2020 Summer Contact

WLHS Contact Summer 2020 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Welcome

A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference A Year Like No Other Offers an Opportunity Like No Other Who could have predicted what challenges in 2020 we’re facing?

A pandemic. A wave of economic uncertainty. And social unrest and protests.

Dr. Ken Fisher

What is happening to our world?

How will all of this impact us and our children? It is confusing and troubling. The devil seems to have the upper hand.

Guided by Faith Driven by Excellence Those Who Serve Meet the Class of 2020 2020 WLHS Graduation Alumni Updates Reunions & Alumni News WLHS Foundation In Loving Memory WLHS Updates Baptisms

Upcoming Events

Parent Info Meetings First Day of Class, Freshmen First Day of Class, All Students NHS Induction Homecoming Game WLHS Hall of Fame WLHS Open House

Pages 3 Pages 4-5 Pages 6-7 Pages 8-12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Pages 18-19 Back Page

August 17 & 18 August 19 August 20 September 14 October 2 October 4 October 4

Take comfort because God is still in control. King David had to confess, “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely” (Psalm 139:4). The God who made us and everything in the world knows us.

He also knows what he is doing—even if we don’t see it.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:17).

View additional events and get more information at wlhs.org.

The same wise, loving and powerful God created and will sustain this ministry. Remember, we still celebrated another class of proud graduates. Since 1903, Wisconsin Lutheran High School has weathered world wars, the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression and the turbulent 1960’s. God’s got this one!

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

2019-20 School Theme “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

Our Mission

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

That doesn’t mean that families aren’t hurting or teens aren’t confused and searching for answers about what God wants them to do “to form a more perfect Union.”

Requests for tuition assistance for the next school year are beyond any in memory. Teens want to go back to school in the fall. Everyone craves a bit of normal.

Our Vision

Now more than ever, we need to carry out our God-given mission. Our teachers are called to shape each student’s Christ-centered world view—to strengthen their trust in the Savior’s leading of their individual lives—and to make sense out of the confusion.

On the Cover:

You’ll read in this issue how dedicated and creative our teachers have been in these challenging times and how the past experience of WLHS has moved alumni to pray for and support this ministry.

Will you join me in praying that we trust God’s ability to bless our next generation through this experience and generously support us as God’s people have done since 1903?

Trusting in Christ’s grace for our ministry,

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In This Issue

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS

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.

2020 WLHS Graduation

Guided by Faith

Best Friends from Class of 2011 Establish DWMS Scholarship DeShawn Wilbern and Miles Schwichtenberg met their freshman year at WLHS and quickly became best friends.

And, even though they went to different colleges and now live in different states, the two men are still deeply connected.

“In high school, we’d look at the people in the Wisco Hall of Fame and joke that we wanted to be honored together like that someday,” says Schwichtenberg.

“Fast forward to 2019 and we were talking on the phone about how to support Wisco and the idea of a scholarship came up.”

Throughout their time at WLHS, both Schwichtenberg and Wilbern were involved in a number of sports, clubs and organizations. Both say their years at WLHS shaped the rest of their lives.

“My outlook on life is different because of Wisco,” says Schwichtenberg. “I learned God is in control.

Being rooted in that belief has helped me throughout my life, especially when I’ve faced tough situations.”

Both men were part of Wisco mission trips that had a lasting impact. For Schwichtenberg, two trips to China led to a major in Mandarin during college.

Wilbern explains, “The mission trips showed me the importance of sharing God’s word and giving back.

At Wisco, you see giving back all the time. There are former students who return to coach and help out in other ways. I knew I wanted to give back in some way and the scholarship made sense.”

“Wisco impacted our lives during high school and afterwards in so many ways.

We both wanted to establish a scholarship so other students could have the same positive high school experience we did.”

— DeShawn Wilbern (’11) and Miles Schwichtenberg (’11)

Miles Schwichtenberg (’11) Supply Chain Manager, Voss Industries Bachelor's in Mandarin Chinese and Business Administration, Wisconsin Lutheran College Master of Business Administration, Marquette University

DeShawn Wilbern (’11) Staff Accountant, Illinois Cancer Care Bachelor’s in Applied Science, Accounting and Finance, Eastern Illinois University Master of Business Administration, Illinois State University

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Driven by Excellence When the switch to online learning happened in March, WLHS teachers swung into action and got creative. They began making instructional videos, conducting Google Meets and calling students and parents — all with the goal of continuing to deliver advanced instruction and active and engaged learning.

Mr. Brian Gottschalk

Trigonometry, AP Statistics and AP Calculus AB “I used a combination of tools to teach and stay in contact with my students — videos, discussion boards, homework notes, Google Meets and one-on-one calls.

I created and uploaded short Brian Gottschalk video lessons on my YouTube channel ‘Got Chalk.’ The videos were a great way to connect and be present with the kids. I kept them short and interesting and always included a bad joke or two — just like I would do in the classroom.”

Mr. Peter Iles

World History – Ancient and World History – Modern Director of Instructional Technology “I was blown away by how far above-and-beyond our teachers went. They dedicated so much additional time to our students.

Peter Iles They made themselves available whenever they were needed and were connecting with students pretty much any time day or night.

“Our teachers’ response was ‘If you need help, just let me know. Email me, text, call and we’ll connect.’”

— Mr. Peter Iles, Director of Instructional Technology

“I think the biggest challenge wasn’t instructional. It was the fact we weren’t able to be with our kids and spend in-person time with them. As far as instruction and learning, we didn’t take a step back because our teachers were so committed to making it work.

In fact, I think it presented new opportunities that teachers will incorporate into their lessons in the future.”

Got Chalk tutorials can be found through the WLHS Viking YouTube channel.

Heidi Schindler (’23) “I really liked the Google Meets with Mr. Gottschalk because we got to actually make a connection with other people rather than just having to do the posted assignment. The conversations were fun and he’d share things about his life Heidi Schindler like what his kids were doing.

Our trig class was usually a series of videos. We’d watch the videos, take notes, do practice problems and submit our assignment. He’d get back to us if we had questions or areas that we needed to review.

It was almost like a regular class experience.”

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

Mrs. Cheryl Belott

Spanish 1 & 2

“For my Spanish 2 class, the students watched a daily episode from a Spanish-speaking telenovela series with Spanish subtitles so they could see and hear the words. Afterwards, we used Google Meet to talk Cheryl Belott about the episode in Spanish to work on fluency, vocabulary and pronunciation.

My Spanish 1 class made videos that included their siblings or mom and dad. The involvement with their family members helped ease the isolation that some of them were feeling.”

Mr. Michael Wiechmann Video Production, Graphic Design, Drawing, Exploratory Art: Ceramics/Mixed Media, Advanced Drawing

“It’s been amazing how well our WLHS students have done.

I previously taught online for eight years and these kids are Michael Wiechmann excelling beyond what I even dreamed what they’d do. It shows their character and work ethic. I was scared going into it but they really stepped up and leaned into the new challenge.

“There are advantages to online instruction because you can interact with students equally and not whoever is the most social. Online I’ve had my quiet students speak up and communicate more openly.

That’s been really exciting to have them participate and share so much.”

Driven by Excellence Mrs. Shakirah Cousins

Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Marketing

“In all of this, communication and check-ins were key. I had phone calls with parents and students. I had Google Meets with students. I conducted my classes with Live Notes and Shakirah Cousins recorded all of our Google Hangouts so students could review the questions and answers we went through. It was an easy way for them to go back over material we had discussed.

“Some students have realized they excel with online learning and might consider online classes as part of their college instruction because they’re now familiar and comfortable with it.”’

— Mrs. Shakirah Cousins, Math Instructor Madison Vasatko (’22)

“I was blessed with a lot of good teachers. I could tell that my speech teacher, Mrs. Huebner, spent a lot of time thinking about her lessons and how to organize and deliver them through video.

Once, when I was having trouble uploading my speech, she called Madison Vasatko me to help and then asked me for my feedback on the new class format. She really wanted to make sure it was a good class.”

In the midst of the pandemic, a group of WLHS art students completed a multi-piece, large-scale commission for Thermo Fisher Scientific in Milwaukee. The individual canvases feature different cells and were finished in students’ garages in March, April and May.

Antonio Grant (’20) “Virtual learning gave me the best example of how college life would be. It made me think more critically and challenged me to address real life issues and identify steps to overcome problems.”

Antonio Grant GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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For Christ’s Love Compels Us: Those Who Serve

“Knowing that Jesus loves us and that he wants us to love our neighbors, makes you more compassionate and leads you to use your talents to care for others.” — Amanda (Hoefner) Chao (’98) Eric Guse (’97)

18 years with the Glendale Police Department Recently promoted to sergeant Previously a patrol officer and K-9 handler Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee “My dad, who was a police officer, passed away during high school. Before that, I had been thinking about becoming either a teacher or police officer.

I prayed a lot and felt I was meant to go into law enforcement. With everything that happened with my dad, the cornerstone of my faith really grew at Wisco. Now, when I’m in my squad car, I know I’m not alone. God is with me no matter the situation.

I’ve dealt with some tough things and am thankful I’ve always had my faith to support and comfort me.”

A few years after he graduated, Guse returned to Wisco as a football and baseball coach.

A Call for Names If you've served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, Police, Fire or EMT, please let us know. We'd like to include an Honor Roll in our fall issue of Contact magazine. Please send us your: first and last name; graduation year; current position; length of service; and any other details or information you'd like to share to Assistant Director of Alumni Development Cindy Krueger at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

Amanda (Hoefner) Chao (’98) 18 years as a nurse

Currently a Triage RN nurse with Ascension Medical Group Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN), Concordia University, Mequon “My years at Wisco gave me the spiritual gifts and earthly abilities to do whatever I wanted for a career. Growing up, I admired other nurses and I wanted to pursue that same respected field. Many of my high school classmates are also in helping professions and I know that our Christian education at Wisco prepared us for that. I’m proud to be working for a Christian-based organization that allows me to share my faith with my patients. I can reassure them of God’s love and comfort them during stressful times.”

The class of 2020 includes more than a dozen students who are entering the military or pursuing a career in law enforcement or firefighting.

Jeff Lang (’01) 13 years as a firefighter Lieutenant with the Milwaukee Fire Department Works at Station 32 on Truck 9, the fire truck that takes the most calls in the entire city Bachelor’s in Sociology, University of Wisconsin— Madison After playing college football and graduating from Madison, Lang joined WLHS for three years as coordinator for the Resource Center.

“I had three dreams in life – play college football, work at Wisco and become a firefighter. It was a tough decision to leave my position at Wisco but I prayed about it and felt God had given me specific physical abilities that allow me to help people who aren’t able to help themselves.

At Wisco, I got all the ingredients I needed to go into the world as a Christian young man. I learned God’s love in religion class. I got hope and encouragement from daily chapel. My coaches built courage and resilience in me and were my Christian mentors.

During times of crisis, my comfort comes from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Robyn (Kolosovsky) Sabich (‘01) 13 years as a speech and language pathologist Currently working in adult/ geriatric rehab Bachelor’s in Communications, Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin—Madison Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology, Marquette University “At Wisco, I got a lot of leadership experience and had the opportunity to organize events that helped others, which was something I really liked doing. The medical field was always of interest to me since I’m inclined to the sciences and I have a lot of family members in health care. I like the therapeutic aspect of my career because I’m able to get to know my patients and their families and I’m a big part of their wellbeing.”

Kolosovsky Family Service The Kolosovskys have a long legacy at WLHS and a deep commitment to serving others. 20 men and women from the family have served or are currently working as police officers, firefighters or are in health care.

Three of the Kolosovsky women who are in health care: (left to right) Robyn Sabich (‘01) speech and language pathologist; mom Melissa (Miano ‘73) MRI tech; sister Leanne Higgins (‘96) pediatric RN

— Jeff Lang (‘01) GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Meet the Class of 2020

On May 30, 150 seniors graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School during a virtual ceremony.

The Class of 2020 Academic Top 10 1. Jonas Doerr Gustavus Adolphus College 2. Xingzhu (Claire) Chen Vanderbilt University 3. Miriam Snyder Wisconsin Lutheran College 4. Melissa Miller Wisconsin Lutheran College

Jonas Doerr Valedictorian

5. Magdalen Johnston University of Wisconsin—Madison 6. Julia Treichel Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville 7. Bria Wigley Wisconsin Lutheran College 8. Joseph Noeske University of Wisconsin—Madison 9. Jacob Horvat Waukesha County Technical College 10. Abigail Emmrich University of Wisconsin—Madison and Air National Guard

Gabriela Asencio Connor Athas-Wischki Mya Baertlein Zachary Baltutis Sammy Bausley III Ian Beck

Caleb Bilitz Melena Black Madeline Bloomquist Joseph Brisolara Lauren Butler Cameron Campbell

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

Vanderbilt Bound Xingzhu (Claire) Chen, an international student from Shaoxing, China, and the class of 2020 salutatorian, is heading to Vanderbilt University.

Chen plans to pursue a career in the medical field and applied to Vanderbilt based on its nationallyrecognized biochemistry program.

“I was able to take a lot of AP classes that helped me explore what

Xingzhu (Claire) Chen Salutatorian

I wanted to study in the future,” says Chen. “At Wisco, the teachers

are the best because they care about your personal growth and how you’re doing academically. That really made a difference for me.”

Virtual Graduation Service To watch the WLHS graduation ceremony, visit the WLHS Vikings channel on YouTube.

Marlie Campbell Taelor Caro-Jackson James Carter IV Kadman Chand Owen Charnon Ethan Chasco

Xingzhu (Claire) Chen Chan Cat Chu Damarius Clay Kahliya Cross Kadarreis Davis Hannah Denk

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Reagan Derouin Thuy Phuong (Delwyn) Dinh Garrett Doan Nathaniel Doan Jonas Doerr Larry Dolphin

Maya Dorsey Christian Dressler Rachel Dziekan Conner Eckes Caleb Economy Abigail Emmrich

Tyrese England Maddison Evans Hayden Falkner Katherine Fendrick Jessy Fuentes-Ponce Mechelle Gamboa

Lillian Gantner William Gemoll Amari George AnnElise Glaze Antonio Grant II Enrique Gutierrez

Amanda Hablewitz Atila Haimiti Emma Hammarstrom Adler Henn Stephanie Hernandez Fantasheah Highshaw

Rayana Hoene Jacob Horvat Jendaya Howard Kyle Hyland Isabella Iglesias Blessed Jimoh

Ashley Joe-Fuqua Alexis Johnson Magdalen Johnston Cheyenne Jordan Nebiyah Jordan Jonathan Kannenberg

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

Akira Katherine Jolly Katugume Darrin King Jr. Zachary Klement Titus Kostrzewa Rachel Kuehn

Michael Kuether Kaitlyn Laabs Noah Landowski Bre’Anna Lemon Kendall Lenoir Hannah Loper

Rebecca Loper Deion Love Fangxuan (Una) Luo Jaelen Marlow Gerald Martinez Jacob Meyer

Ruben Micheel Gabriella Miles Melissa Miller Relja Mitrovic Trinity Moore Sydney Nath

Callob Noel Reed Noel Joseph Noeske Lucas Nygaard Vanessa Osagie A’Kira Patterson

Lah Bwe Paw Humberto Pedroza Jr. Jewel Peters Nguyen Nhu (Belle) Phan Eh Lah Po Leah Rausch

Aundre Reid Joshua Reinke Robert Reinke Hailey Rhyner Savannah Rice Isaiah Roberson

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Chauncey Robinson Larissa Roby-Brown Jayla Ross Nina Schabow Dylan Schliesleder Josephine Schmid

Kylie Schmid Krista Schneider Hannah Schneidewen Marcus Smith Miriam Snyder Andrew Steinberg

Justin Sterger Megan Strautmann Dantong (Hansen) Sun Orie Swiontek Tongyu (Harry) Tang Isabella Taylor

Emily Techlin Chloe Todor Jalynn Tolbert-Jones Julia Treichel Quoc Khang (King) Truong Haley Ubl

Gennesis Valle Evann Vasatko Damerion Veasey Gavin Vrana Jayden Wallace Mark Wanty

Matthew Wanty Ashley Weber Ericka Weber Ashanti Weeks Grant Wempner Anthony Weniger

Ethan Wenzel Bria Wigley Amayah Williams Kamarion Wilson Zachary Wranovsky Isabella Zylka

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

To God the Glory!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

— 2020 Senior Class Verse More 2020 graduation photos can be viewed at wlhs.org/ photos

The Class of 2020

81 (65%) made Honor Roll the 4th quarter with a 3.4 GPA or higher.

49 were members of the National Honor Society.

Nine countries of origin were represented in the senior class.

Class Hymn:

Class Color:

Class Flower:

Still, My Soul Be Still

Gold

White Rose GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Alumni Updates

Mark Johnston (’63) is celebrating 50-years in the ministry as a WELS pastor and is currently serving at First German Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.

Nancy (Kallies) Lehninger (’73) ran the 2019 Chicago Marathon with her daughter, Liza Lehninger (‘13).

Dr. Mary (Jeske) Metzger (‘76) is the new medical director of the Rock River Free Medical Clinic in Jefferson, Wis.

Paul Bugenhagen Jr. (’98) ran for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge this past spring.

Joel Weaver (‘99) was inducted into the University of Southern Indiana’s Hall of Fame for his role as Pitching Coach with the 2007 USI Baseball Team.

The team won the Midwest Regional (undefeated) and advanced to the NCAA II Championship Series, tying for third. They also set a program record for wins in a season (43).

Joy (Marks) Arceneaux (‘03) was awarded a $2,000 grant from Sanger Education Foundation to purchase a set of 12 BreakoutEDU boxes and a digital site license for her school. Joy is a math inclusion teacher in Sanger, Texas.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

Rich DeClue (‘05) received his PhD in Public Health from St. Louis University in May 2020.

Rich is Associate Director of Outcomes Science and Services for Concerto HealthAl. He resides in Wauwatosa with his wife Nichole.

Taylor King (‘09) graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a second degree in Nursing in May 2020.

During school, she also assisted Global Brigades in Nicaragua, Honduras and Ghana, setting up medical clinics for under resourced communities to receive medical attention.

Taylor works at Froedtert Hospital on the Bone Marrow Transplant/Hematology/Oncology floor. She follows in the footsteps of her parents, Brian (‘77) and Jody, working as a nurse.

Andrew Flegel (‘12) was named Head Softball Coach at Brookfield East in November 2019. He currently serves as a special education teacher at Wisconsin Hills Middle School.

Nate Cairns (’13) received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2020 from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

He works in a nursing facility in the Indianapolis area.

Kyle Brightsman (‘14) graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with a degree in marketing management.

Brightsman was the featured Graduate Profile in the 2019 edition of the MATC Times Year in Review newspaper.

He works at Foxconn in the marketing department.

Christian Lucchesi (’14) was awarded Outstanding Student of the Year - College of Education, Hospitality, Health and Human Sciences at UW–Stout.

Reunions

Class of 1955 The Class of 1955 will celebrate their 65-year reunion on Friday, September 18, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. The event will be held at Alioto’s Restaurant (3041 N. Mayfair Road, Milwaukee).

If you are interested in learning about ways to help, contact Evelyn (Zastrow) Pike at epike1@att.net or 414-461-7293 or Laura (Utech) Statza at 262-797-9085.

Class of 1956 The Class of 1956 is hosting their 64-year reunion on Friday, September 11, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. It will be held at Alioto’s Restaurant (3041 N. Mayfair Road, Milwaukee). Contact Clary Hartwig for reservations at 262-392-8022 or cfhartwig@yahoo.com.

Alumni News

Reunion Zero Rescheduled

Members of the WLHS Class of 2020 are invited to a special, rescheduled Reunion Zero on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Please save the date! Full details will be emailed to you in the fall. To confirm we have an updated email on file, please contact Assistant Director of Alumni Development Cindy Krueger at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567.

Mission Advancement team members celebrated the 2020 graduates during their drive-through graduation by handing out alumni t-shirts.

Class of 1970 The Class of 1970 is celebrating their 50-year reunion on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in the WLHS Atrium from 5:30-10:00 p.m. Cost is $60 per person.

For more information visit wlhs.org/reunions. Contact Jim Johnson at jamesmjohnson@prodigy.net or 414-378-9788 or Deb Sloane at dsloane@gmail.com or 414-881-4090.

Class of 1980 Your 40-year reunion has been rescheduled. The committee plans to hold a 41-year class reunion the summer of 2021. Look for save the date information.

If you have not connected with us on Facebook yet, look for “Wisco Class of 1980 Reunion” and take part in a poll to determine a 2021 date.

Class of 1990 The Class of 1990 will be celebrating their 30-year reunion on September 19, 2020, at Matty’s Bar and Grill (14460 W. College Ave) in New Berlin.

Please join the “Wisco Class of 1990 30th Reunion” Facebook page for more information and to RSVP. Contact Laura (Adamczyk) Schaper with questions at laknees17@hotmail.com.

Class of 1995 Class of 1995, a 25-year reunion is being planned for sometime in September 2020, as venues allow.

Visit the “Wisco Class of 1995 25th Class Reunion” Facebook page or contact Erin Krug at erin.krug@wlhs.org for updates.

Class of 2010 Class of 2010, stay posted for information about our rescheduled 10-year reunion in August/ September of 2020. If you would like to help with the planning, contact Erica (Spiegelberg) Koester at ericakarenkoester@gmail.com.

Wisco Summer Night

Due to the uncertainty surrounding social gatherings, our annual Wisco Summer Night event is canceled for this year. The Wisco Alumni Team looks forward to seeing you at future events.

WISC O NIGHT

Calling New Young Alumni Leaders

WLHS’s Young Alumni Leaders Council (YALC) is looking for young, professional alumni interested in finding ways to keep recent graduates engaged for the benefit of each other, our students and WLHS. Interested in serving in this unique way? Contact Cindy Krueger (‘99) at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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WLHS Foundation A Year to Remember

This past school year, the Foundation gave its Annual Grant to WLHS of $455,000. The high school used $235,000 of that amount for tuition assistance for families.

I have been blessed to be involved with WLHS for half of my life. I have a student, parent and employee perspective. I have seen the blessings our good Lord has showered upon WLHS during its 117 years.

WLHS held a virtual graduation and “drive through” reception on Saturday, May 30. It was awesome to be a part of this creative celebration with faculty and staff cheering and celebrating our 150 seniors.

That experience took me back to my own WLHS graduation in 1972. Royal blue caps and gowns. Our class Bible verse was John 8:12. Hugs. Teary eyes.

Good byes to classmates, some of whom I wouldn’t see again this side of heaven.

Kris (Jeske) Metzger (‘72)

Fast forward. My husband Hans (’67) and I were proud parents at WLHS graduations in 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006.

Our sons and daughters experienced those same traditions and emotions at their graduations as they joined the proud ranks of WLHS alumni.

Although this year’s graduation lacked some of the traditions of the past, what it had in common with all other graduations is that the seniors heard the same message that has been communicated at every single graduation — that they are well prepared to live productive, Christian lives in a diverse world. They are now on a Spirit-led trajectory.

Sending a child to WLHS takes the support and sacrifice of families. The cost of a WLHS education is not insignificant. It is the mission of the WLHS Foundation to try to offer as much financial assistance as possible to as many students as possible. We want any family who desires to send their son or daughter to WLHS to have that ability to do so, regardless of financial ability.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

This summer, I will be retiring from active ministry. Among other things, Hans and I plan to spend a lot of time with our 13 grandchildren, with one more on the way.

We would love nothing more than for all of them to have the same blessing of a Christian high school education as we did, but this does not happen all by itself.

Now, more than ever, our world needs WLHS. To that end, Hans and I have included WLHS in our estate plan and would invite you to do the same. It’s a simple decision to include WLHS (plus, it doesn’t affect your budget because your gift doesn’t “happen” until you don’t need it anymore).

Common planned gifts are:

• • • • • • • •

Bequests – through a will or trust Retirement plans – IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s Life insurance Donor advised funds Charitable gift annuities Charitable trusts Real estate Cash or securities (stocks, bonds, or CDs)

It’s our prayer that God continues to bless WLHS for countless years. What greater legacy could any of us have than to be part of Wisco’s team, preparing the next generation of Christian leaders for our world.

Please contact me at 414-453-4567 ext. 2011 or kris.metzger@wlhs.org if you’d like to discuss how you might be part of this team (and also if you’d like to see pictures of my grandchildren☺).

God bless you and keep you safe,

Mrs. Kristine Metzger (‘72) Executive Director of WLHS Foundation

In Loving Memory Class of 1945 Walter Raebel January 20, 2020

Class of 1961 Ralph Dahms April 14, 2020

Anita (Pipkorn) Karrer February 22, 2020

Class of 1963 Eugene Eckoldt October 1, 2019

Evelyn (Martz) Barg May 13, 2020 Class of 1949 Aurora (Moravec) Lueneburg January, 7 2020

Full Scholarship to Northwestern University

Class of 1964 Arthur Wiese December 27, 2019 Marietta (Niederstadt) Werth October 4, 2018

Cam Campbell (’20) just graduated from WLHS and in the fall will head to one of the most respected universities in the country.

Class of 1950 Ruth (Gueldner) Pence November 2018

Class of 1965 Richard Oppermann March 10, 2020

Class of 1951 Joan Scheidecker March 3, 2020

Barbara (Zajac) Schroeder January 18, 2016

Campbell received a full scholarship that totals nearly $80,000 a year to cover tuition, room & board, books and related costs.

Class of 1967 Beth (Washow) Wagie April 5, 2020

Did You Know?

Lorna Ehlke March 13, 2020 Class of 1955 Beverly (Burger) Stadelmayer September 6, 2017

Karan (Wegener) Lindemann June 3, 2020

Ronald Gaulke April 23, 2020

Class of 1969 Allan Wichner March 3, 2019

Class of 1958 Joyce (Susitti) Yanke March 24, 2020

Class of 1972 Kurt Ziebell June 2, 2020

Class of 1959 Alan Merten May 21, 2020

Class of 1974 Ellen Gawrisch May 8, 2020

Class of 1960 Judith (Grages) Wantuch June 20, 2019

Class of 1984 Corey Jo Perszyk April 18, 2020

Lance Raschka April 27, 2020

Class of 1991 Jocelyn (Schultz) Hanson March 12, 2020

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Northwestern University was recently ranked #9 by U.S. News & World Report of Best National Universities and has an acceptance rate of just 9%.

4 The University received 39,261 applications for its 2020 freshman class.

His academic and athletic talents and leadership skills were apparent throughout his time at WLHS.

• Recognized by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association as an Individual Academic All-State his senior year.

• Member of the National Honor Society and on the Honor Roll.

• Selected as a WLHS Viking Christian Leader for his commitment to excellence and exemplary character his junior year.

• Participated in the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy his freshman year.

“Garden Homes prepared me for Wisco and Wisco prepared me for Northwestern,” says Campbell.

“My teachers and coaches always supported me and pushed me to be my best self.”

“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).

Campbell joins 2019 WLHS grad Alicia Webb who also received a full, four-year scholarship to Northwestern.

Webb and Campbell talked last year after a chapel when Webb was recognized for her acceptance into Northwestern. The pair have kept in touch and both plan to pursue careers as lawyers.

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School News

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1.-2. In a creative, socially distancing video, students in OHFHS and NHS shared that $24,148.97 was raised to support Branch Lutheran Schools in Haiti. Branch Lutheran serves more than 900 orphans and local students by providing shelter, education and the gospel. The video reveal can be viewed at wlhs.org/OHFHS2020 3.-7. WLHS students performed Newsies for the spring musical.

Stay connected to WLHS! 18

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2020

2020 WLHS Graduation

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.

WHEREDRIVEN SUCCESS MORE GUIDED BY FAITH.

BY MEANS EXCELLENCE.

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GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE. 330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

2020 Baptismal Blessings In private ceremonies this spring, three WLHS students received the assurance and seal of forgiveness through baptism. These children of God include: international students Walsen and Julian (pictured) and also India Cross. Over the past four years, 39 students have been baptized into Christ at WLHS.