2017 Spring Contact

CONTACT WLHS

SPRING 2017 | ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE

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WLHS students

baptized in a chapel service

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

Welcome

A Message from Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of the WLHS Conference Great Commission Focus Values are the “why” that motivate your daily strivings and push you through the struggles of life.

At Wisconsin Lutheran High School, I know that our primary value is a Great Commission focus. When our Savior ascended into heaven, he left his Church with a singular focus: “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

We strive to make nurture and outreach the “why” of all that we do. That’s why we are happy to serve teens who “from infancy have known the Holy Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15), as well as those who’ve never heard the name of Jesus until they step onto our campus. That Gospel focus is what makes WLHS more than just a high school. It makes us a ministry.

At WLHS, every unbaptized student is invited to receive the gifts that are promised through the Sacrament of Baptism.

But our Great Commission focus doesn’t end there.

Through the office of our Campus Pastor, we are tracking and celebrating more students being confirmed in their Christian faith. We cannot stop striving for every student to be fully nurtured and connected to our local congregations.

The value of a Christian education at WLHS begins to pay its greatest dividends after graduation. We strive for every graduate to be prepared to share and live his or her faith in college and career.

That is the value proposition of our Great Commission focus—and it is central to my role as president.

Isn’t that why you support WLHS, too?

In gratitude for your partnership,

Pastor Kenneth Fisher, President of WLHS

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

In This Issue

To God the Glory!

Guided by Faith Driven by Excellence Farewell to the Festerlings A Lifelong Festerling Impact PAVE—A Mark of Distinction WLHS Good News Grapevine/In Loving Memory Winter Festival/School News WLHS Dinner Auction

Page 3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Back cover

Upcoming Events

Spring Band Concert WLHS Dinner Auction Spring Sacred Choral Concert Prom Prism Concert Graduation

March 23 April 8 April 12 May 6 May 19-21 May 28

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:

Freshman Jaelen Marlow baptized by campus pastor Phil Hueber on January 20, 2017. Pictured below are additional students who were baptized that same day with President Fisher who assisted.

A Young Man’s Transformation

To God the Glory!

Senior Carrington Cunningham admits he didn’t get off to a good start at WLHS.

With encouragement and help from his mom and teachers, he passed all three classes and began to understand that attending WLHS was a gift.

“I wasn’t interested. I wasn’t doing homework. I wasn’t involved,” says Cunningham.

“The Wisco teachers care and really want you to succeed. I was proud to pass those classes and learned that perseverance and determination pay off,” says Cunningham.

Carrington Cunningham

Since he hadn’t done well freshman year, Cunningham took two summer school classes. However, he still wasn’t focused and failed his English course.

“I had Carrington sophomore year in Algebra and I could see he was a bright young man,” says Darrell Roecker, assistant principal and head wrestling coach. “He had talent and I knew he could become a great leader, if he just applied himself.”

Carrington joined the wrestling team that winter and quickly realized he needed to become dependable and responsible—he now had teammates counting on him.

Unfortunately, his freshman year grades caught up with him again and he had to sit out the second half of the season. In addition, in order to continue at WLHS, Cunningham was required to take three summer school classes.

“While everyone did exciting things, I was writing a paper or studying for a test or reading. I also had a job and was going to football workouts. It was always something and, at times, I wanted to quit but I knew what was at stake,” says Carrington.

Carrington, pictured second from the right, took home first place in his 285 lb. weight class at the Milwaukee Lutheran Wrestling Invitational on January 7, 2017.

“It took Carrington a while to realize that Wisconsin Lutheran is a school of excellence. He had expectations to meet. Once he understood that, he became a mature, responsible and goaloriented young man who’s now a role model to others,” says Bridget Allen, Carrington’s mom.

He played football that fall, rejoined wrestling and is now a recognized team leader.

“He’s respectful, dedicated and a hard worker,” says Roecker. “He’s doing all the right things. Really, the sky is the limit for Carrington.”

Guided by Faith

Baptismal Blessings

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It’s a special number for Wisconsin Lutheran High School.

10 souls who received the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation.

10 teens on whom God poured his love and mercy.

This January, WLHS held a special chapel to baptize 10 students and celebrate God’s grace in their lives.

“I wanted to be part of God’s family,” says Dajah Patterson, a junior.

For Patterson, Pastor Becker and Mr. Greschner were especially influential in her decision.

“I remember Mr. Greschner told me that I can’t control everything. I have to walk by faith and not by sight and trust in God’s plan,” says Patterson.

“That really struck me because I worry a lot and it was comforting to know that I can turn things over to God.” The day of her baptism, her mother, father, younger brother and sister all came to the service, while her grandparents watched online.

Dajah Patterson

“We’re a Christian family so everyone was very excited and happy for me,” says Patterson.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

“As I watched Dajah be baptized, I felt so proud and tremendously thankful to God. There’s nothing more joyous for parents than to see their children following Jesus and growing in faith. God is not looking for perfect people. The beauty is, that’s when God will do his most amazing work in and through you.

I think it is empowering for kids at such a young age to do God’s work and show that they can make a difference.”

—Denise Currie-Patterson, mother of Dajah

Senior OJ James is well known throughout Wisco.

OJ James

During his four years, he’s been a standout football and basketball athlete who’s contributed to each team’s success. That’s why his baptism in front of the entire student body was so meaningful.

“I’ve always wanted to be baptized but it wasn’t until this year that I really understood the full significance of it,” says James. “After talking with Pastor Huebner, I was ready to be an example and a faith leader.”

James credits a number of teachers as his inspiration and motivation to be a role model.

“Mr. Tatge, coach Walz and coach Whiteside— they all truly care and show you so much love. Their Christian character is how I want to live my life,” says James.

“I’m extremely proud of OJ for taking the step of baptism all on his own. He has the courage to believe in his faith—something I never had. I was never baptized nor did I or OJ grow up with a church but Wisco has taught my son so much and for that I’m forever grateful.”

—Danielle Jackson, mother of OJ

Sophomore Asia Dunomes-Hood was also part of the special baptism chapel service.

Bella Chen is an international student from Hangzhou, China who has Christian parents but hadn’t been baptized.

Bella Chen

She came to WLHS as a freshman and, after three years of religion classes, felt herself growing closer to God and learning how she could be more faithful in her daily life.

“When I was baptized, God put new clothes on me to wipe away my sins and I felt like a different person,” says Chen. “I was baptized on my 18th birthday so that date is now my physical and spiritual birthday.”

A Path to Baptism The outreach that led to the January baptisms actually began in the fall when Campus Pastor Phil Huebner conducted a Spiritual Life Survey.

The entire student body answered a series of questions, including whether or not they’d been baptized.

Based on the responses, Huebner held an informational meeting during which he discussed baptism. After that, he met individually with the students who were in attendance.

Those conversations led to a total of 10 baptisms at WLHS. In addition, several more students are planning to be baptized at congregations they’ve been connected to through WLHS. “It’s a special privilege to be in the middle of God’s grace in action,” says Huebner.

The Spiritual Life Survey also revealed another need.

Students wanted an online resource. Huebner is currently working with the high school’s onCampus platform to create an area for daily devotions, Bible passages and Q&A. “The high school years are a time when teens are growing in their faith and also facing important life issues,” says Huebner. “I want to help them blend their faith and life together so they’re able to make God-pleasing decisions and choices.”

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Driven by Excellence

Teaching and learning can happen anywhere—in a gymnasium, museum or school courtyard. It can also take many different forms—a class project, field trip or solemn ceremony.

Every day, WLHS teachers actively engage students to stimulate their thinking, teach problem-solving skills and stretch their creativity.

Algebra 1 – Exponents and Scale Algebra isn’t typically thought of as a hands-on class but math teacher Katie Luebke is changing that.

“I’ve found that students often memorize the rules for math but don’t really comprehend the concept,” says Luebke. “That prevents them from truly understanding it and realizing its application to other areas of life and work.”

To address that, she incorporates a variety of activities into her instruction.

For example, this fall when she taught exponents, Luebke introduced her students to fractal trees and held a poster contest.

“When kids draw a tree and then start adding branches, based on exponential numbers, a light goes on. They can see how quickly the tree grows and really grasp the power of an exponent,” says Luebke.

Better yet, her students appreciate the different approach.

“Math has never been my strong suit but the hands-on work helps me become a better student. The projects spark my interest more than sitting in a room with someone lecturing. I’m a visual learner so it really makes a difference for me,” says freshman Lilly Ganter.

During a lesson on scale, Luebke incorporated tactile engagement, sending her class out into the school with tape measures in hand.

The students each chose different items and applied scale to miniaturize them. One recorded the size of the basketball floor and then fit it proportionally onto an 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper. Another measured the classroom podium and created a small reproduction.

Math teacher, Katie Luebke, pictured with two Algebra 1 students who won the fractal tree poster contest. Luebke is currently working on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

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“The math projects help me see how the problems could apply to my life and job. The projects are fun, interesting and an all-around good time. Plus, when we work with partners, it helps you meet new people,” says freshman Reed Noel.

Advanced Placement Composition – Visual Rhetoric For 33 students in Dr. Carol Krause’s AP Composition class, it was a day at the museum.

Krause took advantage of the Milwaukee Art Museum’s “Art of Writing” program that uses trained docents to lead a visually inspired writing tour.

“The day incorporated a number of foundational skills that are critical to higher-level composition,” says Dr. Krause. “Students had to practice ‘slow looking’ so they could observe a piece and notice individual elements like the colors, lighting, angles and facial expressions. We then asked the ‘why’ question to explore the different aspects of the art.”

After a small group discussion of ‘why,’ a multi-step writing exercise began. Students drafted a few sentences about the piece and then reconvened to share their thoughts. They turned their sentences into a short story and engaged in a round of peer critiques before writing a final draft.

“I learned a number of different things from the day.

I realized there’s a lot of composition I can do inside my own head,” says senior Ali Kuske. “And, I can reference art as a descriptor in my writing.”

Modern World History – World War II Chuck Cairns, a WLHS supporter who is passionate about the flag, demonstrated the proper way to retire a U.S. flag and led the ceremony.

Students carefully cut the blue panel of stars from the red panel of stripes from five flags. As each piece was placed into the fire, 10 students shared their essay of what the flag meant to them.

“I appreciated that we burned the American flag out of respect for our country. I learned the process by which to do it properly and I will never forget that,” says sophomore Bryan Binder.

Bringing history to life can be a challenge but the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor presented an opportunity for Eric Lueck’s class. He used the anniversary to delve into the significance of the United States flag and conduct a flag retirement ceremony.

As preparation for the special event, Lueck assigned a free writing exercise to explore “What does the flag mean to me?”

“Each student had a different point of view but they all understood the importance of honoring the flag as a symbol of American freedom and democracy,” says Lueck.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Farewell to the Festerlings

Kind, caring, determined, selfless, Christian role models.

The list could go on and on but those are just some of the words used to describe MiMi and Roger Festerling.

Together, this humble power couple has dedicated their time and talents to WLHS and, over the years, has impacted thousands of young lives.

“MiMi is an amazing Christian woman who has a will to make things happen. Once she sets her mind to something, it will get done,” says Ned Goede, a WLHS fine arts instructor who previously served as principal.

In fact, MiMi started Agents of Change 12 years ago with just a dozen students. It’s now the school’s largest organization with 100-plus members who are focused on serving others and sharing the love of Jesus.

Veterans Day began the same way—as a small service to honor Wisco teachers and staff who were in the military. Today, led by Roger and student council members, the annual event draws 350 attendees and is a hallmark of the high school.

Signature Sayings

“Really, it’s all about the kids and Christ’s ministry.

They’re why we’re here and why we care so much,” says Roger. “I can honestly say I’ve never worked a day in my life. I get to play with biology toys and lead students to know the glory of God and his creation.”

“The closer you look at God’s creation, the more magnificent it becomes. The closer you look at man’s creations, the more flaws you see.”

— Roger Festerling

Student Reflections “Mr. Festerling truly made a difference. He’s one of the Wisco teachers who helped guide my path. I’m an ICU nurse now and I don’t think I could have made it through all the advanced dissections we had in college if it wasn’t for him pushing me during biology,” Deanna (Nelson) Hebner (’00) “My family was going through some hard times but I could always count on Mrs. Festerling. I could talk to her and she would remind me that I wasn’t alone. God was with me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today,” Amber Perez (’16) “I was on student council and, when I think about it now, I’m amazed at all the hours Mr. Festerling put into our activities and events. He and Mrs. Festerling are a truly selfless couple 8

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

“Do your best. Pray that it’s blessed and let Jesus take care of the rest.” — MiMi Festerling

who have dedicated their lives to mentoring and educating kids at Wisco. They’ll be greatly missed,” Dave Proeber (’07) “I’ll never forget singing “I Love You Lord” whenever Mr. Festerling led chapel. I often sing it to my kids when I put them to bed and it takes me right back to WLHS. Talk about a lifelong impact from one teacher and one song that is now reaching my kids,” Jamie (Johnson) Anderson (’99)

The Roger and MiMi Festerling Endowed Scholarship

An anonymous donor has established an annual student scholarship to continue the Festerling legacy. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Matt Bilitz, director of mission advancement, 414-453-4567 ext. 2015 or matt.bilitz@wlhs.org.

A Lifelong Festerling Impact

High school is an important chapter of life and one that can resonate for years to come.

Kari (Baltutis) Vokes (’06), PE, CEM, Development Engineer, Energy Systems Group Vokes says her student council involvement with the Veterans Day service and Our Hands for His Service (OHFHS) was a Vokes catalyst for the leadership roles she took on during college and now in her career.

“Mr. Festerling trusted his council members and gave us the freedom to take charge and try things.”

While at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, she was on the Institute of Technology’s Student Board of Engineers and the Provost’s Undergraduate Advisory Board.

Professionally, Vokes mentors college students who are considering a career in engineering.

“The experiences I had at WLHS helped me realize the importance of getting involved and helping others.”

Angie Blasezyk (’08), Pharmacist, Sam’s Club

Blasezyk

Jim Nygaard (’86), Business Team Leader, GE Healthcare Nygaard loved his senior year physics class with Mr. Festerling but truly began to appreciate the dedication of the Festerlings after attending the Veterans Day Nygaard service. Nygaard is a graduate of West Point who served in the first Gulf War and has participated in the veterans event several times.

“Veterans Day is Roger and MiMi putting their faith into action and setting an example of love for others. There’s really no way to express how much it means to the veteran community, especially for those outside our WELS membership, to be honored and thanked for their service. I’ve had five children at WLHS and the Festerlings have become such an important fixture in my and my family’s life.”

During her high school years, Blasezyk established a connection with Mrs. Festerling through the Guidance Department and Agents of Change (AOC).

Blasezyk was part of AOC in its early days and remembers it as a way to connect with other students and get to know them.

“Mrs. Festerling set a great example of caring for others.

I watched how she took kindness and spread it around.

For me, she’s a role model of how to be a Christian.”

Robyn (Kolosovsky) Sabich (’01), Speech Language Pathologist, MJ Care

Sabich

“Mr. Festerling placed a lot of trust in me to coordinate the Veterans Day event and, because of that, I developed confidence in my abilities. Now at work, I’m always excited to take a leadership role.

Student council gave me an early opportunity to build those important skills.”

Donald Harris (’16), Media Studies Major, Beloit College

Harris

Remain humble, lead with a servant heart, remember that God is in charge—those are just a few of the leadership principles Harris gained from his time on student council.

Harris was student body president his senior year at WLHS and is now busy being a leader on his college campus as an academic senator.

“My time working with Mr. Festerling on events for Homecoming, Veterans Day and Festival taught me a lot,” says Harris. “I learned to speak up and lead by action.”

Sabich was student body president her senior year and says she learned organization, planning and delegation.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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PAVE – A Mark of Distinction

While those outside of the education field may not realize it, WLHS’ designation as a PAVE (Partners Advancing Values in Education) school is a symbol of excellence.

“Out of all the learning institutions in Milwaukee, only a select group have been accepted into PAVE,” says Dave Steele, president and CEO of PAVE. “Those that do receive our seal of approval have undergone a rigorous assessment process.”

Dave Steele

For 25 years, PAVE has focused on driving schools to become well-run organizations that set high expectations for themselves and their students, efficiently direct their resources into the classroom and leverage partnerships with parents and the community to make great learning happen.

“PAVE’s endorsement has opened many doors for us—especially with foundations since it’s a consideration when awarding grants,” says Pastor Kenneth Fisher, president of Wisconsin Lutheran High School. “PAVE also provides board training and access to conferences and resources that help us understand what great governance looks like and how to continually strive for it.”

PAVE was a critical resource when WLHS was developing its Post-Graduation Readiness (PGR) program. PGR begins prior to freshman year with a Summer Academy and then continues to monitor students to ensure they get the support and resources they need to be successful in grade-level courses. (The PGR was previously known as the College Readiness Continuum.)

“WLHS is one of our role model schools. The institution has a clear mission and a well-articulated strategic plan that’s directing them,” says Steele. “The leadership team and board members have a clarity of vision to deliver an excellent education to every child who comes through their doors.”

96% of WLHS graduates enroll in postsecondary institutions Approximately 40% of students make the honor roll Student teacher ratio is 19:1

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

Academics 41 members of the class of 2017 were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS). Membership in the WLHS chapter of NHS requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and a demonstrated record of participation in school activities, service to others and upstanding character.

Using virtual reality technology tools, Peter Iles’ history classes are visiting ancient Egyptian pyramids, viewing the top of Mount Everest and swimming in the depths of the ocean. “We get to experience things as if we were there, rather than just looking at pictures in a book,” says freshman Hannah Schneidewend.

WLHS Good News!

This photo by Kaylee Mattek ('20) was voted winner of the Video and Photography Club's "Winter Wonderland" challenge.

WLHS students have an additional opportunity to flex their creative muscles through the school’s new Video and Photography Club. The group has more than 60 members and is led by Brian Gottschalk and Micah Ricke.

Three student athletes signed National Letters of Intent to play college football: Christopher Garrett, Concordia University, St. Paul; Brian Corbins, Winona State University; and German Fitzgerald, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall.

The varsity boys cross country team earned Academic All-State Honors for the 2016 season with a combined GPA of 3.6. The varsity girls cross country team was also recognized for its combined GPA of 3.4.

English teachers Chris Grzanna, Bev Braun and Dr. Carol Krause attended the National Council for the Teachers of English conference in Atlanta.

Co-curriculars This February, two WLHS robotics teams qualified to compete in the FIRST State Championship (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). One of the teams took second in state for programming and finished sixth overall.

The robotics team is always looking for sponsors to help purchase new equipment and enter more tournaments.

Elle Van Grinsven signed a National Letter of Intent for a volleyball scholarship to Loyola University, Chicago and Audrey Janik signed a National Letter of Intent for a cross country/track and field scholarship to Illinois State University.

Athletic Director, Jeff Sitz, was named president-elect of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) for 2017 at the organization’s national conference held in Nashville. Sitz was appointed to the 15-member national board in 2015 by the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.

School News For the 2016-17 school year, WLHS awarded $700,000 in tuition assistance to nearly 200 students.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School once again earned exemplary status from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation.

This January, 28 sophomores, juniors and seniors, accompanied by Joel Mattek and Skip Bremer, visited Martin Luther College, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s teacher and pastor training college, to learn more about studying to become a pastor, teacher or staff minister.

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

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Alumni Grapevine

Wesley Anders (’75) and his wife, Sharon, celebrated 32 years of marriage on October 20, 2016.

John Schlueter (’87) and his wife, Bethany, were blessed with the birth of Ella Elizabeth on October 19, 2016. Ella joins siblings Jack (age 5), Grace (3) and Max (2).

Reunions

Class of 1945 The class of ’45 is planning to host its 72nd reunion on June 17, 2017, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Silver Spring Country. Information has been mailed. If you did not receive a mailer, please contact Dick Maas at 262-255-1862 or richardmaas@att.net.

Class of 1946

Lisa (Nuss) Kurtz (’87) has joined Gabor Design Build in Milwaukee as a designer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications/Graphic Design from Valparaiso University and an associate’s degree in Interior Design from MATC. Nathan Baer (’92) has been elected to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEAA) Board of Directors.

Baer is Principal and Managing Partner at Staples Energy in Pewaukee.

David Klauser (’92) has been promoted to Vice President of Sales for INFINIDAT, a leading provider of enterprise data storage solutions.

Lindsay (Smith) Zimpelmann (’98) and her husband, Rev. Adam Zimpelmann, were blessed with the adoption of a son. Asher arrived on May 21, 2016 and the adoption was finalized November 22, 2016.

Laura (Fitzsimmons) Soldner (’01) and her husband, Mike, were blessed with a son, Logan Thomas, on May 23, 2016. Logan joins big brother Mason (age 5).

Molly (Metzger) Johnson (‘03) started her own photography business, Molly Johnson Photography, in Genesee Depot, Wis. April (Alonte) Goldschmidt (‘05) and her husband, James, were blessed with the birth of Cora Elizabeth on November 22, 2016.

Cora joins big brother Charlie (age 1).

Meghan (Nitz) Walsh (’07) earned her Master of Business Administration and Management from Alverno College. Walsh is currently Assistant Director of Alumnae Engagement at Alverno.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

On September 9, 2016, the class of ’46 celebrated their 70th reunion.

Class of 1956

On September 17, 2016, the WLHS class of ’56 held a joint 60th reunion with the ’56 class from Milwaukee Lutheran High School. The classes will gather again on September 15, 2017 at Noon at Alioto’s in Wauwatosa.

Class of 1957 The class of ’57 is hosting its 60th reunion on August 5, 2017. More details will follow. Contact Tom Abts at 407-738-1659 with any questions.

Class of 1966

On September 23, 2016, the class of ’66 celebrated their 50th reunion with a tour of WLHS and dinner at the Preserve at Deer Creek.

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

Reunions cont.

Class of 1972 The class of ‘72 is hosting its 45th reunion on August 5, 2017 in the WLHS Atrium. More details will follow.

Contact Ruth Breiling, ruthbreiling@gmail.com or 928830-6008, with any questions.

They Call Him "Coach"

Class of 2001 He played baseball at Lutheran High School, was a baseball MVP at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, signed with the legendary St. Louis Cardinals and eventually became a coach.

On October 15, 2016, the class of ‘01 celebrated their 15th reunion.

In Loving Memory Class of 1938 Ila Mae (Sohm) Hora October 26, 2016

Class of 1948 Grace (Tacke) Contrades September 18, 2016

Class of 1940 Lydia (Radue) Kremer September 11, 2016

Class of 1955 *Update - Mary (Reed) Raasch not Mary (Found) Raasch as previously published July 5, 2016

Class of 1941 Philippa Glines August 4, 2015 Class of 1944 Robert “Bob” Kaul December 20, 2016 Class of 1946 Perla (Wittkowske) Simoneau October 3, 2016 Class of 1947 Marilyn (Burhop) Tews September 8, 2016 Class of 1947 Trudy Zabrowski October, 19 2016

Class of 1963 James Michaelson 2016 Class of 1964 Patrick Fagan August 8, 2016 Class of 1968 Jeanette (Kohlwaies) Adams October 14, 2016 Class of 1970 James Urban April 18, 2016 Class of 1981 James Schaefer Jr March 10, 2016

Ron Unke demonstrated exceptional Christian leadership, character and achievement during his 41-year ministry at WLHS. In addition to teaching, he coached Vikings baseball for 36 years and football for 22. Ron became a living legend at Wisco, demonstrating what a Christian teacher, leader and coach should be. Understandably, he was lovingly dubbed “Coach.”

For 60 years his wife, Carol, walked by his side and supported his ministry to the Lord and the students at WLHS. The Lord called Carol home to heaven in October where she now enjoys the blessings of eternal life.

Upon her death, Coach was inspired to perpetuate Christian leadership, character and achievement through a new path. He recently endowed a scholarship in his and Carol’s name—the Ron and Carol Unke Scholarship.

Each year, a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated leadership and character in his/her co-curricular activities and who has shown an interest in a career which will positively impact the lives of others.

It is truly inspiring to see the joy Coach experienced bringing this scholarship to life and knowing his impact will continue at WLHS for years to come. We will always remember Ron Unke as “Coach” and a whole lot more.

If you would like to contribute to the Ron and Carol Unke Scholarship or, if you have questions about creating a scholarship of your own, please contact Kris Metzger (‘72) at kris.metzger@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567 ext. 2011.

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

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Winter Festival 2017

2017 Winter Festival was “a jungle out there” as students dressed up for 80’s Day, Generations Day, Safari and Animal Day, Sports Jersey Day, and Spirit Day. At the Friday pep rally, senior Ira Harvey (Lincoln Center of the Arts, Milwaukee) (pictured center) was crowned king and escorted by senior Skylar Krutz (St. Jacobi Lutheran School). The royal court included seniors Jacob Evans (Garden Homes Lutheran School), escorted by Whitney Stahl-Hubbard (Atonement Lutheran School), and Kellen Schneidewend (Pilgrim Lutheran School) escorted by Mollie Henning (St. John Lutheran School, Wauwatosa).

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2017

School News

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(1) WLHS international student, Alfred Li (‘19), was baptized earlier this year by Pastor Yu at St. John Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa (2) Twenty-eight WLHS students tour MLC (3, 4, 5) Student signings

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

Students who were part of the special baptism chapel service on January 20

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 (‘95) 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.

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