2016 Fall Contact

CONTACT WLHS

FALL 2016 | ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE

85%

are involved in co-curriculars

“Commit to the LORD of WLHS students

whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

Welcome

A Message from Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of the WLHS Conference We’re beginning a new process to recalibrate our strategic plan for your high school.

Praise God for richly blessing the current Strategic Ministry Plan adopted unanimously by the delegates in June 2013. That year-long planning process united us with a clear vision of being a healthy, multi-ethnic, comprehensive, Christ-centered high school.

It also helped:

• Recommit us to academic achievement

for all students, which we’ve demonstrated

with ACT and Advancement Placement (AP)

scores above state and national averages

every year since.

• Expand our technology infrastructure

and initiate a one-to-one program with Chromebooks.

• Steadily grow enrollment with added staff

in recruitment and targeted efforts to reach more students.

• Swell our international program

from 15 to 41 students.

• Complete the Gifted for Praise building

expansion and enhancements and purchase

property for student housing.

• Raise faculty salaries while passing balanced budgets that have ended in the “black” each year.

God has clearly blessed our strategic direction and provided us with invaluable help from alumni, staff, faculty, students, parents and people like you!

Now, it’s time to realign our plans to fit today’s WLHS. Once again, I seek your input and prayers for the strategic direction of your school for the next three to five years.

If you have ideas or thoughts on what we can do to continue to be guided by faith and driven by excellence, I welcome your input. Above all, I seek your prayers for God to bless the process!

Committed to preparing the next generation,

Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS 2

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

In This Issue

To God the Glory!

Page 3 Guided by Faith Page 4-5 Driven by Excellence Page 6-7 Student Body Grows Page 8 Call for Nominations/An Experience Worth Sharing Page 9 Faculty News & Additions Page 10 WLHS Good News Page 11 Grapevine/In Loving Memory Page 12-13 Homecoming/School News Page 14-15 Veterans Day Back cover

Upcoming Events

Veterans Day Scholarship Luncheon Colors of Christmas Craft Fair Christmas Pops Concert Sacred Christmas Concert 5th Grade Extravaganza Winter Festival Kids Carnival School Musical - Guys & Dolls

November 11 November 17 November 19 December 4 December 11 January 29 February 3 February 19 March 3, 4, 5

View additional events and get more information at www.wlhs.org.

For Christ’s Love Compels Us . . .

2 Corinthians 5:14

Our Mission

Compelled by Christ’s love, guided by the Great Commission, and rooted in God’s Word . . .

Wisconsin Lutheran High School prepares youth in a diverse world for productive, Christ-centered lives.

Our Vision

Renowned for its distinctive Lutheran values, superior academics, and award-winning co-curricular activities . . .

Wisconsin Lutheran High School will be the preferred choice for those seeking a comprehensive Christian high school experience in a caring, cross-cultural setting.

On the Cover: Students participating in fall athletics and fine arts co-curriculars.

WLHS Welcomes Campus Pastor

Even though Phil Huebner (’99) loved his time at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, the decision to return wasn’t an easy one.

Huebner and his wife, Becky (Pate) (’99), had spent the last nine years establishing and nurturing Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Palm Coast, Florida. In 2007 when the Huebners arrived, the congregation included eight adults and three children and gathered in their living room to worship.

When they said goodbye this summer, Christ the King had nearly 300 members and the school, which opened in 2008 in a renovated warehouse, was serving 325 young souls from infants to eighth graders.

Housed in a brand new building, it’s now recognized as the largest and highest-achieving private school in the area.

“The decision to leave was extremely difficult but I saw so many ways to serve and grow God’s kingdom at WLHS,” says Huebner. “I wanted to come back and be part of a diverse school of excellence that’s dedicated to Christ.”

Interestingly, during the years Huebner was away, WLHS still influenced his life.

“Even though I was in Florida, I experienced the impact of Wisco. Brad Hauer, an ’81 grad, was the one who lobbied for a mission congregation in Palm Coast. Two of our teachers graduated from Wisco.

And, each summer Share the Mission students came to help with our Vacation Bible School.”

To God the Glory!

Huebner also credits his time at WLHS for uncovering and developing his leadership skills. He was captain of the football team that won the school’s first State Championship. He was a Badger State Boys representative, student council member and senior year was recognized as a scholar athlete.

“The awards aren’t significant but the opportunities I had at Wisco to lead and serve God are what shaped me and influenced my life and my decision to become a pastor,” says Huebner.

Get to Know Pastor Huebner Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan Family: Married to Becky, two children, Noah (age 9) and Gwendolyn (age 6) Attends: Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 49:6 Looking Forward To: Leading WLHS Share the Mission trips; Introducing students to careers in the ministry; Preaching at area congregations Favorite Books: Prepared to Answer and More Prepared to Answer by Mark Paustian Favorite Activity: Anything sports or Mac computer related

Guided by Faith

Students attending UW–Madison share their faith experiences.

Claire Williams (’13) Attended: St. John Lutheran Grade School, Wauwatosa Major: Biochemistry Reflections: “Wisco gave me a strong base for my faith and prepared me for the challenges I’ve faced in college. I’m so thankful the Williams teachers wove religion into each class. For me, physics stands out because we would read from the Bible each day and then take time to talk about it.”

The great thing about Wisco is its emphasis on putting your faith first and how there’s always time for God. In football it was, First Lord, Second Team.”

Challenges: “You always hear how Madison is a party school so it was a bit of a shock at first. The Chapel was a huge blessing because it gave me a solid friend base and a network of people my age who share the same faith and priorities as me.”

Faith Life: “I’ve really enjoyed the small group Bible studies that I’ve been involved with at the Chapel. I set aside time each week to take a break from the craziness of college and talk about the Bible with friends and classmates. Having those people to fall back on and spend time with has been great.”

Challenges: “During college, I’ve been stressed a lot—about my classes, if I was going to get a job, would I have to move back home and stuff like that.

I have a Bible verse on my phone that’s brought me a lot of comfort. It’s Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Merina Witz (’13) Attended: Atonement Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Major: English

Once I realized God has a plan for me, I was able to stop worrying. I put my trust in him and things started to work out.”

Faith Life: “Freshman year I was very comfortable with my faith. I became someone people could talk to about faith and religion. I met girls on my dorm floor who were looking for a church and I invited them to come with me to the UW Chapel. We’d meet and walk together to Sunday service. I think your actions speak volumes. When my friends see me getting up early to go to church, that really makes an impression on them.”

Greg Strommen (’13) Attended: St. Paul Lutheran Grade School, Franklin Major: Mechanical Engineering

Strommen

4

Reflections: “I actually began college quite a bit ahead due to the AP classes I took at WLHS. However, lots of schools prepare students academically for college.

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

Witz

Reflections: “In any class at Wisco, it was totally normal to talk about your faith. It’s not like that at Madison. That’s why it’s so important to get involved with a campus ministry.”

Challenges: “Keeping faith a top priority becomes a big challenge during college. It can be hard to make room for God’s word when you have academic and social pressures. There are a million and one things you can think of to do before you even open your Bible. But, holding on to the precepts I was taught at Wisco, that time with God trumps all else and helps me reprioritize whenever I catch myself slipping.”

Faith Life: “Your faith becomes your own responsibility in college. Because of that, I feel mine has grown and matured. The onus is now on me to take charge of my faith and live it. I love being involved with God by attending Sunday service, going to Vespers and writing student devotions.”

Talia Spiegelberg (’14) Attended: Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Grade School, West Allis

Faith Life: “Getting involved with the Chapel has been great. It’s a place I can go to forget about school and leave the anxiety behind. When I attend Vespers on Wednesday, I always leave feeling more relaxed.”

Major: Elementary Education Reflections: “I think Wisco really has it down as a model school. I hear my friends talk about their bad high school experiences and I Spiegelberg feel so blessed because my high school was great. For me, the diversity at Wisco is the real world and it’s actually helping me in my education major. I’m now spending time in a middle school that’s diverse and it’s something I’m completely used to.”

Challenges: “Freshman year at Madison the track coach had mandatory Sunday morning practices, which meant missing church. I tried a few times to worship online but it just wasn’t the same. I felt like some part of me was missing. I made the decision to quit the team and was floored by the amount of support I received afterwards. I feel like a tough situation actually provided me with a wonderful opportunity to share my faith and reach a lot of people.”

Faith Life: “Now, more than ever, I’m excited about my faith. It’s not a chore. It’s something I want to pursue. I want to make it to early service on a Sunday morning. I want to get involved in the Chapel, volunteer for Sunday School and share my faith any way I can.”

Bradley Meyer (’14) Attended: St. Paul Lutheran Grade School, Muskego Major: Kinesiology

Meyer

Reflections: “Now that I’m in college, I realize how good the Wisco teachers were. I know they really cared about me and my faith life and they taught me to put God first.”

Challenges: “During grade school and high school, you’re surrounded by people who believe—your parents, your friends, your teachers. It’s not that way at a big university. You have to watch out for yourself and make your faith your own. Nobody is going to do that for you.”

Wake Up Devotional

Written by Merina Witz for the UW-Madison Chapel and distributed September 5, 2016.

As you enjoy your Labor Day, hopefully you don’t have too many responsibilities. Hopefully you get to sleep in a bit. Tomorrow, school starts up once again, and you are going to have responsibilities, like, every single day. You’ll have to wake up early and go to bed late.

But that’s how beginnings work, right? Each new day, each beginning, this school year requires you to wake anew and prepare for that day. Nothing happens, nothing is accomplished, until you wake up and get ready.

When Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected, his disciples and friends did not first recognize that he was risen, that he had conquered death. They still needed to wake up. But, God says in Luke 24:31 (on the road to Emmaus),”Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”

We were asleep for so long. We were spiritually asleep, eyes closed, in our sin. God woke us up to His love and forgiveness and salvation through Jesus’ death. We have a new beginning every day in Him. The disciples continued in the next verse of Luke.

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Now that we have been awaken in Christ, may our hearts burn within us every day during this school year as we are filled with the promises of God. We can all sleep a little easier with the knowledge of God’s love, I think.

Have a blessed new year.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Driven by Excellence Engineering a Future

Keelee Roggenbuck (’12) credits calculus and physics for opening her eyes to a career in STEM during her junior year at WLHS. (STEM is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.)

“Mr. Gottschalk got me excited about calc and showed me it’s cool to love math,” says Roggenbuck, who attended Atonement Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee. “In physics, Mr. Greschner always pushed us to apply what we learned in a practical way and to truly understand the principles instead of just memorizing equations.”

A self-described aggressive student, Roggenbuck researched STEM and whittled down her interest to engineering and, more specifically, civil engineering.

Once she’d done that, she set her sights on Purdue University, one of the top civil engineering schools in the country.

“Purdue is extremely competitive but WLHS instilled in me a work ethic and taught me how to think and learn,” says Roggenbuck. “Those skills prepared me to accelerate a lot faster than my college classmates.”

Keelee Roggenbuck at Purdue University, pursuing her degree in Civil Engineering.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

Project Lead the Way® WLHS offers a four-year Project Lead the Way curriculum that prepares students for the strenuous science and engineering classes offered at the best colleges and universities in the country.

To position herself for a job after graduation, Roggenbuck has loaded her resume with four internships, including three rotations with PCL Construction, one of North America’s largest contracting companies.

“I didn’t realize it at first but being a Christian makes me different. When I’ve had internship interviews, the companies can tell I’m honest and trustworthy. I have values and beliefs they appreciate. For me, it’s just something that comes naturally from the inside out but I’ve found it really does set me apart from others,” says Roggenbuck.

Starting Early

While seventh grader Madison Vasatko from Trinity Lutheran Grade School, Waukesha, may not know what she wants to be, she’s already had a taste of STEM. This summer, Madison participated in a weeklong Girls Engineering Camp at WLHS taught by Mr. James Hahm, the school’s trade and technology department coordinator.

“I really love math so the camp was something I wanted to try,” says Madison. “It was cool because I learned how to use software to create things and then got to watch the 3-D printer and CNC machine make my pieces.”

Each day, Hahm introduced the girls to new elements of STEM through hands-on activities.

They learned the steps in the engineering design process, researched and recorded their ideas in an engineering notebook and worked with machines and tools to produce their creations.

By far, Madison’s favorite activity was welding. “It was super awesome. We got to put on the helmet, gloves and apron and now I’m the first person in my family who’s ever welded!”

All in the Family

Karen (Sandlass) Vasatko (’90) is Madison’s mom and was excited her daughter could get an entire week of exposure to potential STEM careers.

“There are so many opportunities for children who have gifts in math and science. It’s important for them to explore their talents and realize that engineering is a diverse and exciting career choice,” says Karen, who knows that from first-hand experience.

After graduating from WLHS, Karen attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She was originally a business major until sophomore year when she made the switch to engineering.

Her decision to pursue industrial engineering was a good one. Even before she graduated, Karen was recruited by Intel Corporation for a position as a manufacturing systems engineer in Chandler, Arizona, where the company runs one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world.

After working for Intel, she made the move back to the Midwest to accept a job with Motorola. As a quality systems engineer, she was responsible for implementing quality programs at two large-scale surface mount electronic facilities in Illinois.

“I loved being an engineer in challenging, stimulating environments where I was surrounded by some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met,” says Karen. “I’m a big proponent of engineering and I am impressed with the Trade & Tech program at Wisco because it offers kids exposure to technology career options during their important high school years. And, Mr. Hahm is a pretty amazing teacher!”

James Hahm, the trade and technology department coordinator, recently earned his master’s degree in STEM Education from The University of Texas at Austin. This summer’s Girls Engineering Camp (pictured right) grew out of his master’s work.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Student Body Grows

It’s another exciting year for WLHS. The high school has once again been blessed with a large freshman class that’s pushed total enrollment to 779 students.

Several factors are contributing to the increase.

• Thanks to continued tuition assistance and

scholarship support, more families are now

able to send their children to WLHS.

• The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

allows students living in the suburbs to select WLHS.

• The reputation of the International Program

continues to grow and attract more students.

• A Domestic Student Residential Program has

been established and this August welcomed

its first students.

• A focused recruitment program at WELS

grade schools that reaches kindergarteners

to eighth graders is bearing fruit.

70% of WLHS freshmen students are from WELS grade schools.

“We’ve worked hard to help families see Wisconsin Lutheran as their preference if they are looking for a Christ-centered high school education that prepares youth for being either college or career ready,” says Pastor Kenneth Fisher, president of WLHS. “Anyone who visits will see that our hallways teem with a beautiful mix of students who come from all over— the suburbs, the city, other states and even other countries.”

Domestic Residential Program Launches

Isabella Iglesias from Falls Church, Virginia, is one of three domestic students who are new to WLHS this year. Isabella, along with two of her classmates from Grace Christian Academy, are living in the student homes along Honey Creek Parkway.

Isabella Iglesias (pictured left) with her family on move-in day at the student homes. The Antioch House, where Isabella is staying this year, recieved a fresh coat of paint, new flooring and updated electrical as part of a remodeling project.

Paola Pino, Isabella’s mother, toured WLHS in early February and loved it. She was impressed with the breadth of classes and felt it was the right fit for her daughter.

“A number of things struck me immediately. We’re Hispanic so I liked the idea that the school brought together kids from all over,” says Pino. “Plus, the teachers I met seemed to really know their students and that reassured me. Even though Isabella was going to be far away, I felt like she’d be in kind, caring hands.”

Get to know us by attending a Wisco Today breakfast. See classrooms in action, meet faculty and students and join us for chapel. From 7:15-9:00 a.m. on:

• • • •

November 14 January 17 February 16 March 15

• April 28 RSVP to Heidi Witz, 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

41 students from Canada, China, Germany, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam are part of the WLHS family.

Call for Nominations

7 God has blessed WLHS with a rich history and many supporters. We have gifted graduates, caring faculty, staff and administrators and fervent donors who champion the value of a Lutheran high school education.

Every three years, the WLHS Hall of Fame recognizes those who have used their God-given talents to pursue excellence in their life, career or service to the high school.

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2017 WLHS Hall of Fame and wish to honor individuals who have glorified God with their achievements in:

• Ministry • Stewardship

• Alumni Leadership

• Performing/Visual Arts • Athletics

An Experience Worth Sharing For more than 100 years, Wisconsin Lutheran High School has been delivering a Christ-centered education to area teens.

This year, our enrollment has been blessed and 779 students are experiencing WLHS. That experience includes daily chapel, caring teachers, Christian friends, challenging classes and so much more.

Right now, we’re in the midst of our fall Viking Annual Fund campaign and are asking you to make a contribution to support today’s students.

Your donation will have an immediate impact and help us close the funding gap between the cost to educate a student ($11,910) and what we charge for tuition ($8,400).

To submit a nomination online, please visit wlhs.org.

You can also print the nomination form from the web site and mail it to: WLHS – Hall of Fame Nominations, 330 N. Glenview Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53213. All nominations are due by November 15, 2016.

2014 Hall of Fame Inductees

Col. Johnny Davis ‘87

Lilly Gust ‘65

Kris (Manske) Johnson ‘94

Dr. Janet (Kanter) Lindemann ‘72

George Mortl ‘66

Paul Ruege

1965-66 Boys Basketball Team

With your gift, you are sharing the WLHS experience with a new generation.

And, if you graduated in 1996 to 2006, check out the WLHS Class of (Your Year) Facebook pages for throwback pics and memories.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Faculty News & Additions

A number of faculty members are celebrating ministry milestones.

40 Years of Service Mark Ricke Mark Ricke began his ministry at WLHS in 1998 and is currently Director of Enrollment. During his time at WLHS, Ricke has taught history and theology classes, served as the social studies department coordinator and coached basketball. He is a graduate of Dr. Martin Ricke Luther College and earned his master’s degree in Theology from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Mark and his wife, Lisa (‘79), have four children: Micah (’06), Hannah (’08), Josiah (‘12) and Noah (‘19). The Rickes worship at Hope Lutheran Church, Summit.

Kurt Seeger Kurt Seeger began his ministry at WLHS in 1993 and is currently an instructor in the Math Department, as well as Director of Technology. Before joining WLHS, Seeger taught at Jerusalem Lutheran School in

Morton Grove, Illinois, for six years and at Atonement Lutheran School for 11 years. He is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College and earned his master’s degree in Computer Education from Cardinal Stritch University. Kurt and his wife, Patty (’71), have two children: Joshua (’00) and Kristin (’02). The Seegers worship at Atonement Lutheran Church, Milwaukee.

Gil (Gilbert) Tatge Gil Tatge began his ministry at WLHS in 1987 and is currently an instructor in the English Department, as well as coach of the JV girls basketball team. Before joining WLHS, Tatge taught at Northwestern Preparatory School for two years and at Siloah Lutheran Tatge School for nine years. He is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College and earned his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Gil and his wife, Terri, have three children: Tara (’05), Trent (’11) and Taylor (’12). The Tatges worship at St. John Lutheran Church, Lannon.

Seeger

25 Years of Service Andre Gosch Andre Gosch began his ministry at WLHS in 1991 and is currently an instructor in the Physical Education Department and faculty advisor to Student Council. During his time at WLHS, Gosch has served as a personal counselor, religion Gosch instructor and football and baseball coach. He is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College and earned his State Teaching License from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Andre and his wife, Christine, have two children: Peyton (‘13) and Landon (’16). The Gosch family worships at Living Word Lutheran Church, Waukesha.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

Faculty Addition Katie (Kathryn) Luebke Katie Luebke has joined WLHS as an instructor in the Math Department and freshman girls basketball coach. Most recently, Luebke taught math at Rufus King High School and prior to that spent six years at Bryant & Stratton Luebke College as a math professor. She is a graduate of Martin Luther College, earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and is currently working on a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Katie and her husband, Chris, have six children ages 2 to 20: Triah, Izzy, Anni, Noelle, Josie and Steven. The family worships at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Bay View.

Academics

The 2016 WLHS senior class secured 104 scholarships, totaling more than $3.89 million in awards.

Once again, WLHS students taking AP (Advanced Placement) exams excelled in comparison to their peers. 74% of WLHS students scored 3 or higher while 68% of Wisconsin students hit that mark. Students must earn a 3, 4 or 5 on the exam to qualify for college credit.

WLHS Good News!

Blair Schaper, a business and math instructor at WLHS, has been named program coordinator for the Junior Vikings. Schaper will continue in his role as head coach of the girls cross country team and distance coach for the girls track team.

Two WLHS track athletes earned champion titles at the WIAA State Track & Field competition in June.

Audrey Janik (now a senior) won the 1600 meter run and Hailey Orlowski (now a junior) won pole vault.

This September, students from the Trade and Technology Department attended the International Manufacturing and Technology Show in Chicago with Cash Masters from Kinetic Company. The trade show opened the students’ eyes to the vast array of careers and college paths tied to manufacturing.

At the Wisconsin State Music Association’s Solo & Ensemble Festival, 17 of 18 WLHS students received first place ratings—a feat that’s practically unheard of.

This fall, campus pastor Phil Huebner took a group of students interested in attending Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, to tour the school and connect with WLHS alumni.

A new WLHS program now allows freshmen to earn credits for qualified 7th-8th grade coursework for Algebra 1, Geometry, Latin 1, German 1 and Spanish 1 by meeting specific test and grade criteria.

As of this school year, students who are in advanced classes at WLHS can now take dual credit collegelevel courses through partnerships with Wisconsin Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran College.

Co-curriculars

Through Our Hands for His Service, the WLHS student body raised $31,642 to purchase a generator for a medical mission in Malawi, Africa, and a water purification system for a village in Indonesia.

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

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Alumni Grapevine

Tom Petersen (‘59) was recently inducted into the WGN Radio Walk of Fame. Tom spent nearly 25 years at WGN in Chicago as a news director and news anchor. A respected newsman with a trusted, calming voice, he retired in 2005 after a 45-year career in broadcasting.

Phil Bollhagen (‘61) wrote Understanding God’s Great Plan For You with the aid of Lee Westphal (‘62), Rev. Dan Koelpin, Rev. William Bernhardt and Rev. John Chroworowsky.

The booklet can be used for both confirmation and Bible Information Classes.

For more information, visit godsgreatplanforyou.com or contact Phil Bollhagen at bollhagp@gmail.com.

Albert Pergande (‘75) has published The Playwrighting Talks. This primer for playwrights summarizes several years’ worth of notes from his work with the Playwrights’ Round Table reading workshops. The book, which is available on Amazon, helps new writers create successful stories and academics convey the essential skills succinctly.

Cherie (Elmer) Gabrielse (’89) and her husband, Aaron, were blessed with a daughter, Lilyahna, on July 31, 2015, after 15 years of marriage. Cheri and Aaron own and operate lasers for their company, The Cosmetic Laser Center.

Renee Kleszczynski (’90), MA, AT, ATC, is now an athletic trainer at Michigan State University for the mens and womens cross country and track and field teams. Kleszczynski received her bachelor’s degree in 1994 from Winona State University and completed her master’s degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Western Michigan University in 1996. Prior to joining Michigan State, Kleszczynski was the associate athletic trainer at the University of New Hampshire.

Aimee (Jackson) Obregon (‘92) earned her doctorate in Philosophy from Cardinal Stritch University–School of Education in May. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

Aimee has worked for the Milwaukee Police Department since graduating from WLHS in 1992. Throughout the years, she’s received a number of promotions and is currently a Captain and Commander of the Sensitive Crimes Division.

Brent Harring (‘02) was selected for the 2016 class of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Forty Under 40. The award honors those under age 40 who are making a positive difference at work and in the community. Brent, a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Sport Management graduate, is the assistant director of group sales for the Fort Wayne, Indiana, TinCaps baseball team.

2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the WLHS cross country program. To celebrate, boys cross country coach Eric Lueck (’87), who has led the program for 24 years, hosted a reunion of more than 30 runners.

According to Lueck, “One of the great blessings of the night was to hear that so many of them are still active in their Lutheran churches. A number of the boys I coached have married and become responsible Christian fathers who hope to send their kids to Wisco one day.”

Visit www.wlhs.org/alumni or call Erin Krug at 414-453-4567 ext. 2012 to share your Grapevine and In Loving Memory updates!

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

In Loving Memory Class of 1941 Harriet Boerneke April 13, 2015

Class of 1965 William Sukkert September 11, 2016

Class of 1946 Lillian (Grunze) Mathes November 21, 2015

Class of 1967 Steven Hollmann March 16, 2016

Class of 1946 Helen (Koschmann) Meier July 2, 2016

Class of 1985 Brian Mehrstedt April 13, 2016

Class of 1955 Mary (Found) Raasch July 5, 2016

Preparing the Next Generation Breakfast, books, off to school. Classes, student council, volleyball. Back home.

As a seventeen-year-old, it never crossed my mind that WLHS, my high school, was not just for my generation, but for generations to come. I certainly wasn’t thinking of that as I went about my life as Kris Metzger (‘72) a typical teenager.

WLHS Foundation Executive Director

Years later, WLHS not only continues in its mission to prepare youth in a diverse world for productive, Christ-centered lives, but thrives in that mission.

Visit us and you’ll see the hallways buzzing with daily activities during this 113th year in our history. Dedicated teachers and staff literally hum with energy and joy as they lead today’s generation.

The WLHS Foundation was formed in 2001 with the sole purpose of perpetuating the high school’s mission and ensuring it thrives for the next 113 years. This invitation is for you: Join the mission and be part of the important legacy of preparing the next generation for lives of Christian leadership and service.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be back at my high school, this time as the executive director of the WLHS Foundation. I would be pleased to discuss with you how you might transform lives for generations by sharing your financial blessings with the WLHS Foundation.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28

The WLHS Foundation, Inc. (EIN # 39-2028988)

Have a Question? I Can Help.

Kristine Metzger (‘72), executive director, WLHS Foundation 414-453-4567 ext. 2011 • kris.metzger@wlhs.org www.thewlhsfoundation.org GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Homecoming 2016

Homecoming activities included dress-up days, powder puff football and a high-spirited pep rally where senior Madelin Ginster (St. John Lutheran School, Wauwatosa), escorted by Michael Radue (Mt. Calvary Lutheran School, Waukesha), was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Princess Jamie Genrich (Trinity Lutheran School, Waukesha) was escorted by Matthew Olson (Mt. Calvary Lutheran School, Waukesha) and Princess Abigail Swezey (St. Jacobi Lutheran School, Milwaukee) was escorted by Cooper Goede (St. Paul Lutheran School, Franklin).

The night concluded with a win by the varsity football team.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2016

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School News

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(1, 2, 3) Grandparents Day had over 300 grandparents in attendance, enjoying breakfast with their grandchild(ren), and taking a tour of the school. (4, 5, 6) Fall 2016 sports

WLHS is owned and operated by the following congregations joined together as the WLHS Conference Abiding Word Apostles of Christ Atonement Centennial Christ, Big Bend Christ, Milwaukee Christ, Pewaukee Christ the Lord Divine Peace Fairview Faith Garden Homes Gethsemane Good Shepherd’s

Grace, Milwaukee Grace, Waukesha Jordan Loving Shepherd Living Word Messiah Mt. Calvary Mt. Lebanon Nain Pilgrim Redemption Resurrection Risen Savior St. Andrew

St. Jacobi St. James St. John, Lannon St. John, Milwaukee St. John, Mukwonago St. John, Oak Creek St. John, Wauwatosa St. Lucas St. Marcus St. Mark St. Matthew St. Paul, Cudahy St. Paul, Franklin St. Paul, Muskego

St. Peter St. Philip Salem, Cramer Street Salem, 107th Street Siloah Star of Bethlehem Trinity Victory of the Lamb Woodlawn Zion, Hartland Zion, South Milwaukee

WLHS Contact © is the official alumni publication of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference. President: Rev. Kenneth Fisher; Editor: Monica Baer-Carlson (87); Design/Layout: Carolyn Sachs; Contributing Writers: Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Monica Baer-Carlson (87); Photography: Attention Era Media, Ellen S. Cook Photography, Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, Micah Ricke (‘06), Leanne Ross, Moments and Memories. Contact us with comments or questions at 414-453-4567, ext 2292, or via e-mail at carolyn.sachs@wlhs.org. Please notify Erin Krug (15) at 414-453-4567, ext 2012 or erin.krug@wlhs.org if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, change your contact information, or have contributions. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM used by permission of Zondervan.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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

WLHS Hosts Annual Veterans Day Ceremony Military vets, those who are currently serving, WLHS alumni and community members please join us for our Veterans Day observance on Friday, November 11.

Members of the military are invited to a special breakfast prior to the ceremony and should RSVP to Heidi Witz, 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org. For more information on the event, visit wlhs.org.