2021 Summer Pilot

Pilot Volume 27 Issue 5 May 24, 2021

Cover by Lucy Li

Senior Survey

By Edward Cao and Hieu Than

What are your goals after high school? What are the best memories you have from high school?

These are some common questions that people ask seniors as their final year of high school comes to a close. Many seniors are anxious about starting their adult lives, while others are very hopeful and excited for the future. This survey shows how Wisco seniors feel about their upcoming futures.

College Debt

According to the 67 WLHS seniors that responded, more than 50% of them are worried about finances for schooling after they graduate from high school. Some of the common worries they have include not being able to afford college tuition, and the potential of accumulating student loan debts. According to valuepenguin.com, the average amount of student loan debt after college is $32,731.

Faith

Future/Careers

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Many students are anxious about their future careers, and worry about being successful. For instance, many seniors worry that they may not be able to find the correct job, run their own business, or achieve their dreams. All of these worries have the potential to cause stress. Though stress is often viewed negatively, it is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, when under pressure, a person finds motivation that can bring success. Mr. Schaper, a math teacher at Wisco, gave some ad-

Memories

Other than the stresses of the future, the seniors can always look back on some amazing high school memories. Lauren Clement (‘21) describes her best memory at Wisco--a mission trip to California. During her mission trip, she was able to help people who were experiencing financial difficulties and other hardships. Clement said the trip was a wonderful opportunity for her to show Christ’s love to others. In addition, a great deal of the seniors say that their best memories are the activities like the Taste Of Wisco, Homecoming, spirit week and the pep rallies. International student, Han Le (‘21) says, “I like the creative themes of the spirit weeks, and how many students actively participate in it.”

Besides the fun activities, some students will miss the personal connections they have made with their coaches, teachers, and friends.

Photos by Gerry Milton

Besides the economic problems, a number of students also worry about their faith in God. They are worried they might be overwhelmed by life struggles and may not have a supportive Christian environment anymore. One resource for students going to college is WELS Campus Ministry. Started in 1920, “thousands of young adults have found spiritual comfort, community, and encouragement through WELS campus ministries.” The WELS Campus Ministry Committee currently provides about 30 campus ministries with financial support.”

For more information, visit wels.net/cm100. Be sure to sign up with WELS Campus Ministry to get in contact with the nearest local campus pastor and receive free copies of Meditations devotions and the Forward in Christ magazine.

vice to the seniors about the financial stresses that they will face. “Each university has its own student service center where new students can find financial support. Having a financial plan is always a good idea, which can help you to be prepared for your future.” Besides that, he also recommends that students start investing as early as possible.

Lauren Clement

Han Le

Teachers, Friends, and Family

A great deal of our seniors at Wisco developed close relationships with their teachers and made many lasting memories. For example, one of the responses stated, “Mr. Greschner is such a spiritual man; he has inspired me to become a stronger Christian and to really live my life for God. He always has the most love and positivity every-

Advice

In the survey, WLHS seniors also provided advice for underclassmen who are still making high school memories. A majority of the seniors said that their advice would be to put more ef-

fort into studying, and to not get behind on homework. Additionally, many of the seniors encourage participation in school activities and trying new things, which can help you to meet more people.

Based on their comments, WLHS seniors had some great experiences at Wisco that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Never take the experiences in high school for granted, be willing to discover new things, and make as many fun memories as possible. Blessings to the class of 2021, as they start a new chapter of their lives.

May they remain strong in their faith and always ask God to guide them in their lives and decisions.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Seniors

where he goes, and his sense of humor is one that will never be matched.” From this heartwarming response, it is evident that teachers at Wisco show Christian love to their students. Instructors are teaching more than just subject knowledge; they are also sharing lessons about life and faith.

Family members and friends have also served as role models to WLHS students. According to the survey of Wisco seniors, more than 40% of the students said that some of their biggest influences are their friends and family.

Although they are about to finish their journey at Wisco, the good memories they have with their friends, family, and teachers will last forever.

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Happy Retirement!

Throughout the years, Wisco has been blessed with very talented and compassionate teachers.

Mr. Bowe, Mrs. Haakenson, Mrs. Greshner, and Mr. Ned Goede, who are all retiring, were interviewed in order to learn more about their careers.

Mr. Goede Would you say you have grown since the beginning of your teaching career? How?

Yes, I have grown immensely. I have especially grown in my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Teaching is a humbling experience and almost forces you to turn to Jesus for strength, perseverance, and personal commitment.

Who/what inspires you?

Nothing has changed in fifty years of teaching. I am inspired by the young men and women I teach. They deserve the very best I can provide for them. I am only fully inspired when I am surrounded by kids.

What is the best memory from your teaching career?

I couldn’t possibly identify the best memory in 50 years of teaching. But, every time I am directing a choir of wonderful young people who are singing beautifully and artistically, it is a treasured memory for me.

Pilot Editors Co-editors-in-Chief Emma Kammholz Megan Orozco Reyes

Assistant Editor

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Mason Marrari

Mrs. Haakenson Would you say you have grown since the beginning of your teaching career? How? I would certainly hope so! Each year has brought new learning opportunities and deeper insights. We have gone from very little digital content to a dependence on it. The world of information has grown tremendously, and accessing it in an efficient manner is a world unto itself.

My curiosity has led me to many new discoveries, and I feel I have grown with each new adventure. I feel I have also developed a deeper fondness for all of the students I serve. I love the way their minds work.

Who/what inspires you?

I am inspired every day by our chapels, by my hard-working, loving, and patient husband, by my wonderful children, by my supportive friends, and by each teacher and student who ask me questions that make me grow.

What is the best memory from your teaching career?

Wow! This is a hard one as I have so many fantastic memories. Some of my very favorites are of students who come in with an “I hate reading” attitude and then - voila! - they are introduced to a “gotcha” book, and their world expands, their attitudes change, and I smile. The Lord has truly blessed me in allowing me to serve at WLHS. Wisco is very grateful for these teachers!

There is no doubt that they have impacted the students at Wisco. May God bless their retirement!

Mrs. Greshner

Would you say you have grown since the beginning of your teaching career? How?

Considering that I started teaching in my early twenties, I have grown exponentially since then.

The most important growth has been in my faith in our gracious God ! To teach God’s truths, one must learn them. I am grateful for all my years of teaching God’s Word, but I have benefited the most from it. I’m also grateful for my growth of how schools operate and what makes a good teacher’s classroom a benefit to the success of students. I’m grateful for all of the wide variety of privileges God has placed in front of me. Each and every one of them, even the most challenging and gut-wrenching ones, has been a way which God has helped me to grow.

Would you say you have grown since the beginning of your teaching career? How?

Absolutely! I started teaching in a tworoom school with Mr. Greschner as my principal-husband. We had no technology and little guidance to teach the 50+ students. Both at Atonement and WLHS I have had wonderful mentors with a variety of teaching styles that I could adopt and adapt to make my own.

Who/what inspires you?

God’s Word and the love of Jesus inspires me the most. I have always loved kids. Their smiles and energy have also been inspirational for me. The love and support of my wife and family is also a source of inspiration.

What is the best memory from your teaching career?

There are far too many, but the funniest memory was having to tell Principal Goede that I flushed my school keys down the toilet. Perhaps the proudest memory was having six students from my English 9 class in the top ten.

Who/what inspires you?

Witnessing Christian love in action over the years has been a great inspiration. This began in my childhood and continues in the selfless actions of students and co-workers today.

Teacher photos by Gerry Milton

What is the best memory from your teaching career?

I have had so many wonderful memories in four different schools in three different settings, that it’s hard to choose just one, but I’ll give it my best shot. My fondest memories go back to the first church and school I served in Escondido, California. This small congregation was so committed to Christian education that they sacrificed a lot for their children to benefit from a Lutheran elementary school. The love of those people for the Lord and my young family warms my heart to this day. They were so understanding and helpful as a very inexperienced teacher worked with their kids in a one-room, K-8 classroom.

Those kids are now well into their adult years, and some have kept in contact with me. I cherish those relationships that began sooo many years ago!

Teachers

Mr. Bowe

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Photo by Curt Hogg--Journal Sentinel

Golf--Varsity finished 4th in the Conference and JV finished in 3rd in the Conference.

Photo by Gerry Milton

Varsity Boys’ Baseball--The varsity baseball team won against Arrowhead High School at Miller Park.

Photo by Holly Wempner

Girls’ Softball--The team has a winning record, including a 17--1 victory over Shorewood.

Photo by Gerry Milton

Photo by Gerry Milton

Photo by Sarah Tonn

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Photo by Sarah Tonn

Photo by Heidi Biesterfeld

Girls’ Track--The Girls track team won 8 of 14 (Varsity) events and 10 of 12 (JV) events they entered at the Greendale invite.

Photo by Steve Jensen

Photo by Heidi Biesterfeld

Boys’ Track- Both Varisty and JV track teams won the Greendale Invite.

Photo by Mr. Gottschalk

Photo by Mr. Wiechmann

Photo by Gerry Milton

Photos by Debra Aufdemberge

Spring Sports

Girls’ Soccer--Wisco’s Varsity girls’ soccer team is dominating their season with a 6-1 record!

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Sports Cards 8

The Rising Industry of Sports Cards

By Mason Marrari

All around the world countless businesses cards. Sometimes, packs and boxes can be a have taken severe hits due to the pandemic. Many struggle to acquire in those places. According to people have sadly been forced to close down what the vice president of Panini (stated on the webis dear to them. Even though numerous scenarios site Sportingnews.com), another very large sports like this have taken place, one of the businesses card industry, Walmart and Target trading card that has skyrocketed in the pandemic is the busi- sales were “three times’’ the expected amount. ness of sports cards.

What’s the meaning behind the colossal

Lately, this giant industry has taken place increase in sales? Well, an owner of a baseball heavily online, especially on the website eBay. In card shop since 1981, Steve Wilson, says in an fact, according to Sportscollectordaily.com, sales interview with the Chicago Tribune, “Business is on eBay increased rapidly in the first months of probably at an all-time high”….“Investors, collecthe pandemic. From March to May 2020, bas- tors, they’re sitting at home, they’ve got nothing ketball card sales increased else to do.” With many by 130%, while baseball people out of a job due Did you know that several cards this and football cards went up to COVID-19, perhaps by about 50% each. In to- year and last year sold for over a million some people have wandollars? Here are some of them: tal for the year 2020, sales dered into new hobbies for sports cards on eBay such as collecting sports LeBron James- $5.2 million have increased significantly cards.

Mike Trout$3.936 million compared to 2019. Baseball

Along with the inTom Brady- $2.25 million cards went up 73%, football crease in sales comes the Giannis Antetokounmpo- $1.17 million 168%, hockey 258%, and increase in demand and basketball cards 373%! If this prices. For example, the seems big, compare it to this: soccer cards have website Topps.com, an extremely large baseball experienced a sale increase of 1586% on only card company founded in 1938, has listed that eBay alone. Another notable sale increase in the the 2021 Series 1 Baseball Card packs and boxes trading cards section is game cards, which saw an are nearly completely sold out. Furthermore, card increase of 500% over the year 2020. packs and boxes in stores have been hard to find.

Sales are not just increasing online, but The prices of certain cards sold online on places they are also increasing steadily inside brick and like eBay have surged due to the rising market and mortar shops. During a discussion with Sports the talent of specific players.

Illustrated, Rich Layton, an owner of a baseball The industry of sports cards has seen such card shop in Florida, said, “It [Business] has just a tremendous increase in the past year and is esexploded…” And it’s been nonstop ever since.” calating. What was once an ordinary business opDaily customers at his shop, Layton Sports, have portunity has turned into a mass-market due to the increased by 25% during the pandemic. Stores global pandemic. With many people resurfacing such as Target and Walmart have reported that their hobby of collecting trading cards, perhaps their sales are exceedingly high concerning sports this will become a new trend for everyone.

By Kirsten Neuwirth

“Green Earth, clean Earth! Clean up the Earth; it’s the only home we have! Go green!” For years, environmentalists and scientists have encouraged people to take better care of the earth.

Everyone knows it’s a good idea, but it sometimes seems difficult to apply to his/her daily lives. One starts to wonder--can one person make a difference? There are many things high school students can do to make an impact on the earth and help to create a cleaner and more environmentally secure future.

One person’s efforts alone simply cannot improve the earth’s conditions. This is why people must collaborate and find ways to incorporate ways to make your life greener.

One great way to help the earth is by recycling. Many people believe they do this; however, recycling is not just throwing away recyclable items.

Another important part of conserving the earth is reusing materials to help decrease some of the waste that would be going to sit in landfills and using it again in a new way. Reusing materials saves energy and money because companies don’t have to produce more plastic and paper products to make the items. Lastly, reusing products reduces the pollution that comes from factories and machines that create the recyclable materials.

There are many creative and amazing ways to reduce the amount of production of recyclable and reusable products. One way to recycle is by buying items

that are able to be reused rather than buying oneuse items. For example, reusable cloth masks are available for purchase rather than using disposable masks. Washing cloth masks significantly reduces the amount of plastic and paper products being used to produce the disposable masks. Additionally, using reusable shopping bags can help reduce waste that is produced during the factory production of plastic bags. It also helps prevent contaminating animal’s habitats with harmful materials.

Furthermore, purchasing and using electronics and technology with rechargeable batteries helps this cause. This not only limits the amount of pollution from the production of reusable batteries, but it can also help to preserve nonrenewable resources that the batteries are composed of. People can also re-purpose items like clothing and containers as well, so that one can save money and make something cool while keeping an item out of a landfill. Other ways to encourage recycling is to have multiple recycling bins spread out around their house, buying recyclable items, and printing on both sides of a piece of paper.

There are countless significant ways to recycle! Between reusing materials, purchasing recyclable goods, or making use of the recycling bins in school and at home, these actions contribute to the preservation of nature and the improvement of the earth’s environment.

Recycling

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

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Summer Activities in Milwaukee

By Kylie Tremaine

Last summer, numerous restrictions and regulations on special events were created due to the pandemic. Countless normal summer activities, festivals, and performances in the city of Milwaukee were cancelled in order to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading. Now, since COVID-19 cases are going down, and vaccines are becoming more available, there is hope for a normal and fun summer in Milwaukee.

Summerfest

Cities have been working to ensure the safety of their citizens as public areas begin to open up, and events are being planned. For example, the city of Milwaukee has worked with the directors of Summerfest to make sure that all attendees are safe and socially distanced while attending the performances. The dates for Summerfest are September 2-4, September 9-11, and September 16-18. With that in mind, plan to see A-list singers like the Jonas Brothers, Luke Bryan, Guns n’ Roses, and more. COVID-19 safety guidelines will still be enforced, but the goal is to be able to get back to some sort of normalcy.

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Wisconsin State Fair

Another popular event, the Wisconsin State Fair, will continue in the month of August.

Plan on taking a trip to the state fairgrounds on Thursday, August 5 through Sunday, August 15.

With Milwaukee’s mandates in place, the maximum capacity for outdoor activities will be at 75% as of now, but that could change.

Milwaukee Brewers

Another way to spend a day is to attend a Brewers game. At first maximum capacity was 25%, but it was recently increased to 50% fan capacity.

On June 25, the stands will be at 100% capacity. At American Family Field, wearing a mask and staying six feet apart is still a necessity. Extra sanitary measures are in order too much like other places. Tickets and food can be purchased online or in person with touchless payment.

Nature/Parks Besides the larger events that are available, there are still other COVID-19 safe activities that people can participate in. Try kayaking down the Milwaukee River, taking a walk down a local trail, or renting a Bublr bike (.25 a minute or $24 a day). One could spend an afternoon at Veteran’s park and rent a swan pedal boat (adults $11 an hour; age 17 and under $6 an hour). Or, rent a mountain bike ($14 an hour), or a bicycle built for 2 ($25 an hour) and explore the lakefront. These are just some of the things that could be done to lighten up the summer.

Attractions

Students could also visit fun places like the Milwaukee Public Zoo ($10.50 for Milwaukee residents. Check online for occasional free days.), the Milwaukee Public Museum ($22; timed tickets are required. Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.),

more where one can hike or swim. Also, read over the bucket list of ideas listed below. Many of these ideas will cost you little to nothing.

Though a great deal of activities were postponed or canceled last year, more activities are now becoming available. Because of new COVID-19 vaccines, everyone can soon enjoy a variety of summer activities. Have a fun and safe summer!

Created by Stacy for LoveThisPic--Used with permission

Summer

and several great movie theaters. These are all excellent ways to spend the summer.

If you are looking for things to do that are free or almost free, that won’t be a problem. Bradford Beach, which is located on Lake Michigan, is a free beach where one can spend the day in the sun. There are also many other public parks, such as Southshore Park, Grant Park, Humboldt Park, Three Bridges Park, McCarty Park, and many

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Seniors on Pilot What was the most memorable moment in high school?

- “When I got to sing a solo freshman year for freshman choir.”- Kylie - “When I got to go on a mission trip to California.”- Lauren - “I think that the most memorable moments in high school were the pep rallies and the Homecoming and Festival weeks.” - Megan - “Participating in the Prism concerts and attending the annual Lunar New Year party.”- Helen

Would you tell other students that they should join Pilot?

- “Yes! It teaches you to express your writing more creatively and freely outside of school papers!”- Kylie - “Yes, for sure. Everyone is super nice!”- Lauren - “I would definitely recommend Pilot to others because it is a great way to meet new people and to improve your work ethic. It is a good way to improve writing and time management skills!”- Megan -“Yes, it is fun to practice writing. Also, being an artist was a new experience.”- Helen

What are your plans after high school?

- “I’m going to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College to hopefully become a lawyer or a teacher.”- Kylie - “I am going to the University of Minnesota to study engineering.”- Lauren -”My plan after high school is to take coursework at MATC. When I am get my license/diploma, I will transfer to a 4 year college.” - Megan -“I plan to go to college in the United States.”- Helen

What’s something on Pilot that you will always remember?

- “I think that I will always remember writing my first article, and knowing that Pilot was something I really enjoyed.”- Kylie - “Edward and I doing the crossword puzzle and me mercilessly beating him.”- Lauren - “I will always remember my years as Editor-in-Chief. It was an amazing pleasure to work with my fellow editors.”- Megan -“The Pilot Christmas party. I also really enjoyed working with my fellow editors during 8th hour in the Pilot room.” - Helen

Lauren Clement

Anxuan (Helen) Liu

Megan Orozco Reyes

Kylie Tremaine

Mercedes Rzepkowaki