CONTACT WLHS
SPRING 2016 | ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE
88%
of WLHS AP students
qualified for college credit after taking the AP exams
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” Psalm 119:66
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Welcome
A Message from Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of the WLHS Conference New Technology Initiative Puts Digital Device in Every Student’s Hands WLHS is committed to giving our students a decisive educational advantage as they prepare for productive careers and Christ-centered lives in the 21st century. The effective use of technology is critical to accomplishing that goal. Thanks to a consortium of partners we now have a dark optical fiber connection which increases our bandwidth from 85 megabits to 1 gigabit (more than 10 times faster). With that infrastructure in place, faculty are now being trained to implement more technology-based classroom instruction school-wide. Praise God! Pending funding from our generous supporters, WLHS will launch a one-to-one initiative this fall that includes a Google Chromebook® for each student. You’ll see changes in the classroom as we continue to: • Move away from a textbook-centered curriculum to a research-driven educational experience; • Place greater emphasis on a proactive learning environment, rather than one that dispenses information; •
Create a culture of inquiry and knowledge, rather than information retention; and,
Place a high value on collaborative learning.
•
All this change is necessary to instill in our students the 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration and communication that will set them apart from their peers as they live and work as followers of Christ. Stay tuned! Our next issue will include more exciting details about our technology initiative. Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
In This Issue To God the Glory!
Page 3
Driven by Excellence
Page 4-5
Guided by Faith
Page 6
Veterans Day Touches Many
Page 7
Music Spectrum Class Added
Page 8
Continues Commitment to Comprehensive Education
Page 9
Establishes International Reputation
Page 10
Seniors Reflect on Their Time at WLHS
Page 11
WLHS Good News!
Page 12
Grapevine
Page 13-15
2016 WLHS Dinner Auction
Back cover
Upcoming Events Spring Sacred Concert
March 19
Dinner Auction “Imagine IF”
April 9
Spring Band Concert
April 10
Prom Prism Concert
May 7 May 20, 21, 22
Graduation
May 29
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 activites . . . Wisconsin Lutheran High School will be the prefered choice for those seeking a comprehensive Christian high school experience in a caring, cross-cultural setting.
On the Cover: WLHS teacher Mr. Brian Gottschalk with some of his math students.
Principal Phil Leyrer Guides WLHS
To God the Glory!
Leyrer recognizes the importance and value of WLHS’ comprehensive education and diverse student body. “Everyone is gifted in different ways. Our job is to nurture the faith of our students and grow their talents so they are productive in whatever walk they choose—trades, technical schools, military service, careers or college,” he explains. Leyrer also believes that students from different cultures working together is critical preparation for the future. “Our students will take their place in a 21st century world that is diverse. To have high school classmates from different cultures is a clear benefit,” he adds. In addition to his responsibilities as principal, Leyrer is teaching a junior-level American literature class.
This past July, Wisconsin Lutheran High School welcomed Phil Leyrer as its new principal. Leyrer accepted the school’s call and follows Principal Ned Goede who announced his return to the classroom after leading WLHS for 23 years. Leyrer draws on a variety of experiences in his new role at WLHS. Most recently, he served as principal at Siloah Lutheran School in Milwaukee and prior to that spent 10 years at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, teaching in the English division and serving in administration. “I am grateful for the way God guides us through changes and how each experience is training for work that is to come,” says Leyrer who has served in both urban and suburban settings.
“I think it’s essential to have regular contact with students, walk in the shoes of the faculty and work in the classroom to keep in tune with the rhythm of the school,” says Leyrer.
Get to Know Principal Leyrer Birthplace: Waukegan, IL Education: Bachelor’s degree from Dr. Martin Luther College, 1980, Master’s degree from University of Wisconsin— Whitewater, 1984 Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 2:5-11 Career advice: Trust in the Lord . . .and lean not on your own understanding. Family: Married to Beth, four adult children and four grandchildren First job: Delivering the Milwaukee Journal newspaper Favorite vacation spot: Lake Itasca, MN Favorite activity: Reading Currently reading: Mindset by Carol Dweck and Rainbow Savior by William Monday
Driven By Excellence
Dedicated Math Teacher Elevates Program and Students
Spend just five minutes with teacher Brian Gottschalk (’96) and his passion and enthusiasm for math and Christian education quickly becomes apparent. Spend a bit longer with him and his competitive nature, focus on excellence and quest for continual learning emerges. As the head of the math program, those qualities serve WLHS and its students well. Gottschalk was called to the high school in 2000 to teach, as well as coach football and track. He became the math department coordinator five years later and inherited a program that was well established. “Since I’m competitive, taking over an already strong program drove me to push myself even harder,” says Gottschalk. “I wanted to present WLHS students with as many opportunities to excel as possible.”
Under Gottschalk’s leadership, the school’s math offerings have grown with the addition of Advanced Stats & Probability and Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC. For those who need math support, he helped develop the College Readiness Continuum. The program pairs Pre-Algebra with a Math Enrichment Lab to fill in the foundational gaps some students have. Continuing education is another passion of Gottschalk’s. He earned his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2013 from Concordia University and is a champion for others to do the same. Each year, at least four members of the math department attend the National Math Teachers Convention to learn about the latest advancements in math and instruction.
Classic Mr. Gottschalk Math is Life! – I say this regularly because God’s creation is full of math.
Five or Go Home! – Five is the top score
on the AP tests so I want to set expectations high and push my students to stretch for it.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
Sing It – I’m known for my calculus songs that help students remember formulas and equations.
As a track athlete at WLHS, Mr. Gottschalk still holds the school’s indoor record for the triple jump.
“I’m proud to say our math program is constantly moving forward. We’re always investigating ways to accelerate the curriculum and improve our students’ engagement with it,” says Gottschalk. His dedication is producing results. Over the past four years, the average AP Calculus exam score for WLHS students was 4.3 out of 5. (Students must earn a 3 or higher to qualify for college credit.) “One of my favorite things about Mr. G is he does not accept mediocrity. If he sees potential in someone, he works tirelessly to bring that success to life,” says Tyler Parbs (‘14), a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin – Madison who was accepted into the highly competitive Industrial and Systems Engineering department. The WLHS math department boasts numerous grads who majored in math in college and now have successful careers in actuarial science, software development and web programming.
In 2007, Gottschalk and his wife Erica, an audit senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP, established two endowed WLHS scholarships. Each year, the Ruehle Family Church Leadership Scholarship, named after his grandparents, provides tuition assistance to a freshman and upper classman who are leaders in their congregation.
Gottschalk, pictured top left, with members of the WLHS boys track team that placed second at the 2015 State Track Meet. In addition to his math mind, Gottschalk is a decorated coach. In 2014 and 2015, he was named WISTCA District 7 Coach of the Year. The boys track team also has an impressive record. During the 13 years he’s been head coach, the team has won 17 conference championships (including indoor, outdoor and relays), three sectional championships and was runner-up in 2014 and 2015 at the WIAA Division 1 State Track Meet. According to Parbs, Gottchalk’s former student, lessons on the track can translate into the classroom and life. “Not only did he connect with me on an academic level, he also taught me the intangible lessons of discipline and accountability during my four years in the track program,” says Parbs. “I would not be where I am today without the selfless love and care of Mr. G.”
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Guided By Faith
Accomplished Couple Makes WLHS a Priority Every successful institution has a raft of supporters who are vital to its prosperity and longevity. Ken (’74) and Joan Krueger are two such individuals who have given selflessly of their time and talents to Wisconsin Lutheran High School.
“For the past two decades, Ken’s hand has touched every major campaign and initiative at the high school,” says Pastor Kenneth Fisher, president of WLHS. “His and Joan’s leadership, loyalty and passion for the ministry have carried us forward in countless ways.”
Despite a demanding career, Ken, who is currently chairman and interim CEO of The Manitowoc Company, has always said “yes” when he’s been asked to serve.
Most recently, the couple chaired the Gifted for Praise capital campaign that raised just over $6 million for the school expansion, and Ken helped lead the building committee.
“Everyone is busy but you make time for what’s important to you,” says Ken. “I give a high priority to WLHS and its mission.”
The project was close to Joan’s heart since their youngest daughter, Katie, was involved in choir and Wisco Kids and Joan had seen the music department’s cramped quarters. She also knew that the Project Lead the Way® engineering program needed more space to grow.
Over the years, the Kruegers’ involvement has taken many forms. When the family’s three children were attending WLHS, Ken served as treasurer of the board while Joan was a lead volunteer for the annual auction.
“We saw a need for physical change and felt privileged to be part of an ambitious plan to transform the school inside and out,” says Joan. “Our children benefited greatly from their Christ-centered education at WLHS so we truly want to see the high school thrive and be there for future generations.”
“It’s easy to volunteer and get involved with your passions. When you do that, it becomes a wonderful opportunity and not a chore,” Ken Krueger, vice chairman of the WLHS Foundation board. Ken pictured with his wife, Joan, at the Gifted for Praise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 6
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
Veterans Day Touches Many
“Thank you for saying ‘thank you.’ You are only the second person in 45 years to say that. It means a lot to me.” During the past 20 years, the Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran High School has become a signature event and is now one of the largest observances of its kind in the state. WLHS regularly hosts 400 veterans and active duty personnel and draws city and state leaders and dignitaries.
More than 100 students are involved in the planning and execution of the Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony. Student Council leads the initiative while the WLHS Concert Band and various singing groups perform patriotic selections, such as “God Bless America” and “Thank a Soldier.” “During breakfast, I got to talk to the veterans and ask them questions,” says junior Ali Kuske of Mount Calvary Lutheran School, Waukesha. “It’s a time when you can say thank you and share your appreciation for what they did for all of us and our country.” The ceremony in the WLHS gymnasium is filled with many moving moments.
Retired Lt. Col. Henry Ratenski was this year’s keynote speaker, sharing his World War II experiences as part of the 315th B-29 Superfortress Bomb Wing. It was Ratenski’s squadron that conducted the final bombings over Japan before the country announced its surrender on August 15, 1945. “Many who served were never thanked so the day is all about honoring them and showing our appreciation,” says Roger Festerling, the Student Council faculty advisor who started the annual event with his wife, MiMi, because her father was a veteran.
It begins with a special procession of veterans walking through an aisle of flags as all WLHS students stand to show their respect. Later, “Taps” is played and a moment of silence is observed to remember those who did not return. Finally, the WLHS Concert Band performs a U.S. Armed Forces Salute. As each branch’s song is played, veterans stand to a round of applause. “My son Jack (class of 2030) and I had the opportunity to meet the people who put their lives on the line for our country,” says John Schlueter (’87), founder and president of Frontline Commercial Real Estate and Keder Solutions. “They absolutely deserve our gratitude and thanks. They’re the ones who said to our nation, ‘Here am I. Send me.’”
Military vets, those who are currently serving, WLHS alumni and community members are all invited to attend the next Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, November 11, 2016. The event will also be live streamed on wlhs.org.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Music Spectrum Class Added
Technology Incorporated to Teach First-time Musicians
This school year, WLHS students have another course to choose from—Music Spectrum.
With the completion of the Gifted for Praise addition, the high school had the space and technology to offer an exploratory class that gives freshmen to seniors the opportunity to learn how to play the drums, keyboard and guitar.
“In one semester, we introduce students to a whole new language—the language of music,” says Quinten Petersen, fine arts teacher and WLHS band director. “After just a few weeks, students can read music. But, more importantly, we teach them how to listen thoughtfully and with discernment. Careful and considered listening is a skill they’ll be able to use in all facets of their life.” After the initial semester this fall, students completed a course evaluation and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “For me, the class was about creativity and open mindedness,” says senior Caleb Johnson from Mount Olive Lutheran School, Milwaukee. “I learned it’s good to take a chance and try new things.”
“Since taking the class, I’ve been listening to music differently. I now hear beats and rhythms I didn’t notice before,” freshman Mahysam Belter, St. Jacobi Lutheran School, Greenfield
“In a day and age when Fine Arts seem to be the first thing on the chopping block in many school districts, we are very impressed with WLHS’ commitment to the arts.” —Peggy and Dan Schneidewend,
parents of Kellen, a junior
from Pilgrim Lutheran School, Menomonee Falls
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
On the evaluations, many students said their favorite experience was the feeling of unity when playing a song together. After learning the individual drum, guitar and keyboard parts, each class was able play two classic songs, “Hey Jude” and “Stand By Me.” To date, more than 60 students have taken the class and even more are expected to enroll next year. For a number of juniors and seniors, the course is important for college applications since more institutions are now requiring one fine arts credit for admission.
Commitment to Comprehensive Education Continues Breadth of Courses Allows Students to Identify Talents
Since its early days, WLHS has offered a complement of Family and Consumer Education (FACE) classes. This school year represents a new chapter for the program as it added a fourth instructor and moved into the Gifted for Praise addition. Students are now enjoying larger, more modern classrooms that are outfitted with the latest equipment and technology. “Often times, teenagers don’t know what their gifts are until they’ve had a chance to try a few different things. High school is a time to explore their interests and talents—whether that is in engineering or practical skill development such as fashion or food,” says April Tellier, FACE instructor.
FACE offers 10 semester-long classes that range from Child Development and Family Living to Meal Management. For those interested in sewing and fashion, there are three sequential Fashion Techniques courses. The most advanced class introduces students to complex sewing methods, computer-aided design, textile dyeing and costume construction, as well as career options. One WLHS grad, Kelie Krause (‘14), is now a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in costume production. “Many people don’t realize that our classes incorporate what students learn in math, English and science,” says April Tellier, FACE instructor. “For example, in foods classes, students use their math skills to double a recipe or cut it in half. We bring English into the kitchen when we ask them to describe in detail the aroma, appearance and taste of a dish. And, each recipe is like a science
Even though she graduated, Krause has returned to create pieces for WLHS musicals including last year’s production of “Shrek” and this year’s “Mary Poppins.” “Not every student is going to college but every student will have to take care of themselves and possibly a family someday,” says Tellier. “Our FACE classes prepare teens to be self-sufficient and teach them practical hands-on skills for life.”
experiment where directions must be followed in the exact order to produce the desired result.”
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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International Reputation Grows
Mother of Chinese Graduate Trumpets WLHS Experience Thanks to a comprehensive and well run international program, Wisconsin Lutheran High School now has several champions in China. One of the school’s most ardent advocates is Jinping Hou whose daughter, Runa, graduated in 2013.
“Whenever we visit Hangzhou, the city where Jinping lives, she’ll recruit a number of families to attend our information sessions,” says April Goldschmidt, director of the International Student Program. “In fact, four students who currently attend WLHS are direct referrals from Jinping.” During her time at WLHS, her daughter Runa accomplished a lot. She excelled academically and was enrolled in the Young Scholars Program at Wisconsin Lutheran College where she took advanced classes. She also found time to participate in numerous co-curricular activities, including Student Council, softball and Wisco Kids. “It was a serious decision to send Runa to WLHS but I knew she was in a Christian environment that was filled with love and humility,” says Jinping. “The school shaped Runa into a strong young woman and that’s why I recommend WLHS so highly to other Chinese parents.” Currently, WLHS has 38 students from China, South Korea, Canada, Thailand and Germany. To integrate into the WLHS student body and make new friends, each international student is required to participate in at least one co-curricular activity.
On January 16, Charlie Huangqi, an International Student from China, was baptized into the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, by Pastor Joshua Yu.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
For Runa, co-curriculars were her favorite part of high school life. “In China, there aren’t many opportunities to play sports or join clubs. At WLHS, being in multiple activities taught me how to multi-task and they were also a plus on my college applications,” says Runa.
Runa Yu graduated from WLHS with a 3.66 GPA and is a talented artist who won several awards during high school, including Best of Show in the Young People’s Art Exhibit. She is currently attending New York University (NYU) where she’s pursuing a degree in art. Prior to NYU, she spent a year at Columbia University as a visiting scholar.
Seniors Reflect on Their Time at WLHS Quinton Reed
Attended: Garden Homes Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee
Reflections: “I still remember freshman year when I started summer conditioning for football. I was the youngest guy on the team and didn’t know anyone but my teammates treated me like family. For me, the diversity of people and cultures at Wisco was great.” Future: Signed a letter of intent to play football at Winona State University, Minnesota. Plans to study sports medicine and become an athletic trainer.
Jeong Heo
Attended: Dong Ma Middle School, Seoul, South Korea Reflections: “My favorite parts of high school were learning about God, making friends and trying so many different activities. I especially liked Mr. Plamann’s Religion and Science class because it really made me think.” Future: Applied to University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Stony Brook University. Interested in business and becoming a diplomat.
Brooke Franklin
Attended: Atonement Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Reflections: “My time at WLHS has taught me a lot and prepared me for my future. I’m now more focused on success in school and leading a Christian life. Freshman year homecoming is one of my favorite memories because it was so different from grade school.” Future: Applied to Spelman College, Emory University and UCLA. Plans to study medicine and become a nurse practitioner.
Emily Frey
Attended: Zion Lutheran Grade School, South Milwaukee
Reflections: “The teachers at Wisco are always there for you academically and spiritually and they push you to do your best. After four years, my faith is stronger and it’s now even more important to me. I’m leaving with Christian friends I’ll have for life.” Future: Attending Wisconsin Lutheran College. Plans to become a teacher.
Peter Matson
Attended: St. Paul Lutheran Grade School, Muskego Reflections: “I like the diversity because that’s how the world is. It’s not just one race and neither is Wisco. My pinnacle moment was when our football team won State. The next season I was honored to be captain and learned so much about leadership and teamwork that year.” Future: Applied to Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Carthage College. Interested in becoming a pastor or pursuing a communications degree.
Anne Reinhardt
Attended: Pilgrim Lutheran Grade School, Menomonee Falls Reflections: “I’ll always remember the Prism concerts. They’re filled with talent and excitement and I love it when the lights go down and then two seconds later another group performs. I’m so thankful I went to Wisco because it’s strengthened my family.” Future: Applied to Wisconsin Lutheran College and Concordia University. Interested in becoming a nurse.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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WLHS Good News! Academics
This school year, more than 60 members of the WLHS football team visited 18 area WELS grade schools as part of the “Buddy Reading” program. The initiative pairs preschoolers to third graders with a high school role model who shares a book with them and emphasizes the importance of reading as part of their future academic success.
(Co-curriculars cont.)
The varsity robotics team advanced to the State Championship and won the Innovate Award during the FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) qualifying tournament. The JV team made it to the semi-finals of the tournament. The varsity boys soccer team recorded the school’s second-ever WIAA regional win with a victory over Messmer High School in round one of the state tournament. The varsity boys cross country team captured second place in the WIAA Division 2 state championship meet. The girls’ varsity team placed fourth.
School News
WLHS once again earned exemplary accreditation from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation. 41% of this year’s senior class earned a spot on the second quarter Honor Roll, which requires a 3.4 or higher GPA.
Co-curriculars
The wrestling team won its second straight Wisconsin Little Ten conference tournament in convincing fashion, outscoring its nearest opponent by 50 points. The team also earned a berth to the WIAA State finals for the second straight year.
Varsity basketball player O.J. James was named Pick ‘n Save “Student Athlete of the Week.”
Stay connected to WLHS! 12
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
In 2015, WLHS received $13,597 from Thrivent Choice® participants. The Thrivent Choice program helps Thrivent members make a positive impact in their communities. Visit thrivent.org to see if you qualify to be a part of the Thrivent Choice program. The 5th Grade Extravaganza recruitment event at WLHS had a record-setting attendance of more than 300 energetic 5th grade students and their parents.
The next Wisco Today breakfast is March 23 at 7:30 a.m. The breakfasts are for anyone who would like to learn more about WLHS, see classrooms in action, meet faculty and students and attend chapel. To register, contact Heidi Witz, 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org.
Reasons to Choose the WLHS Foundation The Wisconsin Lutheran High School Foundation has been blessed with remarkable growth as more and more alumni and supporters have decided to establish a special endowment fund to honor a friend or family member. Many donors choose to create such a fund while they’re still living because they want to see the results right away. Others make arrangements in their will or by naming the WLHS Foundation as a transfer-on-death beneficiary on a retirement or bank account. And still others choose both options by starting their endowment now and then adding to it later through a gift in their will. There are many reasons WLHS alumni and friends make a gift to the Foundation in their will:
Permanence – The assets of the WLHS Foundation are managed much like a retirement account. The principal remains intact while returns provide WLHS with needed income on a predictable basis.
In Loving Memory
Class of 1936 Edmund Kroening January 18, 2015
Class of 1951 Grace (Raabe) Forbes November 11, 2015
Class of 1942 Carol (Beyer) Colen November 11, 2015
Class of 1952 Lois (Behn) Thomas October 2015
Class of 1944 Helen Mae (Seefeldt) Kruschel January 11, 2016
David Gall July 2, 2015
Class of 1947 Catherine (Schmidt) Kriehn March 28, 2015 Frank Schiessel March 27, 2015 Class of 1949 Udo Wilharm November 2, 2015 Class of 1950 Terry D Mueller December 22, 2014
Strength for WLHS – Every year, WLHS must raise funds to support operations and sustain facilities, programs and personnel. The WLHS Foundation provides an annual grant to ease some of this financial pressure, allowing the WLHS Board of Directors and administrators to plan with confidence.
Class of 1983 Kurt Beffa September 11, 2015 Keith Gaulke, father of Colleen (Gaulke) Landish-Hansen (’99), Lynn (Gaulke) Tordivia (’00) and Steven Gaulke, passed away on October 30, 2015. Keith was familiar face around WLHS, chaperoning dances, manning the chains for football games and even appearing in a Poms half-time dance as Santa Claus.
A Lasting Legacy – Donors like the idea of honoring a friend or a family member by attaching their name to an endowment fund. Since the funds are permanent, it will carry their loved one’s name forward and benefit future generations.
Have a Question? I Can Help. Pastor Jim Kleist, executive director, WLHS Foundation 414-453-4567 ext. 2005 • jim.kleist@wlhs.org www.thewlhsfoundation.org
“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.” GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
John 10:27-28
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Alumni Grapevine
Linda Christensen (‘77) and Scott Koller (‘78) were married on August 30, 2014. The couple resides in Hartland, WI. Erin (Raabe) Krug (‘95) and her husband Robert welcomed Leynah Joelle Krug on March 28, 2015. Leynah joins Jonah (’16) and Nora. Erin began working in the WLHS Mission Advancement Office in November 2015.
Chris Szymanski (‘05) married Jenna Kaufman on September 27, 2014. Chris graduated from MATC, Mequon campus in 2009 with an associate’s degree in Landscape Horticulture and currently works for the City of Milwaukee as an arborist. Chris is also a WLHS Track and Field coach. The couple resides in Greenfield, WI. Sadie (Alf) Gawel (’99) and her husband Matt welcomed Ezekiel Thomas on March 8, 2015. Sadie teaches 3rd, 4th and 5th grades at Zion Evangelical Lutheran School in Denver, CO.
Brent Anderson (‘97) received the District Toastmaster of the Year award for exceptional leadership and devoted service to District 30. District 30 is part of Toastmaster International and serves approximately 240 Toastmaster clubs and 5,000 members in northeastern Illinois. Dave Craig (‘97) was named a “2015 Rising Star” by Right Wisconsin. Craig was elected a State Representative in May 2011 for the 83rd Assembly District, which includes portions of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine and Walworth Counties. He and his wife Amy reside in the Town of Vernon and welcomed their sixth child, Ruth, on January 28, 2016.
Josh Gordon (‘11) was named an American Football Coaches Association All-American for the second consecutive season. During his four years as a defensive end with Minnesota State University (MSU), Gordon has become the school’s all-time leader in sacks with 43 and tackles for loss with 62. In 2014, Gordon set an MSU single-season record of 17.5 sacks. Gordon is a pharmacy major.
Audra (Raabe) Jacobs (’97) was elected to the 2016 Public Relations Society of America Southeastern Wisconsin board as an assembly delegate. Jacobs is currently Group Leader, Public Relations for Bader Rutter in Brookfield, WI. She and Trevor Jacobs (’97) have two children. Nicholas Cutting (‘01) married Sabrine Faragallah on September 26, 2015 at Saint Jude The Apostle Parish in Wauwatosa. Nick is the son of Bob Cutting (‘69) and Linda (Parker) Cutting (‘73). The wedding party included Allison (Cutting) Busch (‘03), Steve Fischer (‘01) and Jon Kolosovsky (‘01). Nick is a regional operations controller for Graymont and Sabrine is a finance manager for AbbVie. The couple resides in Wauwatosa. Dan Kamin (’02) married Mandi Roberts on May 24, 2015 at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Pastor Brian Koschnitzke (’00) officiated the ceremony. The wedding party included David Kamin (’05), Brian Kamin (’07), Kent Horn (’02) and Meaghan (Smith) Ward’s (’02) daughter, Annabelle, as the flower girl.
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2016
On September 11, 2015, the class of 1946 celebrated their 69th reunion.
Reunions
Class of 1966 The class of ’66 is hosting a reunion on September 16, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the New Berlin Hills Golf Club. Details to follow. Please contact Karen (Semenske) Bednar with any questions, 414-744-1126 (home), 414-690-1126 (cell) or klrsb12@sbcglobal.net. Class of 1976 The class of ’76 is planning to host a 40th reunion. Linda (Halfman) Pankow is coordinating the reunion and more details will follow.
Send us your updates by e-mailing your news and photos to Erin Krug at erin.krug@wlhs.org.
School News
This year’s Winter Festival activities included dress up days, lunch-time games and a Pep Fest. Students elected senior Jake Nygaard as festival king, accompanied by senior Laurel Hirshmann. Other members of the court included seniors Josh Kren with escort Katelin Ludke and Landon Gosch with escort Marissa Miller.
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
Saturday, April 9
H
5:00 p.m. at Wisconsin Lutheran High School
uc a / g r .o s h l .w w w w Register online at
tion