Messmer High School News 2013-2014

Doesn't it feel really good that there are people at our school because they care about your safety? Here at Messmer High School we are grateful to have four people who keep the school secure and can assist in the event of trouble. Our head security guard is Mr. Marty Wallner, and this is his fourth year working here.

Before arriving at Messmer, Mr. Wallner worked in landscaping at Shorewood High School while getting his bachelors degree in criminal justice. Now the current head coach for Messmer JV football, and a track assistant coach, Mr. Wallner says, “The most exciting thing about my job is the fact that it has given me the opportunity to coach.” He also explains that the positive attitudes of the teachers and students encouraged him to want to be a part of the Messmer family.

Another security guard that helps Mr. Wallner is Mr. Daniel Solorzano who is a Messmer class of 2010 alumni. Before returning to Messmer Mr. Solorzano was a cook at Chipotle for two years. In addition to being a security guard he has too been able to participate in the school athletics by helping coach the boy's soccer team in the fall and the girl's soccer team in the spring. He never had plans to be a security guard her at Messmer until he was asked. He said, “I originally began working as maintenance here at Messmer. I had never planned on working security until one day Mr. Wallner asked me if I could give him a helping hand and help keep an eye out after school. It was intended as a one day job, but I was then asked to help out everyday."

We are also lucky to have Mr. Winn Kitzman and Mr. Steve Middlecamp working part time to help keep our school community safe. They both joined the Messmer family recently and are welcome additions. Mr. Kitzman greets us in the morning, and Mr. Middlecamp send us off in the afternoon.

Some students may be intimidated by the thought of security guards, but Mr. Wallner said, “I didn’t know that some students find me scary or mean, I wish that those students who feel that way would come and talk to me. I think they would find that I’m a nice guy.”

When Senior Adriana Briley was asked how she felt about having security here at Messmer, she replied, “I think that when there are people who care about us we could enter the school safely.” Senior Ajon Roth added, “I think overall it is a pretty safe for us to be here. They are always outside watching the students making sure they don’t run into trouble.”

Having security guards here at Messmer is a good thing. We feel safe here because there are people who care about us. These people get up early and stay late so that we the students can feel protected and secure at Messmer.

--Contributed by senior Missael Alba

Spanish Spoken Here

Spanish is a language that is spoken throughout the entire United States. Some people speak it better than others, and there are different ways of speaking Spanish.

Hispanics/Latinos are a big contribution and are part of the diversity that is at Messmer High School. Senora Cristiana Edgar is one of the Spanish teachers here. She is originally from Costa Rica and Spanish is her first language. Ms. Edgar said, “When I first got here to the United States it was difficult for me to adapt to the Spanish spoken here because I didn’t know the language and culture, and it took me a year to feel comfortable.”

She found many differences between what she was used to and the Spanish spoken in the United States. About the challenges of teaching Spanish Senora Edgar said, “I wouldn't say it's hard. I love my job and I enjoy teaching what I do best. Teaching about Latin American Culture is something I also think is very important.”

Esmeralda Cruz a senior who is part of Senora Edgar's Spanish for Native Speakers II class. Esmeralda feels the class has helped her improve her Spanish. She came into this class not knowing what to expect because she found the way she was speaking Spanish wasn’t correct. Throughout her second year of a required Spanish class she has realized that her reading and pronunciation has gotten better. Esmeralda says, “Spanish is very important personally because it comes from Latin. Latin is the root of many other languages and it can [help you] to understand other languages.”

Senora Edgar and Esmeralda both believe that Spanish is very important professionally because it can open the doors to many other opportunities. In specific Senora Edgar stated, “Working as a Spanish teacher I help students know about the importance of learning a new language. When I have some of my old students come back to visit from college and they tell me that they continue to study Spanish I am glad I helped them to get there.” Thanks to Senora Edgar who dedicates her time after school and Saturday mornings, many students have improved their Spanish. The hard work and effort has put in is paying off, and she is greatly appreciated. Gracias, Ms. Edgar!

Contributed by senior Sandra Calderon-Torres

Polar Vortex=Schedule Changes

Recently at Messmer High School, the students received some important news regarding their early dismissals on Wednesdays. Talking with the teachers about what is going on, Mr. Chad Hofmann, a business and computer teacher at Messmer High School stated, “The new schedule changes include scheduling two days for regular classes that were previously conferences and a day off. We also will be going to school until 3pm on Wednesdays starting in March.” This is all due to missing 4 school days due to the awful Milwaukee weather this winter.

The student body and staff at Messmer has different thought/feelings towards the new changes. Mrs. Laura Hancock, a theology teacher stated, "I'm okay with them because they are necessary. Any change can be challenging because I think we like our routines, but I know we'll all be fine!" Trevon Howard, a senior, agrees it will benefit the students as well. He said it will give students more time to get more assignments done during class periods.

Messmer High School will no longer have early dismissals on Wednesdays starting in March.

--Contributed by senior Deniko Montgomery

On The Dotted Line

Messmer High School senior football players Tywan Ramsey and Jonathan Carson faxed in their National Letters of Intent and their acceptance of athletic scholarships on February 5, 2014. At 4 o'clock pm that Wednesday afternoon there was a celebration and announcement at Messmer. This event was for media, friends and family to take pictures.

Senior Tywan Ramsey said, “I will be attending South Dakota State University because it gives off a family environment.” Several other schools were interested in Tywan such as Northern Illinois, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, West Point, North and South Dakota and UW-Madison. South Dakota State University offers a nursing program that Tywan says is wonderful. He received a full ride scholarship to study nursing. Tywan said, “The football program at Messmer was wonderful in training me, and the academics prepared me for the college [expectations].” The signing event was something to remember. Tywan said, “This was the first time in history for the co-op [Messmer-Shorewood] schools and it was the first time in over 20 years for Messmer High School.” He also said, “ I feel honored to even be considered let alone receiving a scholarship, and be one of the first to do it in a long time at Messmer.”

Senior Jonathan Carson said, "My signing event was very historical and it made me feel like I was being honored by my school." Carson will be attending Central Michigan University because it is has a family environment and it "makes me feel like I am back at home." Just like Tywan, several other schools were also interested in Jonathan. Wisconsin, Michigan state, Northern Illinois and Harvard were all interested in him. Central Michigan University offered Carson a full ride scholarship to play football. Jonathan said, "Messmer helped me prepare myself by making sure my grades were up and on point and by making sure my work ethic never changed." Jonathan says that he thinks this signing event had the biggest impact on his parents because they no longer have to pay for college.

Coach Drake Zortman, also Messmer’s PreCalculus teacher, said, “Jonathan is a great young man, he made himself into a scholarship player at the highest level with his hard work and determination year round.” Coach also said that Tywan has the potential to be a special player in the coming years. He said that Tywan has a huge upside even though he has been only playing football for three years. Coach Drake also said, “I hope people realize that Milwaukee has special athletes in all sports, not just basketball. There are some very good football players in the city that people need to know about. We were lucky enough to have two in one class, which is not common.”

This signing event was one to remember. These two young men are grateful for all the support they received from family, friends and the media.

--Contributed by senior Brittany Harmon

Check Out The Stats!

Next year there will be an addition to the class courses that students are able to take. A new math related class will be available to students and it is called Statistics. This class will be taught by Mr. Drake Zortman, math teacher. According to Mr. Zortman, This class will open the eyes of students to “use statistics in an assortment of ways to accentuate their work in all their other courses”. Statistics class is a study of data, both in numeric and graphic form.

Mr. Zortman was encouraged to teach this class because he has had an extensive amount of experience in teaching statistics courses. He said, “I believe we see and hear statistics everyday. I think it is essential that we are able to understand these and utilize them for many purposes. My experience includes introduction to Statistics, AP Statistics, and Analysis”. Learning something new every day will not hurt anybody. So why not try out this new course?

Looking at two variable statistics, the normal distribution, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing are just a few things that will be discussed in this class. So students, get ready to be challenged and to learn about the different statistics around you! Run to guidance and apply for this course now before the spaces are filled!

--Contributed by senior Daijah Devine-Williams

Sing Loud and Proud

When you join this choir, you have to be prepared to sing loud, proud, and to sing with the spirit of God in you. The After School Gospel Choir is the choir to join. Not only do they sing for Messmer High School, but they travel to sing at different church events and for other performances. Mr. Kurt Hauswirth, the new choir teacher, said, “I hope that these students have an outlet for their passion for singing both in and out of school, and also have a platform to share their musical gift with the Messmer family.”

The members of the choir are very dedicated to what they do and they never give up. These students meet outside of school to practice and make sure that everything is just right for each performance. Junior Briana Marks, says “I take out at least four hours a week to do different events and to rehearse with the choir.” These motivated students have the ability to inspire other students and to push them to achieve excellence.

After School Gospel Choir has been around for years and they still have room to grow. Even the After School Gospel Choir director, Valencia Patton, has room for improvement. “I hope to improve my directing skills and I want to improve my singing vocals.” This isn’t just any ordinary Gospel Choir- they sing all types of music. Valencia said, “We sing songs from hymns to upbeat, hand-clapping music. We sing songs by Tamela Mann, Tasha Cobbs, Hezekiah Walker and more.” The choir is made up of all girls, who are humble and have fun together. Mr. Hauswirth said, “I personally have a blast each gospel choir rehearsal, and look forward to hearing more from these fine students!” Enjoy the After School Gospel Choir!

--Contributed by senior Daijah Devine-Williams

Driven by the Spirit

'Tis the season to be jolly, Bishops! Messmer High School is known for its hunger to help the hungry. Our annual food drive shows those less fortunate that we care, and that we are living up to our faith and service-based mission. We give until we can’t give any more. Because of this, Math Teacher Ms. Marilyn Mathay said, “We have been committed to fill 80 boxes, if there is any money or food left over it will be donated to St. Bens and the House of Peace.” The dedication and determination of the staff and students who are spearheading the drive inspire hundreds of God’s children to donate as much food and money as possible.

Each box donated contains the following: 1 box of mashed potatoes mix, 1 bag of stuffing, 1 box of cake mix, 2 boxes of pudding or Jell-o, 2 boxes of cornbread mix, 4 cans of low sodium corn, 2 cans of cranberry sauce, 1-32 oz. can of sweet potatoes or yams, 2 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 4 cans of low sodium green beans, and 1 can of gravy. These are things that will make for a nice family holiday meal.

The reason senior Tori Carter-Story wanted to promote the Food Drive is because “I was raised to help people who are struggling.” Tori has contributed her own time to help out with this program. “Honestly, I joined at the last minute. I only had the intention of bringing in food. Once I saw all of the boxes that needed to be packed, I decided to help out with that and everything else.” She has a heart full of love and a passion for helping others, a true Messmer Bishop.

The reason Ms. Mathay wanted to promote this program is because, “I see the need for less fortunate families to have good food during the holidays.”

Tori said that the challenges that the Food Drive went through was “Everyday, there was always some item that was missing. To fix the issue, I went to get food, so did Ms. [Theology/Economics Teacher Chris] Neihaus.” Ms. Mathay said, “The response to the food Drive wasn’t very productive at the beginning. The last couple days, in addition to collecting food, we have been collecting money from the students and faculty.”

Because of a final push at the end inspired by a passionate plea from Theology Teacher Ms. Abby Demeter, the goal of 80 boxes was reached!

As you are sitting down to your own holiday meal this Christmas, remember Bishops, you enabled others to enjoy theirs as well.

--Contributed by senior Treveon Howard

The LBC is in the House!

When it come to recording music at school, the LEADERS Beats Center (LBC) is the place to be. The LBC is a combination of a writing lab and a production studio. It was organized by teachers and is run by students with the ultimate goal of creating music. Thanks to previous Music Teacher Mr. Greg Flattery, students have the equipment and knowledge to write and record their own music.

LEADERS (Learning Education Advancement Development and Employment Readiness Skills) is the after school program that helps students develop their academics, talents, responsibility, and character. The LBC is a great addition to what LEADERS has to offer students.

With the help of Mr. Leroy Fullwood (Dean of Students) and Mr. Ken Klatkiewicz--aka Mr. K.-- (head basketball coach/guidance counselor), the LEADERS Beats Center has all the assistance that it needs. Mr. K. helped establish this program, he said, because, "It’s no secret teenagers love music and not a day goes by I don’t hear them saying their own raps or singing someone else’s lyrics. So why not use the studio in conjunction with the classroom to help grow their creativity?" The reason Mr. Fullwood helped establish this program, he said is because, "It was something I was into, I’m a music fan and it brought me back to when I used to rap." These two supporters are the reason the LBC is alive and active. When asked, "What made you want to promote the LEADERS Beat Center?" Mr. K replied, "I was speaking with [English Teacher] Ms. [Lauren] Brown, and she wished students were more excited about writing." Mr. Fullwood said, "I saw it as a creative outlet that is also entertaining."

Giving the students a chance to record their own music is something that has never been done before at Messmer, and the students appreciate the adult pioneers for their time and effort. According to Alexius Heard, (studio producer assistant/artist) "The LEADERS beats center is a place where students can show their musical potential." She feels it takes "...hard work, dedication and mad skills" to become a MC.

JaVaughn Harris (studio producer/artist) said, "The LEADERS Beats Center is a program where our school can record our musical talents for free." JaVaughn has a big part in the LBC--he has the experience, the lyrics, and the skills to show our school’s rappers how to record professional music.

A world without music is like a world without water; it is needed in different ways. Martin Luther once said, "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." The LBC will leave its mark on Messmer High School because of the hard work, dedication, and talent that the participants and advisors put into it. If you have music that you would like to record for people to hear, join the LEADERS Beats Center!

--Contributed by senior Treveon Howard

Adding Spice to an Old Tradition

This year at Messmer there is an addition to the school’s traditional prayer service. The students go to their third hour classes after prayer service and take time to reflect. This gives both the teachers and the students a chance to say how they feel or what message they received from the prayer service. Each week the teachers receive a new list of questions pertaining to that Wednesday’s prayer service to help guide the discussion.

This new idea of prayer service reflection is so students can be clear on that week’s message and learn more about those in their school community. Prayer Service Director and Theology Teacher Ms. Donna Eddy said, "This is a time to reflect, and to come together as a community. A time for both teachers and students to share their faith on an equal level of learning." In addition she hopes that the Wednesday discussions have a positive impact on the school. If both the teachers and students are open to the reflection as opposed to participating just because they have to, then they will discover the depth of their faith. Through this new idea, as a high school we all can become active participants. This half an hour or so allows the third hour class as a whole to come together as one.

The students are expected to enter their third hour class and wait for the teacher to share the questions. Once the questions are shared all students should take a minute or two to think about their responses. After thinking about the questions and relating them to the prayer service and themselves, students should then participate in a meaningful discussion. This new idea is still in its beginning stages. Ms.Eddy said, "We will wait until the reflection process has a little bit more experience to tell [how successful it is]." Until then we wait, listen, and reflect.

--Contributed by senior Brittany Harmon

Ms. Reineking Bulding Rapport

There are many new teachers at Messmer High School this year. One of the new staff members is Ms. Rebecca Reineking. Ms. Reineking is from Sheboygan, WI and she went to Sheboygan South High School. After high school she said, "I went to UW-Whitewater for a Kinesiology degree, then to Carroll College for my Physical Education and Health teaching certification." She said her family would describe her as, "...supportive, kind and loving." She said her favorite thing to do on her free time is "travel with friends and family." Ms. Reineking said her talents are,"I’m athletic and a good listener." Her favorite sports are softball and golf.

Ms. Reineking previously worked at Wisconsin College Prep Academy and in the summers she teaches in the Cedarburg School District. Ms. Reineking decided to come to Messmer because "I had heard great things about Messmer from teachers who currently work here." Ms. Reineking's goals for her gym students are, "...to educate students about the importance of lifelong fitness, and create an exciting, active environment here at school so that they will be motivated to take care of themselves now and in the future." Ms. Reineking said what she is looking forward to this school year is "...building rapport with students and staff.”

We are glad you are here, Ms. Reineking!

--Contributed by junior Shela Grant

Juniors Let God

Messmer has always been a faith-based, moral and spiritual template for other schools to follow the "Messmer Way." Students participate in yearly retreats to take time to reflect on themselves and their faith.

These retreats are for students as individuals and as a team to challenge themselves to overcome fears and achieve goals in life. Each class goes on separate retreats.

The juniors went to Camp Minikani as their religious experience. This retreat focused on trust, building relationships, and overcoming fears and obstacles.

This retreat also was for the students to enjoy themselves outdoors and have fun with their fellow class of 2015.

Juniors participated in low ropes, rock climbing, and the most challenging, high ropes. Junior Nadia Gracia said she was terrified when she first approached the ladder for the high ropes but she sang a song in her head "I’ll Make A Man Out of You" from Mulan. She says even though you're on a tiny wobbling rope you have to just "Keep Moving Forward."

These challenges required lots of encouragement from classmates. The junior retreat also required lots of teamwork and communication during the peer challenges. Nadia expressed happiness when she mentioned how she enjoyed herself with her peers.

Many of the juniors looked forward to the retreat because the seniors gave them a good exemplar of their time last year at Camp Minikani.

Morality teacher Ron Kuenstler helped plan the junior retreat. He wanted the juniors to have as much fun as possible. Mr. Kuenstler said the best part of the retreats was watching the students at work on their tasks. He took pictures and video to capture the energy of the students and to show them succeeding on the courses. He put cameras on some of the students' helmets to document their reactions on the high ropes and rock climbing.

The high ropes was a big challenge for most students. Mr. Kuenstler advice was to just have an open mind and when you step foot on the rope "Just Let Go and Let GOD!!"

Nadia thinks that retreats are for her peers to build friendships and gain memories that will last a lifetime. The teachers want the students to gain confidence to be able handle anything that comes their way in life.

Retreats are for you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and adventurous.

--Contributed by junior Anthony Richmond

Soccer Looking Ahead

Throughout the soccer season the players got used to the techniques of a new head coach, Brian Benn, along with assistant coaches Peter Johnson and Daniel Solorzano.

All three coaches worked really hard to improve Messmer soccer, in a way that will equal success.

Soccer players had practice every day after school from 3:15 to 5:30. These practices were not easy. The players had to do “Chelseas” which is when they have to run 5 laps around the soccer field in less than 8 minutes. It was difficult at first, but players knew that they had to adapt to these practices in order to stay part of the team. The players found this exercise to be very helpful in the long run.

Coach Benn reflected on the season, “The first part of the season the team was in constant fluctuation and the effects of that showed up in the game results. The second half of the season the team was much more cohesive and the team finished the year with a string of good results. After starting 0-3 in conference, we finished 3-5.”

As freshmen joined the team they found it was difficult for them to transfer from middle school soccer to high school varsity. Freshman Daniel Hernandez said, “At first it was hard because I am a goalie, but then I got used to it.”

Coach Benn said, “The biggest challenge was the lack of size. With such a young team we were fighting a size battle in every game. The team compensated by attempting to play a possession based game that played to the strengths of the team that are touch and speed. The overall youth was a problem as well, in most cases kids would lose their composure when put under pressure. The experience of playing a full season of varsity soccer will only improve-- this is still a young team going forward.”

The younger players finished the season ready to play for next year and waiting to see what will happen next. Junior Jorge Ramirez described what he can do better by saying, “I can motivate people more for next year, so they can try harder and not give up.”
Messmer soccer team: Do not give up, we are pulling for you!

--Contributed by senior Missael Alba