2021 Fall Contact

WLHS Contact Fall 2021 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Where Success Means More

Welcome

A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build Dear friends and alumni, At the end of his life, King Solomon affirmed, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” including “a time to tear down and a time to build . . .” (Ecc 3:1, 3).

At Wisconsin Lutheran High School, it is time to tear out our old track, Dr. Ken Fisher plow under our grass field and build new outdoor athletic fields. You’ll learn more about our campaign for Building on the Legacy in this issue.

We haven’t made any significant renovations to our outdoor facilities since the 1990’s. Our past three capital campaigns have focused on new Fine Arts facilities, academic rigor, modernizing classrooms, debt reduction, and the dormitory. We plan to break ground in May and intend to host homecoming next fall on the new artificial turf field.

It is also “a time to tear down” the barriers to education that occurred over the pandemic and “a time build” again in the classroom.

Solomon knew both the frustrations of life and the firmness of God’s unchanging Word. Over the period of the pandemic, we’ve asked our students to learn to see through the eyes of faith that God is in control— even in challenging times “under the sun” (Ecc 2:22).

To God’s praise, our new school year began—and continues—in a very normal way. Students are excited to be back. Classes are face to face. All activities are as normal as possible. We crowned a homecoming queen and won the game. Seven hundred students celebrated at the homecoming dance.

What’s different this year are the collaborative efforts of our faculty to bridge the gaps created by learning loss due to Covid-19. I am amazed at their collective efforts to find a way to meet every student’s need and bridge the learning loss—all the while remembering everything is in God’s hand.

Pray for God’s blessings on our all of our faithful efforts in this special time!

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS 2

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

In This Issue

To God the Glory!

2021 Report Card Where Success Means More New Faculty — Alums Return to WLHS Building on the Legacy Reunions Alumni Updates/WLHS Foundation In Loving Memory WLHS News Flag Blessing Ceremony

Page 3 Pages 4-5 Page 6 Page 7 Pages 8-13 Pages 14-15 Pages 16-19 Page 20 Page 21-23 Back Page

Upcoming Events For up-to-date information about events during the winter, visit wlhs.org/calendar.

2021-22 School Theme More than Conquerors (Romans 8:37)

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

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

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: Wisco students in the athletic complex, which is the focus of the Building on the Legacy campaign.

WLHS Reports Strong Enrollment This school year, God has blessed Wisco with 857 young souls to guide and shepherd.

• 28 new international students, representing 19 nationalities. For the first time, we welcomed students from Poland and the United Kingdom.

• 10 domestic residential students (nine of whom are living in Honey Creek Hall) and come from states near and far – Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.

• 11 WELS grade schools sent 50% (or more) of their eighth-grade class to WLHS: B Christ the Lord, Brookfield B Christ, Big Bend B Good Shepherd’s, West Allis B Lamb of God, West Allis B Risen Savior, Milwaukee B St. Jacobi, Greenfield B St. John, Milwaukee B St. John, Wauwatosa B St. Paul, Cudahy B Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin B Zion, Hartland

To God the Glory!

Meet Our

FRESHMAN CLASS

235

young men and women

36%

of the class tested into advanced level math, science or English language arts courses

74.2%

from WELS grade schools

3 international students from China

Ethnicity Breakdown .09% American Indian/

Alaskan Native/ Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

9%

8.9%

Asian

Latino/ Hispanic

34.2%

47%

Caucasian

Black/ AfricanAmerican

Seven WELS grade schools sent 10 (or more) eighth graders to WLHS – Saint Lucas, Bay View; St. Jacobi, Greenfield; Garden Homes, Milwaukee; Risen Savior, Milwaukee; St. John, Milwaukee; St. Marcus, Milwaukee; and St. John, Wauwatosa.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Wisconsin WisconsinLutheran LutheranHigh HighSchool School 2021 2021 Report Report Card Card

2021 WLHS Report Card

ACT ACT

Learning Learning During During COVID COVID

27.8 27.8

24.9 24.9

WLHS Top Top 25% 25% WLHS

WLHS Top Top 50% 50% WLHS

WLHS’ WLHS’best bestscores, scores,as asreported reportedto to colleges, colleges,show showthe thetop top75 75percent percent of ofseniors seniorsaveraged averaged22.7 22.7 (70th (70thpercentile) percentile)on onthe theACT. ACT. Achieving Achievingat atthe the70th 70thpercentile percentile means meansaastudent studentscored scoredin inthe thetop top third thirdof ofall allstudents studentsnationwide. nationwide.

Advanced Advanced Placement Placement Success Success

54% 54%

60% 60% State State

Worldwide Worldwide

73% 73% WLHS WLHS

$311,850 $311,850 potential potentialsavings savings

WLHS WLHSstudents studentsscored scored33or orhigher higher (on (onaascale scaleof of1-5) 1-5)on on175 175AP APexams exams for foraatotal totalof of525 525college collegecredit creditsavings savings

2021-22 2021-22 Official OfficialEnrollment Enrollment

Course CourseOfferings Offerings

857 145 4

75% 25%

Elected Electedin-person in-person hybrid hybridlearning learning

WLHS Top Top 75% 75% WLHS

State State

District District

16.1 16.1

20.8 20.8 WLHS All All Students Students WLHS

19.8 19.8

22.7 22.7

Instructed Instructedat at home homethrough through virtual virtuallearning learning

out of of 5 days days 4 out Hybrid Hybridlearners learnerswere weresafely safely able ableto tolearn learnininthe theclassroom classroom

44

Domestic Domesticmission missiontrips tripswere were offered offeredafter afteraayear yearoff offdue due to toCOVID COVIDtravel travelrestrictions restrictions

Examples Examplesof ofExcellence Excellence ••AP APCalculus CalculusAB AB--96.1% 96.1%scored scored 33or orhigher higher(state (state56.8%) 56.8%)and and (global (global52.6%) 52.6%) ••AP APCalculus CalculusBC BC--12 12of ofthe the 15 15students studentsscored scored55 ••AP APChemistry Chemistry--57.1% 57.1%scored scored 33or higher (state 49.3%) or higher (state 49.3%) ••AP APPhysics Physics--50% 50%scored scored33or orhigher higher (state (state2.59) 2.59)and and(global (global2.86) 2.86) ••AAWLHS WLHSsophomore sophomoreearned earned 44out outof of55ininAP APChemistry Chemistry and and5s 5sininboth bothAP APMicro Micro and AP Macro Economics and AP Macro Economics

Co-curriculars, Co-curriculars, Clubs, Clubs,or orStudent Student Activities Activities

Faculty Facultyand andStaff Staff Who WhoAre AreAlumni Alumni of ofWLHS WLHS

wlhs.org wlhs.org

Curbing Curbing Unfinished Unfinished Learning Learning

91% 91%

of ofcourses courseswere weretaught taughtininentirety entirety despite despitethe thechallenges challengesof ofhybrid hybrid learning learning

62% 62%

MORE MOREin-person in-personclassroom classroomtime time than thanother otherhigh highschools schoolsthat thatoffered offered typical typicalhybrid hybridlearning learningininMilwaukee Milwaukee

WLHS WLHSEstimated Estimated

National NationalAverage Average

month 11 month

months 55 months

unfinished unfinished learning learning

months 22 months reading reading

An AnExample Exampleof ofStudent Student AP APSuccess Success Sarah SarahBitter, Bitter,aa2021 2021graduate, graduate, started startedher herfreshman freshmanyear yearat at UW-Madison one credit shy UW-Madison one credit shy (23 (23credits) credits)of ofcompleting completing freshman freshmanrequirements. requirements.This This will willallow allowSarah Sarahthe theopportunity opportunity to tograduate graduateearly earlydue dueto toher her AP APclasswork classworkand andtest testscores. scores.

39% 39% Faculty FacultyWho WhoHold Holdor or Are AreWorking WorkingToward Towardan an Advanced AdvancedDegree Degree

40+ 41% 66%

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

math math

of ofseniors seniors participated participated ininat atleast leastone one AP APclass class Average Average Class ClassSize Size

19

Wisconsin Wisconsin Lutheran Lutheran High High School School College Acceptance Highlights College Acceptance Highlights 63 Seniors (31% of the class) were 63 Seniors to (31% theUS class) were accepted topof100 News Best accepted to top 100 US News Best National University Ranking Schools National University Ranking Schools

Updated October 21, 2021

2021 2021 Report Report Card Card

www.wlhs.org www.wlhs.org

Building on the Legacy Project Update Building on the Legacy Project Update

The capital campaign, Building on the Legacy, will upgrade the outdoor The capital campaign, Building impact on the Legacy, will upgrade the outdoor athletic facility.

These upgrades athletics, fine arts, co-curriculars, athletic facility.

These upgrades impact athletics, fine arts, co-curriculars, our Jr. Vikings program, as well as community events. Improvements include: our Jr. Vikings program, as well as community events. Improvements include: A A B B C C D D

Split Blend Turf Field Split Blend Turf Field Polyurethane Poured Track Polyurethane Poured Track Field Events Area Field Events Area Turfed Multipurpose Field Turfed Multipurpose Field

H H

E E F F G G H H

Batting Cages Batting Cages Protective Netting Protective Netting Outdoor Athletic Trainer Facility Outdoor Athletic Trainer Facility More Than 40% Increased Parking More Than 40% Increased Parking

$4.0M $4.0M F F

C C

E E

to date has been to date has been raised towards raised towards funding funding

D D

A A

B B

G G

Embracing the Great Commission Embracing the Great Commission

Overall international enrollment in the United States Overall international enrollment in However, the UnitedWLHS States decreased by 72% due to COVID. decreased by 72% due to COVID. However, WLHS saw a decrease of only 15% in 2020-2021. saw a decrease of only 15% in 2020-2021.

60

Multiethnic Diversity Multiethnic Diversity 0.3% American Indian/ 0.3% American Indian/ Alaskan Native Alaskan Native 8.8% Asian 8.8% Asian 32% Black/African 32% Black/African American American 0.1% Native Hawaiian/ 0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Pacific Islander 12.3% Latino/Hispanic 12.3% Latino/Hispanic 46.2% White 46.2% White

15

International students International students in 2020-2021 in 2020-2021

Different countries Different countries were enrolled at WLHS were enrolled at WLHS

22

International students International students in the 2021graduating class in the 2021graduating class

1stst

International co-valedictorian International co-valedictorian

New student from Nepal New student from Nepal

Classrooms with Classrooms with Industry Leading Industry Leading Cameras & Microphones Cameras & Microphones

Baptisms 45 students 45 students Baptized Since 2017 Baptized Since 2017

School-wide School-wide Mission Project MissionRaised Project Dollars Dollars Raised

50

Baptized during COVID Baptized during COVID

4

$36,080 $36,080

For hybrid learning For hybrid learning

Baptisms

Students from 8 different states are represented Students from 8 Hall, different states represented in Honey Creek our most toare date. in Honey Creek Hall, our most to date.

Regular Athletic Regular Athletic Programs Offered Programs Offered Despite COVID Despite COVID

Overall Co-curricular Overall Co-curricular Participation Participation During COVID During COVID

Academic Academic Top Ten Top Ten

100% 67% 90%

Participated in Fine Arts Participated in Fine Arts

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Where Success Means More

Academic Rigor through Professional Development

As part of its focus on academic rigor, WLHS has created a professional development program for teachers.

“This school year, we implemented a series of faculty development activities that are intended to foster increased academic success among our students,” says Academic Dean Jim Brandt. “Our approach is multilayered and is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement among our teachers through a learning, observation, and feedback model. In conjunction, we’re incorporating more data-driven instruction with a concentration on creating student-centered classrooms.”

The PD elements include: •

A partnership with Learning Sciences International (LSI) to provide full-day professional development sessions, conduct classroom walkthroughs, lead faculty peer coaching sessions, and help implement diagnostics to measure academic rigor

• Cross disciplinary peer collaboration teams that meet weekly to discuss, share, and design lesson plans that incorporate instructional strategies introduced by LSI and support academic rigor in the classroom • Monthly peer classroom observations that include a feedback loop for comments and questions • Weekly classroom visits by an internal WLHS team to gather data that measures and tracks key indicators of academic rigor 6

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

“We’ve engaged outside experts to provide training to our faculty and are giving teachers regular opportunities to collaborate and apply what they’ve learned. We’re then conducting followup visits to see how that’s taking root in our classrooms and gathering data to track and monitor progress,” — Jim Brandt, academic dean

“Each month, a new group of teachers observe several of their peers as they teach a lesson,” says Brandt. “It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from each other and see ‘in action’ the methods LSI introduced that encourage engaged student learning.”

Through professional development, WLHS is also accelerating its shift toward a student-centered classroom model. Instead of students “sitting and getting,” teachers are designing lessons that encourage student interaction, collaboration, and group problem solving.

“With lesson plans that have a clear learning target and incorporate active student learning, we’re working to raise the complexity of thought processes,” explains Brandt. “Teachers are setting the course and guiding the lesson, but students are increasingly contributing their own voice to the learning process.”

New Faculty – Alums Return to WLHS

This year we’ve added four talented professionals to our faculty.

Mrs. Meg (Raddant) Schuessler (’97) Art Instructor When I was at Wisco, I spent many semesters in the ceramics room creating pieces and developing a passion for art.

One of my teachers, Mr. Luedke, encouraged me to pursue Meg Schuessler a career in art education and that’s what started me on my journey. When I graduated from the University of Wisconsin— Oshkosh, I wanted to be Ms. Bond when I “grew up.”

It seems God planted that dream in my heart early on and here I am. (Bond was the long-time ceramics teacher who preceded Schuessler.)

Mrs. Lisa (Oakes) Uttech (’98) Choral Director and Fine Arts Instructor My favorite memories of WLHS include attending chapel for the first time and hearing the entire student body singing together.

My most cherished memory of WLHS, however, is when the Lisa Uttech A Cappella Choir came to sing at the funeral of my youngest sister, who at the time was a recent WLHS alum.

To me, that was the ultimate example of why WLHS exists – to guide students on their earthly journey toward our heavenly home. I was deeply impacted by my own high school and college choir directors, and I pray I will have a similar lasting impact on my students.

Mrs. Lisa (Festerling) Rouse (’02) English Instructor Going on Mission Trips to Mexico and Dominican Republic were life changing and shaped my personal drive to become a teacher. Teaching freshman English Foundations at WLHS Lisa Rouse feels like the perfect way to apply my previous experiences.

The pandemic has created some additional learning obstacles for so many students. I have the privilege of nurturing some of the most fragile learners and I can’t wait to watch them grow. The incredible diversity at WLHS is beautiful. I know it makes our Father in heaven smile to see these young men and women living out love across differences that could divide.

Mr. Andrew Fink (‘15) Business Instructor My favorite teacher was Mr. Gottschalk. He showed me how intuitive and fun math could be. Even more, the study habits and problem-solving approaches I learned in his AP Calc BC class made my college math classes Andrew Fink a breeze. At Wisco, I feel so fulfilled that I have the privilege to invest my time and energy into the next generation of Christian leaders who I know, in turn, will let their Christian light shine.

Mrs. Meg Schuessler teaches all three levels of Ceramics and Exploratory Art

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Building on the Legacy This June, WLHS launched a future-focused $6 million Building on the Legacy capital campaign to create a state-of-the-art outdoor complex.

The ambitious plan will benefit Wisco’s students, athletes, and musicians as well as grade schoolers who are part of its Jr. Vikings program – not to mention the tens of thousands of family members, friends, and other spectators who attend outdoor events at WLHS.

“

“Research shows students who are engaged in co-curriculars have a deeper and richer high school experience,” says Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher, president of WLHS. “Co-curricular participation is important to us because the more students are involved in activities outside of the classroom, the more they flex and grow their soft skill muscles like communication, teamwork, responsibility, and reliability – just to name a few.”

“From a recruitment standpoint, we know that having an attractive campus with updated facilities is important to parents and students and keeps us competitive with other schools,” says Brad Wetzel (’98), WLHS admissions director. “The Gifted for Praise campaign was an important step forward because it transformed the school’s publicfacing façade and provided new and expanded space for fine arts, engineering, and our FACE programs. I’m certain the renovation of our outdoor space will deliver significant gains for Wisco.”

“One of the points of pride at WLHS is the fact we’re a comprehensive high school that offers an athletics program that’s second to none. Our athletics provide young men and women with fantastic opportunities for physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. I am so proud of our Christ-focused coaching staff and the work they do to help mature and grow Christian leaders who will be the Church of the future,” says Jeff Sitz (‘74), WLHS athletic director.

“

8

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

Building on the Legacy Funds raised will allow WLHS to: • Install artificial turf on both the main field and multipurpose field • Add & improve auxiliary energy efficient LED lighting • Replace the current track with a full polyurethane poured track • Build a 24’ x 24’ athletic trainer facility with additional storage • Add batting cages for softball and baseball • Increase parking by more than 40% • Support a full-time strength and conditioning coach

Lori Thimm (‘92)

“As a former Wisco athlete and current coach, I have experienced and witnessed what sports can do for self-esteem, communication, strength, and personal growth. I gained lifelong friends while competing in sports in addition to wonderful memories and a desire to always push ahead and improve my performance in whatever I do.”

— Lori (Hardrick) Thimm (’92), product analyst with United Health Group

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Building on the Legacy

E H

WLHS OUTDOOR ATHLETIC COMPLEX

A Stadium Field

B Track

C Track & Field Events Area

D Turfed Multipurpose Field

E

Batting Cages

F

Protective Netting

G Outdoor Athletic Trainer Facility H Additional Parking

10

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

A

Building on the Legacy

F C

D

B

G

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Building on the Legacy “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty” (1 Chronicles 29:11a). $4M Raised to Date

$4M

*as of October 2021

$3M $2M $1M

To learn more about Building on the Legacy, visit wlhs.org/botl.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

$6M Goal $6M $5M

Building on the Legacy “The sports and training culture at Wisco was a big foundation in getting me to where I am today – a professional athlete in the NFL. I have been in many high school, college, and professional facilities and I want to bring Wisco up to the level of other schools to give athletes the best opportunity they can have regardless of the sport.”

Kevin Zeitler (‘08)

— Kevin Zeitler (’08), offensive guard with the Baltimore Ravens

The renovated outdoor complex will be named Zeitler Stadium thanks to generous support from Kevin and Sara (Braun) Zeitler (’08)

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Reunions

Class of 1946 On Friday, September 10, the Class of 1946 met to celebrate their 75-year reunion!

17 classmates attended. Pictured from left to right: (back row) Elaine (Schuldt) Vorpagel, Bob Pruess, Fred Stein, Mildred (Meyer) Vento, Audrey (Kuyath) Andersen, Dorothy Suleski, Melvin Graffenius, Betty (Smalz) Biesterfeld (front row) Ralph Stumpf, Dr. Charles Laabs, Audrey (Winkelmann) Luedtke, Lois (Dietz) Maschoff, Marion (Lisch) Hintz, Doris (Geske) Bauer, Carol (Holz) Voss, Patricia (Marquardt) Maile, Bevery (Lusha) Bolling

Class of 1955 The Class of 1955 celebrated their 66-year reunion on Friday, September 17

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

Class of 1957 Classmates gathered to celebrate their 64-year reunion on Thursday, August 19

Reunions

Class of 1966 The Class of 1966 gathered to celebrate their 55-year reunion on Saturday, October 23

Class of 1980 & 1981 The Class of 1980 (pictured top) and Class of 1981 (pictured bottom) held a joint reunion on Saturday, July 24, celebrating 41-year and 40-year reunions

'95 & '96 Volleyball State Championship Reunion Wisco Girls Volleyball State Champion teams from 1995 and 1996 were invited to celebrate the 25-year anniversaries of winning the title. Several of the players, managers, and coaches gathered for a team reunion on Thursday, September 9, and were recognized at the varsity volleyball game that followed.

Class of 2001 The Class of 2001 20-year reunion was held on Saturday, October 2

Class of 2016 The Class of 2016 celebrated their 5-year reunion on Friday, October 8

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Alumni Updates

John Morgan (’63) (pictured right) was an actor in “And Welcome Home Again: A Soul Journey Out of Vietnam” a play put on by the Feast of Crispian at the Next Act Theatre, in August. All of the actors in the play were Vietnam/Vietnamera veterans from Dryhootch, a peer support place for veterans, and who have flown in an Honor Flight.

Al King (’68) married Maggie on February 16, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Richard Passow (‘68) was awarded the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “Combined Federal Campaign Heroes Award,” for his agency, the Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD), which brought home four awards for various levels of giving. He also was selected to receive a DHS Management Directorate Award for Excellence for his work in planning a major relocation effort for CWMD staff.

Steve (’70) and Charlene (Tryggestad) Peske (’70) are enjoying retirement. Charlene was a manager for ADM chocolate until 2015. Steve was an engineer for German machine tool builder HERMLE and retired in 2019. The Peskes currently reside in Vernon, Wis.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

Rev. John Gawrisch retired after 43 years in the ministry; 38 of those years were at Star of Bethlehem in New Berlin. He currently resides in Watertown, Wis., and looks forward to spending more time with his six kids (all graduates of WLHS) and 18 grandkids. Wisco alumni family include: Wendy (Gullickson) Gawrisch (’70), Laura (Gawrisch) Punzel (’95), Brandon Wigley (’96), Lisa (Gawrisch) Wigley (’96), Kelly (Gawrisch) Schauland (’97), Kimberly (Gawrisch) Weidner (’00), David Gawrisch (’01), Katie (Sikorski) Gawrisch (’01), Daniel Gawrisch (’03), Kaitlin (Parbs) Gawrisch (’09), Bria Wigley (’20), Kayla Wigley (’22), and Lauren Wigley (’25).

Mark Prowatzke (’71) published “Yet, Will I Trust Him: Insights from a Brain Aneurysm.” The book is for sale on Amazon and Christianbook.com. Mark lives in Missouri with his wife Suzanne (Schwecke) (‘71).

Thomas Kneser (‘73), Sharon (Molkentin) Kneser (‘73), and daughter Bethany (Kneser) Behm (‘13) traveled to Mount Rushmore this summer, proudly sporting their Wisco alumni shirts.

Sharon retired from WLHS as receptionist after 16 years, and Bethany teaches 4th and 5th grade at Trinity Lutheran School in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Jean Bell-Calvin (’75) retired from the UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing in July 2021 after 32-years of employment as a Clinical Assistant Professor.

The focus of her work involved community nursing education, practice and partnerships.

On June 17, 2021 she received a Commendation from the Common Council and a Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office of the City of Milwaukee.

Charles Kurth (’75) retired in May 2021 after 31-years in the appraisal profession.

Russell Andreas (’78) married Karen (Luckwaldt) Voigt (MLC ‘83) at Carroll University on August 14, 2021.

Steve Reinhardt (’79) celebrated his 60th birthday on May 25, 2021 among WLHS friends and family whose graduation dates spanned forty years, from 1979 to 2019. Alumni in attendance include Jim Shilobrit (’79), Sue (Weiss) Eick (’79), Paul Henne (’80), Sandy (Miller) Krueger (’80), Jeff Van Alstine (’80), Pam (Kneser) Henne (’81), Kevin Krueger (’81), Mark Manthey (’81), Yvonne (Boettcher) Manthey (’81), Steve Mess (’82), Joseph Eick (’16), Anne (Reinhardt) Eick (’16), Doug Reinhardt (’18), and Olivia Gerbing (’19).

Alumni Updates Valerie (Rasner) Gospodarek (‘98) is the new WLHS Central Office Receptionist. Val’s husband, Jesse, serves as coach for the WLHS Jr. Vikings Baseball program. They are parents to Regan (‘23), Finley (13) and Declan (8). The Gospodarek family are members at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church.

Tim (‘99) and Melissa (Koschnitzke) McEachern (‘04) were married on July 10, 2021. Alumni included co-officiant and father of the bride Pastor Gary Koschnitzke (‘75), co-officiant and brother of the bride Pastor Chris Koschnitzke (‘98), and wedding party members: Becky (Koschnitzke) Jeske (‘05), Anna (Baum) Koschnitzke (‘00), Amber (Lau) Bergner (‘09), and usher Micah Koschnitzke (‘22).

Stephanie Rebman (’99) was named editor-in-chief of the Birmingham Business Journal after five years as managing editor of the publication.

Bonnie (Garbe) Hoersch (’84) and her husband, Steve, are celebrating 35-years of marriage on August 9, 2021.

Lindsay (Augustynowicz) Capizzi (‘01) and husband, Sam, welcomed son Parker Ford on May 13, 2021. Parker joins big brother Jack (3). Lindsay is a Senior Recruiting Consultant with elite Human Capital Group supporting Grande Cheese Company. The Capizzi family reside in Brookfield.

Kristin Gjerdset (‘86) rappelled down the 20-story Hilton Hotel in Milwaukee to raise money for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission on Thursday, June 17.

She raised more than $1,500 for those in need.

Ann Fitzsimmons (‘03) and husband, Justin, welcomed their first child, daughter Madelyn Jean, on July 8, 2021. They reside in Rochester, Minn. where Ann serves as a Physician Assistant in Trauma and General Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

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Alumni Updates

Emily (Kleist) Jiles (‘03) and husband, Lewis, welcomed their fourth child, Camden, to the family on July 24, 2021.

He joins big sisters Kyla (7), Zoey (5), and Ryann (3). Emily serves WLHS as Director of Student Services, and Lewis is Site Director at Lighthouse Youth Center.

Matthew Martz (’04) married Jaquelyn on May 28, 2021 in Cozumel, Mexico.

Alumni in the wedding party included Shayne Perkins (’04), Matt Riege (’04), and best man Martin Rodriguez (’98) (pictured left).

Angie (Priewe) Livingston (‘05) joins the WLHS faculty parttime in the FACE and English departments teaching Food Techniques, English 9 and Composition. Angie and her husband, James, reside in Kewaskum and are members at St. Lucas Lutheran Church.

After working for Aurora Healthcare for 11 years, Samantha Keihl (’07) is now the Director of the Cardiovascular Technology program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Samantha is teaching others about performing lifesaving cardiac procedures such as coronary stenting and pacemaker implants.

Dr. Steven Wipijewski (‘07) graduated from Aurora St Luke’s Family Medicine Residency in June 2021. He will be moving to Boston and employed with Fenway Health, as well as on the faculty of Harvard University and on staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Kevin (‘08) and Angie (Blasezyk) Raasch (‘08) grew by two beautiful little ladies on April 27, 2021 welcoming twins Avery Lynn and Emery Margaret. The twins are loved by their big sister pup Remy.

Kevin is an Associate Attorney at Judge Lang & Katers, LLC, and Angie is a Pharmacist at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin.

Elizabeth (Willett) Kirby (’09) was appointed as the Director of Admissions at Greenville University in Illinois.

Jenny (Ebeling) Biebert (’10) and husband, Shem, welcomed Judah Malachi Biebert on April 29, 2021.

He joins older sister Elinor (3).

Nicole (Beglinger) Plank (’07) and husband, Matt, welcomed their first child, Madelyn Joy, on October 8, 2021. The Plank family resides in Waukesha.

Joan (Zastrow) Zimmer (’11) married Daniel on July 9, 2021. Alumni in the wedding party included Elizabeth Metz (’11), Jessica Zastrow (’16), and Jennifer Zastrow (’19).

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

Hannah Kren (’13) completed her doctorate of pharmacy in May 2021 from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She plans to continue working with Walgreens as a pharmacist in Missouri.

Leah Gawel (’15) received her Master’s in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy from Carthage College this year.

Wisco alumni made up a majority of our Summer Academy Teacher’s Assistants this year! Pictured left to right: Carrington Cunningham (‘17), Claire Leverence (‘19), Lydia Hahm (‘21), Heaven Bausley (‘18), Michael Fromm (‘18), Elijah Henning (‘19), Colin Olson (‘19), and Grace Stroh (‘19).

In July 2021, Kailey Luehring (’18) opened her very own Starbucks store in Marshfield, Wis. Kailey accomplished all this while obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Justice Studies at Arizona State University. She plans to complete her degree in May 2022.

Three alumni worked at the Center for Urban Teaching at Mt. Lebanon this summer.

Cat Chan Chu (‘20) (left) taught 1st grade, Terry McGlaston (‘19) (middle) served as a chaplain, and Andrew Steinberg (‘20) (right) taught 4th grade.

“Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it,” (Proverbs 22:6).

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend.

I commented that my son had just graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, while his son was starting his first year at a different Lutheran high school. My friend and I both attended a Lutheran elementary school and high school, and then became friends attending Wisconsin Lutheran College. We had a poignant conversation about the sacrifices our parents made and how thankful we are that we could do the same for our children. I started to think, though, but what about those families who cannot afford a WELS Christian education?

At Wisconsin Lutheran High School, we are blessed to have a Foundation committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds can continue to grow and develop academically and spiritually (see the school report card on pages 4-5) for generations to come. The WLHS Foundation provides scholarships and resources for faculty support, development, and program enhancements. I wanted to share a breakdown of the awesome blessings God has granted us in the 2021 fiscal year: • The Foundation was able to give nearly $432,000 to WLHS; the majority of which went to tuition assistance and scholarships.

• Eight families, that have ties to WLHS, created five new endowed scholarships.

• The Foundation received $311,267 in new scholarship funds.

• Two student-led funds, through Foundation programing, gifted our faculty and staff more than $21,000 for non-budgeted, special projects (faculty and staff must apply for funding and then the students choose the projects and gift amount to fund).

We are so incredibly grateful for the love and support you have given us over the past year.

I look forward to showing how you impact our students here on their earthly journey and also towards their heavenly home. Visit wlhs.org/ foundation for more information.

Eric Ruh

Mr. Eric Ruh is the Director of Planned Giving at WLHS. WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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In Loving Memory Class of 1937 Mildred (Selle) Seefeld October 2, 2021

Class of 1952 Jean Auris October 3, 2020

Class of 1962 Lois (Niese) Lenz June 25, 2021

Class of 1941 Gertrude (Falck) Groth November 10, 2014

Class of 1953 Lois (Sawotka) Waedekin May 9, 2021

Class of 1965 Sandra (Lawonn) Miller October 29, 2020

Class of 1945 Charlotte (Goetsch) Lazarski July 2, 2021

Class of 1954 Barbara (Brook) Vincent February 12, 2021

Class of 1967 Carol (Tills) Smith June 29, 2021

Class of 1948 Joan Boeder-Hille January 9, 2015

Ronald Draeger January 2, 2021

Kristine (Kipp) Weltzien September 13, 2021

Class of 1955 Beverly (Wiener) Reit June 14, 2021

Class of 1975 Jo Ann Knoebel January 25, 2021

Diane (Dettmann) Speth April 18, 2021

Richard Jaeger July 31, 2021

Russell Rahn June 29, 2021

Class of 1979 Daniel Eick September 22, 2021

Class of 1949 Betty (Betker) Davis November 19, 2014 Marilyn (Gauger) Wrolstad September 9, 2016 Class of 1950 Joan (Wrensch) Christiansen June 2, 2021 Class of 1951 Lorli (Wiedenkeller) Dolson June 23, 2021 Faye (Kasten) Whitney January 15, 2020

Mary (Krueger) Goll July 10, 2021 LaVerne (Schiefelbein) Edenfield August 5, 2021 Annette (Sevcik) Stellpflug October 15, 2021

Grace (Butz) Kitzman February 3, 2021

Class of 1957 Robert Kolowith December 13, 2020

Eunice (Huelse) Wunrow April 14, 2021

Donald Lewinski July 22, 2021

Gwenn (Nourse) Benjamin November 25, 2019

Glenn Wilhelm January 2, 2020

Elizabeth (Pipkorn) Suderburg January 18, 2021

Class of 1960 Karen (Habermann) Wilhelm September 10, 2021

Class of 1982 Brian Kraus August 2021 Class of 1995 Jonathan Koeller May 27, 2021 Class of 2009 Brittany Michaels July 4, 2021 Former Faculty/Staff Lila Snyder (1978-1986) August 6, 2021 Marion Buerger (1992-2002) August 15, 2021

“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” 20

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

(John 10:27-28).

WLHS News

Senior Coffee Truck Senior students (and faculty & staff) enjoyed beverages from the Better Together Mobile Cafe coffee truck.

On the menu were mochas, lattes, chai tea, and refreshers. Seniors had a good time taking a break from the normal school day to fuel their studying.

Thank you to the WLHS Plautz Fund for sponsoring the senior coffee truck this year!

Vikings Fall Success Congratulations and blessings to our fall teams and individual athletes who have advanced to State.

Eva Kuehn (’24) continued her strong season by qualifying for the WIAA State Cross Country Championships for the second consecutive season.

The boys cross country team put together its strongest showing of the season to finish second at the WIAA Sectional Meet. Their runner-up finish advances the team to the WIAA State Cross Country Championships.

The Lady Vikes volleyball team captured the title of regional champions, and they also advanced to the second round in the sectional semi-finals.

Stay tuned to Wisco social media for future state athletic results.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Homecoming 2021

Stay connected to WLHS! 22

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2021

Night of Lights Homecoming 2021 was a spirited week at Wisconsin Lutheran. Students and faculty participated in dress-up days with Seniors winning for most participation. The junior girls triumphed over the senior girls in powderpuff football. Senior Valerie Kane (St. Jacobi Lutheran School), escorted by Orion Bell (Atonement Lutheran School) was crowned homecoming queen at the pep rally. Homecoming court included Grace Schneider (St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Muskego) (pictured left) escorted by Samuel Swiontek (Christ the Lord Lutheran School), and Kayla Wigley (Atonement Lutheran School) (pictured right) escorted by Jordan Glenn-Hawkins (St. Marcus Lutheran School). Football, volleyball, and soccer games all took home homecoming week wins.

Friends of Wisco 31st Annual Golf Outing

The Girls of ‘79 foursome were the lucky winners to golf with Wisco alum and PGA pro Mark Wilson (‘93)

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 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. Jacobi St. James St. John’s on the Hillside St. John, Lannon St. John, Milwaukee St. John, Mukwonago 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: Dr. Kenneth Fisher; Editor: Monica Baer (‘87); Design/Layout: Carolyn Sachs; Contributing Writers: Dr. Kenneth Fisher, Monica Baer (‘87); Photography: Attention Era Media, Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, 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 Abby Rasmussen (‘12) at 414-453-4567, ext 2012 or abby.rasmussen@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.

WHERE SUCCESS SUCCESS MEANS MEANS MORE MORE WHERE

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

2021 Flag Blessing Ceremony

On Tuesday, September 14, Gabriel Tonade (’23) carried his country’s flag (Great Britain) and Karolina Sitarska (‘22) presented her country’s flag (Poland) as these two countries were added to the panoply of flags in the Atrium in the special blessing of the flag ceremony during chapel.

Gabriel and Karolina are the first students from Great Britain and Poland respectively to attend Wisco. Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher, President of WLHS, blessed the flags.

We now have 43 flags hanging in our atrium. These flags represent the countries of origin from our past and present student body. They remind us that we are a Great Commission school.