2023 Spring Contact

WLHS Contact Spring 2023 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Where Success Means More

Welcome

A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference Seeking Your Best In Life “What do you want to do with your life?”

That’s a question that often haunts high school students.

Dr. Ken Fisher

The broad curriculum and wideranging experiences at your high school offer multiple opportunities to experiment and take an inventory of personal gifts as each teenage tries to answer that question.

College. Military. Public Safety. Medical. Ministry.

Engineering. Work force. So many options.

To help decide, we’re committed to delivering exceptional college and career counseling as part of our strategic plan. Our goal is to help each teen understand themselves, choose courses that create future options, and plot the next steps for life wisely.

Plans will undoubtable change. Ask the alumni who are featured in this issue of the Contact. Visit with alumni at a class reunion. Life is never a straight path.

“My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15) wrote David.

While we strive to chart our path through life, David confesses his trust that the LORD is in control of his life plans — and that’s comforting.

James addressed those who think their lives are in their own hands by warning, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

It is true. Just read the “In Loving Memory” section in this issue. In view of eternity, life is short. That’s what has always made the guidance that we offer different.

“What do you want to do with your life?” is a question best answered in Christian faith. “I want to go to heaven.”

That’s why our vision is “where every student finds success to the glory of God.” While we want every one of our alumni to have a great life here, our highest prayer for each one is the best life is yet to come — to God’s glory.

Isn’t that what makes the difference in a Christ-centered education? We strive to prepare students to find each step through life’s journey grounded in our faith in Christ and confident in God’s loving care.

With you in Christ’s service, 2 Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher, President of WLHS

In This Issue

To God the Glory!

Guided by Faith Where Success Means More Culinary Arts at WLHS Alumni Updates & Reunions WLHS Foundation/In Loving Memory WLHS Good News!

2023 Winter Festival Fall Drama Production WLHS 2023 Dinner Auction

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

Upcoming Events For up-to-date information visit wlhs.org/calendar or download the Wisco app at the Apple App Store or Google Play.

2022-23 School Theme Christ is My Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20)

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, diverse student body and award-winning co-curricular activities . . .

Wisconsin Lutheran High School is where every student finds success to the glory of God.

On the Cover: WLHS students learned about Japanese food and culture from renowned Japanese chef John Sugimura.

To God the Glory!

WLHS Grad Flourishing in the Classroom

“It’s my first class and we’ve progressed so much this year.

I can’t believe it,” says Bausley.

“My kids are one of the first COVID classes so, in addition to our regular lessons, we focus on team building and communication skills.”

To help her students in those important areas, Bausley has initiated fun learning exercises like a group building competition using marshmallows and toothpicks.

Another time, her second graders measured cubes across the classroom but had to do the entire lesson without talking.

“Heaven is an amazing teacher.

Her passion for her students comes through in everything she does,” says Kim Fisher, East Campus principal, Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School. “During the first year, teachers often struggle with classroom management but that is truly one of Heaven's strengths. She sets her classroom expectations high and believes in her kids. Her students know she loves them and they rise to the challenge. She is such a blessing to the ministry here at CSP.”

Heaven Bausley ('18) (pictured middle front row) with her second graders at Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School Becoming a teacher was something Heaven Bausley (’18) had thought about as a young child but, during high school, she began to consider other careers.

However, things changed her senior year when Bausley was encouraged to visit Martin Luther College (MLC).

“Mr. Bowe and Pastor Huebner saw something in me and encouraged me to think about teaching,” says Bausley. “I was comfortable being in my introverted shell so hearing that teaching would be a great career path was a bit intimidating at first but I decided to take a leap of faith and attend MLC." Bausley, who graduated in May 2022 with a degree in elementary education, is now teaching second grade at Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School in Milwaukee and loves her “littles.”

“To me, everything about Heaven oozed ‘ministry.’ She always displayed a humble attitude, compassion for other people, and an inner drive to make a difference in this world.

It has been a joy to watch her go and grow on her journey through Martin Luther College and now into the classroom. I’m confident the Lord will continue to use her in great ways for his Kingdom.”

— Dr. Phil Huebner (’99), WLHS campus pastor

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Guided by Faith

2023 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership

Rev. Dr. Huebner ('99) led a discussion with WLHS students — "An Honest Conversation with WELS Teens" This January, more than 1,300 WELS members gathered in Chicago for the 2023 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership. For three days they immersed themselves workshops, discussions, and breakout groups to explore new ways of leading in their congregations and communities.

A number of members of the WLHS community were involved in various aspects of the conference.

• Dr. Joan Prince ('71) and Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher, president of WLHS, kicked off the conference with a keynote presentation – “A Courageous Conversation on Modeling Gospel-Centered Unity.”

• Rev. Dr. Huebner (’99), WLHS campus pastor, led a breakout session on "Who Am I?" - The Crisis Among Teens Today.”

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Rev. Huebner also brought 16 WLHS students to the conference to participate in a panel discussion on "An Honest Conversation with WELS Teens."

• Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07), a communications manager for the WELS, helped plan and coordinate the event.

“A Courageous Conversation on Modeling Gospel-Centered Unity” Together, Dr. Prince and Dr. Fisher tackled a topic that many agree needs to be addressed more openly and directly in the WELS. They acknowledged the lack of ethnic diversity across the synod and reminded attendees that we have the tools to create real unity.

“Ken and I rooted our talk in the gospel. Everything we said tied back to the Bible and God’s word,” explained Prince. “Race is really a man-made barrier. God didn’t create it. Instead, he gave us the Great Commission, encouraging us to bring all people in.”

The pair reminded attendees that faith is a powerful unifier. It’s sin that divides us.

“I was amazed and invigorated by the warm reception we received. It was an overflowing room and the attendees were open and eager to talk about race and God’s direction. The welcome was more than I anticipated and it gave strength to my faith and hope to my work,” said Prince.

“As we put the love of Jesus into action, we can heal racial divides and overcome man-made barriers.”

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— Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher, president of WLHS

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2023

Dr. Joan Prince ('71) delivered the keynote message "A Courageous Conversation on Gospel-centered Unity" with WLHS President Dr. Kenneth Fisher

Guided by Faith

In Their Own Words: 2023 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership Participants Dr. Joan Prince ('71) Presenter For decades, Dr. Prince, who was inducted into the WLHS Hall of Fame in 2005, has been a distinguished educator and respected public servant. A native of Milwaukee, Prince was the first Black recipient Dr. Joan Prince (’71) of a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and a master’s in clinical laboratory sciences with a specialty in hematology and flow cytometry from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. She also earned her Ph.D. in urban education with a specialty in medical science education from UW-Milwaukee.

In 2000, she returned to her alma mater in a professional capacity, serving as vice chancellor for 20 years. In that role, she was the chief administrator for the Divisions of Global Inclusion and Engagement and Partnerships and Innovation with responsibilities as the chief inclusion officer.

In addition to her work at UW-Milwaukee, she’s held innumerable civic and governmental positions.

For example, she was a senior advisor to the State Department and Public Delegate, serving as a United States representative to UN committees and related organizations such as ECOSOC, UN Women, UNESCO, and UNICEF. Prince has also been a steadfast supporter of WLHS and, throughout the years, has lent her considerable talents to the high school in a variety of ways.

Daniel Reinke Student "I want to pursue the pastoral ministry so learning more about Lutheran leadership was certainly relevant to me.

The conference reminded me that I can lead by example in the high Daniel Reinke (’24) school setting. I realized, as an upperclassman, having integrity, showing compassion, and guiding others in their spiritual walk can be especially meaningful to those younger than me."

Norah Stroh Student

"After the panel ("An Honest Conversation with WELS Teens”), the teens who spoke were approached by various teachers and pastors. We were asked questions about how to start youth groups, how to Norah Stroh (’23) reach out to teenagers, and how teens want to be included in church today.

It truly struck me that our teachers and pastors care deeply about reaching out to their congregations.

They are flexible and willing to try new things, even when it may be out of their comfort zone."

Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07) Digital Projects Manager, WELS Communication Services "An event like this is monumental and pivotal in our synod's undertaking of changing culture within our Sarah (Horn) congregations to be better Proeber ('07) equipped for our role — whatever it may be, whatever it may look like — in ministry. Ministry never stops, nor should it. Our mission field is right outside the door. It's your new neighbor; it's in line at the grocery store; it's sitting on the airplane; it's everywhere. This conference provided solutions and new ideas for congregations to utilize for their members and surrounding communities. It takes the work of not only our trained called workers but also our church leaders and our motivated members —with our synod’s support.

What a blessing it was to be a part of something so impactful for our synod. It was amazing to be able to help in the planning and logistics of the event, as well as the communications and promotions surrounding the event, with the goal of bringing as many lay and called workers together to learn, explore and grow in God's kingdom."

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Where Success Means More Holly (Turpin) Semrow (’08) Bachelor’s

Julie (Wilson) Church (‘95), RDN, CEDRD-S, CD

in Music Therapy,

Bachelor’s in Dietetics,

Alverno College

University of Kentucky

Music Therapist,

Co-founder, owner,

Catawba Hospital,

and nutrition director

Catawba, Va.

of Opal:Food+Body

My Career: "I work at an in-patient psychiatric hospital for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I coordinate an interdisciplinary treatment team and also facilitate recovery-based groups."

WLHS Experience: "I feel as if I’ve come full circle because Mr. Gottschalk created math songs to train our brains and now I use music to train my patients’ brains. It’s an amazing coincidence in my life and a powerful memory for me."

College Advantage: "Wisco gives a really good education and prepared me to do well in college.

I was able to dig into my college work because I had already been doing that in high school."

Career Path: "Music has always been important to me and I was involved in many music activities at Wisco – band, pit orchestra, Inspiration, and musicals.

I was also drawn to psychology so, when I met a music therapist at my church, I thought it was the perfect way to combine my interest in psych with my love of music."

Faith Witness: "I took the Friendship to Marriage class with Pastor Becker and I reference it so often when I’m witnessing. There are many conversations I’ve had where share the reasons a Christian approach and commitment to marriage delivers so many blessings."

My Calling: "I enjoy what I do because I get to use God’s gift of music to be a light for others in a difficult time."

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The Semrow Family Holly pictured with her husband, Josh ('08), who is also a Wisco alum

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2023

Wisdom, Seattle, Wash.

My Career: "Opal:Food+Body Wisdom is an eating disorder treatment center where individuals from all over the country come for intensive treatment for approximately two months. Patients receive care that is athlete friendly, weight-inclusive, and grounded in Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy."

Career Path: "I was good at math and science (thanks to Mr. Leverence and Mrs. Kren) and found nutrition as a field that could use my skills in an interpersonal, helping profession. The psychology of eating is where my passion grew and led me to see that my role in the body of Christ was to help individuals trust their bodies and live life appreciating their body as a gift, not endlessly trying to fix it."

WLHS Experience: "The foundation of Christian education I received at Wisco influenced me to be an ethical, fair, and compassionate business owner.

In addition, while in high school, I found community and personal growth as a Viking volleyball player, cheerleader, and track athlete. My nature as a “cheerleader” has gone far off the sport court and has been appreciated by my staff, clients, and family. Thanks, Karen Sitz, for showing me what a good team huddle can look like!"

My Calling: "Struggles around food and body are unfortunately very normalized since dieting and body weight shaming is so commonplace.

So, I encourage all to take the time to understand your body and embrace being an eater since that authentic connection to oneself can enhance your overall mental health."

Where Success Means More

Steven Smokovich (’02)

Associate’s in Nursing, Bryant & Stratton College Acute Float Nurse, Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Wauwatosa

WLHS Experience: "I had a great time at Wisco. I loved my teachers and my class was really tight.

I felt like we all knew each other."

"Wisco was a giving school that made me want to help others in any way that I could."

Career Path: "I always wanted to do something in health care. During college, I did a psych rotation and right away I knew it was the right fit for me.

I looked at nursing differently because I was a male nurse and I saw the biggest need was in the psychiatric area. I loved it and realized it was my niche and is something I’m good at.

Before Aurora, I was at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex for 12 years where we dealt with some of the most challenging mental health patients in the area. We were one of the few mental health emergency rooms in the country and I was a triage nurse on night shift, working to intake patients who were often brought to us by law enforcement."

My Calling: "Every day, there’s a new story and a new situation. My job requires a unique skill set since I deal with all sorts of people – from children as young as five to older adults in their 70s and 80s.

My job takes me out of my comfort zone because I never know what I’m going to be dealing with on a daily basis."

Celebrating 40 Years in the Ministry Mr. Pete Schumacher WLHS Psychology Instructor and Student Services Counselor Mr. Schumacher began his ministry work in 1982 after graduating from Dr. Martin Luther College (now known as MLC). His first call was to Gloria Dei-Bethesda Lutheran School in Milwaukee where he was a teacher and principal. He came to WLHS in 1995 and has been a counselor in the Student Services Department, teacher, and coach. In 1999, AP Psychology was added to Wisco’s curriculum and Schumacher, who holds a master’s degree in psychology, was tapped to lead the course.

Schumacher and his wife, Denyse, have four children who all graduated from WLHS. The Schumachers are members at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lannon.

“The way Mr. Schumacher taught AP Psychology provided opportunities for us to challenge ourselves academically and think outside the box. He provided us with the base of knowledge needed to be successful on the AP exam and beyond in college and our future careers. But Mr. Schumacher was more than just a teacher.

He was a support person and Christian leader who helped foster my growth and development in many areas of my life throughout high school, which is something I will always take with me.”

—Mikaela Sullivan (’19), bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from Wisconsin Lutheran College and currently pursuing her master’s of clinical mental health counseling at WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE Marquette University

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Culinary Arts at WLHS

As part of its Family and Consumer Education (FACE), WLHS offers Family Living, Child Development, Housing and Interior Design, Fashion Techniques 1-3, and ProStart 1-2 classes.

For students who are interested in a career in hospitality, ProStart is a premier two-year, culinary arts and restaurant management program. The course blends classroom learning with hands-on skills development and food preparation.

Students who successfully complete ProStart 1 and 2 and work 400 hours in the industry are eligible to earn a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement.

The certificate is recognized within the industry and counts toward technical college credits for a degree in culinary arts, food service, or hospitality.

Japanese Street Food In January, John Sugimura, a professionally trained sushi chef and graduate of the prestigious Sushi Institute of America, visited ProStart classes to demonstrate two iconic street food recipes.

While preparing Gyoza (Japanese dumplings) and Karaage-Don (fried chicken rice bowls), Chef Sugimara shared his career path and answered students’ questions.

Mrs. Angela (Priewe) Livingston (‘05) is the newest member of the FACE department and currently has 43 sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in ProStart.

Throughout the year, students learn and implement the ServSafe Angela (Priewe) curriculum that focuses Livingston ('05) on personal hygiene, time and temperature control, and preventing cross contamination.

In addition to the regular coursework, Livingston incorporates “outside” experiences.

“Having someone from the industry share their knowledge and expertise brings to life what we’re learning,” says Livingston. "It gets students excited and allows them to envision opportunities beyond high school.”

Statewide Competitions On a monthly basis, WLHS ProStart students compete against other Wisconsin high schoolers in a variety of challenges that focus on different skills and foods.

In December, the class practiced their restaurant management prowess. As part of a marketing throwdown, students created their own restaurant and designed promotions to drive business. Jianna Matthews (’25) took first place for her “Queen’s Feast” coupon.

"My idea started by thinking

Mrs. Livingston with Pro Start students at the Charcuterie Creations 8

Master Class.

about themes for restaurants around holidays such as mother's day and father's day.

I searched online for design inspiration and used different fonts and elements to create the final. It was very exciting to have the winning design!"

— Jianna Matthews ('25)

Culinary Arts at WLHS In the fall, a team of four WLHS students finished in the top three during a virtual “Battle of the Brats.”

The contest required them to select a style of brat and bun, create a homemade topping, and plate their dish.

The competition was judged by Wisconsin foodindustry professionals who said the mouth-watering placement of jalapenos over fried crispy haystack onions “looks like a five-napkin brat.”

Alumni Updates

Rich ('71) and Kay (Roser) Kasten ('74) celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on October 22, 2022. Rich and Kay have three children and four grandchildren. The Kastens reside in New Berlin.

After more than 42 years in the field of Radiologic Technology, Wesley Andersen ('75) retired on December 30, 2022. Wesley and his wife, Sharon, recently sold their home and are looking forward to a new chapter in their lives residing in the Germantown area.

Viking Café To see a commercial kitchen in action, ProStart students took a field trip to the WLHS cafeteria.

From August to May, the Viking Café is busy prepping and serving thousands of meals. The Café is led by chef Sarah (Hoefner) Derouin (‘96) who has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant/ catering industry.

Chef Derouin described a typical day, the prep that goes into the WLHS food program, and what she’s learned over the years.

On January 28, 2023, Nancy (Long) Lehman ('83) and Jenny (Long) Fuerstenau ('79) finished hiking the Ice Age Trail (IAT), which took them two years, eight months, one week and one day. The IAT is one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the country. It traverses throughout the entire state of Wisconsin for about 1,200 miles. Their achievement will be celebrated at the annual IAT Alliance banquet in April 2023 celebrating a small group of only about 400 people who have achieved this award.

Katelyn Grace Moldenhauer was born on May 31, 2022 to parents Kristin (Wollenzien) Moldenhauer (’05) and her husband, David. She joins big brother, Justin (3).

Allie (Graham) Stannard (’07) and Jesse Stannard (’10) welcomed their second daughter, Juliana, in October 2022. She joins big sister, Teallie (3).

In February, WLHS hosted a Charcuterie Creations Master Class. ProStart students helped attendees assemble a tasty spread on a beautiful board created by the Woods 2 class. Pictured Anita (Goede) Lange ('68) and Bonnie (Bruss) Goede ('64)

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Alumni Updates

Dr. Meghan (Nitz) Walsh ('07) and her husband, Sean, welcomed their first child, Mathew on October 13, 2022.

He was baptized at St. Paul's in Cudahy on November 6, 2022. Meghan has served as the Dean of the School of Adult Learning and New Initiatives at Alverno College since May 2021.

On July 29, 2022, Chelsie (Alf) Mattek ('08) married Luke Mattek at Grace Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.

Members of the wedding party included WLHS alumni Randie Alf ('00), Sadie (Alf) Gawel ('99) and Cody Alf ('04).

Chelsie works for Grace Lutheran Church as the Events & Communication Coordinator and teaches fitness classes at The Barre Code Milwaukee. The couple resides in Milwaukee.

Andrea (Sheble) Aull (’09) married Michael Aull on November 11, 2022.

Haley (Nitz) Arndt ('11) and her husband, Chris, welcomed their fourth child to their happy home on January 3, 2023.

Wren Margaret joins her older siblings, Augustus (5), Finnegan (4), and Larkyn (2). Haley is a virtual teacher with Britestar Christian Virtual Education that serves the Shining Star network of schools in the Milwaukee area. The Arndt family resides in Watertown, Wis.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2023

On May 8, Joan (Zastrow) Zimmer ('11) and her husband, Daniel, welcomed son, Joseph.

He joins his older sister, Alexa (4).

Alex (Beyer) Campen (’12) and her husband, Paul, welcomed their first child, Briley Mae, on October 26, 2022. The Campens currently reside in Waterford. Alex works as an internal auditor at SC Johnson.

Bethany (Kneser) Behm ('13) and her husband, Matthew, welcomed their first child, daughter Lydia, on April 25, 2022.

The Behm family resides in Aberdeen, South Dakota where Bethany serves as a support staff member at Trinity Lutheran School.

Hannah (Leverence) Reichardt ('16) and Caleb Reichardt ('16) were married on December 17, 2022. WLHS alumni in the wedding party included: Megan (Leverence) Petersen (‘13), Claire Leverence (‘19), Nathan Reichardt (‘13), Landon Gosh (‘16), Tyler Roecker (‘16), Ian Wirtz (‘16), Josh Kren (‘16), and Miles Meye (‘16). Hannah serves as Art Instructor at WLHS. The couple resides in Waukesha.

Zachary Baltutis (’20) reenlisted in the U.S. Navy for four more years. Zachary transferred to the USS Winston Churchill (DDG-81) for about the next two years as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Third Class.

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Class of 1959 The Class of 1959 celebrated their 63-year reunion over two days, June 16-17, 2022, at the homes of classmates David Timm and Pat Leverence.

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Reunions

Class of 1955 – The Class of 1955 is celebrating their 68-year reunion on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Alioto's.

Class of 1968 – The Class of 1968 55-year reunion will take place on Saturday, September 16.

Class of 1973 – The Class of 1973 is celebrating their 50-year reunion on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the WLHS Atrium.

Class of 1978 – The Class of 1978 is celebrating their 45-year reunion on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in the WLHS Atrium.

Class Reunions in the works – These classes are planning reunions in 2023: 1983, 1988, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2018.

Visit wlhs.org/reunions for up-to-date information.

If your graduation year ends in a 3 or 8 and you do NOT see it listed above, and are interested in planning your class reunion, contact Cindy Krueger, Director of Alumni Relations, at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org.

Class of 1976 The Class of 1976 reconnected after COVID to celebrate their intended 45-year reunion on July 30, 2022, in Hartland, Wis.

We want to hear from you!

Share your alumni updates at wlhs.org/alumni.

Class of 1987 The Class of 1987 held their 35-year reunion on September 10, 2022. Classmates enjoyed a bonfire and lake views from the home of John and Bethany Schlueter.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Salt & Light “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again . . . You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl . . . In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Gov. Mike Huckabee speak on these Bible verses in Matthew 5.

God’s command to be salt and light had such significant meaning to him, and as a young teen it changed his life.

What a powerful and moving message.

The salt and light message of Matthew 5 lays out simple instructions for God’s people. First, hold true and preserve the Word of God in its truth and purity. Then, you can show the world how forgiven children of God live redeemed lives, by letting your light shine.

At the WLHS Foundation, we also spend time considering how to be salt and light.

The WLHS Foundation is the salt to the ministry of the high school; to prepare young adults for productive, Christ-centered lives in a diverse world. WLHS Foundation supporters are the light, sharing gifts, either now or upon entering their eternal home with Jesus.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School has the amazing opportunity to train up young men and women and to give them the tools to let their lights shine. The WLHS Foundation helps serve this ministry with scholarships and tuition assistance. Our goal is to endow more scholarships, department chairs, and even full departments.

Mr. Eric Ruh is the Director of Planned Giving at WLHS

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You can help be the salt of the WLHS Foundation and preserve Christian education at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. You can shine your light and share your gifts, either now or when planning for the future when Jesus takes you home. By doing so, you give generations of students the chance to learn how to be both salt and light.

To find out more about the salt and light work of WLHS Foundation, visit wlhs.org/foundation.

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2023

In Loving Memory

Class of 1946 Bertha (Kionka) Hagen November 12, 2022

Class of 1957 James Bohlmann January 14, 2023

Class of 1950 Annette (Tews) Dahlke December 14, 2022

Class of 1962 Mark Sprengeler January 18, 2023

Richard Heintz January 9, 2023

Class of 1970 Donald Weege November 1, 2022

Class of 1951 Paul Hirschmann January 31, 2023

Linda (White) McCaustland February 1, 2023

Class of 1952 Janet Behning November 8, 2022

Class of 1971 Michael Sader January 27, 2023

Alda (Manke) Gordon December 19, 2022

Class of 1972 David McDuffie December 15, 2022

Class of 1953 John Petry October 14, 2022 Allen Dassow January 4, 2023 Evelyn (Voges) Kent-Elston January 21, 2023 Class of 1954 Elaine (Reghanti) Ossanna December 1, 2022 Sally (Ziemer) Froelich January 4, 2023

Lisa (Quigley) Gorel December 5, 2022 Class of 1978 Wendy (Rindt) Winkelmann January 5, 2023 Class of 1979 Leo Brenneis December 20, 2022 Class of 2005 Brian Paetzke October 19, 2022

Beverly (Boettcher) Manthey January 26, 2023

Retired Teachers John Helke December 6, 2022

Class of 1955 Jean (Lescow) Kurth December 6, 2022

Barbara Eaton January 25, 2023

Charles Severin November 14, 2022

Retired Conference Pastor Rev. John Gawrisch February 18, 2023

WLHS Good News!

Academic Top Ten

Wisconsin Lutheran High School is pleased to announce the academic top ten for the Class of 2023: 1. Silas Ebeling (St. John's Lutheran Church & School, Wauwatosa) 2. Jacob Alejandro (St. John's Lutheran Church & School, Wauwatosa) 3. Allison Bauer (Garden Homes Lutheran Church & School, Milwaukee) 4. Zhongtian (Alex) Wang (Beijing, China) 5. Kyle Leverence (Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Waukesha & St. Paul's Lutheran School, Cudahy) 6. Jinyeong Kim (Seoul Lutheran Church, Suwon-si, South Korea) 7. Abigail Prosser (St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School, Muskego) 8. Wenli (Tiffany) Chen (Shanghai, China & St. John's Lutheran School, Wauwatosa) 9. Jack Goelz (St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School, Muskego) 10. Hannah Trotter (Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee and St. Paul's Lutheran School, Cudahy)

Wrestling at State Eight boys and three girls from the Wisco Vikings wrestling team qualified to compete at sectionals. Of those eleven, five Wisco wrestlers captured sectional championships in his or her weight class and moved on to compete at the WIAA Individual State Wrestling Championships! State bound wrestlers included: (pictured left to right) Leah Lawrence ('25), Olivia Ramirez ('23), Jordan Jackson ('23), Coen Henn ('23), and Izabella Riebe ('26). Congratulations to Izabella who captured runner-up at State!

Additionally, Woodland Conference coaches voted Jordan and Izabella as the male and female conference wrestlers of the year. Congratulations to them both!

Principal Phil Leyrer Accepts New Call At the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year, Principal Phil Leyrer will join the WELS Southeastern Wisconsin District Presidium in support of the district schools.

The WLHS Conference thanks Principal Leyrer for his service from 2015-2023.

Leyrer has served in the ministry for more than 40 years. Prior to WLHS, he was principal at Siloah Lutheran School in Milwaukee and spent ten years in the English department and administration at MLC. “The WLHS story is one of God’s providence throughout many generations, and the chief hallmark of his favor is the way he has kept this school-based ministry’s focus on its foundation of Jesus Christ. To be given just a small role to play in this rich history is a deep privilege and gift from God. May God preserve Wisco’s Christcenteredness as the most high-profile and influential blessing among the many he has provided.” — Principal Phil Leyrer

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Winter Festival 2023

In the Clouds Winter Festival 2023 was an uplifting success! The week's activities included dress-up days, lunchtime activities, a movie night, and a competitive dodgeball tournament. At the festival pep rally, dance, cheer and step teams (pictured) performed, and classes competed for the loudest battle cry.

Stay connected to WLHS! 14

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Spring 2023

At the 2023 Winter Festival, Dakyis Davis (Wedgewood Park School) (pictured middle) was crowned festival king, escorted by Natalie Jones (St. Marcus Lutheran School). Festival court included Jamiir Allen (Mt. Lebanon Lutheran School) (pictured left) escorted by Kati Goba (St. Jacobi Lutheran School) and Trevor Hoffman (St. Paul's Lutheran School, Franklin) (pictured right) escorted by Natalie Hatzung (Christ the Lord Lutheran School).

Fall Drama Production

The cast and crews of The Matchmaker, directed

by Miss Tanya Tranberg, ended a successful run of performances on December 2-4, entertaining more than 1,200 people with this classic Thornton Wilder tale.

Special lighting, staging, and sound effects brought the entire show together.

Thanks to parents, students, and everyone who came out to support the show!

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 Alone Christ the Lord Fairview Faith Garden Homes Gethsemane

Good Shepherd’s Grace, Milwaukee Grace, Waukesha 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’s, Howell Ave St. John, 27th Street St. John, Lannon St. John, Milwaukee St. John, Mukwonago St. John, Wauwatosa St. Lucas St. Marcus 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 and friends 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), and Eric Ruh; Photography: Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, and IN-FOCUS Photography. 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

Youre Invited to

Take Courage 2023 Dinner Auction Saturday, April 22 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

Be a part of this social event by joining our WLHS Online Auction Facebook Group. Share messages and pictures by using #wiscoauction

For more information, visit wlhs.org/events Black tie optional