WLHS
ADVANTAGE SPRING 2019 | GRADE SCHOOL PARENT PUBLICATION
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Meet Our Academic Dean
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Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
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Wrestling Focus: One in Christ
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Grads Excelling in College
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Meet Two New Teachers
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Viking Explorers Camp
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Meet Our Academic Dean
In November, WLHS welcomed Mr. Jim Brandt as the school’s first academic dean. Brandt has 30 years of experience in education and a broad perspective that ranges from grade school and high school to college and graduate studies programs.
In 2010, he led curriculum development Mr. Jim Brandt for the Master of Arts Academic Dean in Education degree program at Wisconsin Lutheran College and has taught courses in Leadership and Entrepreneurship for the past eight years. “I’m excited to be at WLHS. The moment I stepped on campus I observed a tremendously positive and supportive culture. You can see the strong relationships
and bonds teachers and students have,” says Brandt. “That type of learning environment is vital to advancing academic excellence.” Brandt is currently helping to lead a number of significant initiatives, including: •
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Student-centered instruction that engages students in the identification, discussion and analysis of information An instructional coaching and feedback model that’s focused on continuous improvement Data-driven decision making to inform instructional priorities
“We’re asking ourselves questions like: How many of our students are being accepted into their first-choice college? Are our students earning ACT and SAT scores that help them secure scholarship dollars? Are our students who plan to pursue a career ready for their next step?,” says Brandt. “Those are all important issues that are part of my focus.”
New AP Classes Offered WLHS has added four classes to its curriculum, including two Advanced Placement (AP) classes as well as an Anatomy course for students interested in the medical field. • • • •
ACT Perfection Times Two! Once again, two WLHS juniors have earned perfect scores on the ACT. Magdalen Johnston (’20) and Jonas Doerr (’20) each notched the highest possible ACT composite score of 36. In 2017, two other WLHS students also earned a 36 on the ACT. Elisha Doerr (’18) is now a freshman at Harvard University and Nathan Wranovsky (’18) is a freshman at Martin Luther College (MLC).
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2019
AP Economics AP Computer Science & Principles Anatomy & Physiology Video Production
“A growing number of students are taking our introductory economics course and are now looking for a deeper understanding of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The content is college and career preparatory, giving students the opportunity to earn up to six college credits,” says Principal Phil Leyrer.
81% of WLHS students who took AP exams earned qualifying scores for college credit.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Working with Mr. Mark Ricke, the Bonow family was able to send their three children to WLHS thanks to a package of tuition assistance and scholarships. Mary Kay Bonow (’18) is the oldest of the Bonow siblings. It was her desire to attend WLHS that helped chart the course for her two younger brothers – Jason Jr. (’19) and Jacob (’22). Their dad, Jason Sr., was a ’92 graduate so they’d grown up watching football games and going to Wisco camps. The conversation about how to afford WLHS started with a meeting between Iris Bonow, Mr. Ricke and the principal of Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Waukesha. Cost was an issue because mom Iris has a medical condition that limits her ability to work. “Since the children attended a Christian grade school, we wanted them to continue with a Christian high school,” says Iris. Following that initial meeting, each of the Bonow children secured scholarships from WLHS along with tuition assistance.
Jason Bonow (‘19) (pictured left) was a guest with his parents at the 2019 Dinner Auction. Jason was a part of the student video where he shared his Wisco story. To view the video, visit wlhs.org/auction.
In 2014, Mary Kay began her freshman year, followed by Jason in 2015 and Jacob in 2018.
“My experience at Wisco as a student
Mary Kay graduated WLHS last year and is now pursuing her nursing degree at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Based on her grades, co-curricular involvement and the leadership roles she took on at Wisco, Mary Kay received three college scholarships. Jason, a senior, plans to attend Waukesha County Technical College to pursue business. At this point, Jacob, the youngest Bonow, is focused on finishing strong his freshman year. “The environment at Wisco is so positive. Plus, I love all the different cultures that are part of the school,” says Jason (’19). “Saying I’m a Wisco alum is a big deal to me.”
It’s Not Too Late!
was really good and it’s stayed with me my entire life. I know the teachers have the best interests of the kids at heart and they work hard to set them up for future success. When you combine the strong academics with the focus on faith and the teachers’ commitment, it really makes Wisco stand out.” — Jason Bonow Sr. (’92)
We’re continuing to accept admission applications and will gladly work with families as they finalize their high school decision. If you’re interested in sending your child to WLHS, please contact Brad Wetzel (’98), director of admissions, at 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org. GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Wrestling Focus: One in Christ
The WLHS wrestling team has always considered itself a family in Christ. A testament to that tight bond is the fact that alumni – young and old, near and far – continue to support the program.
While Mr. Bill Plamann has been with the WLHS wrestling program for 29 years, 2018 marked his first year as head coach.
Through an outpouring of gifts from alumni and those who love the sport, he was able to collect the $24,000 needed to purchase two new mats.
Going into the season, he wanted to make a statement to the team.
Then he turned customization of the mats over to the boys. The team came together and selected two mottos – One in Christ and OTF, an acronym for Only the Family.
“We always talk about being a great team and a family but I really wanted the boys to own that this year,” says Coach Plamann. “I wanted to set them up for success and then let them take it from there.” Since the team’s wrestling mats were 22 years old, he focused on getting new ones. “It was important for them to know that I was going to put in everything I could to develop them as wrestlers and I expected the same from them,” says Plamann. “The new mats were significant since we were able to wrestle live on them throughout the season.”
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2019
“Wrestling is a brotherhood and the two mottos are about that,” says senior Jason Bonow (’19), Trinity Lutheran Grade School, Waukesha. “We come together for Christ. We’re representing him on the mat and we’re always supporting and cheering for each other like family.” Bonow advanced through regionals and sectionals to qualify for State but lost to a wrestler who ended up taking third place. Bonow plans to attend Waukesha County Technical College to pursue business.
To schedule a parent and student visit to WLHS, contact Mr. Brad Wetzel, director of admissions, 414-453-4567 ext. 1322 or brad.wetzel@wlhs.org. State Champ Tepra Wright (’15)
Witnessing on the Mat
Each year, Tepra Wright returns to the WLHS wrestling family to share his knowledge and experience. Wright won the State Championship as a junior in the 120 lb. weight class and went on to wrestle in college. He’s now pursuing a plumbing apprenticeship while working full time with Joe DeBelak Plumbing & Heating, one of the area’s leading contracting companies. Tepra Wright (‘15)
His annual visits to Wisco make an impression on the boys. He encourages the wrestlers to work hard in whatever they do and to do it all to the glory of God. “It’s really special to have him come back and have a State champ work with you,” says Jason Bonow (’19). “I’ve learned a lot from him and it just shows how strong the family connection is.”
Coach Bill Plamann “Our program has
been blessed with a bounty of support.
Each day at practice, we have five to six alumni, parents,
college students, and others who come in
to help out the boys. Over Christmas break, we had a dozen former wrestlers return
to the wrestling room — several of whom competed at the collegiate level.”
Isaiah Hahm (‘19)
Even though senior Isaiah Hahm (’19) didn’t realize it, he was a witness for Christ during the final seconds of his WLHS wrestling career. Hahm was competing for third place at the State tournament and was one second away from winning when the ref made a controversial call in favor of the other wrestler that cost Hahm a podium spot.
Instead of reacting in anger, Hahm got up, walked over to the ref, and joined Coach Plamann in talking about the difficulty of making the call. Hahm then shook the ref’s hand, accepting the outcome of the match. “It was the last match of the session and all six refs were gathered around watching,” says Plamann. “Later, the head ref told me how impressed they were with Isaiah’s actions. It really was the Lord working through Isaiah to show how WLHS wrestlers conduct themselves. I always tell the boys, ‘It’s not about us and our wins and losses. It’s about who we are in Christ!’”
A Parent Perspective “I’m amazed how time and again the WLHS wrestling program can work with boys who have little or no wrestling experience and turn them into State qualifiers,” says James Hahm, proud father of Isaiah Hahm (’19) who took fourth at State in the heavyweight class. James teaches engineering at WLHS and is the Trade & Technology Department Coordinator. Isaiah didn’t wrestle in grade school and only joined the wrestling team as a sophomore to help with conditioning for football. Unexpectedly, he discovered the demanding sport was fun and had deeper meaning beyond the mat. “Coach Plamann definitely wants to make you a good wrestler but he’s more interested in teaching you how to conduct yourself as a Christian young man,” says Isaiah, Zion Lutheran Grade School, Hartland. Isaiah is attending MLC in the fall to pursue the pastoral ministry.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Grads Excelling in College
We prepare our students to pursue a variety of paths – two- and four-year colleges, the skilled trades, and military service. We caught up with two recent alumni who are applying their God-given talents in amazing ways. Graduating in Three Years Gabby Steidl (’17)
St. Paul Lutheran School, Muskego Accomplishment: In May 2020, after just three years at MLC, Steidl will earn her degree in K-12 Spanish education. How She Did It: Steidl worked closely with her Spanish professor and was able to arrange backto-back summer study abroad programs. Based on those accumulated credits, she’s graduating a year early. “When I figured out it was possible, I decided that’s what I wanted to do. I’m excited to get into a classroom and feel blessed to teach a subject that I’m passionate about.” WLHS Influence: “As a sophomore and junior, I went on mission trips to Mexico and Japan and we’d share Bible stories with little children. Those trips sparked my interest to learn more about cultures around the world and ultimately inspired me to want to teach students – not only to accept the differences of others but to celebrate them both inside the classroom and out. Learning a second language opens up so many mission opportunities and I want to get my future students excited about that, too.” College Preparation: “Since Wisco has such a strong Spanish program, my transition to college was really smooth. Now that I’ve learned about instruction, I see how Miss Tranberg used a variety of teaching techniques to engage us in our learning and make it meaningful and fun.”
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Leading by Example Chris Garrett (’17)
Atonement Lutheran School, Milwaukee Accomplishment: According to football Coach Joel Radue, “Chris is one the best leaders I’ve ever had. I get goose bumps whenever I talk about him because he took a setback, learned from it, and then pushed forward to excel in the classroom and on the field.” The setback Garrett experienced was being passed over as captain of the football team due to his grades. How He Did It: “When coach told me he was choosing someone else, that lit a fire in me. I realized I had to put more into my school work because I was one of the best players on the team but I wasn’t doing my best in the classroom.” Garrett turned his grades around and went on to lead the WLHS Vikings as a captain his senior year. WLHS Influence: “Coach Radue taught me how to be a God-fearing man and the importance of leading by example.” College Accomplishments: Garrett is a sophomore at Concordia University, St. Paul, majoring in physical education. He plays defensive end and, in December, was named All-America First Team by the American Football Coaches Association. God as His Guide: “I’m part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and lead a discipleship group, teaching my teammates how to build their relationship with Christ. It allows us to grow together and lets them know that my faith is the most important thing to me.”
% of WLHS students are accepted to college, post-secondary school or the military.
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2019
Meet Two of Our New Teachers
This school year, WLHS added a number of talented teachers to its staff. Mrs. Shakirah Cousins Algebra and Geometry Teacher JV Volleyball Coach, Assistant Varsity Softball Coach
Mr. Micah Hernandez (‘01) Spanish Teacher – Levels 2, 4 & 5 Boys Cross Country & Track Coach
Background: Mrs. Cousins has lived on both coasts, having taught at Flagler County Schools in Palm Coast, Fla., San Bernardino City Unified Schools in Calif., and Volusia County Schools in Daytona Beach. Cousins graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach in 2004 with a bachelor’s of science degree. The Cousins family of four worships at Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee.
Background: Mr. Hernandez previously taught and coached at West Allis Hale High School. Earlier in his career, he spent time in the Dominican Republic teaching English at St. David School. He holds a master’s degree in Education from Alverno College and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. The Hernandez family of six worships at St. Peter Lutheran Church, a bi-lingual congregation in Milwaukee.
Why WLHS?: The environment at Wisco and its mission are what convinced my family to move from Florida to Wisconsin so I could teach at WLHS. When I visited the school, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of students. They were phenomenal! There’s accountability at Wisco and when you hold students to a high standard they rise to meet it.
Why WLHS?: God found a route for me to return to my alma mater, Wisco. I liked where I was but he put a path in front of me that led me here. Now that I’m back, I love being able to talk about God, faith, and our real purpose in life – to use our gifts and talents to serve our Lord and Savior, as well as others. During my first year, I’ve been so impressed with the WLHS students. I rejoice and thank God for so many of them who have servant hearts. Our Wisco students are go-getters who know why they’re here.
Teaching Approach: I use an interactive notebook with my classes. It’s a place where they can access everything – class notes, assignments, the Bible verse of the day and essential questions to answer. I also use Cornell Notes, which teaches students, especially freshmen, how to organize themselves, take notes and study efficiently. It’s a technique they can use throughout high school and college. Involvement: In addition to teaching and coaching, Cousins is helping chaperone this year’s Civil Rights Tour and leading a mission trip to Las Vegas during the summer. Philosophy: I’m always all in and give 110% to whatever I’m doing. If there’s something that’s going to benefit the students, I’m going to step up and make sure it happens. Favorite Bible Verse: I have two favorites – Psalm 46:10 and John 13:7.
Stay connected to WLHS!
Teaching Approach: I motivate my students by keeping their focus on what they want to achieve through Spanish. For example, do they have Spanish-speaking family members who they’d like to talk to in their native tongue? Are they interested in international business and want to make themselves more marketable by mastering a second language? Over the years, I’ve found that students achieve more if they’re motivated by something other than just a grade. Involvement: This summer, Hernandez is leading a group of seven WLHS students on a mission trip to Mahahual, Mexico. Philosophy: In my personal and professional life, I’m guided by “living to serve.” When you put others first and work to meet their needs, true joy and success comes back to you in return.
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/explorers.