Guitar Club is Rockin' It!

Mr. Greg Flattery and Mr. Kollin Petrie. That's all you need to know to figure out how great Guitar Club is.

This club meets on Thursdays after school, and students learn how to play the guitar: chording, strumming, and the notes. But this club is more than that, it's also a way for students to show and develop their creativity. Mr. Flattery said, "It is a music club where students from all abilities and interests meet to share and learn the skill and understanding of the guitar." 

Freshman Noemi Gutierrez added, "What I like most about guitar club is that it is not as hard as I thought, and the people are nice." Noemi and other students enjoy being in such a fun environment.

Learning guitar can be fun yet difficult when working with all the strings and different notes. Mr. Flattery said, "It can be an easy task as long as you are passionate and patient. The difficulty usually comes from having enough instruments, strings, and the opportunity for students to play outside of the club." Noemi agrees, "It is not hard at all because I have a good teacher and friends to help me out when I can’t get a note right." 

When asked why the club is offered, Mr. Flattery said, "My reason for offering guitar club comes from a desire to share my knowledge and love of guitar with others." Noemi said, "It is easy to learn and be good at playing the guitar if you put your heart into it." 

Are you ready to rock?

--Contributed by Ramanda Davis, sophomore

Until Next Season, Soccer

The soccer season is now over. Not every game happened as they expected, but they still did great.  Soccer Coach Mr. Patrick Tracy stated, "I was very happy with the effort our team put forth in our games." 

Messmer’s last home game took place on October 3^rd. It was a tough competition for them; the final score was 2-4 against St. John’s NWMA. There was a fan bus from the high school to help support the team. Junior soccer player David Madrigal states, "My favorite part of this season was having the fan bus because we had a lot of support and people cheered us on." During the game the soccer team honored the seniors. 

The seniors on the soccer team are Corneluis Adams, Victor Drake Jr., Alex Matthews, and Louie Rojas. It was very emotional moment to watch the seniors take roses to their mothers and hug them. Many families were there screaming and supporting our Messmer Bishop Team!

Anyone who wants to join the soccer team should be prepared. Coach Tracy says, "It is important for players to be technically, tactically, and functionally strong. However, other factors are just as important if not more important. Those factors include dedication, teamwork, character, work ethic, listening skills, and the willingness to accept coaching."  Sophomore soccer player Lino Contreras also gives some tips, "The most important things that a soccer player should have are a positive attitude and good sportsmanship."

The Messmer Bishops went to regionals. The game wasn’t the best because the final score was 0-11. Coach Tracy stated, "The most difficult part of the season was the end. It is always tough to lose your last game. I would like to win a state championship someday." Everyone is still keeping positive attitudes no matter what results they had this season. David expects different results for next season stating, "I expect to win and a better season. I also expect to make some [personal] progress." Now that the season is over, we can still look back and be proud of the accomplishments our team had this season. The soccer team won 4 games and tied 3. 

Be prepared for next year's soccer team!

--Contributed by sophomores Gabriela Moreno and Jessica Gregorio 

Hispanic Heritage Month

This month’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage was about Peru. Students had a special lunch, activities, and an assembly to cap off the month-long celebration. 

The program featured dancers named "Miski Peru" and the band "Son Peru Chicago." "Miski Peru" translated to English means "Taste of Peru." These dancers perform to share are their Peruvian culture with others. They also provide private dance classes in Milwaukee area. 

One of the dancers remarked that the "vibrant energy from the [Messmer] audience allowed us to dance with pride." They also appreciated the video created by the Messmer students that was featured in the assembly.

"Son Peru Chicago" was founded in June 20, 2008 in Chicago, IL. They use a variety of instruments such as guitar, drums, conga, bass, and Peruvian percussion.   Other events that occurred during this month of Hispanic Heritage included churro sales at lunch which helped pay for the dancers and musicians.  

Freshman Andrea Aurora Felipe-Chavez said of the assembly, "I learned about the many different types of music, also how the Peru civilization was made. My favorite part of the assembly was when the band played."  This assembly couldn’t be successful without the organizer, Mrs. Suzanne Welsh, Latino Support Coordinator. She had help from the of members of the Latino club.  

Mrs. Welsh said, "I think Hispanic Heritage Month went very well, I was very happy of the outcome." I think it is very important to highlight many countries and the diversity, and to show that we are united."

--Contributed by sophomores Jessica Gregorio and Gabriela Moreno

September Students of the Month

"Students of the Month" is a monthly recognition of two students who have been selected out of many nominated by teachers and staff at the high school. In order to win, a student has to have great positive behavior, grades must be C average or better, and the student should also be involved in an extra-curricular activity. The September Students of the Month winners were announced recently at a prayer service. Timothy Blanco and Tori Carter-Story were both excited and surprised to have won plaques in their honor and four hundred dollars each.

Junior Tori Carter-Story was introduced by Mr. Jack Hauser, Family Ministry, this way: “Tori is a model to her peers, seeking help before and after school to make sure she is prepared for before class starts. In class discussions she asks thoughtful questions that show that she is always making connections between her courses as well in the world around her.” One teacher wrote of Tori, “She is the type of student who reminds me of the vocation I hold, challenging me to higher expectations in my preparation and classroom. Although she excels in her classes, she carries herself with grace and humility.”

Sophomore Timothy Blanco was described this way, “He is constantly polite, respectful and courteous to everyone he encounters. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.” Timothy is currently on the Cross Country team, and maintains a B average. One teacher wrote, “He is mature beyond his years. When I first met him he carried himself as a young college-age adult. He is a student who has his priorities in order and already has the tools to be successful in life.”

We congratulate the September Students of the Month and look forward to seeing who gets the great honor in October!

--Contributed by sophomore Larry Elim, Jr.

LEADERS Leads the Way

LEADERS is a new program this year that offers Messmer High School students a chance to improve their skills in the subjects of Math, Science, English and Social Studies. LEADERS stand for “Learning, Education, Advancement, Development and Employment Readiness Skills.” 

This after school program is held from Monday through Thursday, 3:00p.m to 4:30 p.m., except for Wednesdays when it meets from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. LEADERS is also held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Messmer is the first Catholic school to receive a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to grant to establish a 21st Century Community Learning Center. LEADERS is a program operated out of the CLC.

Ms. Rose Richard, the director of the LEADERS program said, “LEADERS is a wonderful program that allows students to stay after school and focus on their academics to achieve good grades. It also helps to instill confidence so that they can become better students in all their classes." LEADERS participant senior Janae Haygood said, “LEADERS is a nice way to get homework done and is the perfect place for me to stay focused.” 

This program helps all grade levels including upperclassmen to help them get ready for college. For freshmen, LEADERS helps them adjust to high school and start off on a road to success. According to a brochure on the program, “The goal of LEADERS is to have our students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary success.” It gives teachers a chance to help students in smaller class settings allowing for individualized help and instruction. 

Welcome, LEADERS, we are lucky to have you!

--Contributed by senior Neena Mathews

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry is lead by Ms. Anne Haines, who previously taught Freshman Theology, but now serves as Campus Minister. Campus Ministry is a group at Messmer High School that is dedicated to making the world a better place by practicing the love of God, neighbor, and self. They are engaged in living the Gospel through service work, learning to be active and effective participants at Wednesday Prayer Services and Mass, and engaging in personal and group prayer and reflection. 

Campus Ministry has existed in some form at Messmer for a long time. Ms. Haines says, “We are now trying to bring everything together and make it more of a community of students who meet on a regular basis.” According to Ms. Haines there currently 155 students enrolled in Campus Ministry. Ms. Haines believes in the importance of community and service. She says “Many students are also looking to grow in their relationship with God no matter what faith tradition they come from.” Campus Ministry is going to increase the amount of service that is done since it is very popular with the students. Ms. Haines also wants to be able to process this service through the Gospel message of loving one another. 

Campus Ministry also plans on more formally training students to participate in prayer and liturgy so that teachers have a pool of students who are available and confident in their delivery of The Word in prayer services. Campus Ministry plans to continue to serve at the Pancake Breakfast, collect food for the House of Peace, serve at St. Ben’s, and help with the Breast Cancer walk. Campus Ministry will also offer prayer in the Chapel. 

What students learn from Campus Ministry is more about themselves and their relationship with God. They also learn the essential nature of service as it is relates to building the Kingdom of God and working towards one’s own personal salvation.  Ms. Haines said that we have amazing students here at Messmer!!

--Contributed by sophomores Armone Crowell and Avery Smith

Welcoming Mr. Wells

Messmer would like to introduce Mr. Wells to the students as a new Math teacher. As a man who grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mr. Wells chose to teach at Messmer High School to make a difference in the lives of students through Mathematics.  

His teaching style is unique, as he listens and learns from his students through various activities.  He has used this method of teaching at Whitewater University and Milton High School, a school near Janesville, Wisconsin. If Mr. Wells had chosen another profession, he would have become an officer for the Department of Natural Resources. 

In his free time, Mr. Wells can be found playing basketball, golf, or reading a good mystery novel. His favorite movie is Forest Grump because of its historical value and the fact that the lead character reminds him of himself. He plans on helping out with the Messmer basketball team as well as working with the LEADERS after school program. While at Messmer, Mr. Wells expects to gain a deeper understanding of teaching and to strengthen his faith. Make Mr. Wells feel a welcome part of the Messmer family!

--Contributed by junior Michaun Cobb

Reaching Out; Helping Out

15 years ago, when Mr. Jack Hauser joined the Messmer family, Messmer High School was not involved in the community. He realized that the Messmer Bishops would be a good asset to those in need. 

St. Ben's, an outreach program that provides food, shelter, and clothing to the poor, was very open to letting Messmer students help them reach out to the unfortunate. By doing this students are living the gospel that God gave humankind, to help your brothers and sisters. Mr. Hauser said, “I feel that it is my responsibility as a man of God to feed the unfortunate.” Mr. Hauser's role at Messmer now is to be in charge of Family Ministry.

He also said “I feel the presence of fulfillment and of God when I see the Messmer students living the gospel.” Ever Clinton is a senior who got involved with the St. Ben's program her junior year. Ever said, “Each time I go, I enjoy it. I meet newcomers and share stories with the ones who always come. I’ve been active with the children. I love meeting new people; I love connecting with people.” 

Ever wants to continue to volunteer at the St. Ben's community meal program after she graduates from Messmer. If you are willing, Messmer students work at St. Ben's every other Thursday. Mr. Hauser would like to see our school involved in other community programs as well.

--Contributed by sophomore Savannah Short

Brought to You By...

Even though it is still early in the school year, the Broadcast Media classes have been on top of their work. What is Broadcast Media? It is two classes that bring you this blog, and where students learn how the media works, to create and publish articles, and all phases of producing films. As of today, both of the Broadcast Media classes have produced 35 articles about the school for the blog. Some of the important events that have been covered are The Dig Pink Game, The fall play auditions, new teachers, Cross Country, and much more.

Cylus Hunter, sophomore, said his favorite thing about the class is “Having the opportunity to meet new people and interview them to get their perspective on things.” He also said one of the hardest things is “...being able to meet the due dates.” Ishmael Ali, junior, said the most challenging part of the class is “...coming up with articles.” In Broadcast Media, the expectations for both classes are very high. Everyone is expected to take initiative, edit their work, collaborate with their classmates, and give a 100%.

Ms. Maripat Wilkinson created and teaches the Broadcast Media classes. She also teaches Drama and Oral Communications. Prior to going into education, she had her own video production company for many years, and is happy to share her "real world" experience with her students. She said, “The classes are doing a great job at writing articles for the blog, and it’s exciting that they’re working on a video for spirit week.” In addition, Ms. Wilkinson said that one of the biggest challenges is, “...getting the students to meet the deadlines, because news doesn’t wait. We want to be able to post to the blog in a timely manner." 

Broadcast Media helps students develop their writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills while helping develop their problem-solving and confidence. The students are looking forward to making videos and using the green screen to insert creative backgrounds into their footage.

Ms. Wilkinson remarked, "This is the best year of student reporters yet!"

--Contributed by junior Mariah Edwards

Volleyball Wrap-up

The volleyball season has now come to an end. Though the teams did not have winning records, the players enjoyed participating. Senior Ayla Hughes said “Overall the season was good, but we struggled greatly. As the season came to an end, we progressed.” Many important games were played, and will always be remembered. 

The second annual Dig Pink game took place on October 2nd at Messmer High School. This is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer that was started here last year. The teams played very hard, but could not come to victory. Many students and faculty were at the game supporting Messmer in their pink shirts. Younger children enjoyed face painting and the homemade sweet treats. 

Junior Jasmine Jackson said “I got to paint faces and tell younger kids about the school.” Cupcakes and cookies were decorated with special breast cancer awareness symbols. 

Volleyball Coach and Mathematics Teacher Ms. Vanessa Sowinski is very happy about all the support that was shown, and hopes for this to continue through many more Dig Pink games to come. She started the event in honor of he mother whom she lost to the disease. To show her appreciation for the fan turnout, an extra set was played for the varsity game. 

The last game of the season vs. St. Joan Antida was Senior Night. All the seniors on the volleyball team were recognized and given gifts. They were awarded for their hard work, leadership, and dedication to the team.

Many parents and friends came out to support the seniors. Even though the teams lost, they played really hard. About the season Coach Sowinski said, “We didn’t reach all of our goals we set, however we had a great attitude, team chemistry, and work ethic.” Though the record doesn't show it, the season was rewarding for the players, who are looking forward to next year. 

--Contributed by junior Ishmael Ali

Full Circle for Mrs. Hauser

Laughs, energy, and high standards are just a few of things Mrs. JoAnne Carter-Hauser brings to her new role as World History Teacher here at Messmer High School. Mrs. Hauser formerly taught Mathematics at Messmer Prep. Her journey to Messmer is an interesting one. Mrs. Hauser had exposure to Messmer at a very early age from her grandmother, who worked at the Messmer cafeteria in the 1950s. Mrs. Hauser loved playing teacher as a child, teaching her younger sisters after school. 

Earning her teaching degree from Cardinal Stritch University and curious about the Messmer family, in 1996 Mrs. Hauser walked through the high school doors as a student teacher in U.S. History. This summer, after receiving an e-mail about a Social Studies position here, she jumped at the chance to be back at Messmer High. During her time here she has had a gigantic impact on her students with her witty humor.

Mrs. Hauser's hobbies include tennis, camping, fishing, and gardening. She says, “Playing tennis allows me to release aggression. Landscaping and gardening provide self-expression and creativity. Camping and fishing spiritually connects me to nature and the universe.”

In case you were wondering, yes she is married to Mr. Jack Hauser who handles Family Ministry for Messmer. We can only imagine the witty exchanges of the two of them at home, as Mr. Hauser is also known for his humor. Mrs. Hauser's personal philosophy comes from the Tennessee William's play Streetcar Named Desire: “Always depend on the kindness of strangers" which she amends to "Always depend on the kindness of others." Judging from the way she treats others, we know we also can count on her. 

--Contributed by Junior Jordan Taylor