2015 Summer Contact

CONTACT WLHS

SUMMER 2015 | ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE

Class of 2015 joins

111

years of alumni

“You will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

Welcome

A Message from Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of the WLHS Conference Pastor Kenneth Fisher Answers Your Questions about the Future of WLHS Recently, on the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Facebook page, we invited followers to ask questions that I might address in the next issue of Contact. Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer a question.

I thought I’d answer a few that were asked:

“What is the future plan for the Choice program at WLHS?”

Here in the state of Wisconsin, the Choice program is growing rapidly and changing significantly in ways that look to help more students attend WLHS. Choice’s future seems bright and is offering WLHS an opportunity to serve more teens (who might not otherwise be able to enroll) as well as spreading tuition assistance to students who can’t apply for Choice. The majority of the Choice students are coming from our conference grade schools.

After 25 years, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which began in 1990, is firmly established in the city. It no longer has a cap on enrollment and the income levels have changed so that a family of six with an adjusted gross income of $96,000 could still receive a voucher. The voucher also was raised significantly to $7,842 per high school student.

In addition, a statewide Choice program started last year with a cap of 1,000 seats. Several other WELS high schools entered that program. More WELS schools have signed up for this coming year. Although WLHS was not able to enter the statewide program last year, it appears that this will change in the next state budget which will be passed by the time this issue of Contact is published.

WLHS is committed to serving the students coming from our conference grade schools and congregations.

Twelve of the thirty-one of our WLHS Conference grade schools participate in the Milwaukee Choice program.

This year, those twelve schools graduated over two hundred students who were eligible for a Choice voucher. Most of them applied for the limited Choice seats that WLHS offered for next year’s freshmen class.

However, other students coming from our suburban

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

schools will qualify for the statewide program. So that’s why our delegates passed a resolution last year welcoming participation in both programs.

At the same time, we work to raise more tuition assistance dollars so that any teen who desires the Christ-centered, distinctively Lutheran secondary education that we offer here won’t be denied its benefit.

No one has a crystal ball that can predict the future of the program with certainty. That’s why the administration, board, and delegates will continue to monitor the programs carefully to see what future changes are proposed.

“What caused WLHS to invest in the building expansion? Where did the funds come from?”

In May 2011, the Board of Directors studied WLHS’ strategic opportunities and placed building renovation with a Fine Arts emphasis as its top priority. It was also decided that a new entrance, dedicated engineering classrooms for the Project Lead The Way® program, student gathering space (the atrium), new Family and Consumer Education (FACE) classrooms, and adding air-conditioning to the classrooms still lacking air-conditioning were additional priorities. The board decided that this aligned with the school’s mission and would be a boost to recruitment and strengthen a core area of ministry (Fine Arts) whose facilities were sorely in need of updating. It was felt that modern, well-equipped Fine Arts facilities would boast pride in the arts, and foster even greater participation, which would benefit the church. The entire project would improve the student experience and position the school to be competitive with other area high schools.

The delegates agreed and voted to proceed with the project that took several years to become reality.

The funds didn’t come from the school’s budget.

A separate funding campaign, called Gifted for Praise, helped raise over $6 million dollars in pledges and gifts.

Over $1 million of that came from the campaign leadership team, another $1.3 million came in over-and-above gifts from the conference congregations through a special program called Mutual Benefit Appeal, and another $2 million came from philanthropic foundations in the Milwaukee area. The rest of the funding came from people like you who love WLHS and its ministry.

I’ll answer one final question:

“When is President Fisher going to dress up like a pirate again for the auction?”

Class of 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 MPCP Student Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Coaches of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Wisco Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Teacher/Staff Farewells . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Auction Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Reunions/In Loving Memory/ Grapevine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-17 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

Upcoming Events

Parent Info Meetings First Day of Class, Freshmen First Day of Class, All Students NHS Induction Grandparents Day Homecoming Game Homecoming Dance Choir Fall Family Concert Veterans Day Scholarship Luncheon

August 17 & 18 August 24 August 25 September 21 September 23 October 2 October 3 October 22 November 11 November 18

View additional events and get more information on the new wlhs.org website!

For Christ’s Love Compels Us . . .

I am grateful that each year, it is an evening when God’s people give generously to support the next generation of Wisco alumni with tuition assistance. This year it met a goal of $275,000. Praise God!

Thanks for your questions. I am always glad to answer heartfelt questions about the mission, vision, and ministry of WLHS. It is my feeling that those who love and support this ministry deserve straightforward answers.

If your questions aren’t answered in Contact, I’m always willing to talk. Let’s keep the discussion going.

With you in His service,

Finally, a serious question. <smile> Although I wore a tuxedo for this year’s auction, I am ever willing to put on a costume if the theme calls for it. The auction is an inspiring night. It is also an entertaining night. Above all,

Table of Contents

In This Issue

Pastor Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS

WLHS is owned and operated by the following congregations joined together as the WLHS Conference Abiding Word Apostles of Christ Atonement Centennial Christ, Big Bend Christ, Milwaukee Christ, Pewaukee Christ the Lord Divine Peace Fairview Faith Garden Homes Gethsemane Good Shepherd’s

Grace, Milwaukee Grace, Waukesha Jordan Loving Shepherd Living Word Messiah Mt. Calvary Mt. Lebanon Nain Pilgrim Redemption Resurrection Risen Savior St. Andrew

St. Jacobi St. James St. John, Lannon St. John, Milwaukee St. John, Mukwonago St. John, Oak Creek St. John, Wauwatosa St. Lucas St. Marcus St. Mark St. Matthew St. Paul, Cudahy St. Paul, Franklin St. Paul, Muskego

St. Peter St. Philip Salem, Cramer Street Salem, 107th Street Siloah Star of Bethlehem Trinity Victory of the Lamb Woodlawn Zion, Hartland Zion, South Milwaukee

Our Mission

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

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

Our Purpose Christ’s love compels us to provide a comprehensive Christian secondary education for Milwaukee area youth.

On the Cover: Graduates of the class of 2015 in downtown Milwaukee.

2 Corinthians 5:14 WLHS Contact © is the official alumni publication of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference. President: Rev. Kenneth Fisher; Editor: Carolyn Sachs; Design/Layout: Carolyn Sachs; Contributing writers: Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Diana Kerr (’07), Jeff Sitz (’74), Erica Spiegelberg (’10); Photography: Ellen S. Cook Photography, Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, Leanne Ross, Moments and Memories, Blair Schaper.

Contact us with comments or questions at 414-453-4567, ext 2292, or via e-mail at carolyn.sachs@wlhs.org. Please notify Ann Nischke at 414-453-4567, ext 2012 or ann.nischke@wlhs.org if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, change your contact information, or have contributions. Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Members of the Class of 2015 Adams, Taylor Allen, Heaven Anthony, Christian Arnold, Tyara Baci, Deborah Baewer, Ayla Bailey, Ashley

Bankhead, Lakia Barkster, Alexander Bartelt, Aubrey Baumann, Nicholas Bauske, Andrew Baxter, Sebastian Beaver, Taylor

Bell, Myâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kala Beltre, Katherine Berendt, Parker Berger, Krista Beyer, Julia Beyer, Lauren Bitter, Benjamin

Bonack, Victoria Brown, Aaliyah Brown II, Eric Brown, Solomon Buckley, Adrian Bush, Aaron Cano Telles, Javier

Carmichael, Benjamin Carmichael, Daniel Carson, Micah Carver, Anthony Cash Jr., John Caston, Diamond Clark, Olivia

Corbett, Hannah Curry, Katie Dale III, Charles Dammond, Eavary Dorsey, Isaiah Eagon, Jacob Eckes, Logan

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Class Verse: “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) Edwards, Chante’ Eisenhauer, Riley Ellis, Johnessa Euell, Sedriana Evans, Alexander Fan, Hengbin Fink, Andrew

Finnegan, Colin Fischer, Paige ForbesII, Carlton Fredrick, Nathan Frey, Jacob Fritsch, Emma Fugate, Grant

Garrett Jr., Antoine Gates, Andrew Gawel, Leah Gnat, Aimie Gordon, Jalynn Gorski, Noah Grant, Miranda

Green, Evelyn Grepo, Elizabeth Guyton, Damarius Habben, Christianna Haefemeyer, Justin Hall, Tylan Hammarstrom, Madeline

Hammarstrom, William Hanley, Ryan Hanson, Grace Hanson, Samuel Harley, Maia Hellyer, Heather Henne, Connor

Hoehnke, Joshua Hoffman, Jordan Holder, Jonathan Hopgood, Quinton Howard, Jacob Htoo, MaLeaLea Jackson, Milton

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Jackson Jr, Kerigiti Jennerjohn, Angela Johnson, Daja Johnson, Kara Kieselhorst, Sara Kostrzewa, Heidi Kramp, Laura

Krause, Benjamin Kren, Jonah Krueger, Addison Krutz, Shelby Kumar, Harjot Kuske, Caleb Kuske, Lauren

LaMarche, Mason Leino, Chad Lowe, William Lueck, Kyler Lukasik, Zachary Lukitsch, Colleen Luty, Collin

Mapp, Dazia Martinez, Aaron Mathis, Joel Matuszak, Rachel Maurer, Jacob McCants, Raven McDermott, Melissa

McShane, Logan Meeks, Adrienneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meeks, Ashley Michaels, Aaron Moore, Sebastian Morgan, Tanique Morris, Christopher

Moshinski, Nicole Naef, Brandon Nowak, Jenny Olson, Riley Owens, Jolene Padilla Jr., Joel Paw, Moo

Pearson, Tyler Peel, Jessica Perez-Torres, Samuel Plaski, John Polk, Christopher Polk, Destiny Polzin, Meredith

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Prier, Nicholas Quartuccio, James Ramirez, Gilberto Richter, Coleman Robinson, Darren Anna-Romero, Sergio Sawyers, Malcolm

Scheibe, Alexandra Schlieper, Zachary Scholz, Lucas Schwall, Jacob Sellhausen, Treesa Slocum, Jalen Smith, Malik

Song, Kang (Alex) Stahle, Zachary Steidl, Luke Steinberg, Luke Strommen, Matthew Throgmorton, Sarah Timm, Christian

Trammell, Javonne Tucker, Jeremiah Tyler, LaCharles Unnasch, Paul Van Grinsven, William Verhoeven, Steven Wang, Shutao (Will) Warford, Bryana Weide, Hannah Weide, Seth Wesley, Austin White, Jaden White, Shakura Wilken, Ashley

Williams, Donovan Wilson, Christiana Wise, Aharon Wohlfard, Angelina Wranovsky, Matthew Wright, Tepra Wroten, Daija

Wu, Rui Zhe (Forest) Ye, Jiahui (Ivan) Zimmer, Melissa

Class Verse: Happiness is in heaven, but the joy is in the journey.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Student Spotlight

Choice Program Offers Students Opportunities for Success Class of 2015: Leah Gawel, St. Jacobi Lutheran Church & School #8 in her senior class; member of Jubilation, Wisco Kids, Fall Drama, and Spring Musical; gold medalist and exemplary vocalist award winner at WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival

Since 2001, thousands of students have walked the halls of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, participated in daily chapel, and received a Christ-centered high school education.

Without the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, many of those students would never have had those experiences at WLHS. The truth is that without the Choice program, many of Milwaukee’s youth who desire a Christian, academically-rigorous education—particularly the students attending WLHS Conference grade schools— would not be able to receive that education.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Choice program,” said Leah Gawel, class of 2015. Leah recently graduated in the Academic Top Ten of her senior class.

Although seats are limited and not every student who applies is able to attend, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program has been a life-changing blessing in the lives of teens who crave a Christ-centered education.

Leah Gawel and Donald Harris are two students who count their time at WLHS as one of the greatest blessings of their lives. Below, they share what the Choice program has meant to them.

Gawel

What she loves about WLHS: “I like how all the classes are Christ-centered. It doesn’t really matter if it’s religion, or not, it all centers on Christ.”

How WLHS has impacted her: “I’ve definitely become more mature socially and spiritually. Now I can look at Bible stories from a deeper perspective. Wisco teachers have really prepared me for college—for dealing with people who aren’t WELS and people who are going to criticize me for what I believe.

They’ve prepared me for that by really making their lessons applicable to the future.”

How Leah feels about the Choice program: “I’m so grateful for being part of the program. I’m not going to take it for granted. One of the reasons I’ve worked really hard is because I’ve been given this gift of going to Wisco and I want to use it to the full.

Future plans: Leah is attending Carthage College in the fall of 2015 to pursue musical theater with a dance minor.

“I’ve been given this gift of going to Wisco and I want to use it to the fullest.”—Leah 8

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Class of 2016: Donald Harris, St. Marcus Lutheran Church & School 2015-16 student body president, football player, Badger Boys State participant What Donald appreciates about WLHS: “One thing about Harris WLHS is the people there.

Once you walk in, you feel as if you’re at home; you feel as if you’re in your comfort zone . . . I go to school every day looking forward to investing in my learning, learning new things, being part of that family atmosphere, and getting to know different students in the school who uplift me and who encourage me to do bigger and better things.”

How WLHS has impacted his faith life: “Teachers drive home the gospel in chapel every day, but the Word doesn’t end there. You hear it all the time, everywhere. The Word carries throughout our whole day. Teachers and students are always looking to share the Word with you and relate that to your life.

They ask me, ‘How’s your life going? How is your faith?’ . . . The Bible has become energy for me; it gives me joy. I thank God every day that I can talk to my brothers and sisters in Christ about his Word on a daily basis.”

Student Spotlight

into the program, so my family had to pay half of the tuition, with the other half as a scholarship from Mr. Robert Andreas. My mom is a strong person— she’s the woman I get my drive and abilities from that I thank God for—but it was hard for us financially because I come from a single parent home. I just prayed, ‘God, is it going to be like this going forward? I know you’re not going to give us more than we can bear.’ The next year he took that pressure off of my whole family when I got picked for Choice. My little brother Devon was accepted, too. God just keeps on blessing us. It’s awesome getting to be at a school that you respect and admire. I know that God has blessed me to be at Wisco and I don’t want to take that for granted.”

What Donald wants others to know about Choice: “Every student deserves a powerful learning experience. Every student deserves to hear the Word of Christ, whether that’s through tuition assistance or Choice.”

Future plans: Pursue a career as either a pastor or a politician. “I pray God blesses me as a leader in the world. I’m going to let my Christian light shine and allow my leadership ability to really shine for him. I will continue to face challenges in my life, but I will continue to overcome them with him.”

Donald’s story about being selected for the Choice program: “I thank God that I was able to be picked for Choice. My freshman year, I wasn’t accepted

Meet Leah and Donald and hear more from other students like them at www.wlhs.org/resources/video.

“I thank God every day that I can talk to my brothers and sisters in Christ about his Word on a daily basis.”

—Donald

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Driven by Excellence

by Athletic Director Jeff Sitz

The stretch of the past 18 months may well go down in Viking athletics as the most successful in school history:

• The boys cross country team started the

improbable run with the D2 (Division 2)

State Championship in the fall of 2013.

• The winter season of 2013-14 saw the boys basketball program nab the D2 WIAA State title.

• In the spring of 2014, our boys track and field team finished as the D1 runner-up at the WIAA Championships.

• In the fall of 2014, our football team racked

up its 4th WIAA State Championship

at Camp Randall. Then, our boys cross

country team captured their second

consecutive State title with the D2 trophy

in Wisconsin Rapids.

• This past winter, our cheerleading team won

its 12th WACPC state title and our wrestling

team earned a spot in the D2 WIAA State

Championships, finishing their season in the

top four teams in the state.

• Just recently in the spring of 2015, our boys

track and field team once again finished

as the D1 runner-up at the WIAA Championships.

Coach Eric Lueck was named coach of the year in boys cross country. The boys have earned three WIAA State titles in the past 4 years (2011, 2013, 2014). The boys have also won four straight WLT (Wisconsin Little Ten) Conference titles.

Coach Darrell Roecker was named coach of the year in wrestling, Lueck as his team set WIAA history as the first private school team to ever win a sectional team title and qualify for the WIAA State Team Tournament. The wrestling team also won WLHS’ first ever WLT Conference dual championship, along with our second ever WLTC tournament title.

Congratulations to these outstanding teachers and coaches for their dedication to excellence as they serve our students and their Lord! We are blessed to have such talented people on our teaching staff.

Coach of the Year Accolades The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yearly announces All-State and All-Area Teams. They also select a coach of the year in each activity. This school year, three coaches from WLHS have earned those honors.

Coach Kirk DeNoyer was named coach of the year in football, as his final team at WLHS went 14-0 and captured their 5th overall state title, their 4th in the WIAA. Coach DeNoyer leaves WLHS with a 20-year record of 196-47.

DeNoyer

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Roecker

The Wisco Difference

“Wisco Prepared Me for a Life of Christian Love and Service”

by Erica Speigelberg (’10)

It has been five years since I donned a royal blue cap and gown and officially became a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School. (Shoutout to the class of 2010!) I was over-the-top excited to be a graduate of Wisco. Thanks to Coach Schaper, I even have a photo to prove it!

Speigelberg ('10)

I absolutely loved my time at WLHS, for so many reasons.

To start with, the teachers were excellent educators.

The academic atmosphere was one in which I was constantly challenged to continue learning. On top of that, I developed meaningful friendships—many of which remain some of my most cherished friendships to this day. And, I was truly blessed to be part of wellrespected cross country and track programs, even proudly bringing home two state runner-up team trophies.

I enjoyed my time at Wisco so much that I exclaimed multiple times throughout my senior year that I would experience all four years all over again if I could.

Needless to say, immediately following graduation I found myself staring college (and the rest of my life) square in the face.

As I geared up to begin my college experience at the University of WisconsinMadison, I was truthfully One of Erica's fondest memories from extremely college was visiting Zambia on a nervous. I had mission trip with fellow students. experienced fourteen years of Lutheran schooling, and, frankly, had no idea what it would be like to be constantly surrounded mostly by people with different religious beliefs than me, or no religious beliefs at all.

What I didn’t realize at the time, though, was how well those years at Wisco had prepared me for a life of Christian love and service.

As I journeyed through my college years and found myself getting to know all sorts of people, my experience at WLHS became not just something I looked back on fondly—my experience at WLHS

became an integral part of how I treated others. I began to appreciate my years at Wisco for reasons far deeper than excellent academics and competitive athletics. I appreciated my time at Wisco because the teachers and administration demonstrated the importance of showing the love of Jesus to everyone, regardless of their upbringing or ethnicity. As I crossed the paths of people with a variety of backgrounds throughout my time in college, I found myself drawing back on the examples of love and compassion toward others that were modeled so well for me during my high school years.

"As I journeyed through my college years and found myself getting to know all sorts of people, my experience at WLHS became not just something I looked back on fondly—my experience at WLHS became an integral part of how I treated others." (Pictured with participants in the Bible study Erica started at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel.)

Jesus’ Great Commission to “go into all the world” is so faithfully and intentionally carried out at Wisco, as teachers and administration constantly show the love of Jesus to all students.

The student body at Wisco looks like the world does, in the sense that such a wide variety of backgrounds and ethnicities are represented. Because of the nurturing and loving environment at Wisco, all of these individuals come together as one student body so seamlessly. I absolutely love and cherish that aspect of Wisco, because it is exactly how God intended that we treat each other.

WLHS is absolutely unique—there is no doubt about it.

A high school at which 10 students were baptized in the most recent school year is no ordinary high school.

I am so very grateful that my parents chose to send me to Wisconsin Lutheran High School. My experience truly equipped me to live a life of love and service, all in the name of Jesus, our perfect example of love.

Erica Spiegelberg (‘10) is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She currently works as an analytical chemist at Covance, a research company in Madison, WI.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Retirements and Farewells Wisconsin Lutheran High School acknowledges a number of faculty and staff who are retiring, semi-retiring, or moving on from the WLHS family.

With nearly 200 combined years of service to WLHS, they have served the Lord and the WLHS family faithfully, touching the lives of thousands of students.

We wish them God’s blessings as they move on to new chapters in their lives.

These cherished faculty and staff members each shared their farewell thoughts with the school family.

Below, we share a portion of their thank-yous and memories.

Retirement Cary Haakenson Trade and technology faculty, retiring after 21 years at WLHS “It is hard to believe that I have completed 42 years in ministry! The 21 years I have served at WLHS have gone by like a flash. The old saying, Haakenson ‘Time passes quickly when you’re having fun’ really is true. I am truly thankful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to serve here at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. What a blessing to work in a place where coworkers and students alike all share the same Christian faith and values!”

David Kren Science faculty, assistant varsity football coach, and assistant track coach; 22 years at WLHS

“I cherish the many friendships and memories that I have enjoyed while getting to share the gospel with God’s Kren children. I have had so many wonderful experiences teaching and ministering to God’s children and their families . . . |As parents, Marcie and I know this was the best place for our children. They are so prepared for what the Lord has planned for them.”

Pastor Aaron Robinson Campus pastor, theology faculty, varsity girls basketball coach; 5 years at WLHS

Robinson

“I thank God for the love you have shown me and the opportunities that were afforded to me.

My time at Wisco has truly been a blessing to me.”

The following teachers will move to semi-retirement as part-time faculty this fall:

Farewells Kirk DeNoyer Assistant principal and varsity football coach, former director of admissions; 24 years at WLHS “I have been blessed to learn how to teach, how to coach, and how to serve by many DeNoyer faithful and excellent role models. I am thankful for all of the coworkers, administrators, and especially students whom I was blessed to work with and for. Wisconsin Lutheran High School will always remain close to my heart.”

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Beverly Braun Karen Kilchenmann

Mary Schmal Steven Zellmer

Also moving on: Deb Moore, Attendance Office for 8 years

Ned Goede After serving faithfully for 24 years as principal of WLHS, Mr. Ned Goede will transition in the upcoming school year to being a member of the faculty in the music and theology departments.

During his years as principal, Mr. Goede has Goede also served as the A Capella Choir director, the Wisco Kids Show Choir director, and Advisor for the National Honor Society.

His leadership and gifts have been a blessing that have touched countless aspects of WLHS’ ministry.

Mr. Goede reflected below on his time as principal as he prepares to move on.

Q: What are some of your favorite moments or memories from your time as principal?

A: “Twenty-four years of memories makes it difficult to identify specific favorite memories, but here are times or events that, collectively, were consistently special times for me:

Daily chapels: Watching 700-1000 students walking into the auditorium full of energy and spirit but immediately settling down when worship started, then hearing the full truth of the Lord’s Word applied to their lives so effectively by the chapel speakers was the highlight of many school days.

The joy of directing A Cappella Choir through the years: The chemistry that developed between the singers and me (some developed into lifelong friendships) was very satisfying. Knowing the choir members weren’t just singing to make beautiful music but singing with hearts of faith and to God’s glory was and is consistently inspiring for me.

Just going on my daily rounds and observing such high quality teaching taking place wherever you walked in the building has always been special for me.

If I had to list one favorite memory, it would have to be the football season of 1993 when, to everyone’s surprise, our football team went undefeated in regular season play and made it to the state championship final. So unexpected.

Every game was a joy-filled event for our fans. My oldest son was on that team so it was extra special for Margie and me.”

Q: What impact do you hope you’ve made on the students through your leadership and service?

A: “I like to think my impact did not come directly from me but through my support of our teachers and staff. They are the ‘front-line’ impact agents in this school. Through the years, I saw my primary role being the support of my colleagues professionally, spiritually, and personally. I do hope that students viewed me as a man committed to making their high school experience spiritually enriching, academically challenging, personally rewarding, and fun.”

Q: How have WLHS students touched your life over the years?

A: “I continue to be humbled by our students.

Many of them have a spiritual maturity far beyond their years that exhibits itself in so many ways. I have never tired of observing their demonstrations of faith in their personal life challenges, their poise under life’s pressures, and their teenage zest for life.”

Q: Do you have any thoughts to share with the WLHS alumni who knew you as principal?

A: “It is always my goal that our students graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran High School loving their Savior Jesus even more and are more committed to serving him in their lives than when they entered WLHS. I do pray that the alumni of WLHS will think about this and determine that, ‘yes, this did happen.’ Keep using your gifts to serve your loving God and others, dear alumni of Wisconsin Lutheran High School.”

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

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Building on the Rock Auction Highlights 19th Annual WLHS Dinner Auction Raised a Record $275,000 for WLHS Students

The auction was held right at WLHS for the second time this year. Guests enjoyed spending time in the beautiful new student atrium during cocktail hour as they bid on silent auction items.

Honorary chairs Kent (’69) and Daryl (’66) Raabe brought laughs and energy as they pumped up the crowd.

Dozens of talented WLHS students volunteered to serve dinner to guests, assist with the silent and live auctions, manage coat check, and more.

The WLHS gymnasium was transformed into a stunning ballroom once again for the 330 guests in attendance. At the end of the evening, everyone celebrated when the fundraising goal was reached!

WLHS students thank our generous sponsors for helping make the event a success!

View more photos of the event on the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Facebook page! Click on “Photos,” then “Albums.”

Platinum Sponsors: Catalyst Construction & Korb Tredo Architects Gold Sponsor: Lilli Gust Bronze Sponsor: WaterStone Bank Copper Sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Abramowski & The James Company Electronic Bidding Sponsor: Waukesha State Bank Beverage Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Daryl (‘66) and Nancy (‘66) Raabe Signage Sponsor: Quality Resource Group Hors D’oeuvres Sponsor: Baird Foundation Auctioneer Sponsor: Mr. and Mrs. Ed Carow, Jr. Dessert Sponsor: 3 Phase Power LLC Paddle Sponsor: Spiegelberg Financial Services

Mark your calendar for the 20th Annual WLHS Dinner Auction on Saturday, April 9, 2016!

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

e s, e.

e g, d!

Reunions

Upcoming LHS & WLHS Reunions n

Class of 1955 – A celebration for your 60-year reunion is being planned for September 18, 2015, at Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee, WI. Watch your mail for more information or contact Arlene Lassanske at 920-206-6220.

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Class of 1956 – Plans have begun for your 60-year reunion in 2016. If you are interested in attending this event or getting mailings from WLHS but have moved in the past 8 years, please update your current mailing address, email address or phone number with Wayne Baxmann at 414-704-6364 or Heidi Witz at WLHS at 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org.

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Class of 1959 – It’s been 55 years since your

graduation from LHS. Watch your mail for more

information about your reunion or contact

Heidi Witz at WLHS at 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org. n

Class of 1970 – It has been 45 years since your graduation and a celebration is in order.

Please contact Heidi Witz at WLHS at 414-4534567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org if you are interested in planning this reunion.

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Class of 1980 – The Class of 1980 is celebrating its 35th reunion at Wildwood Lodge in Pewaukee, WI, on October 10, 2015. Details will be coming out soon on Facebook, on the class website, or by mail for those who do not use email or Facebook. Contact Nancy WhiteGittel at 414-719-5040 or nancy.gittel@wels.net with any questions.

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Class of 1985 – It has been 30 years since your graduation from WLHS and a celebration is in order. If you are interested in planning this reunion, please contact Heidi Witz at WLHS at 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org.

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Class of 1990 – A 25-year celebration is being planned. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Heidi Witz at WLHS at 414-453-4567 ext. 2004 or planner@wlhs.org.

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Class of 1995 – Stay tuned for more information

about your 20th reunion this fall. Contact Tracy

(Rickaby) Walther at waltherta@gmail.com for more information.

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Class of 2000 – Contact Jaime (Miller) Miron at 414-334-0386 or jaimemiron@yahoo.com to purchase Brewers tickets for your 15-year reunion on August 29, 2015.

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Class of 2005 – A 10-year reunion is being

planned. If you would like more information or

would like to help organize this event, please

contact Leslie (Cook) Peterson at

peterson.2012@yahoo.com or Kelly Sikorski at kellylyn807@me.com. n

Class of 2010 – Save the date for your 5-year reunion on November 28, 2015. The event will include a cocktail hour and dinner; plans are tentative for downtown Milwaukee. Contact Erica Spiegelberg, Liz Henke, or Karah Parbs via Facebook if you have questions or to help plan. They will be getting in contact with class members once further details are finalized.

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Cross Country Alumni, Parents, and Supporters – WLHS cross country coaches Eric

Lueck and Blair Schaper are planning a

weekend of events on October 23 and 24,

2015, to celebrate 50 years of Wisco cross

country. The event will kick off on Friday

with the sectional meet hosted at WLHS’ home

park, McCarty Park, as the Wisco cross country

teams race for a chance to qualify for the

state meet. On Saturday, a 5-mile run/walk

will start and end on the WLHS track, heading

through Honey Creek Parkway, and followed

by bagels and juice. The big event will be a

semi-formal alumni gathering at WLHS from

6:00-11:00 p.m. Guests will gather in the new

atrium for a night of socializing with food

and drink. There will be a few small

presentations by previous coaches and

captains but most of the night will involve

catching up with past teammates. Stay tuned

for more information on the Wiscocc

Alumnievent Facebook page and via email.

Contact Coach Eric Lueck at eric.lueck@wlhs.org

or on Facebook with questions.

Thank you to all the dedicated reunion planners and volunteers who work to keep LHS and WLHS alumni connected.

For questions about planning your reunion, contact Heidi Witz at 414-453-4567 ext. 2004, or planner@wlhs.org.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

15

In Loving Memory Class of 1944 Richard J. Hahlbeck April 28, 2015

Class of 1967 Becky (Roemer) Schroeter March 19, 2015

Class of 1946 Rose Marie Seelmann

Class of 1970 Thomas R. Haack January 1, 2015

Class of 1950 Elaine (Banks) Batzler May 30, 2015 Shirley (Moritz) Handschke June 17, 2015 Jerome F. Harders June 3, 2015 WLHS art teacher, 1957-1997 Kenneth Krauser May 29, 2015 Class of 1951 Rev. Ronald Tischer

Class of 1973 Steven F. Henning January 13, 2015 Class of 1978 Alan S. Mantei May 2, 2015 Class of 1989 Kimberly A. Scherf March 5, 2015 WLHS teacher from 1993-2000 Gerald R. Johanning March 15, 2015

Class of 1955 Letha M. (Boeder) Tendler March 5, 2015

Is Your Will Missing This?

A gift in your will, also known as a bequest, works well for those who feel moved to support WLHS’ mission at a higher level than they are able to right now today. Called a charitable bequest, this type of gift offers five main benefits: 1.

Simplicity. A few sentences in your will or trust are

all you need. The official bequest language for the

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Foundation is:

“I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath

to the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Foundation [written

amount or percentage of the estate or description

of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

2. Flexibility. Because you aren’t actually making a gift

until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time.

3. Versatility. You can structure your bequest to leave a

specific item or amount of money, make your gift

contingent on certain events or leave a percentage

of your estate which ensures your gift will remain

proportionate no matter how your estate’s value

fluctuates over the years.

4. Tax relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your

gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction

for the gift’s full value.

5. Spreading the gospel. This simple expression of your

faith will leave a lasting legacy and be a blessing to

young people for generations to come.

The information in this article is not intended as legal advice.

For legal advice, please consult an attorney.

“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 will snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28

Have a Question? I Can Help.

16

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Pastor Jim Kleist, executive director, WLHS Foundation 414-453-4567 ext. 2005 • jim.kleist@wlhs.org www.thewlhsfoundation.org

Arlene Badciong Fisher (‘56) became a greatgrandmother on Mother’s Day 2015 when her granddaughter Jessica gave birth to a 7-pound girl, Audrianna Arlene.

Mark Wilson (’93) was elected to the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame.

Josh Metzger (’97) and wife Rebecca welcomed son Moses Joshua on May 8, 2015. Josh and Rebecca were married on August 3, 2014. Rebecca is a 5th grade teacher assistant at Atonement Lutheran School and Josh serves on the teaching and coaching staff at WLHS. Sadie (Alf) Gawel (’99) welcomed son Ezekiel “Zeke” Thomas Gawel on March 8, 2015.

Joshua Raabe (‘99), his wife Meredith, and their daughter Rylee (age 3) welcomed Reece Porter Raabe on November 11, 2014. Joshua is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.

Joe Romas (‘00) recently published his first book, Set It and Don’t Forget It: A Simple Guide to Investing. The book is available on Amazon and is useful for students, beginning investors, and teachers who educate students on finance and investing. Joe left a large financial services firm and began Romas Wealth Management in 2014. Joe and his wife Erin live in Austin, TX, with daughter Sofia (age 2 1/2), and a “little bun in the oven.” His wife Erin owns Vintage Peach Photography.

Corey (‘00) and Elyse (Ziesemer) Eggers welcomed Ryan Joseph into the world on December 18, 2014. WLHS alumni grandparents Jon (‘78) and Doreen Ziesemer (‘79), Heidi (Kiefer) Eggers (‘76), and Jim Eggers (‘74) are thrilled as well. Corey and Elyse currently reside in Brookfield, WI. Tamara (Schmal) DeLonge (’01) and husband Andrew welcomed daughter Savannah Rose in 2015 with daughters Autumn Irene and Natalie Jeanne.

Tamara is a stay-at-home mom, and Andrew works for iNet Computers in Waukesha. The family lives in West Allis, WI.

Alumni Grapevine

Michelle (Weiland) Rasumussen (’02) and her husband Tyler welcomed son Carter on July 28, 2014. Tyler is a property management attorney and Michelle is a pediatric dental assistant who also works at Starbucks. Michelle and Tyler also have a 3 year-old son named Kyle.

David (‘03) and Christina (Schwenn) Destrampe (‘03) welcomed William Ryan to their family on October 22, 2014. After being born 8 weeks early, William is now home with mom and dad and doing well. David is a trainer at UPS and Christina is a sign language interpreter at a video relay company. The family currently resides in Milwaukee, WI. Jacob Gajewski (’03) and Emily Wehner were married on August 2, 2014, in Pewaukee, WI. Jacob, son of Mark and Kim (Powers) Gajewski (’74), is in the corporate training program at Quad Graphics. Emily is a speech pathologist for the Elmbrook School District. WLHS graduates in the wedding party included Andy Dethloff (’03), Dan Sebald (’03), and Mike Wambold (’03). Jake and Emily reside in Waukesha, WI. April (Alonte) Goldschmidt (’05) and husband James welcomed Charles James on April 14, 2015. James is an attorney at Quarles & Brady and April is the director of the international student program at WLHS. The couple resides in downtown Milwaukee.

Chris Lambrecht (‘07) was married on August 9, 2014, to Briana Lazzaroni at St. John Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, WI. The bridal party included several WLHS alumni: Dave Proeber (‘07), Adam Chernohorsky (‘07), Steve Migacz (‘07), Jeremy Treuden (‘07), Jon Taglienti (‘07), Kevin Raasch (‘08), Drew Lambrecht (‘10), Lisa Pappalardo (‘07), and Meta (Kolander) Rosenberg (‘07). The groom’s parents are Dawn Scheibe-Lambrecht (’83) and Lothair Lambrecht (‘83), and the groom’s maternal grandparents are Marshall (’61) and Barbara (Schiefelbein) Scheibe (’61). Chris and Bri graduated in 2011 from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Chris attended Marquette University Law School and graduated in May 2014. He is currently an associate attorney with a law firm in Madison. Bri is a graphic designer for the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry. Chris and Bri currently reside in Waukesha and are members of Christ the Lord in Brookfield, WI.

GUIDED BY FAITH. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.

17

WLHS Highlights Academics

Congratulations to the Class of 2015 Academic Top Ten! 1. Matthew Wranovsky 2. Mason LaMarche 3. Matthew Strommen 4. William Leif Van Grinsven 5. Julia Beyer 6. Andrew Fink 7. Jacob Frey 8. Leah Gawel 9. Forest Wu 10. Alexander Evans

Eleven senior student athletes who received varsity letters in athletics their senior year were also in the academic top 10% of their class: Aaron Bush, Alexander Evans, Andrew Fink, Jacob Frey, Madeline Hammarstrom, Ryan Hanley, Caleb Kuske, Mason LaMarche, Jacob Schwall, Matthew Strommen, and William Leif Van Grinsven.

Seniors Eric Brown II and Christian Timm signed letters of intent to play college athletics. Eric will attend UW-Madison and participate on the track and field team and Christian will attend Illinois State and play tennis.

Senior art students showcased their work at WLHSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual Art Show in May.

Cocurriculars Wisconsin Lutheran High School athletics teams brought home more Wisconsin Little Ten (WLT) conference championships in the 20142015 school year than any other team in the conference with a total of 9 championships.

Five WLHS wrestlers were honored with selections to the All-State Academic Team: Jacob Nygaard and Seth Weide made honorable mention, Bryce Roberts and Lucas Roecker made second team, and Tyler Roecker made first team.

Logan McShane was named the Milwaukee Journal player of the week in baseball. Logan was first team all-conference in football, basketball, and baseball in the 2014-15 school year.

Christian Timm was named WLT player of the year in tennis, and Eric Brown II was WLT player of the year in track and field.

18

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Summer 2015

Boys track and field had a repeat performance at the Division 1 WIAA State Track and Field Championships, finishing as runner-up state champions. The 3200 relay team repeated as state champions, with a team consisting of Ben Bitter, Kyler Lueck, Drew Konkol, and Eric Brown II. Eric Brown II won his 3rd consecutive state title in the 800 meter run and was 2nd in the 1600. Josh Kren was 2nd in the 200. Leif Van Grinsven placed 5th in the 110 hurdles and 4th in the 300 intermediate hurdles. The 800 meter relay was 6th. The track team won all three WLT conference championships this past season.

In March, 12 WLHS instrumentalists traveled to Luther Prep for the WELS National Band Fest. A group of brass players from WLHS, Shoreland Lutheran, Kettle Morraine Lutheran, Luther Prep, and Lakeside Lutheran were featured on Milwaukee TV station TMJ4’s local morning show,The Morning Blend.

Congratulations to the groups and individuals who qualified for the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival and received gold medals at state: Ayla Baewer, Andrew Besler, Emily Frey, Leah Gawel, Grace Hanson, Samuel Hanson, Joshua Hoehnke, Adam Jensen, StarLynne Llanas, Meghan Ludke, Elizabeth Mariscal, Tyler Pearson, John Plaski, Anne Reinhardt, Douglas Reinhardt, Kellen Schneidewend, Kyra Schultz, Donovan Williams, Sabrina Wocelka, Matthew Wranovsky, and Jubilation Handbell Choir. Silver medals went to: Joshua Hoehnke, Brooke Ji, Anne Reinhardt, Nathan Wranovsky, and Jazz Ensemble. Leah Gawel also received the exemplary vocalist award at state.

WLHS Highlights

Twenty-eight students who were nominated and selected by their teachers were part of WLHS’ annual Civil Rights Tour. The trip was made possible through a special grant. Students followed in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders through Atlanta, Georgia; Selma, Alabama; and finally to the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Through car washes, workdays, and a number of other fundraising events, Student Council and National Honor Society, along with WLHS faculty, staff, and students raised $30,152 for the annual Our Hands for His Service project. This year’s project helped fund the building of a church in Sonora, Mexico.

Events The Gifted for Praise Service of Dedication took place on April 26, to celebrate the completion of WLHS’ building expansion and remodeling and the generosity of WLHS supporters.

WLHS alumni in the southwest joined WLHS teachers and staff at a Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training game in Arizona in March. A number of WLHS staff members had the honor of running as the Famous Racing Sausages™.

Dozens of WLHS alumni and supporters attended the 25th annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing in June to support the WLHS Athletic Program.

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

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330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

Share the Mission Trips Head Out for Summer Journey along with WLHS students as they travel around the country and the world this summer, serving the Lord and sharing their love for Jesus with neighborhoods, communities, and groups of Vacation Bible School children. Follow #sharethemission on Facebook or Twitter for the latest on what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to! Please pray that these students would let their lights shine to the greatest of their abilities and that Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name would be made great through their service.