Messmer Today - Messmer Catholic Schools

Building
Character
Alumni News & Updates page 17
Winter 2010-11
MESSMER TODAY
Messmer Catholic Schools
Board of Directors
Sr. Shawnee Daniels-Sykes, SSND
Roger Dickson
Bill Goldammer ‘52
Mikel Holt
Al Mattacotti ‘58
Jeff Monday
Peter Salza ‘60
Br. Bob Smith, OFM Cap
INSIDE MESSMER TODAY
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
3
A Message from the President
Triathlon: A transformative experience
4
Building character through athletics
64
Mike Bartels
Director of Information
and Technology
New Perspectives: Wilderness camping and canoe trip
8
Mark Ketterhagen
Vice Principal
Messmer High School
New Perspectives: Grade school students learn lessons in peace
9
Robert Beckman
Principal
Messmer Preparatory Catholic School
Achiever Spotlight: Deasjiah Morris
10
Lewis Lea
Principal
St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School
School News
11
Messmer Catholic Schools
Administration
Br. Bob Smith, OFM Cap
President and CEO
Irma Esparza
Director of Administrative Services
MEssmer today Contributors
John Balistreri
Curtis Borri
JoAnne Carter-Hauser
Elizabeth Flattery
Greg Flattery
Jennifer Flierl
Timothy Gallagher
William Gunderson
Michael Hennicke
Kevin Hughes
Kristin Luhr
Steve Markiewicz
Richard Mathews
LaRhonda Moore ΄98
Julie Morrison
Jennifer Morris
Josh Reiss
Deidre Steward ΄03
Briana Stewart ΄11
Abigail Vogt
and Messmer High School
Broadcast Media, Photography
and Yearbook classes
Messmer Today is published for
and about the Messmer Catholic
Schools community. For more
news and updates, please visit
messmerschools.org
Dear Friends,
For nearly 85 years, Messmer Catholic Schools have worked to build a foundation
of instructional excellence rooted in faith. As our Mission Statement clearly states,
“Messmer Catholic Schools prepare their graduates to excel in college, to succeed
in the workforce and to become productive citizens.” We work diligently every
day to build character. Or faculty and staff lead by example, and alongside our
parents and guardians, we are producing students who live their lives ethically,
honestly and with integrity.
On these pages you will find examples of our students’ success
in the classroom and beyond. We are proud of the fact that we
are doing more than just producing successful students; we are
producing students with strong character:
8
Students like the triathlon team members. These students
trained as a team and accomplished far more than they thought
possible.
l
16
Portraits in Leadership Scholarship Dinner
16
Alumni News and Updates
Alumni Profile: James and Maureen (Morearty) Haines ‘52
Alumni Updates
In Memoriam
14
Students like eighth grade student Deasjiah Morris. She
quietly accepts leadership and is a role model for her peers.
MESSMER
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
FAST FACTS
1,532
Total number of students
at three campuses
87%
Number of Messmer
High School graduates who
typically go on to college
l
Building students of character and integrity, students who are led by faith—this
is the heart of what we do. This is what makes Messmer special. Our alumni,
donors, friends, parents and students realize this and encourage our mission
in a number of ways. Many donate financially to support student scholarships
and programs. Our volunteers are invaluable in providing extra support to our
learners. And many support us by simply speaking of Messmer as a shining
example in urban education. Whatever role you play, you stand with us every day
as we continue to build the foundation of student success.
$1.7
million
Amount in scholarships
awarded to the class of 2010,
now in their first semester
of college
STAY CONNECTED
We are eternally thankful for your friendship and support!
Warm regards,
eats
retr
14 Student
11 Hon
ors Sem
inar
ip Dinner
16 Portraits in Leadership Scholarsh
Br. Bob Smith, OFM Cap
President and CEO
Messmer Catholic Schools
Alumni and friends of
Messmer Catholic Schools
stay updated by visiting:
• messmerschools.org
• Facebook
• messmerhighnews.blogspot.com
Our cover features a student participating in our wilderness camping and canoe trip. See page 8.
MESSMER TODAY 2
3 MESSMER TODAY
Triathlon: A transformative experience
Pictured above: Carlton LeRoy, Julio Paredes, Javonte Davis, Theron Briley and Marcasa Washington
All photos courtesy of Kelly Steinberg
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for
others?” These words and the example of Martin Luther King Jr. inspired
me to reach out this summer and to dream big for Messmer’s teens. With
high hopes and grand visions, the Messmer High School/Nimble Training
Triathlon team took shape, with a stated purpose of teaching the multi- By Julie Morrison
sport lifestyle, while at the same time seeking to provide urban youth Triathlon team coach
with a transformative life experience.
We envisioned that teens who successfully completed the triathlon training
program would have increased selfconfidence, character, and perseverance,
and that they would be able to empower
others and achieve their highest purpose
in life.
I am deeply humbled and grateful to
report that with the help of the Messmer
community and Nimble Training, a
multi-sport training service, over $4,500
was raised to support the student
athletes.
Messmer’s teenagers eagerly began the
season, probably not knowing exactly
what they were getting into. I do not
know how many of them had ever heard
of a triathlon prior to this past spring
when I presented the idea of the team to
the entire student body. Nonetheless,
they came forth one-by-one with wide
eyes and bright smiles, wanting to be a
part of something new and stimulating,
wanting to make something more of their
summers.
Every day in May, one or another of
the future triathletes would approach me
asking, “When can we start? When do
MESSMER TODAY 4
coaches would tell them about swimming, biking, and running.
While I was pleased with how things
were going the first few weeks, still
amazed that this dream was being realized, I grew increasingly frustrated with
the fact that all of the athletes never
seemed to attend all at once–someone
I had never in my life been in deep
was always missing. I listened as they
water without sinking. When I heard
explained the reasons for their tardiness
about the swimming part, I was very,
or absences. I reminded myself that if
very scared and my head was filled
I wanted them to responsibly manage
with negativity. But I was encouraged possible conflicts and plan appropriand trained by the best coaches
ately, we had to teach them these skills
EVER. Ms. Morrison and the other
and reinforce them.
coaches helped me to overcome my
One athlete who began the program
fears.” –Julio Paredes
had increasing pain in his leg, which
led to his leaving the team. Eventually
we were all deeply saddened to learn
June 14th came, and we were off and
of the discovery of a tumor and his
running for our first official workout. It
stay at Children’s Hospital. He is now
felt good to run, walk, and sprint down
receiving chemotherapy. The Tri-ing for
the street behind Messmer High School
Children’s Triathlon benefits Children’s
and around the block, and watch as the
Hospital. Julio, who completed the
neighbors curiously observed and then
training, told his friend he was going to
smiled and waved approvingly. Each of
do the race in his honor.
the athletes themselves was interested and
Gradually, a real team formed. The
anxious to soak up anything new that the team was comprised of five committed
we get to swim?” and most often, “Do
we get medals? Do we get a trophy?” My
enthusiasm matched theirs, and I would
assure them that on June 14th, we would
officially begin, they might get a medal,
but probably not a trophy.
athletes: Javonte Davis, Carlton LeRoy,
or praise, and always ready to help the
Theron Briley, Marcasa Washington and
coaches with any given task before or afJulioParedes, and six committed coaches: ter practice.
myself, Charlie Uihlein and Korrin
I knew we were a true family when, to
Schriver from Messmer, and Penny
conclude our final team practice, Marcasa
Hansen, Pat Tasker, Ellen Osterman and
stormed off, upset that one of the boys
Mayda Crites from Nimble Training.
was teasing her, shouting, “I’m done!
Javonte called me nearly every Monday, I’m going home!” I actually smiled, seWednesday, and Friday morning at 7:45
cure and confident that we were strong
to ask where I was. “I am at home,” I
and united, regardless of any minor disexplained, “and will be at school shortly.
putes—just like a family.
We begin at 8:45.” He was the very last
Race day came with what the coaches
person I had accepted on the team, after
had come to expect and welcome as
reasoning that we might not have fund“planned chaos.” At the race site, once the
ing to take on one more.
coaches had hurriedly helped the athletes
Carlton opted not to vacation for a
prep their transition area and gear, the
week in Chicago with his cousins, beteam set out to the water’s edge to soak
cause, “Ms. Morrison, I could tell our
up the race day atmosphere.
practices this week were really important
I imagine their wonder at watching the
by what you said to me.”
swim waves take off. They had never seen
Theron, who might agree that he and
I did not have the closest of relationships in math class last year, courageously I learned I can do anything I want if I
joined the team and set out to do some- put my mind to it. I am stronger than
I thought!” –Marcasa Washington
thing real with his summer. A man of
few words in the team setting, his inner
strength and confidence propelled him
forward in his desire to accomplish this
anything like it. This was the morning
individual athletic goal.
they had been waiting for since April, and
Marcasa reported that she ran a 5K
its arrival meant that their hard work and
with her church group in less time than it commitment would pay off. It meant
had taken her to run the 5K at Lake Park they would have the opportunity to
Superun. She joined the Cross Country
prove to themselves that they could do it,
team this fall; Coach Bill Gunderson says that they were worthy of the task.
she was one of the team’s best runners.
They stood together, as a team, watchFinally, Julio, the most mature on the
ing in anticipation and silence. I told
team, would quietly and confidently
them that we coaches were already proud
take on the business of each training sesand that nothing they would do could
sion, never seeking personal attention
take that away. All that was left was to do
it and enjoy the moments.
After much panic in the 200-meter
swim portion of the race, which was
handled calmly by the athletes’ composed
‘swim buddies,’ the four boys completed
their 6 mile bike and 1.65 mile run oneby-one, with a sense of accomplishment I
doubt they have felt before. As we waited
for Marcasa, our fears mounted, knowing
that she must have mistakenly ridden the
fifteen mile course instead of six, hoping
that she was not hurt.
She finally arrived, understandably
tired and very frustrated, but we could
hardly contain our delight in welcoming
her! Her anger turned to joy as we overheard that the Messmer/Nimble team
had won the Tri-ing for Children’s Team
Spirit Award and trophy. She crossed the
finish line knowing that, even in the face
of unforeseen obstacles, she can accomplish any goal. The light in her eyes tells
me so.
With the race complete, we realized
that we accomplished the goal of providing the teens with the unique opportunity and support to complete a triathlon.
It would be quite a bold proclamation
to declare we accomplished our underlying mission to transform the lives of the
athletes on the team. Yet this is the hope
I hold onto. The genuine love, care, and
concern we show them has an effect and
purpose in their lives, and they can pass
that gift on to others.
Special thanks to the following triathlon team
sponsors: Dream Bikes Milwaukee, Wheel and
Sprocket, Le Club Sports Club, InStep Physical
Therapy and Footwear.
5 MESSMER TODAY
BUILDING
CHARACTER
through
athletics
Head basketball coaches Jim Datka and Vanessa Sowinski
Athletics are an important part of any school culture, but athletics are
much more than competition. We recently asked Messmer High School’s
VS: When I started coaching I had a goal
to build character. The following is an excerpt.
student athletes?
JD: I really don’t see a difference between
grade school, high school and college
coaching. I think the ability to work with
people is a prime factor. You have to be
patient, organized and extremely hard
working. Bottom line is, you’ve got to
love the work.
VS: You need the ability to adapt to the
needs of the players you are coaching,
and adapt during game situations. You
can never anticipate what a game is going
to look like, so you have to be ready to
coach to any situation that arises. And
you need to be a good motivational
speaker! Players get frustrated and you
need to be able to talk them through
emotions to get back to the skills needed
to win games.
Q. Jim and Vanessa, you’re just beginning
practice for your basketball seasons. Tell us what
we can expect from the players this season.
VS: We’re getting a lot of the same girls
back; we only graduated two seniors, so
I’m looking for the girls to be smart and
MESSMER TODAY 6
mature players. The girls’ teams also stress
controlling what we can control: our
attitudes, our shooting, turnovers, trying
to control those things. For example,
last year when we ran a drill, we would
know it in practice, but then when we
got into a game situation, many times
we had trouble implementing. So I’m
really looking for our girls’ experience
and maturity as players this year so that
the things we know and practice really
produce for us in the games.
JD: We talk about having a passion for
JD: We’re going to be incredibly hard
Q. How do your players manage to keep up with
working, we’re going to be in great
condition and we’re going to be really
prepared. We talk all the time about
controlling what we can control, so
being hard working, incredibly wellconditioned and being prepared for the
game are the things we can control. We
also always expect our players to be great
ambassadors for Messmer High School.
We always tell them it is very important
how we play, but it is even more
important how we act when we play.
their schoolwork given basketball’s rigorous
Q. Participating in athletics requires commitment.
Can you talk about how you stress commitment
and responsibility with your players?
hours in a day and they’re being asked
to give up 2 for basketball. That leaves
22, and sometimes we plan it all out:
you get 8 hours of sleep, you’re in school
during the day, and we find that there
are huge chunks of time that they don’t
understand that they have. So learning to
make good use of the time that they have
is important. Our players also go to study
table when the girls have early practice.
and long-term goals for the program?
the season ahead and reflect upon the importance of using team sports
coach have in order to work with high school
JD: We talk about how there are 24
Q. What are your short-term goals for the season
head basketball coaches Vanessa Sowinski and Jim Datka to talk about
Q. In your opinion, what qualities should a good
print out their grades and say, ‘OK you’re be playing against girls their own age and
going to this teacher today for extra help.’ building the program.
Or if I see missing assignments I’ll make
the girls connect with the teacher to
“We talk about our program as
make sure the work gets completed.
basketball. Basketball is not a sprint, it’s a
marathon. A marathon requires training,
pacing, determination and commitment,
just like the long basketball season. Also,
everything we do is based on teamwork.
Basketball is not a sport where you can
have just one star and be successful. You
need a team of successful players. Our
system is built on teamwork, and that
means being there for and accountable to
your teammates and to Messmer.
game and practice schedule?
VS: If we have late practice because the
boys are practicing first, we have study
table. The girls come to study table after
school, and they have a choice: they can
sign in and use that time for homework
or studying, or they can also go to a
teacher for extra help. If they go to a
teacher, they get a sign in and out card
from the teacher so they are accountable
for their time. With our online grading
program, I can look at all the girls’ grades
for all their classes, and sometimes I’ll just
of initiating a freshman team. Last year
we had a freshman team, but they did
not have scheduled games. This year we
have our freshman team with scheduled
games, and I feel very good about that.
Adding the freshman team is going to
improve the program long-term, they’ll
building good people, good students
and good athletes in that order. We
want to educate the whole person.
We just don’t run a basketball team,
we build character.”
–Coach Datka
JD: Well, we start every year wanting
to win a state championship. I want to
set the bar as high as I can. I don’t have
low expectations and I don’t think our
players should have low expectations for
themselves.
Long term, I just want the best
program I can have. But that doesn’t
necessarily mean wins or losses. I think
the great thing about coaching high
school is talking to the kids about getting
into college, and not necessarily as
college basketball players. People would
Messmer High School Girl’s Basketball
2010-2011
Date
Location Opponent
Time
Nov. 20
Nov. 30
Dec. 3
Dec. 4
Dec. 7
Dec. 9
Dec. 18
Dec. 21
Jan. 4
Jan. 7
Jan. 15
Jan. 18
Jan. 21
Jan. 25
Feb. 1
Feb. 4
Feb. 8
Feb. 12
Feb. 15
Feb. 18
Feb. 22
Feb. 26
March 4
March 8,10,12
March 17,18,19
March 24,25,26
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
12:00
5:45/7:30
4:30/5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
6:00
5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
12:00/1:30
5:45/7:30
5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/545/7:30
5:45/7:30
TBD
TBD
TBD
USM (Scrimmage)
The Hope School
Westosha Central
Racine St. Catherine
Franklin
Martin Luther
Dominican
Walter Payton Prep
Kenosha Christian Life
Racine Lutheran
The Prairie School
Catholic Central
Kenosha St. Joseph
Shoreland Lutheran
Racine St. Catherine
Martin Luther
Dominican
Racine Lutheran
The Prairie School
Catholic Central
Kenosha St. Joseph
Shoreland Lutheran
Shorewood
Regionals
Sectionals
STATE
be surprised about how much we talk
about academics and going to college as
opposed to talking about basketball in
our practices. We’ll talk to the players
at the beginning and end of practice
and very few times is that a basketball
conversation. I’ll print an article that says
‘graduation rate of black males is…’ and
fire statistics at them and say ‘you have to
be different.’
We also talk about our program as
building good people, good students and
good athletes in that order. We want to
educate the whole person. We just don’t
run a basketball team, we build character.
To me, a successful season is teaching the
players much more than just basketball.
VS: I also want the girls to be leaders. I
want them to understand that they are
role models, especially to the younger
girls. And I also want the girls to learn life
lessons. Basketball isn’t just about the x’s
and o’s. It’s about learning the discipline
that it takes to be a part of a team.
Messmer High School Boy’s Basketball
2010-2011
Date
Location
Opponent
Time
Nov. 20
Nov. 26-27
Dec. 2
Dec. 4
Dec. 14
Dec. 17
Dec. 21
Dec. 28-29
Jan. 8
Jan. 14
Jan. 18
Jan. 22
Jan. 25
Feb. 1
Feb. 5
Feb. 8
Feb. 11
Feb. 15
Feb. 19
Feb. 22
Feb. 25
March 1,3,5
March 10,11,12
March 17,18,19
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Kettle Moraine (Scrimmage)
Milwaukee Lutheran Tourney
Racine St. Catherine
Terry Porter Classic
Martin Luther
Dominican
Brookfield Academy
WBBY Shootout
Racine Lutheran
The Prairie School
Catholic Central
Kenosha St. Joseph
Shoreland
Racine St. Catherine’s
Martin Luther
Dominican
Racine Lutheran
The Prairie School
Catholic Central
Kenosha St. Joseph
Shoreland
Regionals
Sectionals
STATE
9:00
TBD
4:15/5:45/7:30
TBD
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
TBD
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
1:00/2:30/4:00
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
1:00/2:30/4:00
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
1:00/2:30/4:00
4:15/5:45/7:30
4:15/5:45/7:30
TBD
TBD
TBD
7 MESSMER TODAY
New Perspectives:
Naturalist John Muir stated, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places
New Perspectives:
Wilderness camping
and canoe trip
to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and
soul.” Yet many urban children never or rarely have the opportunity to leave
Field trip to the
Peace Learning Center
the stress of the city behind in order to refresh their minds and spirits in
places of peace and natural beauty.
In spiritual reflection
Canoeing on the Flambeau River
Navigating the rapids
This summer, four Messmer High
School teachers created an opportunity
for a group of students to experience
nature in new and meaningful ways.
The opportunity not only expanded
the student’s outdoor experience, but
also created opportunities for spiritual
reflection.
The group traveled to northern
Wisconsin to experience a true wilderness
adventure: camping and canoeing the
Flambeau River. Before the trip, most
student participants had never been
camping and only a few had ever gone
canoeing.
Science teacher Josh Reiss explains,
“This was totally out of their comfort
zones. This was wilderness camping, pit
toilets, no running water. We carried
our food and water with us and at times
the river was whitewater rapids. Some
of the students were nervous about even
getting in the water to attempt the swim
test. They listened to instructions so well
because I think they were literally sacred
to death.”
Student Justino Rodriguez
commented, “I was nervous about
drowning in the water because I can’t
swim at all!”
Wendy Ellis’ fourth grade class at the Peace Learning Center
Reiss continues, “But everyone
pushed themselves past what they were
comfortable with and tried new things.”
Reflecting upon lessons from the trip,
student Ever Clinton commented, “This
trip will help me face my future fears.
This trip also helped my leadership skills
“This trip will help me face my
future fears. This trip also helped my
leadership skills expand.”
–Ever Clinton
expand.”
Each day the students were also
assigned a scripture passage to read and
reflect upon. The students were asked
not to talk but just be by themselves in
spiritual reflection until they were called
back. The first day the students reflected
silently for 20 minutes, but by the end of
the experience, they had worked up to a
full hour.
Justino Rodriguez commented, “We
reflected on the book of Timothy. It
helped me realize that I need to set aside
some time every day to communicate
with God instead of watching TV, talking
on the phone or being on Facebook!”
Mother Teresa stated, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten
that we belong to each other.” Every year, fourth grade students at Messmer
Prep and St. Rose and St. Leo visit the Peace Learning Center to reflect upon
ideas of peace and kindness and to build the connections and sense of
belonging that Mother Teresa described.
Peace Learning Center (PLC) in the
Riverwest neighborhood is situated on a
wooded area overlooking the Milwaukee
River—a tranquil oasis in an urban
setting that lends itself easily to quiet
reflection.
PLC identifies itself as a community
educational resource center for nonviolence. PLC offers workshops in
non-violent conflict resolution, healthy
communication and peacebuilding to
area elementary schools and community
groups. In collaboration with schools
and neighborhood organizations
committed to non-violence, social justice
and education, PLC works to empower
children and adults with appropriate
skills to manage daily conflict and
to increase understanding of diverse
perspectives.
PLC goes about meeting those goals
through a variety of methods. In this
case, the methods were tailored to our
fourth grade learners. During their
day-long experience, students engaged
in a number of activities. One activity,
“No Child Left Behind,” required the
students to figure out how to get the
entire class across a turning jump rope.
The students developed a strategy to
make sure everybody got to the other
side without stopping the jump rope. The
game required all students to effectively
communicate with one another to solve
the problem.
The students also learned some conflict
avoidance and resolution strategies.
One activity taught students to take
“peace breaths” when they need to
calm down before talking to someone
about a conflict. The concept is simply
taking deep and slow breaths to calm the
physiological adrenaline response that
occurs during situations of conflict.
“I hear from the students that they
learned when they communicate
and work together they can be more
successful versus when they argue
and choose not to listen.”
–Jackie Dorst
vocabulary in order to clearly state their
point of view. An example of the model is
as follows:
I feel: sad
When you: tease me
I need: you to stop teasing me.
During the final portion, “Go,” the
students implement their solution and
finish working out their conflict.
During the experience, students also
learned about famous peacemakers and
role models, including Mother Teresa,
Vel Phillips and Cesar Chavez. As a
highlight at the end of the experience, the
students took a reflective hike through
the wooded area surrounding PLC.
St. Rose and St. Leo teacher Jackie
Dorst describes the student takeaways
from the experience: “I hear from the
students that they learned when they
communicate and work together they
can be more successful versus when they
argue and choose not to listen.”
Students also learned to use reflection
and effective communication techniques
in a three-part activity called “Ready, Set,
Go!”
In the first portion, “Ready,” students
learn to make sure they are ready to talk
out the conflict. During the next step,
“Set,” they learn to retell the story of what
happened during the conflict. Students
learn to use “I statements” and specific
Wilderness camping and Canoe trip participants
MESSMER TODAY 8
9 MESSMER TODAY
SCHOOL NEWS
ACHIEVER SPOTLIGHT:
DEASJIAH MORRIS
Honors Program Seminar
Eighth grade student Deasjiah Morris is
Messmer High School’s Honors Program provides a comprehensive course of
study designed to challenge academically
talented students. Students gain acceptance to the Honors Program through
academic achievement and faculty
recommendation. The Honors Program
classes cover nearly all areas of the curriculum, including courses in English,
math, science, history, theology and art,
with a dozen Messmer faculty serving as
teachers and mentors.
a model student—all her teachers agree.
Teachers and administrators at St. Rose
and St. Leo have nominated Deasjiah for
recognition as a Student Achiever for her
leadership, her academic discipline and her
ability to be a positive role model to her
peers and the school’s younger students.
Deasjiah Morris, eighth grade student at St. Rose and St. Leo
Academic discipline
Schoolwork should be a student’s main
focus, and that certainly is the case for
Deasjiah. She is very concerned about
her schoolwork and works hard to ensure
her academic success. She plans her time
well and makes sure to include study time
before tests. She always makes sure she is
prepared.
Deasjiah’s favorite subject is Science.
She likes the hands-on opportunities,
and describes a recent experiment. Alkali
Metals are very reactive because they have
one valence electron. To demonstrate
reactive properties, teacher Steve Markiewicz put a very small amount of Sodium
metal in a plastic cup. It hissed and
skated around on top of the water.
During this particular experiment,
things worked out just right and there
was a small flame under it. Deasjiah commented, “It was so cool!”
Leadership
Deasjiah is also a leader in many ways.
She is her class ambassador. An ambassador’s responsibilities include greeting
MESSMER TODAY 10
classroom guests and introducing herself,
describing what the class is learning, and
asking how she might assist the guest.
Deasjiah says she was a little surprised to
be chosen to be the class ambassador because she sometimes is a little shy, but she
says the role is helping her be confident.
Deasjiah is also on St. Rose and St.
Leo’s Student Council. The council is
made up of students who want to make
a difference in their school and community. This year, Deasjiah has worked with
the council to host food drives for both
the House of Peace and for the Milwaukee Bucks.
need help. I like helping them learn or try
new things.”
When asked about what it means to
be a role model, Deasjiah responds, “It
means being a good example, respecting
others and following directions. It means
studying to get good grades and helping
whenever you can.”
“Mr. Markiewicz, our science teacher
is the best. He teaches us A LOT and
we get to do cool experiments.”
–Deasjiah Morris
Role model
When younger students need a little
help, Deasjiah is also quick to assist.
Along with a few other selected eighth
grade students, she helps the younger
third grade students get on the right
school busses at the end of the school day.
Every Tuesday, she also assists the first
grade students in their classes. She says, “I
like working with the first grade students
because they know some things, but still
Deasjiah has been a student at St.
Rose, and now St. Rose and St. Leo
Catholic School ever since kindergarten.
She was a little too young to play a role in
choosing her school back in kindergarten, but she says she is happy her parents
chose St. Rose and St. Leo for her education, and she plans to continue her education at Messmer High School next school
year.
Honors students at the Haggerty Museum
One component of the Honors Program is the annual Honors Fall Seminar,
an intense, focused period of study
intended to expose students to a collegelevel seminar experience. All Honors
students participate in the two-day event.
Led by Messmer’s Honors teachers, the
seminar has, in the past, also hosted local
college professors to give the students a
more complete college-level experience.
For the last five years, the Seminar has
occurred at the Raynor Library on the
Marquette University campus.
Each year, students tackle a new theme.
Last year, students dissected “An Anatomy of a Scholar.” This year, as a coun-
terpoint to last year’s theme, students
examined “A Portrait of the Artist.” In
preparation for the Seminar, students
read texts connected with the theme.
This year, they read Oscar Wilde’s The
Picture of Dorian Gray and James Joyce’s
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
During the seminar, students engaged in
discussion and analyses of the texts; they
also toured the Haggerty Art Museum,
gaining a fuller sense of the “portraiture”
of art and literature. To demonstrate
their knowledge of the material, students
take a test and compose an essay dealing
with the Seminar’s theme.
The Honors Program and Seminar
challenge students to think, to interpret
and to criticize, often taking them out
of their comfort zones. The students,
however, accept and enjoy the challenge.
Giovanni Rodriguez, a senior in the
Honors Program, states “The Honors
Program has greatly improved my skills
and way of thinking. This program has
helped me succeed by challenging me to
do my best.”
Class reports the news, learns
from professionals
The Messmer High School Broadcast
Media class produces The Foursquare
school newspaper, a video newscast and a
blog that reports the school’s latest news
and information as the news happens.
The amateur journalists are learning from
the professionals through field trips to
visit media outlets such as the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel and Today’s TMJ4. The
class even made a brief appearance on
TMJ4’s midday newscast during a field
trip to the television station.
Broadcast Media at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Broadcast Media’s guest appearance on TMJ4 Live at 12:00
Visit messmerschools.org to download
The Foursquare and don’t forget to visit
the Broadcast Media blog at
messmerhighnews.blogspot.com.
Accreditation at St. Rose and
St. Leo and Messmer Prep
The 2010-11 school year marks an important time for Messmer’s grade schools.
The schools will undergo self-studies,
which require a lengthy, systematic process of self-evaluation and peer review of
the school’s academic rigor as determined
by an examination of outcomes and data.
Accreditation is a method of quality
assurance for private schools and is an
indicator of high performing schools.
Messmer’s grade schools are proud to be
accredited by the Wisconsin Religious
and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA) and the Archdiocese of
Milwaukee. Upon completion of the
self-study, the grade schools will host an
accreditation team in the fall of 2011.
Since the grade schools are united
under one common Messmer vision for
quality education, a shared self-study
11 MESSMER TODAY
SCHOOL NEWS
Pebbles of Peace
Leadership Conference
by Briana Stewart ‘11
“Teach us to teach and we will learn.
Teach us to lead and we will serve.”
This is one of the first concepts
presented to the students gathered at
Cardinal Stritch Univerity’s Pebbles of
SCHOOL NEWS
made sense for accreditation. This accreditation process is a first of its kind
to WRISA and the Archdiocese because
no other school system has completed a
multi-school self-study.
Practical applications for
SMART Boards in classrooms
Peace Outweighing Boulders of Violence
core program. Students from around the
city, including Messmer High School’s
Leadershp class, participated in the daylong seminar.
The participants were given opportunities to learn more about Pebbles of Peace
through numerous fun activities and we
heard many wise things from the speakers. Community leaders were put into
different groups with us to share their
experiences, advise us, and tell us their
stories. Creative thinking and probem
solving is what we mulled over as we
began to develop community peace plans
to put into action.
Messmer’s Leadership students problem solve at
Pebbles of Peace seminar
MESSMER TODAY 12
Seventh grade teacher Kristin Luhr demonstrates on a
SMART Board
A SMART Board is an interactive,
electronic whiteboard that can be used
in a variety of classroom settings. Teachers can design various lessons for this
technology using SMART notebook
software. When a computer is connected
to the board, it becomes a touch screen
monitor. This enhances both instruction and learning in many ways. The
notebook software helps teachers address
specific student skills while using a very
dynamic approach. The entire board is
a touch screen so that students are able
to come up to the board and manipulate
different objects or words.
Practical applications for SMART
Boards in the classroom include class
exam preparation in game format,
presentation of notes and other material, and solving math problems. The
SMART Board can also be used to teach
larger concepts such as geography. Since
geography is a very visual discipline, the
board provides many activities to teach
interactively. Ultimately, the SMART
Board is an effective classroom tool, and
the use of the SMART Board enhances
student learning.
Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader is a software
program that improves students reading test scores dramatically. Very simply,
students read books and earn rewards
based on how well they perform on a
basic comprehension test. Students take
this multiple choice test on the computer.
Accelerated Reader does a great job of
making sure the students are reading at
the exact right level. Many students get
frustrated when reading text that is too
difficult. Conversely, students are not
learning when they pick a text that is too
easy. Accelerated Reader technology addresses both of these concerns, resulting
in student success.
Choir performs at SHARE
Wisconsin anniversary
Mesmer High School’s Choirs were
invited to perform recently at SHARE
Wisconsin’s 25th anniversary celebration.
SHARE’s nonprofit, volunteer-run food
buying club helps families save 30-50%
on supermarket quality food. Volunteers
at nearly 200 locations throughout the
upper midwest make the savings possible.
Visit sharewi.org for more information.
Messmer High School Choir at SHARE Wisconsin‘s
25th Anniversary celebration
Retreats
This fall, Messmer’s eighth grade and
high school students participated in
student retreats. Each grade level retreat
focused on a different theme.
The eighth grade classes traveled to
the TYME OUT Center to focus on
responsibility and emotional development. Students discussed three levels of
personal responsibility:
1) M&N: All I care about is me and now.
2) P&P: I act under the influence of
power and pressure. 3) R&R: I do what
is right just because it is right!
FAITH AND SERVICE
the different types of relationships: Love,
Infatuation, Friendship and Exploitation. In a fun activity, students had the
opportunity to ask each other things they
had always wanted to know about the
opposite sex; popular questions included
why girls go to the bathroom in groups
and why guys act differently when they’re
around their guy friends.
Empty Bowls
The sophomores in Chris Nienhaus’s
theology class took up the challenge
this fall to use their creative talents for a
greater good. The students worked with
Messmer High School ceramics instructor
Rebecca Hoeppner to create bowls for the
Milwaukee Empty Bowls project.
Empty Bowls is an annual event with
the mission to raise funds for food and
hunger programs in Milwaukee. At the
event, patrons purchase hand-crafted
ceramic bowls created and donated by
Junior rock climbing and team building
Freshmen improve the Peace Garden
The freshmen learned how to Make
their mark on Messmer, the theme of the
retreat. Students worked together to
enhance the Peace Garden by building
trellises, painting paver stones and building benches. The students also learned
the Messmer rouser and Alma Mater, and
produced, performed and filmed skits
based around themes of the movie Saving
God, and learned what it meant to be
good soil, as based on the parable from
Matthew.
The sophomore class also traveled to
the TYME OUTCenter to learn about
building healthy and strong relationships.
The “LIFE” acronym was used to describe
Sophomores learn about relationships
Camp Minikani hosted the juniors
and seniors for their retreats. The juniors
spent the day team-building and enhancing self-confidence. While facing the 20foot rock climbing wall and the 40-foot
ropes course, the junior class was able to
face their fears and support each other
with faith-based encouragement.
both local artists and students. The guests
then enjoy delicious soups and bread
donated by a number of top Milwaukee
restaurants while listening to live music
and enjoying the fellowship and unity of
individuals united in a common cause. The
guests keep the bowls as momentos and
reminders that someone’s bowl is always
empty.
Seniors reflect upon their Messmer foundation
The senior retreat focused on Building
a Strong Foundation. The seniors reflected upon the foundation they have built
through their years at Messmer with the
help of the staff and each other. Students
enjoyed prayer services, trust walks and
other outdoor activities.
The highlight of the retreat was when
the class sat together and one-by-one
spoke of their lives, memories, regrets,
and hopes in a supportive, and moving
senior retreat tradition.
Students make ceramic bowls for local
hunger programs
13 MESSMER TODAY
SCHOOL NEWS
ARTS
Messmer celebrates Hispanic
Heritage Month
Messmer Catholic Schools are
committed to celebrating diversity.
Messmer High School, Messmer Prep
and St. Rose and St. Leo held activities
designed to raise Latino cultural
awareness during Hispanic Heritage
Month, celebrated annually from
September 15–October 15.
At our grade schools, students
participated in many activities. K4 classes
learned the alphabet in spanish along
with letter sounds. For each letter they
learned about an animal and made a
picture of the animal.
Every morning during announcements
eighth grade student Chastity Fuller read
the Spanish letter and animal for the
Messmer High School dancers and drummers perform
the Latin bomba
day, and told an interesting fact about a
famous Latino.
In Profesora Sambolin’s Spanish classes,
students worked on reports about famous
SCHOOL NEWS
Latinos, and proudly displayed the
reports for all to see.
Messmer High School partnered with
Master Drummer Cecilio Negron Jr.
and Master Dancer Dennis Lopez of the
Milwaukee Public Theatre to instruct
students in traditional Puerto Rican
drumming and dance. A diverse group
of Messmer students worked after school
with Negron and Lopez to learn and
practice the Latin bomba dance style,
which incorporates African and other
cultural influences. The drummers and
dancers combined forces for a school
assembly to honor Hispanic culture.
Visit Messmer High School’s studentgenerated news blog for more pictures
and information on this event and
more! messmerhighnews.blogspot.com
MESSMER HIGH SCHOOL
With new coaches and new players,
Messmer men’s soccer went about
building a strong foundation in 2010.
New coaches Mike Hennicke and
Charlie Uihlein set the tone with new
conditioning techniques to push the
players to be their best. The season
saw many competitive games and two
victories. The coaches and players were
pleased with the team’s growth. Season
highlights include three players honored
by the MCC conference. Rolando Garcia
and Luis Villanueava earned Honorable
Mention and Herbert Forbes earned
Second Team All Conference.
The Messmer Prep co-ed soccer team
got off to a slow start; for many players
this was their first time playing soccer on
a team. Thanks to the coaching of Carrie
Losee, the team was able to improve week
to week and finish the season strong.
Coach Losee kept her players motivated
even when they were down, and the
student athletes were dedicated and never
gave up.
performed Alice, based on the book by Whoopi
Messmer High School men’s soccer and co-ed track
life rich. In the process of heading into the
l High school cross country
Big City to claim a prize, Alice makes choices
The 2010 cross-country season was
very successful. Twelve new runners
joined the co-ed program this year in
addition to the veteran runners. Various
workouts combined aspects of coretraining and running to prepare the
team for competitions, aid in developing
friendships, and encourage a solid,
positive work ethic. Due to rigorous
training and effort, nearly every runner
continued to set personal record times.
that interfere with what’s most important—
the friends who started the journey with her.
Through encounters with people who are “only
in it for the money,” Alice meets just enough
genuine people who help her find her way
back to the riches she already had before she
came to the Big City: her friends.
Congratulations to the cast, crew, and
director Greg Flattery on a successful
performance!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
l Messmer Prep soccer
Messmer High School produced and
Hines. The play explores the things that make
l High school football
l High school men’s soccer
Alice performed at Messmer
High School
Goldberg and adapted for the stage by Kim
ATHLETICS
Messwood (Messmer and Shorewood) football team
This year, the football coaches
have seen great improvements. More
players participated in off-season
weight training, an important part of
conditioning. The training also provides a
chance for the players to get to know one
another and build relationships.
l Messmer Prep volleyball
l High school volleyball
The Messmer Prep girls’ volleyball
teams had record participation for the
fourth straight year. Our three fifth
and sixth grade teams showed great
improvement from the beginning of
the season until the end. Our seventh
and eighth grade teams also showed a
great deal of grace under pressure while
battling through a tough division.
The varsity volleyball team finished
sixth overall in the conference and fourth
in tournament play, defeating two teams
it had previously lost to in the regular
season. Head coach Vanessa Sowinski
credits the success to the trust her players
have established. “That trust was huge
and it affected our teamwork. The setters
have to trust the back row to get the
passes and be there, and they were.”
New this year for volleyball was a
collaboration with the Messmer High
School volleyball program. The girls
were able to expand their knowledge
and experience by participating in a
high school style practice, and meet the
coaches and players from the high school.
They were also able to attend two home
games as a team and show support for
their high school role models.
Assistant coach Vince LoCoco is proud
of the growth he’s seen this season. “Our
players are coming to practice every day
and are working hard to implement the
concepts we teach in every game.”
Senior Chante Hollinshed was
also named to the Second Team All
Conference. Junior Hy’vn Jones received
a Conference Honorable Mention,
finishing the season with the best serving
percentage and most assists.
Messmer Prep eighth grade volleyball team
MESSMER TODAY 14
15 MESSMER TODAY
ALUMNI UPDATES
1940s
Barbara ( Jones) Smith-Fochtmann
’42, enjoys life in Colorado. She has
three children, four grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren.
1960s
Lenore (Pawlik) Ormiston ’64
is partially retired. She has four
daughters and six grandchildren.
Lenore would like to hear from
former classmates from the Class
of 1964. (Editor’s note: contact our
Development Office for information on
reconnecting with classmates.)
Mary (Grzywinski) Ellis ’73 has
completed a self-published book
Non-Local Flow: Good Chi, The Sea
and Me, to honor the memory of her
daughter, Tanya, who died tragically
in a car accident. The book is a
collection of art, photos, (continued)
MESSMER TODAY 16
JAMES AND MAUREEN (MOREARTY) HAINES
PORTRAITS IN
LEADERSHIP
We often talk about Messmer’s heritage of academic
SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
excellence, but we sometimes miss the stories that hit
a little closer to the heart. Meet James and Maureen
(Morearty) Haines, graduates of the Class of 1952.
Jim and Maureen, high school sweethearts, have been
married for 53 years. While Messmer can’t make claim to
James Haines ‘52 and
Maureen (Morearty) Haines ‘52
Al Mattacotti ‘58, Alumnus of the
Justice Janine Ge
ske, Bishop’s Ch
air Award recipi
Rev. Robert A. W
ent,
ild, SJ, Special Ho
noree, and Lyn
Mike Gousha, Ch
n Sprangers an
ristian Faith an
d
d Leadership Aw
ard recipients
Year
The Portraits in Leadership Scholarship Dinner presents an opportunity
to honor individuals who, through their actions, positively impact our
community. The Scholarship Dinner is also our largest fundraising
event. Proceeds go directly to funding student scholarships and
learning opportunities. We thank all those who shared this special
evening with us!
1970s
John Patrick ’70, celebrated 20 years
of volunteering at Summerfest and
10 years volunteering at Messmer’s
annual Golf Outing. Thank you,
John!
Joseph Colacino ’71 is a past
Alderman of the City of Glendale.
He moved to Hartford in 2009. His
wife, Manina, owns Nearly New
Family Fashions in Glendale.
ALUMNI PROFILE
MESSMER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
1950s
Tom Zacharias ’59, had a great time
at Messmer’s annual Golf Outing!
Tom and his wife, Susan, share: “We
are sorry to lose Jeff Monday, but
God has other plans for him. God
bless Br. Bob and the entire staff at
Messmer.”
David Kelling ’59 and Kathleen
(Farley) Kelling ’59 are happily
retired. They Co-Chaired the Class
of ’59 Reunion Committee, which
organized their 50th Reunion.
ALUMNI UPDATES
Keynote Speaker, Messmer
High School student Shameka
Moore ‘11
Event Co-chairs Bill Otto ‘74
Build your
LEGACY
with a
Planned Gift
and Bob Monday
Br. Bob Smith, President
Messmer Catholic Schools
Your gift will support Messmer Catholic Schools’
mission in education while providing valuable
tax savings on earned income.
{
Charitable Gift Annuities
Bequests
Charitable Trusts
Life Insurance
Stock Transfers
Gifts of Real Estate
Contact the Development Office at 414-264-5440
or visit messmerschools.org
their introduction, we like to think we play a supporting
role in their story. Maureen tells it best:
“We actually met in the third grade at
St. Elizabeth’s (now Blessed Martin de
Porres) on Second and Burleigh. I was
thrilled when my parents told me I could
go to Messmer as Jim was going there.
This enabled us to have many years with
Notre Dame nuns.”
“We had three great years at Messmer
going to all the proms and winter balls
together. We went to many of the basketball and football games. Most of the
friends we chummed with were connected with some sport or another. Jim also
played on Messmer’s baseball team, did
some boxing and I belonged to the Braille
Club which made books for the blind.
“We married in 1957 and have three
sons and one daughter: a salesman, a
priest, a police detective and a teacher.
Jim took an apprenticeship at Falk Corporation and worked there for forty years
as a Journeyman Electrician. My first job
was for the attorney for the Archdiocese
of Milwaukee (placed there by the secretarial teacher at Messmer—a gem of a
nun), and then I retired to raise our family. After the children were old enough, I
went back to work as a secretary.
“We recently attended an Open House
at Messmer and were just amazed at how
wonderful it looks. It seems to look far
better than it did when we attended. The
new gym is just super and the chapel is
Jim and Maureen in a recent family photo
beautiful. We found the sites for some of
our classrooms even if they had different
numbers.
“We see some fellow alumni at various
parish functions and even see some who
are members of our priest son’s parish.”
These days, the Haines’ have a new connection to Messmer. Their daughter, Anne,
began working at Messmer High School as
a theology teacher this school year.
Maureen describes, “We are so blessed to
have had a Messmer education and are even
more blessed to have our daughter Anne
now teaching theology there. Her siblings
share in our pride. Our grandchildren
think it’s funny that whenever we drive
past Messmer, Jim says, ‘You know, I dated
a girl who went to that school.’ Of course,
he is talking about me. But now he has
changed his comment to ‘You know, I have
a daughter who teaches at that school.’”
When asked if her relationship with Jim
was love from the start, Maureen responds,
“We both feel there was always something
special about the other. After 53 years of
marriage, we still feel that way.”
(Alumni Updates continued)
poetry and journal entries collected
from Tanya’s travels. To keep her
daughter’s spirit alive, Mary is
donating a portion of the profits to
the charities that Tanya embraced.
NonLocalFlow.com.
Sandra (Knudson) Gnerlich ’73
is having fun reconnecting with
classmates on Facebook!
Ruth (Derler) Holdener ’73 lives
in Illinois and has 16-year-old twin
boys who are very active in sports.
She works as a CT technician and
misses her friends and family in
Milwaukee.
Sue (Solski) Farkas ’76 is widowed;
she enjoys life with her daughter and
grandchildren.
1980s
Dean Vernon ’82 published The
Deception of Sex, Money & Drugs.
It is available for purchase at
publishamerica.net.
Mary Jo (Willis) Laur ’82 has
been married for 26 years and
enjoys spending time with her
children, stepchildren and gorgeous
grandchildren when she is not
traveling for work.
2000s
Alea Cross ’07, is a student at
Marquette University and is
interning at Aurora Health Care as
communications specialist for the
Foundation Impact Department.
Alea is Vice President of External
Affairs for INROADS Student
Association–Milwaukee Chapter,
which matches persons of color with
business leaders for networking and
opportunities.
Alumni: Share your updates with
us! Please submit your updates
at messmerschools.org.
17 MESSMER TODAY
IN MEMORIAM
A N ATO M Y O F A M E S S M E R S T U D E N T
The Messmer Catholic Schools Family extends its condolensces to those grieving a loved one.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
1930s
1940s continued
John Joseph Sutschek ’30 on June 11, 2009
Ruth Mary (Andorfer) Japp ’34 on December 13, 2009
Marjorie (Mraz) Fee ’35 on August 20, 2010
Jane Catherine (Peterson) Dorr ’36 on November 25, 2009
Cecilia (Bittman) Jelinek ’36 on August 27, 2010
Elizabeth (Telderer) Sprague ’36 on September 1, 2009
William J. Filsinger ’37 on November 11, 2009
Margaret P. (Zander) Loesch ’37 on November 28, 2009
Paul J. Kellner ’37 on January 15, 2010
Alda T. (Martinelli) Dowdle ’39 on March 12, 2010
Leonard M. Wachniak ’47 on August 17, 2010
Francis J. Rechtien ’48 on January 22, 2010
Dr. John Binzak ’48 on June 12, 2010
Lorraine (Fuchs) Spencer ’49 on November 14, 2009
Francis X. Wanninger ’49 on November 19, 2009
Arthur J. Roy ’49 on September 10, 2010
1940s
Dorothy A. Callen ’40 on June 2, 2010
Thomas A. Bach ’41 on September 10, 2010
Margaret M. (Gehrs) Hanley ’41 on June 19, 2010
Donald J. Scholler ’41 on September 26, 2010
Carlton P. Kirst ’42 on January 22, 2010
Betty J. (Hoppe) Markwardt ’42 on June 28, 2010
Robert M. Strupp ’43 on July 16, 2010
Valerene Estelle (McAnson) Retallick ’44 on November 8, 2009
Raymond Louis Labiszak ’44 on December 11, 2009
Kenneth G. Berger ’44 on May 31, 2010
Thomas M. Bartnik ’44 on January 15, 2010
Marie L. (Reading) Condran ’44 on January 21, 2010
Kenneth G. Berger ’44 on May 31, 2010
James M. Dorsey ’44 on August 31, 2010
Clifford R. Stukenberg ’45 on January 17, 2010
Paul Binzak ’45 on July 29, 2010
Donald Kuemmel ’45 on August 3, 2010
Robert P. Vogt ’45 on September 5, 2010
Thomas E. Gensler ’46 on January 23, 2010
Emmett E. Berger ’46 on October 10, 2010
Richard R. Kobriger ’47 on December 3, 2009
Mary F. (Uhen) Vaughan ’47 on December 28, 2009
Thomas E. Vaughan ’47 on April 12, 2010
Joan M. (Gemeinhardt) Meyer ’47 on July 13, 2010
Audrey A. (Legros) Wyamann ’47 on August 8, 2010
MESSMER TODAY 18
Eyes:
See opportunity
in challenges.
Ears:
Open to instruction
and new ideas.
Voice:
Found in a Messmer
education; used to
change the world.
1950s
June M. (Kreikamp) Schilter ’50 on December 8, 2009
Verona Mary (Wozadlo) Bowman ’50 on October 13, 2009
Donald C. Binder ’50 on July 22, 2010
Audrey A. (Schneider) Laskowski ’50 on September 18, 2010
Marguerite (Cherek) Asmondy ’51 on October 29, 2009
Joyce M. (Wolski) Winkler ’51 on November 26, 2009
Mary (Olinger) Bev ’51 on January 1, 2010
Edwin J. Smukowski ’51 on January 22, 2010
Joan S. (Jeannotte) Fabian ’51 on October 30, 2010
Gerald Merget ’52 on December 18, 2009
Patricia (Ryan) Chapman ’53 on November 28, 2009
Jean L. Lompa ’54 on December 4, 2009
Caroline E. (Hahn) Kohler ’56 on June 23, 2010
Grace M. (Hannon) Mahas ’56 on June 26, 2010
Marilyn A. (Tomasini) Rick ’56 on August 5, 2010
Elsworth Gray ’58 on August 17, 2010
1960s
Therese M. (Krause) Hare ’60 on December 3, 2009
Susan E. (Schneider) Meyer ’61 on September 18, 2010
Gerald J. Block ’64 on December 8, 2009
Shelly Z. (Franz) Zylka ’69 on September 18, 2010
1970s
Timothy M. Bowe ’71 on June 18, 2010
Brain:
Absorbs high levels of information.
Smile:
Worn proudly by our
confident students.
Heart:
Open to others.
When you support Messmer Catholic Schools, you
help us develop our students—mind, body and soul.
2000s
Your gift will have a profound impact on the lives of our students and their
Tiara Gipson ’06 on July 4, 2010
families. To make a tax-deductible gift today, please call Messmer Catholic Schools’
Development Office at 414-264-5440 or donate securely online at messmerschools.org.
19 MESSMER TODAY
Non-Profit Org.
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PAID
Milwaukee, WI
Permit #4764
Attention Alumni:
Your alma mater needs your help!
We are compiling a history of Messmer High School in records,
memories and anecdotes, and would love to add your voice to our
collective story. Please contact Messmer to share your memories
of favorite teachers, classmates, athletics, arts, etc.
Additionally, we would be thrilled to see any video or film
footage, including activities such as sporting events, plays or
dances.
Please contact Michael Bagley ΄90 in our Development Office.
mbagley@messmerschools.org or 414-264-5440
Some rather rare acts by these students made the junior talent show quite outstanding. Front row: G. Bojack, C. Metzger, C.
Karlson; Back row: D.M. Tronchuk, M. Spalda, J. Andruski, and F. Gulgowski.
The above photograph and caption are from the 1952 Capitol.