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SUMMER 2019 | ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE
God’s Blessings to the Class of
2019
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Welcome
A Message from Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of the WLHS Conference Let’s Applaud Academic Excellence Lutherans are not into bragging. “Lutherans like to take a gold medal and bronze it,” one Lutheran humorist used to say. However, the recent academic accomplishments of several students are forcing me to crow God’s praises for gifts well used. Nationally, only about two-tenths of one percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. This year, a pair of WLHS students are celebrating the rare feat. Jonas Doerr and Maggie Johnston, both juniors, achieved a perfect 36 score on the ACT. This was the first time the students took the exam. But it is second time in recent years that this happened to students at WLHS. God is good! We are proud of the academic rigor, engaging classes, and personal attention that our teachers provide to each student. The number of perfect ACT scores our students have earned in recent years is a reflection of that commitment and the hard work our students, faculty and staff put in every day. I am equally proud of Alicia Webb who came to us from St. Marcus Lutheran School and was one of our 174 recent graduates. She received a full-ride scholarship from Northwestern University where only nine percent of applicants get accepted. Alicia’s $315,000 scholarship covers tuition, transportation, and room and board for four years. Those are just a few examples of students heading towards college, but I’d also like to call out Jake Zeller from St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Muskego who just graduated and is headed to a technical college this fall. Jake is smart and his honor roll grades reflect it. Through WLHS’ trade and tech courses, he discovered he’d rather apply his nimble mind in conjunction with his amazing hands. That’s the blessing of being a comprehensive school where teens get college and career ready. That’s why I am proud to be part of this institution focused on academic excellence.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS 2
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
In This Issue
Guided by Faith Driven by Excellence Fashion Program Attracts Students Full Ride to Northwestern University Meet the Class of 2019 2019 Graduation Two Perfect ACT Scores Dinner Auction Hits Goal Building Career Development Grapevine/Reunions/In Loving Memory School News WLHS Baptisms
Upcoming Events
Parent Info Meetings First Day of Class, Freshmen First Day of Class, All Students NHS Induction Homecoming Game WLHS Open House
Page 3 Pages 4-5 Page 6 Page 7 Pages 8-12 Pages 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Pages 16-17 Pages 18-21 Pages 22-23 Back cover
August 12 & 13 August 14 August 15 September 16 October 4 October 6
View additional events and get more information at 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 young adults for productive, Christ-centered lives in a diverse world.
Our Vision
Renowned for its distinctive Lutheran values, superior academics, and award-winning co-curricular activities . . . Wisconsin Lutheran High School will be the preferred choice for those seeking a comprehensive Christian high school experience in a caring, cross-cultural setting.
On the Cover: Members of the 2019 senior class.
Guided by Faith
WLHS Grads Save Lives — To God the Glory!
“It was during my years at Wisco that I knew I wanted to be a nurse. The school had a giving, caring environment that resonated with me,” says Sova. “Growing up Lutheran, thinking of others is instilled in you from a pretty young age.”
Like Sova, Thiel felt a call to give back and serve. He joined the Air National Guard when he was 17, worked as a firefighter EMT, became an RN, was an ICU nurse, and recently joined the transplant team. “Part of what I took away from Wisco was caring about others,” says Thiel.
Organ Donors
We're proud to share that three of our alumni are working at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in the transplant program and two other graduates have recently donated a kidney. Pictured left to right: Beth Dugger ('99), Shannon Sova ('01), and Ben Thiel ('99)
Beth (Buelow) Dugger, RN, (‘99), Transplant Intensive Care Unit Dugger has been in transplant for 15 years and currently cares for patients in the ICU before and after their liver transplant.
“I’ve seen many miracles. You have patients who are on their deathbeds and then receive a new organ and have a new life because of it.” — Beth Dugger (‘99)
Dugger also played a role in the decision Cynthia (Fitzsimmons) Krueger (’99) made to donate a kidney. The two were classmates and reconnected when Krueger reached out. “Cindy had a lot of questions and I was so happy I could answer those and provide support to her along the way,” says Dugger.
Shannon (Delaney) Sova, RN, (‘01) & Ben Thiel, RN, (‘99), Pre-Liver Transplant Coordinators In their roles, Sova and Thiel are the main points of contact for patients. They manage all aspects of care — from ordering tests to lab work to assessing a patient’s health. From start to finish, they’re a constant presence, working with patients from the time they are referred until they receive a transplant.
Although she’d never considered organ donation previously, this January, Cynthia (Fitzsimmons) Krueger (’99) gave her left kidney to the mother of a former colleague from Wisconsin Lutheran College. “I feel beyond humbled that God chose me to donate and save a life,” says Krueger. As part of her initial research, Krueger reached out to two Wisco grads. Crystal Hotchkiss (’97) had donated a kidney to a friend’s father in 2018 and Beth (Buelow) Dugger (‘99) is a transplant nurse at Froedtert. “The conversations I had with Crystal and Beth were instrumental in my decision. God definitely had a far greater purpose for both of them in my life beyond our connection as Wisco alumni,” says Krueger.
Two Grads Need Kidneys Joel Kammueller (‘88) and Ezekiel Gipson (‘00) are both looking for kidney donors. Please keep them in your prayers. If you’d like to learn more about living organ donations and how you might help Kammueller or Gipson, visit froedtert.com/transplant or uwhealth.org/transplant. “The day I received the call that I was a match for my recipient I was confident God was calling me to serve in this way. Before this, I never knew what ‘being called’ felt like but now I do,” says Cindy (Fitzsimmons) Krueger (’99), who donated a kidney in 2019.
Driven by Excellence
Students Share Their Summer Plans Zachary Baltutis (’20)
Gerald Martinez (’20)
Naval Academy Summer Seminar, Annapolis, Md. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Recruit Training, Fort Custer, Mich.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) Core Studio Concepts Program
St. John Lutheran School, Wauwatosa
Baltutis has a busy summer ahead of him, including a week of learning and training at the prestigious Naval Academy Summer Seminar. Admission into the Summer Seminar is extremely selective and a critical step for those who intend to apply to the Naval Academy. Zachary Baltutis
After his time at the Naval Academy, he’s heading to Fort Custer, Mich., to serve as a staff member for those attending Sea Cadet Recruit Training. When he returns to Milwaukee, he’ll continue in his role as Lead Petty Officer for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps - Cruiser Milwaukee Division.
Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee
This July, Martinez will be at MIAD taking two classes — Basic Gerald Martinez Observational & Figure Drawing and Interior Architecture & Design. Each summer, the college offers a program for high school students that provides an intense and immersive exploration of visual art and design. Taught by MIAD faculty, it’s an opportunity to experience a college-level curriculum while creating art daily. “I’d like to study art in college, possibly animation, so my College Possible coach at Wisco connected me with the MIAD program. I’m thinking about attending MIAD or Flashpoint in Chicago after I graduate next May.”
“My involvement with the Sea Cadets has taught me valuable leadership skills. My summer activities are in preparation for applying to the Naval Academy. My intention is to enter the Navy as a commissioned officer.”
Krystal Verhulst (’19)
Brookfield Christian School, Brookfield Lake Ellen Camp Counselor & Wrangler, Crystal Falls, Mich. Vacation Bible School Teacher, Rehoboth, N.M.
Candice Jackson (’19) St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic School, Milwaukee
Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM) For six weeks, Jackson will spend eight-hour days at the Medical College of Wisconsin immersed Candice Jackson in the field of medicine. During her AIM apprenticeship, she’ll attend classroom lectures on anatomy and physiology and participate in suture clinics, heart dissections and other hands-on simulations. She’ll also connect with current medical students and explore a variety of career opportunities. Jackson has already been accepted to Bethany Lutheran College and will head there in the fall to study nursing. “The apprenticeship will give me a jumpstart for college since I’ll have spent my summer in a medical facility shadowing health professionals, watching surgeries, and doing hands-on labs.” 4
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
For the second year in a row, Verhulst is spending her summer in Mich. as a camp counselor and horse wrangler. She’ll be leading crafts, teaching a daily devotion, taking the campers swimming and connecting with them throughout the day. She’s also an experienced rider so she’ll be spending a lot of time at the barn getting children ready for their lessons and assisting the wranglers as they teach young campers the basics of riding. Krystal Verhulst
“At Lake Ellen, I’ve been able to work with children who have special needs. It’s one of my favorite things to do and is why I’m enrolled at WCTC (Waukesha County Technical College) to study Special Education.”
Summer programming allows our students to receive additional leadership training and secure job opportunities that help them explore different career paths. — Emily Jiles, WLHS Guidance Director
Faculty & Staff In “Summer School” Mrs. Patti (Breitigam) Wenzel (’83)
Mrs. Jean Curtis
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Muskego ProStart Teacher
Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, West Allis Fashion Techniques 1, 2 & 3 Teacher REmadeDenim Etsy Shop Owner Mrs. Patti Wenzel
Wenzel joined WLHS last summer after she was “discovered” by Mrs. Jean Curtis at the WLC art show. Curtis was impressed by Wenzel’s sewing techniques and construction skills so she recruited her to the WLHS faculty. “My summer plans include focusing on my REmade business. I create one-of-a-kind denim jackets and capris and sell them online and at 15 different art fairs and festivals throughout the area. I’ll be sewing eight hours a day to keep up with demand!” In addition to teaching and running her own business, Wenzel is taking classes at Mount Mary University to earn a degree in Fashion Design.
NRAEF Summer Institute, Madison Curtis is attending an intense, week-long Summer Institute at Madison College hosted by the Mrs. Jean Curtis National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The institute teaches cutting-edge skills educators can bring back to the classroom and offers an opportunity to network with others from across the country and world, tour industry establishments, and share best practices. Curtis has previously taken the Level 1 and 2 classes and this summer is focused on the Level 3: Mastery class. “It’s a lot of work but it’s so rewarding. Last summer, I was introduced to sous-vide (cooking in a water bath) and then incorporated it into a lesson. Most restaurants use it as an initial cooking method so it’s great for our students to learn and understand the technique.”
Mr. Casey Pufahl
Mr. Peter Iles
Trinity Lutheran Church, Waukesha Music Instructor
Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Church, West Allis Director of Instructional Technology
Mr. Peter Iles
International Society for Technology in Education Conference (ISTE), Philadelphia
ISTE is the largest conference of its kind with more than 23,000 attendees who are focused on implementing technology to transform teaching and learning, accelerate innovation, and solve problems in education. For Iles, the conference delivers opportunities for evidence-based learning and practical guidance. “I’m excited to attend ISTE because it brings together educators, technology directors, and businesses who are sharing and showcasing the latest trends and utilizations of technology for schools and teachers. It’s invigorating since everyone is open to comparing notes and discussing what their needs and challenges are.”
2019 WELS Choral Dialogue, Trego, Wis. Each year, Pufahl gives three to four presentations on a variety of music topics. This July, he’s presenting “The Changing Voice” at the WELS Choral Dialogue. Mr. Casey Pufahl
“As part of my master’s program, I worked with Dr. John Cooksey who was the preeminent authority on the changing voice. His research informs how choral directors can adapt their methods to accommodate voice changes that start in adolescence and continue through adulthood. It’s a topic that’s relevant to vocal leaders at all levels.” Pufahl is also taking summer classes and workshops on mental health that are required for his state K-12 license.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Fashion Program Attracts Students
Two students who came to WLHS specifically for the fashion program graduated this May and are now headed to colleges on the East and West Coast.
This fall, Jayonna Hicks is headed to Otis College of Art and Design, a private art and design school in Los Angeles, to study Fashion Design.
Jayonna Hicks (‘19) Messmer Preparatory Catholic School, Milwaukee
“Since first grade, I’ve wanted to be in fashion. Not many schools have fashion studies but Wisco does so that’s why I choose to come here,” says Hicks.
As part of her fashion pursuit, Hicks was strategic in her class choices. She took: Fashion Techniques 1, 2 & 3; Exploratory Art: Ceramics/Mixed Media; and Intro to Engineering Design. She was also involved in Pilot, the student newspaper. “The engineering class helped me learn about structure and building principles, which can apply to fashion construction,” explains Hicks. “Being part of Pilot taught me computer layout and design, which is another element of fashion.” Hicks took advantage of College Possible offered at WLHS and was able to take two pre-college classes — Graphic Design and Interior Architecture + Design — at MIAD last summer.
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“Wisco offered me so many different opportunities to learn and grow. I feel ready academically and mentally to go to college.” — Jayonna Hicks (‘19)
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
Yizi (Jacky) Liu (‘19)
Jacky Liu, an international student, transferred to WLHS his senior year and this fall will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City to study Fashion Business Management.
Shenzen, China
While FIT was his top choice, Liu was also accepted into five other prestigious institutions — Parsons School of Art & Design and LIM College in N.Y.; Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Calif.; Columbia College, Chicago; and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Ga. “I came from a public high school in Michigan and transferred because of the fashion and art classes Wisco offers,” says Liu. “I was nervous but the teachers and my classmates were so nice it made things easier.” Liu took Fashion Techniques 1 & 2 taught by Mrs. Patti Wenzel and sewed pajama pants and a vest and tie as his final class projects. He proudly presented the latter to Mr. Pete Schumacher in the Guidance Department. “Mrs. Wenzel is so patient with all of her students and taught us little by little,” says Liu.
“Mr. Schumacher helped me alot when I was applying to colleges so I wanted to say ‘thank you’ by making something for him.” Jacky Liu ('19) with Mr. Pete Schumacher, sporting the tie Jacky made as part of his Fashion Techniques class.
Full Ride to Northwestern University
Not only was WLHS senior Alicia Webb accepted into Northwestern, she also earned a four-year scholarship.
Did You Know? 4 This year, Northwestern University admitted just 8.9% of the 40,577 students who applied. Alicia Webb ('19) will be attending Northwestern University this fall.
Meet Alicia Webb First-generation college student 30 ACT Score & NHS Member College Possible Participant FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP
$79,000 Yearly to Cover Tuition Room & Board, Books, and Transportation
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When Alicia Webb (’19) secured a 30 on her ACT, she put herself in the top 93% out of the approximately 2 million students who took the test.
In addition to academics and extracurricular activities, Webb was part of College Possible, a program at WLHS that pairs highly motivated juniors and seniors with individual coaches who help them prepare for the ACT and evaluate and apply to colleges. “At the beginning of senior year, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue. Based on my internship at City Hall and with guidance from my College Possible coach, I was able to narrow down my interests and eventually decided I wanted to major in Legal Studies to become a lawyer,” explains Webb.
Throughout high school, Alicia Webb worked hard to secure her college path and steer toward her career goal of becoming a lawyer. She was on the Honor Roll each semester and took a number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes her junior and senior years. Last summer, she interned at Milwaukee City Hall in the office of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and distinguished herself by receiving the first-ever Girl’s Day @ City Hall Scholarship. She was also an active and involved student who was a member of the National Honor Society and played trombone in the Viking Band. In fact, she used her band experience as part of her college essay. “Band really helped me grow. It taught me perseverance and I learned how to overcome my shyness and connect with my peers,” says Webb. “Mr. Petersen, our band director, pushed us to be our best and that helped build my confidence.”
WLHS College Possible • College Possible debuted in the fall of 2017 at WLHS with a cohort of juniors and has now expanded to a total of 33 juniors and seniors. • Students commit to two hours of after-school programming twice a week during their junior and senior years. By graduation, they’ve received and participated in more than 320 hours of coaching and training. GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Meet the Class of 2019
On May 25, 174 young men and women graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Maya Abner
Sage Adenekan Chloe Albrecht Claire Albrecht Nellie Allen Arianna Amos
Ariela Andino Micah Antross Austin Ast Avery Baewer Aaron Bankhead Tamia Barnes
Braeden Barwick Tristin Berg Kallie Berger Grace Beyer Noah Bilitz Tatyanna Blakely
Senobe Blathers Jason Bonow Alexander Boreson Jordan Brendemuehl Timothy Broekema Faith Brown
Joel Brown Angel Burtin Cedric Cacciotti Ashley Carlson Paublova Cassis Trevionn Chancellor
HaoRan (Luke) Chen Lily Churchwell Riyan Clement Colin Connor Megan Conte Maria Luiza De Souza Pereira
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
Jeremy Dela Cruz Jared Denk McKenna Dietze Pressious Duckworth Morgan Dunn Joel Efanga
Reece Elton Bryson Felder David Frey Dante’ Gamblins Olivia Gerbing Samuel Gerhard
Kaleb Glickman Anadria Goodman Hannah Gorski Jacob Grabczyk Noah Greene Anasia Greer
Justin Griffin Isaiah Hahm Ethan Hall Keenan Hardrick Miah Haynes Elijah Henning
Jayonna Hicks Noah Hurley Elliot Imberger Andrea Irias-Alvarado Candice Jackson Jalin Jackson
Aaron Jensen Diante Johnson Yashua Jones Mikayla Jordan Tobin Kallies Kyle Kane
Alyssa Kieselhorst Seoyoung (Joi) Kim Jay Kipfer Nathanial Kleimola Kristine Kristiansen Kong Peng (Johnny) Lee
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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f
Claire Leverence Tanijah Lewis Lingyu (Lynn) Li Yujiang (Alfred) Li Yizi (Jacky) Liu Jacqueze Lockett
Emily Lohr Caden Luck Ryan Lueck Lecheng (Joshua) Lyu Daniel Marlowe Clayton Masters
Dante Matuszak Terry McGlaston Jamare McMurtry Alicia Mengel Maria Michaels Aaron Miller
Allison Miller Timothy Miller Kalvion Moore Matthew Munson Eden Nass Ngoc Tuong Nhi Nguyen
Kathryn Nikolaus Jacob Noeske Mikayla Oertel Colin Olson Franklin Olson Jack Olson
Thomas Orlando Kristina Parker Tamia Parker Shanya Payne Brandon Perez Rocio Perez Torres
Evah Pinnow Jaydin Pluta Mackenzie Pollesch Garrett Pomeroy Jordan Pontow Carter Raabe
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
Bennett Raasch Julia Rehm Kaitlyn Rhyner Noah Ricke Grace Rindfleisch Kyle Ristow
Fernanda Rocha Dunovan Rodgers David Rogers Alaisha Rose Mahysam Salim Paul Schindler
Brandon Schultz Kimberly Schultz Malia Shea Cardeaire Sims Meghan Smrz Moo Kel Blu Soe
Chloe Strand Grace Stroh Mikaela Sullivan Carissa Sundholm Amber Sutter Jaiden Sylvester
Simone Tatum Taniya Taylor Samantha Thompson Keerra Turner Azariah Van Ness Jlynn Vann
Alejandro Verduzco Krystal Verhulst Jacob Wagner Emily Wanty Jaden Ward Tianna Ward-Baber
Alicia Webb Grace Weide Alexander Wenzel Abigail Westendorf Brandon Westmoreland Brandon Williams
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Crystal Williams Kristopher Williams Niyah Williams Sean Wiltsey Kewei (Kevin) Xiao Muqing (Samantha) Xu
NaiHao (Lucas) Xu Zhaoxi (Kevin) Yuan Jennifer Zastrow Jake Zeller Yifan (Ethan) Zhu Shawn Zumbach
Class Hymn:
Class Colors:
Class Flower:
Speak, O Lord
Sapphire Blue and Silver
Champagne Rose
The Class of 2019 Academic Top 10 (Pictured left to right) Back row: Mikayla Oertel - #3 Grace Stroh - #7 Kallie Berger - #10 Chloe Albrecht - #8 Ashley Carlson - #5 Jaydin Pluta - #6 Sean Wiltsey - #4 Muqing (Samantha) Xu - #9 Front row: Paul Schindler - #1 (Valedictorian) Jack Olson - #2 (Salutatorian)
Graduation prayer. 12
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
Preparing for the graduation ceremony.
To God the Glory!
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). — Senior Class Verse for 2019 The Class of 2019
The 2019 class includes 53 members of the National Honor Society.
73 seniors made Honor Roll the 4th quarter with a 3.4 GPA or higher.
Six seniors are attending Martin Luther College to pursue the teaching or preaching ministry.
Mr. Mark Ricke gave the graduation message "Stay in the Way." Full video of the graduation service can be found at wlhs.org/video.
The A Cappella choir was led by fellow student Joshua Lyu.
For more graduation photos, visit wlhs.org/photos
Class Motto: Leave everything in God’s hands and eventually you’ll see God’s hands in everything.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Two Perfect ACT Scores
For the second time in two years, a pair of WLHS juniors are celebrating a significant accomplishment. Jonas Doerr (‘20) and Maggie Johnston (‘20) achieved the highest possible composite score on the ACT — a perfect 36. That puts Doerr and Johnston in an elite group. Of the nearly two million students who took the exam nationally in 2018, only 3,741 achieved a perfect score. Both Doerr and Johnston are active and engaged students. They’ve each taken AP classes and are involved in a number of co-curricular activities.
Jonas Doerr
Doerr plays trumpet in the WLHS marching band, jazz ensemble, and brass ensemble. He is a member of the drama club and sings in Inspiration. Doerr also participates in the school’s book club and competitive math team. In the community, he volunteers at Camp Phillip, attends and ushers at Garden Homes Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, and plays piano and trumpet for services. “One of the blessings God has given me is the ability to take tests, and I feel like my classes have kept me on my toes.”
Two students from the class of 2018 also earned perfect ACT scores — Elisha Doerr and Nathaniel Wranovsky. Elisha, who is Jonas Doerr’s brother, is studying at Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., and Nathaniel is studying to be a pastor at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn. 14
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
Maggie Johnston
Johnston tutors students in math and is a starting pitcher on the WLHS softball team. As a sophomore, she received an All-Conference Honorable Mention from the Woodland West Conference. Her home congregation is Nain Lutheran in West Allis. “I studied using resources that my guidance counselors gave me,” says Johnston. “The practice exams and test-taking tips helped me understand the format of the test and prepare my strategy, which made me less nervous because I knew what to expect.”
“We’re proud of what Jonas and Maggie accomplished and we’re also proud of our overall ACT scores. The top 75% of our students consistently outperform their peers in our district and in the state,” Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher, WLHS president. “We’re a school that’s focused on student success and we have the faculty, staff,
programs, and Christ-centered commitment to help each of our students reach their goals.”
Dinner Auction Hits Record Goal!
The annual Dinner Auction is a fun, social event that includes moving student videos, energetic and spirited bidding, live music, and a desire to support WLHS and its important work. 2019 WLHS Dinner Auction Stats $500,000 Raised – To fund tuition assistance and support the school’s mission to prepare young adults to lead productive, Christ-centered lives. 415 Guests – Who bid on silent and live auction items throughout the evening. 2 Tables – Filled with class of ’87 alumni who turned out to support three of their classmates who were the evening’s Auction hosts — John Schlueter, Monica Baer, and Andy Goede (pictured right). Create a Class Table! Organizing a group of classmates to attend the Auction together is a great way to reconnect and catch up. Any class that creates their own table for the 2020 Auction will receive special Wisco swag!
More than 50 student volunteers helped make the Auction a success by greeting attendees, entertaining as madrigal performers, serving dinner, and assisting with mobile bidding.
Jason Bonow ('19), Jasmine Allgood ('20), and Fernanda Rocha ('19) were auction speakers.
If you haven’t attended previously, mark your calendars for April 4, 2020. Better yet, contact Erin Krug at 414-453-4567 ext. 2012 or erin.krug@wlhs.org to reserve your ticket. GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Guiding Career Development
Since there are professions beyond those that require a four-year degree, WLHS offers a breadth of classes, programs, and apprenticeships for students who are interested in careers that range from the trades to health care to food service. Bought His Own Home
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Just two years after graduating, Dave Bremer (’16) bought his first house with money he saved working as an electrical apprentice. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school but having the trade experience at Wisco Dave Bremer (‘16) helped point me in the right direction,” says Bremer. “I took four years of metals and woodshop classes, and Mr. Hahm and Mr. Haakenson had a big influence on me.” As an apprentice with Quad, Bremer gets paid to attend class one day a week and then learns on-the-job the other four days. “I love my job and what I’m learning and I really like the people I work with,” says Bremer. “It’s something I can see myself doing for the next 20 to 30 years.”
A Career in Plumbing
As he heads into his senior year, Isaiah Roberson (‘20) now has a clear idea of his path after graduation. “When I started high school, I really didn’t know where I was going next because I like to Isaiah Roberson (‘20) learn by doing and having things in my hands,” says Roberson. “Once I took the woods and metals classes, they helped steer my way toward being a plumber.” Roberson started with trade classes his freshman year and has been considering and evaluating potential careers all along. “Going into the trades will benefit me in the long run,” says Roberson. “I’ll have a way to make money instead of paying for college. I’m glad I had Mr. Hahm and Mr. Radue to introduce me to future job opportunities that I love.” 16
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2019
For the past 10 years, WLHS has offered Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeships (YA) that integrate school-based and work-based learning. Alaisha Rose (’19), who is headed to the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh to study nursing, took advantage of the health care YA. Working with the Guidance Department, she took a summer class at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) to become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). Alaisha Rose (‘19)
“It was great for me because colleges require you to have your CNA license so now I won’t have to take those classes at Oshkosh.” — Alaisha Rose (‘19)
Mr. Pete Schumacher then lined up an apprenticeship for Rose at The Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa.
Coincidentally, Angeline Cain, BSN, RN, (‘05) is the director of nursing at The Lutheran Home. Schumacher met with Cain, who was happy to help a Wisco student, to review the apprenticeship requirements and then scheduled an interview for Rose. “I got the position and have been working five days a week at The Lutheran Home while going to school,” says Rose. “The apprenticeship is great because it’s putting me closer to my goal of becoming a neonatal nurse.”
Hailie Kittell (pictured above) plans to secure a Youth Apprenticeship.
Proud of Making Things
Junior Hailie Kittell (’21) is a fan of the woods and metals classes she’s taken at WLHS.
Hailie Kittell (‘21)
“I’ve always liked to build things with my own hands,” says Kittell. “Learning new equipment is exciting to me. I’ve been able to weld, work with a lathe, and use the CNC machine.”
This spring, Kittell made an end table for her mom using Cherry and Purpleheart wood that had been donated to the school. “I’m really proud of my table because it was difficult. I used pieces of Purpleheart and the CNC machine to inlay a giant ‘X’ into the top,” says Kittell. “Sometimes projects can get frustrating but Mr. Radue gives you different ideas and things to try to grow your knowledge and make your piece turn out. His encouragement means a lot to me.” Kittell plans to work with the Guidance Department to secure a Youth Apprenticeship.
ProStart Culinary Program Debuts
For the 2018-19 school year, WLHS added the ProStart Culinary Program to its offerings. ProStart is taught by Mrs. Jean Curtis and prepares students to work in the hospitality industry. The four-semester curriculum for juniors and seniors blends classroom learning with mentored work experience to teach the culinary and management skills needed for a career in foodservice or restaurants.
“Since the program is new, we need to develop local partnerships. We’d love to have chefs, restaurant owners, and other professionals visit our class as guest speakers or conduct demonstrations. We’re also working to arrange internships for our students. Our kids are trained and know safe food handling practices.”
— Mrs. Jean Curtis, ProStart Instructor
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
WLHS student working in woods class.
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Alumni Grapevine
Air Force veterans Robert Manke (‘68) and Dennis Szymanski (‘68) were guests on The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC on October 13, 2018. They were accompanied by their sons Eric Manke (‘95) and Chris Szymanski (‘06). Members of the Class of 1980 proudly wore their Wisco alumni t-shirts to dinner in January. Ladies listed from left to right are as follows: (front row) Carla (Washington) Teat, Rinda (Mapp) Melton, Tara (Hardnett) Haley and, (back row) Kim Young and Deanna Schultz.
Johnny Davis (’87) was promoted from colonel to brigadier general in June of 2018. Johnny is the Commander of the Joint Modernization Command stationed at Fort Bliss, TX.
Jessica (Cottreau) Diblasi (‘99) and her husband Philip welcomed their first child, Henry Philip DiBlasi, on February 10, 2019. Jessica is the chair and associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy. The Diblasi family reside in Chicago, IL. Three generations of Malsacki alumni returned to the halls of Wisco to reminisce about their time at LHS/WLHS. (Pictured left to right: grandmother Lorayn (‘49), father Ken (‘76), and daughter Erin (‘14)
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Brenda Kuphall (‘99) married Nicholas Helm on November 30, 2018 in a beach wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. WLHS alumni in attendance included bridesmaid Jamie (Johnson) Anderson (’99) and family members Martin Kuphall (’72), Joy (Hansen) Kuphall (‘73), Dale Kuphall (‘97), and Craig Kuphall (‘03). Brenda is a teacher at University School and Nick is a supply chain manager for Home Depot. Joshua Raabe, Ph.D., (‘99) was recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Member award in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin Steven’s Point where he’s an assistant professor.
Shannon (Delaney) Sova (‘01) and her husband Sam welcomed their second son, Miles, on October 31, 2018. He joins big brother Max. Shannon is a registered nurse serving as a liver transplant coordinator at Froedtert Hospital. The Sova family reside in Menomonee Falls. Kathryn Dittmar (‘03) married Charles Sandusky on October 13, 2018 on the Milwaukee lakefront. Wisco alumni in the wedding were Emily Dittmar (’01) and Theresa Williams (’03). Kathryn is an art teacher and Charles is a hydrologist technician. The couple currently reside in Worcester, MA. Maxwell Long (’07) and his wife Ashley welcomed their first child, Evelyn Rose, on March 6, 2019. Max is a launch engineering manager at SpaceX in Cape Canaveral and Ashley is a civil engineer in Aviation at Satellite Beach. The couple reside in Melbourne, FL.
Eric Sitz (‘07) and his wife Carrie welcomed their first child, Jacqueline Patricia Sitz, on December 18, 2018. The family resides in West Bend where Eric is a BMW master technician at BMW of Milwaukee North. Jeff (‘74) and Karen (Kraklow ‘76) are proud WLHS alumni grandparents. Marcus (‘10) and Karah (Parbs) Radue (‘10) welcomed their first child, Caroline Grace, on September 15, 2018. Marcus is a data analytics engineer and Karah is a physical therapist. The family resides in Milwaukee. 1st Lt Josiah Ricke (‘12), of the US Marine Corp, was named to the “Commodore’s List,” an honor roll for both academic and inflight work. The award was presented to him by the Commodore of Training Wing 5, Captain Rosa. Eric Brown II (‘14) and Kyler Lueck (‘14) ran in historic track meets in March 2019. Eric, running for the Wisconsin Badgers, helped his Distance Medley Relay win at the Penn Relays, which was the 1st DMR victory for Wisconsin in 103 years at Penn. Kyler, running for UW-Eau Claire, won the University Invitational 800 meters, making him only the 3rd Division III athlete to win that event in 110 years.
Three WLHS alumni competed in the NCAA Division 3 Track & Field Championships in March 2019. David Lembke (‘16) (Carroll Univ) won the National Title in the high jump, Kyler Lueck (‘14) (UW Eau Claire) won the 800-meter National Title with a new D3 NCAA record, and Leif van Grinsven (‘15) (Wheaton) placed 3rd in the Heptathlon. Faith Loberg (‘18) is completing a summer internship at Walt Disney World as a cast member at Magic Kingdom to earn college credit from the University of Wisconsin - Stout.
All Alumni – Register now for Wisco Summer Night on Thursday, August 8, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Sprecher Brewery, 701 W. Glendale Ave, Milwaukee. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend too! RSVP at www.wlhs.org/summernight.
Visit www.wlhs.org/alumni or call Erin Krug at 414-453-4567 ext. 2012 to share your Grapevine and In Loving Memory updates
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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Reunions
Class of 1955 The Class of 1955 will celebrate its 64-year reunion on Friday, September 20, at Alioto’s (3041 N Mayfair Road, Milwaukee), at 11:00 a.m. To RSVP, please contact Evelyn (Zastrow) Pike at 414-461-7293 or E-mail epike1@att.net, or call Laura (Utech) Statza at 262-797-9085.
Class of 1999 The Class of 1999 will hold its 20-year reunion on Saturday, July 20, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at GreyHouse Creative Market located at 6228 W State St Ste A, Wauwatosa. Cost is $25 per person and includes one drink ticket and appetizers. RSVP you and a guest by Monday, July 8. For more information, contact Cynthia (Fitzsimmons) Krueger, at cynthia. krueger@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567, ext. 2018.
Class of 1957 The Class of 1957 will hold its 62-year reunion on Friday, August 9, at Alioto’s Restaurant. A social hour will take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with lunch at 12:30 p.m. Contact Sharon Robbert at sharonarobbert@gmail.com with any questions. Class of 1959 Class of 1959 will be celebrating its 60-year reunion on Thursday, September 5, starting at 10:30 a.m., at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in the Atrium. Buffet meal will be held at 12:00 p.m. The reunion will include a brief program, performance by Viking Steel Band, and tours of the building. Cost is $30 per person. Please contact David Timm for questions and to RSVP at dt253et@gmail.com. Class of 1969 The Class of 1969 will hold its 50-year reunion on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The class is also invited to an informal get-together on Friday, September 6, prior to the Wisco football home game. Saturday festivities include an opportunity to participate in a tour of the school, with a cocktail hour and dinner to follow. Invitations will be mailed out. Check out wlhs69.com, create a profile, and see what your classmates have been up to. Contact Kent Raabe at kentraabe@icloud.com or 262-797-9476, or Diana Kuehl at diana_kuehl@gmail.com with questions.
YALC Update
The Young Alumni Leaders Council (YALC) was established just last year with a dozen alumni leaders and has already accomplished a lot! • On Giving Tuesday in November, YALC members reached out and helped raise more than $15,000 for the high school. • YALC facilitated Wisco’s first-ever “Sip & Social” at Good City Brewing as a way to provide fun social opportunities for young alumni. The next Sip & Social is slated for November.
• A number of YALC members have given the gift of time to WLHS by volunteering for the annual Reality Store and Reunion Zero — both of which are special events for seniors. • YALC has also participated in the annual Golf Outing and Dinner Auction. If you would like to be considered for a leadership position on YALC, please visit wlhs.org/yalc.
Class of 1979 On September 14, 2019, the Class of 1979 will be celebrating their 40-year reunion in the Atrium of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Tours will be available at 5:30 p.m. with the reception following at 6:00 p.m. Contact Denise Johnson at 414617-0569 or Cindy Wirtz cwirtz@wi.rr.com with questions. Class of 1989 The Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30-year reunion on Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 7:00 p.m.-midnight, at the New Berlin Ale House (16000 W Cleveland Ave New Berlin, WI 53151). Join us for an evening of bowling, karaoke, pizza, cocktails, 80s music, prizes, treats, and an all-around fun time with friends. Please join the group on Facebook or contact Tyra Baumler for more information at tyra@ tesseradesignwi.com. 20
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Alumni participated in the first-ever Sip & Social held at Good City Brewing.
Viking-2-Viking
YALC is spearheading a new program called “Viking-2-Viking.” In conjunction with the WLHS Guidance Department, “Viking-2-Viking” will bring together alumni with juniors and seniors to talk about life after graduation, career paths, and how to be productive, Christ-centered professionals.
In Loving Memory
If You Could See Me Now! What do kiln shelves, a laser cutter, and window shades have in common? At first glance, nothing. But, if you ask any of the 15 seniors who served on the Plautz Fund student board, they’d tell you that these are some of the projects they voted to fund for the 2019-20 school year. You see, early in May, the student board met with their mentor, Mr. Donn Johnson (‘78), to consider requests submitted by faculty and staff. The student board approved more than $13,000 for five worthy projects. So, what’s the story on this fund? Back in 1973, Mark Plautz made a gift to WLHS in memory of his wife Lauretta. His goal with the gift was for students who were interested in learning more about finance to have that opportunity. During the course of the year, seniors delve into insurance, retirement plans, mortgages, mutual funds, and the stock market. They also work with the interest earned by the fund and use some of it to pay for projects that fall outside of the annual WLHS budget. The WLHS Foundation is grateful for Mark Plautz’s visionary gift. He undoubtedly would be surprised and pleased to know that his original gift has grown to 15 times its original size and has been able to award more than $225,000 over the years. Mark Plautz’s gift has been a blessing to the WLHS Foundation. The Foundation, in turn, has been able to bless WLHS and its students through annual gifts from the Plautz Fund. If you would like more information on how you can make a legacy gift as Mark Plautz did, please contact Kris Metzger (’72), executive director of the WLHS Foundation, at 414-453-4567, ext. 2011 or kris.metzger@wlhs.org.
Class of 1941 Edward Huth April 11, 2019
Class of 1968 David Seefeldt October 2, 2018
Class of 1946 Wallace Kureck February 15, 2019
Class of 1970 Mark Kollakowsky March, 21 2019
Janet (Flink) Stirmel March 31, 2019
Class of 1972 Faye Kessler May 27, 2019
Dorothy (Swanson) Hartman May 31, 2019 Class of 1945 Charles Puch September 21, 2018 Class of 1949 Jeanne (Puch) Hartgers February 2, 2019 Class of 1950 Jeanne (Wendlandt) Rapp February 28, 2019 Class of 1954 Joyce (Czerwan) Wilson March 10, 2019 Class of 1955 Vernon Neuman December 17, 2018 Class of 1963 James Ehmke April 20, 2019
Class of 1973 Beatrice “Bita” (Heidtmann Vaghetti) Andersson December 3, 2018 Class of 1974 Heidi (Duerr) Muma February 22, 2019 Class of 1975 Katherine Weiss June 9, 2019 Class of 1988 Lisa (Vandeberg) Jansen February 28, 2019 Andrew Butt February 24, 2019 Class of 1991 Jessica (Lossman) Hoffman February 9, 2019 Lee Novak January 5, 2019
Class of 1965 Prof Michel Hein March 10, 2019
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
The WLHS Foundation, Inc. (EIN # 39-2028988) GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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School News
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1.-2. Praise God! 11 WLHS students were baptized into the Lutheran church. 3. Students raised $36,445.96 for Taste of Ethiopia, an organization that brings food, clean water, education, and the gospel to orphans and others in need in Ethiopia. 4. & 5. WLHS students performed The Sound of Music for the spring musical. 6. The choirs and bands of Wisco delighted crowds with pop and Broadway hits during the three-day Prism concert.
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School News
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1-5. Reunion Zero for class of 2019 On the last day of school before exams, the Alumni Department hosts a special lunch event for seniors so they can socialize with classmates, teachers, and alumni from the YALC (Young Alumni Leaders Council). Fun giveaways and a photo booth help connect the class with their alma mater before they head out to college, the military or their career. Reunion Zero launched last year with the class of 2018 and is one of the newest alumni traditions at Wisco. To see more photos from Reunion Zero, visit wlhs.org/photos.
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. Jacobi St. James St. John’s on the Hillside St. John, Lannon St. John, Milwaukee St. John, Mukwonago St. John, Wauwatosa St. Lucas St. Marcus St. Mark St. Matthew St. Paul, Cudahy
St. Paul, Franklin St. Paul, Muskego St. Peter St. Philip Salem, Cramer Street Salem, 107th Street Siloah Star of Bethlehem Trinity Victory of the Lamb Woodlawn Zion, Hartland Zion, South Milwaukee
WLHS Contact © is the official alumni publication of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference. President: Dr. Kenneth Fisher; Editor: Monica Baer (‘87); Design/Layout: Carolyn Sachs; Contributing Writers: Dr. Kenneth Fisher, Monica Baer (‘87); Photography: Attention Era Media, 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.
GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
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GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE. 330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379
Baptismal Blessings On May 13, eleven students received the blessing of baptism at a special chapel service. What a joy to see God’s grace richly poured out on these young men and women! Video of the service can be viewed at wlhs.org/video.