I had learned how to play chess?

Could I have built an automatic feed for my table saw if I had been in robotics?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Our Lord Jesus has some great plans for your children.

He has made each of them special in their own right and he needs their skills and interests for his future work.

But, how does a young person know if they have an interest or aptitude?

They need an introduction to many different activities to learn if they have been blessed in that area. That is why I am excited about the Viking Explorers summer program at WLHS. We’re offering a baker’s dozen of activities that can help youngsters learn about their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great stepping stone for them to see how Jesus can use their gifts! Sign them up and let them do some exploring to discover the talents with which they have been blessed.

To learn what Viking Explorers offers your child, visit wlhs.org.

Contact Mark Ricke, director of enrollment, at 414-453-4567 ext. 2024 or email mark.ricke@wlhs.org.

Stay connected with WLHS! GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE. 330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

What are you doing this summer?

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

Information and registration available at www.wlhs.org.