Dig Pink Volleyball Game

October 2^nd will mark the second annual "Dig Pink" volleyball game. "Dig Pink" is dedicated to those who suffer from breast cancer. Its purpose is to raise money and awareness. 

At Messmer, this game is also played to remember Mama Sowinksi. Mama Sowinski, for those who don’t know, is Volleyball Coach and Math Teacher Ms. Vanessa Sowinski's mother. Breast Cancer took the life of Mama Sowinski last year. After that, Ms. Sowinski brought the Dig Pink foundation to Messmer.  Dig Pink t-shirts were sold at lunches to students and staff to help raise more money for the game. Last year, this game raised approximately $250.  All the earnings go to a local breast cancer foundation.  During the game, there are various activities for students to do outside the gym such as face painting and a raffle. 

This year, the Messmer Dig Pink game will be held Thursday, October 2^nd at 6:00PM. We will be going against Heritage Christian High school. Admission will be $1.50 for students with their Messmer I.D, and $2.00 for anyone else.  We are trying to double our earnings, so Let's Pack the House for Breast Cancer!

--Contributed by Junior Ishmael Ali

Fall Play Auditions!

Announcing auditions for the annual fall play, Subway Circus. It is a ten-scene synopsis of the various things that go on in people's heads on the subway or other transportation. 

The auditions are Monday and Tuesday, October 1st and 2nd after school in the auditorium. A large cast of 20 people is needed, which is more than last year. The roles vary from musicians to actors to artists. Director and Music Teacher Mr. Greg Flattery, said, "By the end of this play, I want people to see themselves in these characters." He added that you don't have to be an actor to be involved--students of all talents are encouraged to become a part of this production. 

Subway Circus will be performed on November 16th, 17th, and 18th. Sign up outside the auditorium for an audition time and Break a Leg!

--Contributed by Junior Jordan Taylor

Lucky to Have Mrs. Hancock

Clovers are known to be the luck of the Irish but in this case it is the luck of our new Theology teacher, Mrs. Laura Hancock. She can make her tongue into the shape of a clover! The reason Mrs. Hancock chose to teach Theology was because working in a public school didn’t provide the core or central issue of how we make sense of our world: our faith. She said, “No matter one’s experience of God, I believe that we have a deep-seated need and ability to connect with God and God’s wisdom.” 

Teaching runs through her blood. Mrs. Hancock comes from a long line of women who taught; her mother was a math teacher her entire life which gives her a good example to follow. Mrs. Hancock teaches her students based upon the relationship she builds with them. She also incorporates different activities because she knows that everyone learns at different levels. She believes that challenges are life lessons to be learned from. Mrs. Hancock’s biggest personal challenges were the first months of her two children lives who are now 5 and 1. She said, “It is quite an overwhelming--but rewarding--task to get to know and welcome a new human being into our world.” 

She really doesn’t have much time to read but loves it, and is currently reading The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, SJ. Mrs. Hancock had her fifteen minutes of fame when she was pulled up on stage from the audience in Full Moon on Broadway. This is our one and only Mrs. Hancock, make sure you make her feel welcome! 

--Contributed by Sophomore Timia Scott

Cross Country Comeback

Messmer’s past with Cross Country has been a bumpy road; last year the team was not satisfied with their results. But this year the team has been working hard to make a huge comeback and show what they are really made of. The efforts are starting to pay off with all of the runners coming in with Personal Records at their September 15th meet. 

The Cross Country coaches are English Teacher Ms. Kim Stein and Math Teacher Ms. Julie Morrison. They have some big goals in mind for the runners in order to make good showings in their upcoming meets. Before each meet there are team rituals. The team--including the coaches--start by saying a prayer together, they warm up, and then check out their surroundings to get comfortable with the environment. 

Junior Lavassar Falls stated that when preparing for a meet, the team gets “limber” and focuses on their goal and that is to win. He said he joined Cross Country because he just wanted to participate in a sport and stay in great shape. Sophomore Adrian Harvey joined the team also because he wanted to maintain his fitness level, to make sure he in shape when basketball season comes around. 

Both runners agree that the one thing that gives them the confidence to keep running long distances is the sound of those around them cheering for a victory. The coaches would love more girls on the team, and look forward to a successful season.

--Contributed by Junior Dominique Steed 

with Sophomores Dontrell Ragsdale
and Desmond Hopes

Mr. Petrie's Past and Present

Born and raised on a dairy farm, Mr. Kollin Petrie is new to the Messmer community. Mr. Petrie’s family has cows, some cats, and a dog named Jackson that could do the moonwalk. 

Mr. Petrie teaches Theology 1 and Theology 2. This is his first year teaching at the high school level. Mr. Petrie said, “Although I am quite new, I am already getting a sense of what makes Messmer students unique. It is a privilege to work with the students and a pleasure to help them succeed, by making them think about big questions regarding life, love, and God.”   

He graduated from Marquette University in 2011 where he majored in Theology and took classes in Economics, German, Biology, and Philosophy. He was involved in a lot of music ministry activities on campus, including singing in the Liturgical Choir and playing the guitar for mass. He has experience teaching a religious education program for church, and he has given guitar lessons. Mr. Petrie enjoys reading, playing basketball with friends, and playing the guitar. In his free time Mr. Petrie also tries to exercise or spend time with friends and family. 

Mr. Petrie is a pretty big sports guy, having played football, basketball, and baseball in high school.  He is also interested in learning new languages; right now he is learning Spanish little by little. We are happy to welcome Mr. Petrie to the home of the Bishops!

--Contributed by Sophomore Savannah Short

Hola Senora McFarland!

With a new school year, comes new teachers. Messmer High School welcomes Mrs. Lindsay McFarland to the school. With excitement, she applied to the school as a Spanish teacher. She believes being fair, honest and firm will be a great way to teach our students. This method is well known by the students of Gateway Technical College and East Troy Middle School, two previous schools where she was a teacher. Mrs. McFarland expects to learn about different cultures by teaching here.  She would also like to help with the school's baseball team.  

Mrs. McFarland grew up in Burlington, WI. She’s normally found spending time with her friends and her husband. An interesting fact about her is that she married her best friend. If she had not became a teacher, she would likely to be found leading a book club or working at a coffee shop. She likes to see people band together against the odds, which makes Man in the Iron Mask her favorite movie. Makes sure the next time you see Ms. McFarland in the hall, you greet her with a friendly "Hola!" She is excited to join the Messmer family.

--Contributed by Junior Michaun Cobb

Fair to Excellent!

The Extra Curricular Fair returned to Messmer on September 19th. The set-up was different this year, with the entire building being used to get students fired up about all the school has to offer outside of the classroom. The choices are no joke this year (except the "Tell a Joke Club") with new offerings like Ultimate Frisbee and Eclipse Ball, along with returning extra curriculars such as Basketball, Movie Club, and the SMART Team.

Students described the fair as a wider variety of clubs than last year. Junior football player Maurice McElrath said that,  “It was a good opportunity to get students exposed to all the different clubs and sports.” Sadly, some of the clubs do not have faculty advisors like Pen Pal and Bowling, while some clubs are gone for other reasons such as Robotics. 

Music Teacher Mr. Greg Flattery, who oversees Guitar Club and After School Choir said, “Yeah it’s a lot of work. However, if students join and have a good time, it’s a lot of fun.” Each of the clubs come with a purpose. Theology Teacher Ms. Abby Demeter hopes that her Spirit Club brings excitement and the Messmer spirit to the school. Theology Teacher Ms. Donna Eddy said that the Movie Club's purpose is to "expose students to a wide range of cinema and to have fun doing it." 

During the fair some clubs brought students in with edible treats, such as the Wellness Club with their delicious trail mix. Others used signs, balloons, music, and live demonstrations to make sure students stopped by to learn about the club. With so many choices, there is something for every Messmer student--and many signed up for more than one! 

This year students and staff will be busy drawing, catching, playing, writing, competing, learning, growing, laughing, and making friends through Messmer extra curriculars. Certainly no one can say there is nothing to do around here!

--Contributed by Juniors Michaun Cobb 

                         and Jordan Taylor

Ms. Zagar Joins the Messmer Team

There are a lot of new teachers this year here at Messmer. One new English teacher is Ms. Claire Zagar. She teaches English I and III, after student teaching here last year. When asked what she enjoys about teaching, she said, "Every student brings a slightly different perspective to the classroom, which leads to interesting discussions. I have always loved English class and literature, so becoming an English teacher seemed to fit." Ms. Zagar is dedicated to her job and enjoys teaching students as well as learning from them in return. In her spare time she has been unpacking and trying to decorate her new place.  

She wants her students to know "I am here before and after school, and if there is anything I could help you with, I would be more than happy to do so." Ms. Zagar is located in room 107 if you would like to take her up on this offer. Welcome Ms. Zagar!

--Contributed by Junior Christina Tenner

No Substitute for Mrs. Olson!

Mrs. Julia Olson, new to Messmer High this year, teaches U.S. History, Psychology, and Leadership.  She has been a substitute teacher for 5 years, including filling in for Mr. Price last year when he welcomed his new child. She taught middle school in Nashville, Tennessee and has substituted in recent years in Shorewood and Whitefish Bay.

Mrs. Olson said, “I enjoy working with high school students, and I find the subjects fascinating. Also, after being a substitute, I am enjoying the opportunity to build relationships with students.” Ms. Olson went to college in Ohio studying History, and then added an Education major. Her favorite classes in college were History, Geography and German Literature. 

Mrs. Olson has three children: a daughter in college, and a son and daughter in high school. She hardly has free time between school and her children, but when she does, she loves sharing it with family and friends. She also likes to sew and bake. Mrs. Olson is filled with history, and a love for the students of Messmer. Get to know this wonderful new teacher! 

--Contributed by Sophomore Savannah Short

Say Hello to Ms. Pavlik

One of the new teachers to Messmer this year, Ms. Kathryn Pavlik, has three great character traits. She is very funny, caring, and interested in helping others. Ms. Pavlik came to Messmer for several reasons, such as the block scheduling and her belief in our mission of Knowledge, Faith, and Leadership. Ms. Pavlik strongly believes that all students should be leaders. She said, ”I appreciate how hard the students, teachers, and administrators work here at Messmer.” 

This is the start of her seventh year as a teacher. Ms. Pavlik taught Freshman and Sophomore English at Vincent High School, Menomonee Falls High School, and Atlas Preparatory Academy. Ms. Pavlik attended Carroll College to get her English degree and UW-Milwaukee to earn her teaching certification. In her free time she enjoys reading, running, and being with her family. Ms. Pavlik listens to a variety of music, mostly Top 40 and Pop.  

She wanted everybody to know if any of her students ever need anything they are more than welcome to just ask. Ms. Pavlik will do her best to help them in whatever they need, personal or school related. We are happy to have her in our Messmer family!

--Contributed by Sophomore Armone Crowell

The Motives of Ms. Motiff

Ms. Heidi Motiff is new to Messmer this year. She teaches Freshman Science and Physics. Messmer is not her first teaching job. She says one of her biggest teaching challenges is that,  "In the United States many students don't seem realize what a privilege an education is. Many other countries don't provide that opportunity to everyone.  If all students realized the awesome opportunities they have in front of them, they may take their education a little bit more seriously." When asked how she likes Messmer so far she said, "It's not just like, it's love. There is such a friendly, caring feeling in this building, which is a product of the kindness of the staff and students.  Students understand they are here so that they can be set up for success in their future and the staff all work towards making that happen. Messmer lunches are pretty yummy too." 

An interesting fact about Ms. Motiff is that she is in three Fantasy Football leagues.  She doesn’t really have spare time but when she does she likes to hang out with her friends and family, and following the Packers and the Brewers. She considers herself a super fan. She says,  "Once I even wrote a referral for a student because he was a Bear's fan." She also loves her puppy which was rescued from the side of the road by her brother in North Carolina and "is the cutest, sweetest pup you will ever meet." Ms. Motiff also love Skittles. Let's make her feel welcome!

--Contributed by Sophomore Avery Smith

Digging Volleyball

The Volleyball season is up and running and the players are pumped and excited. Returning Varsity Volleyball players welcomed new players to the team like Sophomores Charda Ward and Jada Perrin. Charda said, “The season is fun right now, everyone is getting along and the team and coaches are happy. But, our team needs to try and work harder, so we can win more.” According to Jada, “The season will get better. But, only if we want to improve. I’m excited!” Every season has a main goal, and that goal is the playoffs. Charda says, “The playoffs are most definitely in our heads. I wouldn’t say that it’s our main priority to be worried about, but it’s a possibility!” 

In the future Charda wants to accept the responsibility as a leader. She says, “I will love to become a leader or captain of the volleyball team, mostly because I enjoy playing the sport and being committed to it. Also, my coaches like my attitude and the leadership I show in practice and in games.”  The Assistant Coach of the Varsity Volleyball team is Math Teacher Ms. Nicole Ward. She says, “I wanted to coach at Messmer because I love working with the students and felt like I could give back in more than one way. I have always been athletic and I love sports, so being a positive role model in a sport is the perfect setting for me to do that.” 

Ms. Ward has been a coach before, coaching basketball for two years at University School of Milwaukee from 2009-2011.  “When I was fortunate enough to get a Math teaching job at Messmer High School, I decided that I wanted to focus on my first year teaching instead of trying to do too much at one time.  Now I have decided that I am organized enough to do both.”

The Varsity players enjoy each others' company and always have a little fun in the locker room before the game. Ms. Ward says, “I love working with the team because the Varsity all seem to blend well together and make it a pleasurable experience each and every time we step on the court. At this point we have created our own inspirational time before every game called ‘Wards of Wisdom’ where I tell the team an inspirational quote along with an explanation of the quote and how it pertains to our team. They all seem to love it. I feel like it’s starting to really pay off.”

Ms. Ward thinks that the team needs to focus on the future, one game at a time so they do not get ahead of themselves.  Also she says, “We would love it if the school would show their support for our home games and would be greatly appreciative if they came out to cheer us on so we could have true home court advantage."

Ms. Ward adds, "Also, on October 2^nd we are having our Annual 'Dig Pink' game, which raises money for breast cancer and we are trying to have a 'Pack the House' night for the occasion. If you and/or your class could get the word out that would fantastic!”

--Contributed by Sophomore Cylus Hunter

Ms. G. Preaching and Teaching

For those who don’t know, Ms. Giovingo (Ms. G.) is the new Morality teacher at Messmer High School.  Ms. G. had the honor of serving God in a religious community. She was deciding to become a nun. She worked with underprivileged youth, and youth ministry. Before Messmer, Ms. G. taught freshmen and junior Theology at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin IL. 

Ms. G. says she loves teaching people who are willing to soak up knowledge. Ms. Giovingo says her teaching style is very balanced. She loves to lecture and give wisdom about God. Teaching also challenges her, "Teaching challenges me to stretch myself beyond where I think I can go, to better help another understand a concept." Ms. G. hopes to bring joy and the love of God to Messmer. So far she says, “I love the family atmosphere that is portrayed everywhere I turn at Messmer.” 

We are happy to have Ms. G. as part of the Messmer community. Introduce yourself if you see her to make her feel even more welcome.

--Contributed by Junior Ishmael Ali 

Kickin' It with Messmer Soccer

It’s a new year for the soccer team! There have been many challenges so far this year; for example, their current record is 2-8-2. Sophomore Jorge Ramirez says, “I think we’re not giving it our best all the time but we are still working on some things.” Their hardest competition has been Living Word Lutheran.

The head coach is Mr. Patrick Tracy.  He is from Messmer Prep/St. Rose and St. Leo.  This is his 6th season coaching soccer. He has coached boy's JV and Varsity and girl’s JV. He states, “The biggest challenge is maintaining a consistent mind-set.”  He thinks that is the most important thing to have as a team. The assistant coaches are former Messmer students Joe Ferch and Gerardo Saavedra. They all work together to pass on the techniques that they’ve learned through the years. 

Coach Tracy has come up with strategies to improve the team. For example, he changes players positions often so that they become strong in all areas.  Jorge really likes the adrenaline rush when someone is about to score and when there are only a few seconds left on the clock. 

Messmer’s Soccer team recently played Wayland Academy and they won 2-0. The game was intense, there were several minor injuries, but everyone was okay and continued playing.  Wayland Academy was really close to scoring a goal against our team, but thanks to our goalie, Junior Christopher Munoz, Messmer held them off. Today there is a home game vs. Brookfield Academy.  Come and support our team!

--Contributed by Sophomore Gabriela Moreno

Messwood Makes It 4-0

Messmer/Shorewood Varsity Football defeated the Hope School last Thursday to bring their record to 4-0. The 56-6 trouncing included former Messmer student Adrian Reed lining up across our offense as part of Hope's defensive line.  One of our touchdowns featured Sophomore Avery Smith with a 20-yard run after a hand-off from Quarterback Shorewood Junior Taylor Dennis.

This Friday the team will be challenged by Lake Country Lutheran who also sports a 4-0 record. The game is at 7:00 at Shorewood High School.

Continue the streak, Messwood!

Introducing Ms. Torres!

Ms. Jessica Torres, Algebra, is one of the new teachers this year at Messmer.  She decided she wanted to be a part of the Messmer community after her interview here. She felt everyone in the school was welcoming and kind, so she knew she would like it here. As a child Ms. Torres watched her favorite teachers in middle and high school, which made her decide to be a teacher because of how well they related to their students.  She attended Winona State University in Minnesota and majored in Mathematics and Education.

Prior to Messmer, Ms. Torres worked at Yorkville Elementary and Union Grove High School. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and her family. She enjoys watching reality TV, such as E! News, the Bravo channel, and MTV.    

Ms. Torres said, “I really enjoy getting to know my students on a personal level because that way I can hopefully make math relevant to their lives and help make their math experience a positive one.” She added, “I will never give up on any one of my students.  I will do everything in my power to help all students to be successful, but it is also important to note that success means different things to different students.” Ms. Torres is also very involved with extra curricular activities and is a part of the Leaders Program, Messmer’s  after school support. She likes to think outside of the box, teaching-wise. We are glad to have her unique style at Messmer!

--by Sophomore Larry Elim, Jr.

On Their Honor

The Messmer High School Honors Program was created to challenge students who are hard working and academically gifted. The difference between an Honors class and a normal class is the pace. Honors classes move at a tremendously fast pace. Therefore, students in the Honors Program have to come in everyday and prove that they belong and hold the title of Honor Student. The students must demonstrate a scholar-like attitude, illustrate maturity, display a good work ethic, and maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. 

All of the hard work of the students is rewarded with many different benefits. The benefits of the honors program are a chance to earn college credit, increased opportunities to receive scholarships, the opportunity to attend college-level seminars, to name a few. Additionally, the students are given a school mentor and a personal laptop to help them complete their courses. Although there are several great opportunities in the program, “The benefits won’t come if the work isn’t done,” according to Honors Theology Teacher Ms. Donna Eddy. So, students must do their absolute best to excel in the honors program.

The Honors Program is a great example of the Messmer motto, “Hardwork + Discipline = Excellence.” The Honors students have to work hard on a daily basis, which takes discipline. By doing this, successful students are created. In fact, last year the Class of 2014 made history, by being the first class to ever have two separate honors classes. This shows how more students are becoming dedicated and active with their classwork, and taking it seriously.  Junior Hikeem Williams-Davis says, "The classes are challenging and cause us to think deeper and put more effort into our work."

Messmer offers Honors English, Theology, Art History, Calculus, Algebra, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Biology.

--Contributed by Junior Honors Student Jekim Jones Jr.

More Than Fine Arts

Fine Arts is a combination of activities, events and courses throughout Messmer. Not only is it about Art, but it includes Music, Drama, and Broadcast Media.  Last year there was an outstanding number of projects completed like the fall play No Child, Show of Shows, and the school blog. A mural was completed that was designed by Diego Montez and Rolando Garcia. Their were choir and band performances, Fine Arts Night, field trips to Chicago, and a trip to Cardinal Stritch University for Studio day.

The Field trip to Cardinal Stritch was amazing and a great way for students to open up their minds and explore a new environment. It allowed them to showcase their creativity and perspectives. “Fine Arts teaches you to see differently once you become an artist,” according to Art Teacher Ms. Rebecca Hoeppner. Art Teacher and Fine Arts Chair Ms. Jennifer Klecker agreed that Art has a wide variety of things to offer and many learning opportunities. Ms. Klecker stated, “Students will be interested to know that Art is another form of language which is visual."

The mural was a major accomplishment last year and the students of Ms. Klecker's Art classes did a fantastic job completing it. Ms. Hoeppner stated “The mural outside the Art room gets my attention the most because its always changing. Each section of the mural has its own theme which makes it unique.” Sophomore Deasjiah Morris said this about the mural, "I like and understand the concept of it and it catches my eye every time I see it.”

One major extracurricular activity related to Fine Arts is After School Choir. The singers really added to prayer services and masses last year, and brought the house down during Show of Shows. The choir is lead this year by Senior Artis Galloway-Landon.

The Art Department added Honors Art History for the 2012/2013 school year to bring new projects and learning opportunities to our students. This class will be a great addition to the annual Fine Arts Night in the spring, as well as pieces brought to the table by the creative Artist Portfolio Class. Sophmore Keandria Lewis said, “The best part about the Art Department for me is Fine Arts Night because I get to see that many students from all three of our schools have talent and can draw very well." Fine Arts should be very interesting and different as it is every year.

--Contributed by Sophomore Ramanda Davis