WLHS Contact Summer 2021 | Alumni & Friends Magazine
Where Success Means More
Welcome
A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference A Goodbye Like Few Others in a Year Like No Other Saying “goodbye” is never easy. For 118 years, the teachers and staff of Wisconsin Lutheran High School have had to say farewell to each successive graduating class. More than fourteen thousand alumni have moved from our halls into the legacy of this ministry. The class of 2021 was no different as we bid them farewell. When St. Paul said farewell to the Ephesian elders, he was very emotional. For good reason, he was convinced that they wouldn’t meet again this side of heaven. He shared three fruitful years of his life with them. During those years, he struggled with opposition, feared for his life, witnessed incredible spiritual growth, and wrote the bulk of his New Testament letters. Dr. Ken Fisher
Teacher Paul cared so deeply for his students at Ephesus that he could say, “I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 19:27). Despite his absence from them, he was joyful and confident about what God would continue to do with their future. “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace” (Acts 19:32). Saying goodbye to the class of 2021 was a little harder because of all the challenges that we’ve endured together. Lost opportunities and cancelled events dominated in this season of Covid-19. Together we weathered great heartache—and at the same time—we witnessed God’s grace in action as faculty and staff found a way to continue to serve students face-to-face through it all. There was spiritual growth and new-found resiliency. And this year’s seniors led their fellow classmates through it all. Thank you, class of 2021, for persevering through the challenges of the past 18 months with grace and grit. Like teacher Paul, the faculty and staff have continued to proclaim the entire counsel of God’s Holy Word to you. You’ve been through a time like no other in our memory. But we’re still ready to commit you to God’s grace because we’ve seen God keep his promises to guide our alumni towards success in life and, more importantly, the joys of heaven since 1903. Class of 2021, you’ve had a year like few others. But we still bid you farewell with confidence of God’s blessings in whatever comes next. In Christ’s Service with you, 2
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS
In This Issue
To God the Glory! Where Success Means More 2021 WLHS Graduation Meet the Class of 2021 Faculty Retirements Alumni Updates Alumni News & Data Appeal WLHS Foundation & In Loving Memory WLHS Updates 2021 Viking Summer Explorer Camps
Upcoming Events
Parent Info Meetings First Day of Class, Freshmen First Day of Class, All Students Homecoming Game WLHS Open House
Pages 3 Pages 4-5 Page 6-7 Pages 8-12 Page 13 Page 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Pages 18-19 Back Page
August 16 & 17 August 17 August 18 October 1 October 3
View additional events and get more information at wlhs.org.
2020-21 School Theme “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
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: 2021 WLHS Graduation at the Rock Sports Complex in Franklin
Two Alumni Return to Support Growth When Ms. Hannah Leverence (’16) and Mr. Matt Zeitler (’14) graduated from WLHS neither of them imagined they’d be back working at the school in a professional capacity. But, God has his own plans.
Ms. Hannah Leverence (‘16)
In January, Leverence joined the art department to teach: Graphic Design; Exploratory Art: Ceramics/ Mixed Media; and Exploratory Art: Drawing/ Sketching. Her addition to the faculty comes as enrollment in arts classes tops 300 students a semester — double the number from just three years ago.
“I want to encourage and inspire students who love art to pursue their passion,” says Leverence. “I’m blessed to be working with teens who are energized and excited to explore art in their lives.” In May, Zeitler joined the athletic department as strength and conditioning coordinator. The new position is part of the Building on the Legacy campaign to upgrade and improve the WLHS outdoor athletic facilities.
To God the Glory!
But, his position isn’t all about athletes. He’s looking to engage with students who aren’t necessarily in a sport but are interested in physical fitness.
“The weight room doesn’t care if you’re male or female, your height or weight or any of those things,” says Zeitler. “It’s a place to challenge yourself and have others encourage you.”
Recently Added Fine Arts Classes & Co-curriculars 4 AP Visual Art and Design 4 Musicianship through Percussion 4 Video Production 4 Art Club 4 Viking Steel (steel pan band)
Zeitler is working with WLHS athletes and their Mr. Matt Zeitler (‘14) coaches to improve their overall performance through weight lifting, as well as specialized speed, movement, and endurance training, depending on their sport. In addition, during the upcoming school year, he’ll host sessions on nutrition, hydration, relaxation, sleep, and a variety of other topics to help educate athletes on the integrated elements that contribute to their success.
“I want to contribute to the Wisco family by using the weight room as a connection point for all kids beyond just those who are athletes.” — Matt Zeitler
WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
3
Where Success Means More Success for WLHS students comes in a variety of forms. Success is having a solid faith foundation and being a confident Christian. Success is listening to, understanding, and connecting with others. Success is applying the talents God has given you.
esports Scholarship
This year, many WLHS seniors successfully secured college scholarships, based on their academic or sports achievements.
Scholarship: Adelmund earned a scholarship to play Overwatch for Concordia University Wisconsin.
Academic Scholarship Nguyet Ha “Kate” Luong
an international student from Vietnam who came to WLHS her sophomore year Scholarship: Luong earned the KU International Excellence Award, a full, four-year academic Nguyet Ha “Kate” Luong scholarship from the University of Kansas with a lifetime value of $100,000. The University of Kansas is a renowned public research university and is classified as a R1: Doctoral Universities—Very high research activity.
Nick Adelmund
Luong’s father shared: WLHS is like my daughter’s second home. She has received a lot of love from the teachers and school.
St. Jacobi Lutheran School, Greenfield
Major: Computer Science
WLHS Experience: I took my first art classes ever – Ceramics and Graphic Design – and ended up liking them and, since I’m interested in finance, I also took Advanced Accounting and Money Matters. I played on the esports team my senior year when they added the game Overwatch. Esports helped me grow as a person and make closer connections with my teammates. Sometimes I had to take the lead and that was a good experience for me.
Academic Scholarship
Major: Pre-pharmacy WLHS Experience: Luong’s academic success and involvement are apparent throughout her time at WLHS. She was in National Honor Society (NHS), Student Council, Wisco Witnesses in the World (WWW), Viking Christian Leadership Academy (VCLA) and was selected as a Viking Christian Leader under the Wisco Way Word “Courage.” Luong was also on Math Track and served as a tutor.
Nick Adelmund
Emma Baacke
Mount Calvary Lutheran School, Waukesha
Emma Baacke
Scholarships: Baacke signed with Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) to play volleyball and, since WLC is a D3 school, she secured a number of academic scholarships.
Double Major: Elementary and Special Education WLHS Experience: Baacke played volleyball all four years and was also involved in WWW, VCLA, Plautz Fund, Reading Buddies and was a member of NHS. Wisco teachers genuinely care about their students. They push you and set high standards because they want you to succeed. They ask about your life and how you’re doing. They really work to get know their students and help us grow as Christian leaders.
4
Natalie Tesch (front left) and Emma Baacke (front right) both received academic scholarships and plan to play volleyball for their respective colleges in the fall.
Where Success Means More
esports Scholarship Josh Schultz
Volleyball & Academic Scholarship
Saint Lucas Lutheran School, Bay View
Natalie Tesch
Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School, New Berlin
Scholarship: Schultz earned a scholarship to play Overwatch for Bryant & Stratton College. Josh Schultz
Major: Networking Technology
WLHS Experience: Schultz was part of the WLHS Band and played in two ensembles – brass and percussion. Senior year he took Metals with Mr. Hahm, which was one of his favorite classes. Mr. Iles brought the Bryant & Stratton coach in to talk to the esports team. It was a good connection for me because I’m now getting college money to be part of their team. I really appreciated the coaching I got on the WLHS esports team. I learned a lot about teamwork and other important aspects of game play.
“In just two short years, our esports teams have had considerable success. In fact, our FIFA team just won the Central Region PlayVS championship. We’re focused on competing at a high level, and the scholarships our students have secured are an indication of that. Our team members are incredibly hard working and have honed their communication and leadership skills — essential skills that colleges are looking for when recruiting team members.
— Mr. Peter Iles, WLHS director of technology
Natalie Tesch
Scholarships: Tesch secured an athletic and Presidential scholarship to play volleyball at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
Major: Nursing WLHS Experience: While Tesch played volleyball all four years, she was also involved in a number of other activities, including Track, Choir, Wisco Kids, WWW, VCLA, International Mentor Program and NHS. I want to share a farewell to my teachers and thank them for always pushing me. They’re passionate about helping students develop their God-given gifts. Another thing I really appreciated at Wisco is the variety. There are so many programs, from athletics to the fine arts to leadership opportunities. I was encouraged to try new things, and that really helped me grow.
Academic Scholarship Dulce Chaidez
Saint Lucas Lutheran School, Bay View Scholarship: Chaidez secured a Hope Scholarship to WLC. Dulce Chaidez
Major: Radiologic Technology
WLHS Experience: Chaidez was involved in choir, Page Turners book club, College Possible, VCLA, and NHS. I am so very thankful for all of my teachers, coaches, friends, and family for shaping me and getting me to this point. Above all, I thank God for blessing me with an amazing scholarship to WLC and for opening such big doors in my life.
WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
5
2021 WLHS Graduation Highlights
201 seniors graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School during a ceremony held at the Rock Sports Complex. The Class of 2021 Academic Top 10 1. Alyssa Ebeling Wisconsin Lutheran College 1. Qiusu (Emily) Miao UC Berkeley 3. Anh Quang Le Grinnell College 4. Karah Valerio Wisconsin Lutheran College 5. Sarah Bitter University of Wisconsin—Madison 6. Lydia Hahm Martin Luther College 7. Alexandra Miles University of Minnesota—Twin Cities 8. Emma Pufahl Not pictured in Academic Top 10 photo: Qiusu (Emily) Miao and Anh Quang Le
Martin Luther College 9. Mackenzie Schalk University of Nebraska—Omaha 10. Ian Wiltsey Milwaukee School of Engineering
Virtual Graduation Service To watch the WLHS graduation ceremony, visit the WLHS Vikings channel on YouTube.
Co-valedictorian Alyssa Ebeling with Principal Phil Leyer 6
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
More 2021 graduation photos can be viewed at wlhs.org/ photos
A Sampling of Senior Scholarships* • Hannah Behroozi, Oberlin College, John F. Oberlin Scholarship • Fa (Napatsawan) Boonkon, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Herb Kohl Student Initiative Scholarship. Boonkon was selected for the $10,000 scholarship based on her leadership, citizenship, school and community involvement, academic achievement and her ability to articulate her goals for the future. • Tyler Danko, Marian University, High School Partnership Award • Ben Haackenson, Bethany Lutheran College in Minnesota, esports scholarship • Peter Hahm, University of Wisconsin – Platteville, Academic Merit Scholarship • Lexi Heiman, WLC, HOPE Scholarship • Isaiah Hopf, St. Thomas University in Minnesota, track scholarship • Emma Johnson, Concordia University Wisconsin, The Luther’s Promise Scholarship • Noah Kontny, Lincoln Memorial University, academic and athletic scholarships • Malia Lee, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, King/Chávez Scholars Program • Joseph Mastepietro, WLC, Bowling Centers of Wisconsin Scholarship • Elizabeth Meyer, Viterbo University, Presidential Scholarship • Alexandra Miles, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Gold Scholar Award • Abigail Ossmann, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Bryon L. Walter Family Scholarship • Mason Ruh, Northern Illinois University, baseball scholarship • Mackenzie Schalk, University of Nebraska at Omaha, dance scholarship • Julian Vu, Stevens Institute of Technology, academic scholarship * This list is just a sampling of WLHS seniors who earned college scholarships. WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
7
Meet the Class of 2021 Micah Abel
Skylar Abner
Nicholas Adelmund
Kyle Aggen
Jamond Allen Jasmine Allgood
Mekhi Ashford Aliyah Asik Lydia Aufdemberge Emma Baacke Deshaun Baldwin Jadi Balentine
Hannah Behroozi Abigail Berg Kayla Berg Marangeli Berger Sarah Bitter Devan Blackmon
Napatsawan Boonkon Andrew Borth Jamiah Boyd Lauren Braatz Benjamin Brown Hannah Burrow
Zoe Buske Deanna Campbell Chazidy Carson David Carson Kahmiah Carson Dulce Chaidez
Elizabeth Chapman Zihao (Zack)Chen Lauren Clement Melanie Conte Chloe Cunningham Tyler Danko
8
Class Hymn:
Class Colors:
Class Flower:
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
Light Blue and Gold
White Rose
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
London Darby Joy’nae Davis Isabella Delwiche Takiyra Donley Samya Durrah Liam Dusseau
Alyssa Ebeling Evan Eirschele Jensen Eismann Johlahna Ellis Nolan Elton Tyler Emmrich
Grace Frey Camryn Friske Caleb Gerbing Alia Goodman Raionna Goodman Emily Gorski
Samantha Grass Mark Grepo Alurie Grisby Benjamin Haakenson Lydia Hahm Peter Hahm
Jeremiah Hampton Jr. Emily Harders Ouray Harper Michael Harris Michael Harrison Samuel Hartman
Janiya Heard Alexis Heiman Niyanah Henderson Jared Henning Robert Hersey III Ashonte’ Hibbler
Isaiah Hopf Ler Htoo Koto Imahori Semaj James Vicente Janik Emma Johnson
WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
9
Najia Johnson Serenity Johnson Hailie Kittell Courtney Klauer Philip Kolodzinski Noah Kontny
Adam Kriefall Anthony Lacey Jaekob LaCoursier Keon Larsen Han Le Quang Lê
Jehun (Jackson) Lee Kihyuk (Han) Lee Malia Lee Daniel Lenhardt Pan (Hans) Lin Blake Lindner
Anxuan Liu Ana Llamosa-Fait Nguyet Ha Luong Trevion Marks Molly Mars Joseph Mastopietro
Angélica Mata-Calderón Audrey Mazziotti Devan McAlister Iyanna Mckillion Elisabeth Meyer Benjamin Mierendorf
Alexandra Miles Alexander Miller Andrew Miller Nathan Miller Sydney Mueller Sonja Muñoz
Ashley Newell Tai Ngo Tuyen (Holly) Nguyen Iva Nisavic Samuel Oertel Jordyn Olson
10
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
Lauren Olson Samuel Olson Megan Orozco Reyes Abigail Ossmann Kaleb Ott Alexander Paffenroth
William Pagel Natalie Paige Amber Palacios Maximus Perez Leah Pinnow Joshua Poston
Emma Pufahl Ethan Rader Genna Rascon Robert Rehm II Emely Reyes-Cisneros Nathan Riel
Jonah Rindfleisch Devin Rodgers Amy Rosado Ashley Rouse Mason Ruh Mercedes Rzepkowski
Leila Sabree Joseph Saez Rayna Salim Raymond Sanchez Tristan Sanchez Mackenzie Schalk
Amanda Schmidt Mackenzie Schmidt Caleb Schneider Joshua Schultz Ellie Seelund Niya Seidler
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). — 2021 Senior Class Verse
11
Nathan Sievert Sofia Smith Jacob Spudat La’Dayshia Story Javoney Stricklen Micah Stroh
Alex Sutter Alyssa Techlin Jessica Techlin Natalie Tesch Alyssa Thompson Joseph Timmerman
Corey Tipton Jr. Alaina Tomczak Melissa Tonn Anh Tran Thanh Tran Kylie Tremaine
Eli Treuden Karah Valerio Janila Vazquez Janiya Vazquez Gabriella Verduzco Alexandria Vervooren
Quan Vu Zachary Wagner Alayha Watson Woranuch Wattanavanakul Jadah Webb Alexis Weber
Cody Weber Luke Wegner Amos Weide Morgan Whitelaw Laila Whorton Kayla Williams
Ian Wiltsey Perryon Woodley Oumjy Zhang
Not present for picture: Tianle (Gary) Chen Diana Herrera Xiaojun (Danny) Huang Qiusu Miao Xinyao (Lucy) Lu Zhuhan (Tom) Yang
12
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
Faculty Retirements
At the end of May, WLHS said farewell to four faithful servants who have a combined service of more than 100 years at the high school. Mr. Keith Bowe
Bowe has dedicated more than 40 years to the ministry and served at WLHS for a total of 22 years. He first joined the high school faculty in 1992 and spent five years teaching social studies, serving as department chair, and coaching baseball and basketball. He left Keith Bowe to become principal of Kettle Moraine Lutheran and returned to WLHS in 2004 as a theology teacher and department and curriculum coordinator. Bowe earned his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. Mr. Bowe, 1992
Mrs. Lori Greschner
Greschner has spent more than two decades at WLHS. She came to the high school in 1999 to teach in the English department and work one-on-one with students as part of the College Readiness Curriculum. Prior to joining WLHS, she taught upper level language Lori Greschner arts and tutored students at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee. Before Atonement, she served at New Salem Lutheran School, Sebewaing, MI, and taught first through fourth grades.
Mrs. Greschner, 1999
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)
Mr. Ned Goede
Goede has spent more than 40 years in the ministry, serving at St. Philip’s Lutheran School in Milwaukee and WLHS. He began his time at Wisco in 1990 as a personal counselor and Religion teacher and soon became the school’s fourth principal, serving for 24 years. While he was principal, the school Ned Goede successfully conducted two capital campaigns to expand its footprint – the Math and Science wing and Gifted for Praise, which enlarged the school’s Fine and Practical Arts space. He helped develop the school’s College Readiness Curriculum to ensure WLHS meets the needs of all students and was also at the helm when WLHS joined the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. In 2015, he moved back into a faculty position, teaching in the fine arts and theology departments, and continuing to direct various choirs. His imprint on WLHS will continue for decades to come.
Mr. Goede, 1990
Mrs. Dinah Haakenson
Haakenson has served as the library and media center director at WLHS since 1992. Haakenson brought digital information into the library and spearheaded the digitization of the library’s card catalog, making information access easier for students. In 2003, she started Wisco’s Page Turners Dinah Haakenson book club, which grew from just three students to a group of approximately 40. Prior to joining WLHS, she was librarian at St. John’s Lutheran School in Wauwatosa and taught reading and creative writing. Haakenson earned her master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Mrs. Haakenson, Wisconsin – Milwaukee. 1992 WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
13
Alumni Updates
Laura (Utech) Statza (‘55) and husband, Ken, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 27, 2021. They have a WLHS lineage starting with their children Ken Statza (‘80), Mark Statza (‘81) and Lauree (Statza) Madson (‘95), through grandchildren Alex Statza (‘04) and Carly (Statza) Hauser (‘08), and finally great-grandchildren Owen Charnon (‘20) and Victoria Charnon (attended).
All six Schiebel siblings graduated from WLHS and are now happily retired, with the last brother retiring this year. The siblings are Bonnie (Schiebel) Verhalen (’67), Mike Schiebel (’69), Barb (Schiebel) Weiss (’70), Bev (Schiebel) Stein (’71), Tom Schiebel (’74), and Phil Schiebel (’76). Cheryl (Kittler) Gospodarek (’70) and husband, Dennis, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 19, 2021. The Gospodarek family resides in South Carolina.
Steve Reinhardt (’79) celebrated his 60th birthday on May 25, 2021, surrounded by WLHS friends and family whose graduation dates spanned forty years, from 1979 to 2019. Patti (Breitigam) Wenzel (’83) recently completed courses in Fashion Industry Practices from the Parson School of Design in New York. She currently serves as a teacher in the FACE department at WLHS.
James Flegel (‘89) accepted a call to serve Wisconsin Lutheran College as Director of Cultural Diversity effective fall 2021. After serving 17 years as Assistant Coach for the WLC Women’s Softball team, James completed his second season in spring 2021 as Head Coach. 14
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
Lindsay (Smith) Zimpelmann (‘98) and husband, Adam, welcomed a son, Noah, on January 19, 2021. Noah joins big brothers Asher (5) and Ezra (4). The Zimplemann family resides in Fond du Lac.
Dr. Melissa Plamann (‘99) was promoted to Professor of Music at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University, effective August 1, 2021, where she also serves as the Coordinator of Graduate Studies. Melissa has served at Oklahoma City University since 2010 and has the esteemed title of University Organist. Lumpree Brown III (’01) and wife, Mallory, welcomed baby boy, Lumpree Brown IV, on November 1, 2019. He was officially adopted on their “Forever Ours Day” on May 21, 2020. The family resides in West Allis.
Sheena (Faherty) Scruggs (‘03) and husband, Paul, launched their passion project, a company called Solid Roots, on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Their company helps people ditch the plastic bottles in their shower by switching to solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
Bill Dittman (‘06) completed the inaugural Cocodona 250, a 257 mile trail race in Arizona in the spring of 2021. The daily temperatures reached over 90 degrees, and Bill slept only eight total hours during the race, which he started on a Monday and finished on Friday. Bill is a National Account Manager at Nuun Hydration. He is pictured with his wife, Ana.
C.L. (‘06) and Nicole (Williams) (’07) Whiteside were married on April 9, 2021. WLHS alumni in the wedding party included best man Brandon Whiteside (‘08), and maid of honor Brittney Gray (‘07). C.L. currently serves as Assistant Principal at WLHS and Nicole teaches K4 at Milwaukee College Prep. Lajara (’07) and Melanie (Beyersdorf) (’08) Owens welcomed their second child, Chloe, on September 5, 2020. Chloe joins big sister Ava (7).
Bradley (‘07) and Samantha (Evans) Reinhardt (‘16) were married at St. Marcus Ev. Lutheran Church, Milwaukee on June 13, 2020. Wisco grads in the wedding party included maid of honor Maddison Evans (‘20), matron of honor Nikki Pawlak (‘10), bridesmaids Emily Evans (‘12), Gracie Swezey (‘14), Morgan Krejcarek (‘16), best man Eric Sitz (‘07), groomsmen Jason Pawlak (‘08), Drew Krueger (‘07), Zach Evans (‘12), and Alex Evans (‘15). Brad is a math teacher at WLHS, and Samantha is a fourth grade teacher at St. Marcus. The couple resides in West Allis. Meghan (Nitz) Walsh (’07) has been appointed dean of the School of Adult Learning and New Initiatives at Alverno College, after serving as interim associate dean. She also served WLHS as Chair of the Young Alumni Leaders Council (YALC) from 2018-2021. Tyler Kuske (’10) and wife, Kelsey, welcomed Amelia James and Charlotte Grace on February 3, 2021. They arrived nearly two months early and spent five weeks in the NICU. The Kuske family resides in Milwaukee. Tyler currently serves on WLHS’s Young Alumni Leaders Council.
Alumni Updates Raya Lynne was born on February 19, 2021, to parents Eric Zeitler (’10) and Annie. Raya joins big brother Koen. Annie is a cheer coach at WLHS and Eric is the Jr. Vikings Football program director.
Alexandria Lueck (‘12) received her Masters in Business Administration from Drake University on May 15, 2021. She will remain in the Des Moine, Iowa area serving in her current role at Athene as Post Issue Processing SR Representative. Stephanie (Gaub) Simmons (‘13) published a cookbook called The One-Bowl Baker full of delicious one-bowl dessert recipes, along with helpful tips and tricks to make these desserts achievable and delicious for as little work as possible. Her cookbook will be in stores nationwide in August. With their final pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Viking alum Chris Garrett (‘17) from Concordia University, a Division II school. Garrett played football all four years at Wisconsin Lutheran High School under Coach Joel Radue. He went on to a successful football career at Concordia University, St. Paul, as an outside linebacker and was selected as an AP All-American. While at Concordia, Garrett proudly shared his faith. He was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and led a discipleship group, teaching his teammates how to build their relationship with Christ. “It allowed my teammates and I to grow together and let them know that my faith is the most important thing to me,” says Garrett.
WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
15
Reunions
2021 Reunion Zero
Reunion Zero is a tradition at Wisco that keeps our senior class connected to the high school. Outgoing seniors are invited to a senior lunch where they have the chance to socialize with classmates and teachers. Fun giveaways, and a photo booth help connect seniors with their alma mater before they head out to future college, military, or careers. We wish the graduating Class of 2021 God’s richest blessings on their future! For more photos, visit wlhs.org/photos.
Attention Alumni! Visit wlhs.org/ alumniupdate to confirm your information.
This summer, Wisco is updating alumni contact and professional/employment information. Confirm your information and you will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE MacBook! Stay tuned to Wisco social media for other fun giveaways for our alumni this summer.
‘95 & ‘96 Volleyball Reunions
Former players and coaches from the WLHS ‘95 and ‘96 Volleyball State Championship teams are invited to a special celebration on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Festivities will include a pre-game reception and recognition during the home volleyball game. A formal invitation to team members will follow.
Upcoming Reunions in 2021
These classes have reunions planned in 2021: 1946, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1970 & 1971, 1980 & 1981, and 2001. For up-to-date information about all reunions, visit wlhs.org/reunions. 16
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
Our alumni are important to us! Please visit wlhs.org/alumni for additional information regarding reunions and events. Contact Cindy (Fitzsimmons) Krueger (‘99), director of alumni relations, at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567 ext. 2018 to take a tour of the school or to connect with WLHS!
Stay connected to WLHS!
The 2020-21 school year has come to an end. God has richly blessed the prior nine months in granting us the opportunity to hear and dive into his word every day. Now students, faculty, and staff have time to recharge their batteries, turn the page, and move on to the next chapter. What a wonderful time to reflect and give praise to him! In the Spring Contact, I shared three unique and simple ways you can flex your philanthropic muscle to leave a gift that will make a huge impact on the mission and ministry of Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Thank you all for the many calls and emails that have come in regarding these opportunities. We enjoy the stories you have shared about your time at WLHS. During our conversations, many of you have brought up a topic we’d like to address.
Class of 1941 Herman Meyer April 7, 2021
Class of 1958 Mary (Hofmeister) Rogers March 5, 2021
Class of 1949 Donald Plautz May 7, 2021
Reuben Schlipp November 1, 2020
Class of 1950 Virginia (Mabry) Culley March 26, 2021 Delores (Wolff) Beilke March 26, 2021 Class of 1951 Ronald Londre September 25, 2019 Herbert Krueger March 11, 2019 Ruth (Koch) Freix September 21, 2016
Picture this scenario: I am currently giving on a monthly or annual basis to WLHS. I communicate with WLHS Mission Advancement regarding the usage of those funds. The high school and I have a great relationship and I am so happy to see the difference my gifts are making. I share this with my family and they decide to do the same thing. I take advantage of one of the simple estate planning options and Jesus decides to take me home, HALLELUJAH! However, the gift I left is used for something completely different than what I had been giving to. How would that make my family feel? To alleviate that scenario from ever occurring, WLHS Mission Advancement has a simple document called a Letter of Intent (LOI). This user friendly sheet shares with us your intent for your final gift. Your gift could be for immediate use or put toward a scholarship or used to create an endowed position at WLHS. There are several areas that would be a blessing for your high school. We would be happy to share those options with you and to discuss what a LOI looks like to ensure your intent and wishes are carried out. One last note, do not forget to check out the new Foundation webpage at wlhs.org/foundation to find more helpful information about FREE planned giving resources!
Eric Ruh
In Loving Memory
Mr. Eric Ruh is the Director of Planned Giving at WLHS.
Marilyn Rades October 27, 2018 Class of 1952 Ronald Rathke January 19, 2021 Class of 1953 Albert Galovich April 14, 2021 Class of 1955 Barbara (Bagin) Albers February 14, 2021 Lawrence Ring March 25, 2021 Karen (Sandvick) Eurich April 5, 2021 Rita (Seefeldt) Burfeind March 25, 2021 Class of 1956 Beverly (Masch) Mierendorf May 6, 2021
Darlene (Yets) Steffan November 2, 2020 Thomas Maciejczak April 12, 2021 Class of 1960 Lance Raschka April 29, 2020 Class of 1961 Daniel Bilitz February 21, 2021 Class of 1964 Robert Boehlke March 6, 2021 Class of 1968 Paul Schaefer April 27, 2021 Class of 1971 Randall Borgwardt June 26, 2019 Norbert Gust May 2, 2020 Vicki Clark August 19, 2018 Class of 1977 Robin Moon May 29, 2021 Class of 1999 Rachel Simons May 18, 2021 Class of 2011 Roniel Sylvester Jr. August 1, 2020
Emily (Vretenar) Koch January 28, 2020
WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE
17
School News Academics
Juniors Ingrid Buschkopf (St. John’s Lutheran School, Milwaukee), Benjamin Doerr (homeschool), Nicholas Johnston (St. John’s Lutheran School, Milwaukee), Michael Sa (Seoul, Korea), and Madison Sipe (St. John’s Lutheran School, Wauwatosa) took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and met the requirements to enter the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. From more than 1.5 million program entrants, these students are among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants who will be recognized as either Semifinalists or Commended Students in the fall.
Co-curriculars
This spring, 24 students, along with chaperons, participated in the WLHS Civil Rights Tour. Following a period of quarantine and testing, the group traveled south to visit historic sites that are part of the American Civil Rights Movement. Students engaged in guided discussions about what they saw and race relations then and now in addition to recording their reflections in journal entries. Without exception, students refer to this experience as one that creates significant personal growth.
School
Student Council, National Honor Society and the WLHS student body, along with participating conference elementary schools, raised $36,080 for New Beginnings - A Home for Mothers, which provides a loving, Christian place for single mothers to start a new life. “In the past, we’ve given to international organizations but this year with the pandemic we wanted to focus our efforts locally,” Sarah Bitter (’21), Student Council president, attending the University of Wisconsin—Madison
During the spring semester, two Wisco students were baptized in private ceremonies. Julian Westmoreland (‘23) and Earnest Love (‘22) received the assurance of forgiveness through this washing. The 25th Annual WLHS Dinner Auction raised $575,000, surpassing its goal by a significant amount. The funds raised will provide for student tuition assistance and school budgetary needs. God has blessed WLHS with donors, volunteers, and a Wisco family that supports our students and our mission of providing a successful and Christ-centered future for all at WLHS. For more photos, visit wlhs.org/events.
As part of Wisco Witnesses in the World (WWW), Campus Pastor Dr. Phil Huebner (‘99) led a mission trip to the island of Antigua to deliver school supplies to St. John’s Lutheran School. The donated supplies would have cost the school more than $10,000. The WLHS group quarantined together before the trip, followed all protocols, and tested negative for COVID before returning to the U.S.
18
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2021
2021 Auction hosts Mark Wilson (left) and Ryan Festerling (right) from the class of 1993.
2021 WLHS Prism
The choirs and bands of Wisco delighted soldout audiences with pop and Broadway hits at this year’s Prism concerts. Among the musical numbers, were steelpan performances, a tenor saxophone solo, Beatles and Mama Mia medleys, and much more. Thank you to students, Fine Arts and Tech Staff, and the many volunteers who poured hours of work into these inspiring performances!
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) Eric Ruh; Photography: Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, Michael Wiechmann, Moments and Memories, 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
19 19
330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379
Viking Explorer Camps Return with Record Attendance in 2021 After a year off due to COVID, Viking Summer Explorer Camps returned to Wisco with more than 400 grade school students attending. Camps include sports, theater, robotics, steel pan, and more. Follow Wisco social media to see what our camps are up to this summer.