Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month was packed with lots of excitement. Mrs. Jennifer Wolske, French teacher, said, "Messmer is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with weekly announcements to share information about Hispanics in the US, a special prayer service, a display in the cafeteria of Ojios de Dios, a Hispanic Film Festival, posters throughout the building, a flag display, and posters of famous Hispanics throughout the second floor, a dsiplay of books by Hispanic authors in the library, and a festive lunch on October 10th."

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Senior Takeia Walker said,“I was always interested in Hispanic Heritage and since I don’t have Spanish class anymore, I still wanted to learn more about the culture.” She wanted  to be involved in the excitement of the month so she went to watch one of the Hispanic culture-based movies that were shown after school. Walker added, “Just knowing about other cultures make me feel more diverse. I’ve learned a little about other cultures but what makes Hispanic Heritage different is that I have hispanic friends, and now I know why they are celebrating."

Students like Senior Cassandra Hernandez celebrated Hispanic Heritage with their families. “Every year my mom decorates our house with decorations to celebrate. Also sometimes the family gets together and she makes us a special Hispanic dish.” Her reason of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, she said was, “Knowing about what make each other different helps us to be more open and accepting of each other.”

Increasing the number of activities for this exciting month and making the best out of it is the goal for next year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.  

--Contributed by seniors 

Dichante Darrough & Daijah Devine-Williams

The Big Bash!

Messmer’s 1st annual Homecoming Bash took place on October 5th 2013. The bash was created for students to celebrate spirit week and to come enjoy time with friends. Ms. Abby Demeter, a theology teacher, and Ms. Katie Schumacher, American Studies, headed up the event and made it a successful one. 

Everyone enjoyed their time, teachers as well as the students. The bash centered around a dance in the gym, there was a photo booth where students could take many different pictures with their friends,  pizza was served, and Wii games were played. 

Ms. Schumacher said, “I thought the Bishop Homecoming Bash went really well.  There was a lot of good feedback from students and faculty on how fun it was.  We're already thinking about next year and stepping it up a notch!” Everyone made memories that night. 

Ms. Schumacher added, “My favorite part was just seeing the fun that students were having.  I didn't get to show off my dance moves too much but there's always next year.  Sprinkler, anyone?”
 Students were pleasantly surprised to hear about the bash. Junior Kayla Johnson said, “I was really excited. I knew it had potential to be a lot of fun. I was also initially very excited for the seniors. I think it was great that they were.. able to experience a homecoming.” 

Senior Cheykese Weathers said “My first reaction when I found out Messmer was having a homecoming [bash] was happy because Messmer finally gets this wonderful experience.” Junior Ramanda Davis said, “My favorite part about the homecoming bash was being able to enjoy time with my friends and teachers, also to create many memories and pictures with the people I’ve been friends with for a long time.” 

Weathers said, “The best song played at the homecoming was ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ because the song is very upbeat.” Everyone enjoyed their time that night at the homecoming bash. Johnson said, “I had a really good time and I hope we can continue to have more events like this.” Messmer’s homecoming bash was very successful; here's to the next one!

--Contributed by junior Sarah Jones

Dig Into It

“Aw Get Down” is what the volleyball teams said as they celebrated their annual “Dig Pink” volleyball breast cancer game.  The girls dedicated the game to Math Teacher and Head Varsity Coach Ms. Vanessa Sowinski’s mother who died from breast cancer. The teams dressed up in all pink from their face paint down to their shoe strings.

Parents, students, and children enjoyed pink Rice Krispie treats, breast cancer sign-shaped cookies and cupcakes. The face painting section brought many smiles to the kids also.  

Senior Ayanna Murrell said, “This game was important to me because breast cancer personally affects me; many people in my family and friends have been victims of breast cancer.” The fun and positive atmosphere made everyone feel as if they were taking part in a big cause.

Even though the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams were unable to leave with victories, they left with the joy knowing that they played their hardest until the end. Senior Jasmine Harris-Jackson said, ”I was very excited, the game brought together a lot of people for a wonderful cause.”

While they fought hard to win they kept a cheerful and positive mindset within the whole game because they knew it was for a good cause. Harris Jackson added, “I thought even though we lost, the Dig Pink game as it always does turned out successfully.”

During all of the games the players raffled off prizes such as socks and T-shirts. After all of the raffles and the donations the volleyball team raised two hundred dollars.

The players and spectators enjoyed themselves.  They raised money, played, ate, and cheered all night for a positive purpose. Can you Dig Pink?

--Contributed by senior Brittany Harmon

Conference Champs!

Yes they did it, Messwood Varsity Football won their first Midwest Classic Football Conference Title since the two schools became a team. This is the first football conference title for Messmer since 1947 and for Shorewood since 1981. 

The team is very excited and relieved that they finally got it done; they are the Kings of the Midwest Conference. The Messwood football program finished 7-2 overall and undefeated with a 7-0 conference record. The next step for the Messwood football program is the playoffs where they will get another opportunity to face South Milwaukee in the first round. 

The two teams met in the beginning of season when South Milwaukee defeated Messwood 28-7 at home on August 23rd. The players of the Messwood team very excited to play them again and it should be a fun and exciting game. Messwood plays at South Milwaukee on Friday, October 25th in the first round of the WIAA Playoffs. Go Messwood Go!

--Contributed by senior Deniko Montgomery

Ms. Gerlach: Always Looking on the Bright Side

Every year we have new members who join our Messmer family. Sometimes we don’t have the time to sit down and get to know them other than a brief introduction they give on the first day of school. Let's learn more about Ms. Claire Gerlach, the new Math teacher.

Ms.Gerlach said, "I have lived in the Milwaukee area for most of my life. When I was little (2 years old) my family moved to Zimbabwe, so I was immersed in a new culture for two years. I like to travel: Washington DC, Alaska, Mexico, and Ireland are my most memorable travel destinations. I attended Dominican High School, but my grandpa attended Messmer and he still talks about his positive experiences here." 

Ms.Gerlach was inspired to come teach at Messmer by one of her own high school math teachers, Mrs. Supanich. Ms.Gerlach said, "I had a half-hour resource period after lunch every day, and as a junior and senior, [Mrs. Supanich] let me come to her room help freshmen with their math homework. I really struggled with math in high school, and had to go in for extra help after school every day (especially in Algebra II). After putting in so much time and effort, I really knew the subject material well, and was able to relate to and help other struggling students."

Before Ms.Gerlach came to Messmer she taught Pre-Algebra at St. Anthony High School and that was her first year of teaching. In her free time she likes to run. She said, "I completed the 'Tough Mudder' [recently], and the 'Rock ‘n Soul' last summer." Ms.Gerlach also likes other physical activities like biking, camping, tennis, and canoeing. Ms. Gerlach says her talents are, "I have a knack for looking on the bright side, and am normally in a very good mood. I have a strong work ethic and put many hours (as all Messmer teachers do) into planning intuitive lessons. I truly care about my students and want them to feel safe (physically and mentally) in my classroom."

Ms. Gerlach attended University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and she majored in secondary math education. She says her challenges throughout the school year will be, "...keeping students interested in the subject material. I love looking on the internet, asking coworkers and other teachers for new ideas that I can implement in my classroom. New challenges also keep me on my toes and excited about upcoming lessons." Ms. Gerlach says the expectations for each of her students is to, "...put effort into their Algebra Class. It does not mean that they must get an A, but I expect them to master the material. They will be able to teach others the material they have learned in Algebra class."

This new face at Messmer really cares about her students and likes to have fun!

--Contributed by junior A'Kiera McKinney

Mr. V.: Adapting and Thriving

Starting a new school year is always exciting. A fresh year means new beginnings, new classes, and also meeting new people; students and teachers. New people, like science teacher Mr. Veierstahler--aka Mr. V.--create a new and exciting learning environment. His biggest challenge at Messmer is teaching Physics for the first time. He said, “It will take a lot of preparation,” but he’s ready for the challenge. When asked what makes him good teacher he said, “I am able to build solid relationships with students, which helps a lot with classroom management. I also spend a lot of time preparing the questions I want to ask." According to Mr V., "A good trait for a teacher to have is the ability to adapt."

Before joining the Messmer family Mr. Veierstahler worked as a waiter, warehouse picker, house painter, business consultant, salesperson, sales manager, and teacher. Working many jobs has given him great social and communication skills. He is married with two daughters, and comes from a family of three. In the little free time that he has Mr. V. likes to play golf, watch football, and play his PS3. 

Mr. V describes his experience at Messmer so far as, “Great!  I am really impressed with the students. The level of respect and personal accountability that I have seen from the students in general really makes me want to be the best teacher I can possibly be. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and have really helped me get acclimated to the school. The administration has a clear vision, and follows it, which is not always the norm.” 

We all know being a teacher can be a struggle at times, but Mr. V is determined to overcome all obstacles. Welcome, Mr. V., and good luck!

--Contributed by senior Earl Cooper

"No One Can Tell Your Story But You"

Let's meet one of our many new teachers of 2013: Mr. Herr, our new Art teacher! Messmer's academic reputation and strong belief in family are what drove Mr. Herr to come teach here. Mr. Herr stated, “It's great to see everyone greeting you in the hallways with smiles and respect.” So if you see Mr. Herr in the hallway don’t be afraid to flash a smile. 

His love for teaching art came about in two different stages of his life. In high school he worked at the Boys and Girls Club teaching street art, and he went to Japan to teach English in college. Mr Herr says, “Art allows you to have choice. No one can tell your story but you.” 

Mr. Herr graduated from UW-Oshkosh where he was the Graphic Designer for the Department of Resident Life. There he designed brochures,T-shirts, and websites. In his spare time he sometimes enjoys movies like Forrest Gump and Little Miss Sunshine, as well as spending time with his family. He also likes a wide range of music from The Beatles to Kanye West. 

This year Mr. Herr plans to bring his background in art and design to Messmer, along with knowledge of his Hmong culture. If you want to know more about Mr. Herr, you can visit him in room 008.

--Contributed by senior Dichante Darrough

"Preparing Them for Heaven"

Each year we lose and gain wonderful teachers who help us better our future in life. Teachers are here to help us with our education so we can reach our goals. They help us transform from teens to young adults in college and in the world. This year we gained a new theology teacher, Mr. Ron Kuenstler. 

What inspired him to become a Messmer theology teacher was Messmer itself. He said, "I cannot teach theology in the public high school systems, so I am limited to the 13 Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Messmer has a reputation as being a very good Catholic high school in the archdiocese. The students are known to be great, and the high expectations that the school has for its students are very well known, I want to be a part of that success." Of upcoming challenges Mr. Kuenstler said, "There are a few challenges that I feel that I will face over the next school year. One such challenge is learning all the names of my students and other staff members. I have five classes with approx. 26 students in each class. That is over 126 students. I’m doing alright, but I still have a few students that I recognize but don’t know yet by name."

Mr. Kuenstler added, "Another challenge is getting used to the policies and procedures that are present at Messmer. Each school has a different way of doing things, and Messmer is no exception. Lastly, a daily challenge that will continue the entire year is planning and having an interesting class where the students are interested in the subjects and are engaged in their learning." Mr. Kuenstler also said, "My goal is to have my students be excited to come to theology class. I want theology to be experienced and lived; not just learned. I’m not just preparing my students for college, but I feel that I am preparing them for heaven. I want all of my students to make it to heaven when God calls them home, and not have any 'traffic jams' along the way. My long-term goals include finishing the two Master’s degrees that I am currently working on and to eventually get an advance degree in either Theology or Educational Leadership (either another Master’s degree or Doctorate)."

Of his life outside of Messmer Mr. Kuenstler said, "In my spare time I like spending time with my family. Both of my boys are involved in Scouting, so I really enjoy going camping and other outdoor activities. I also enjoy making photographs and videos. Both of those activities allow me to be creative and artistic. My family would describe me as someone who is fun and also someone who is passionate about what I believe in." Mr. Kuenstler became a theology teacher because, "I have always enjoyed talking about my relationship with God. I feel called by God to 'proclaim the Gospel.' It is through teaching that I can bring others to the understanding that God is there for them and that God loves them. Teaching is a wonderful job. However, it isn’t for everybody. You have to have a love of the subject and have a love of teenagers. I would encourage anyone who has the passion of proclaiming the Gospel and have a love of teens to pursue the vocation of teaching theology. It’s more than just praying and reading the Bible, there is a lot of church history and doctrine that a teacher of theology must now and understand."

Welcome Mr. Kuenstler!

--Contributed by junior Sarah Jones