Celebrating Black History

This year's Black History Month was one to remember at Messmer. The theme dealt with the legal history that allowed African Americans to gain their rights. 

During this month there were a lot of activities that students had the opportunity to participate in. This included movies that were shown on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, a Read-In about African American history, and a special lunch that was offered for all students and faculty. There were also announcements read each morning highlighting the accomplishments of prominent African-Americans, posters put up around the school, and quizzes where all students had the chance to win prizes. 

At the end of month some of the students and faculty joined together and created an assembly for the entire school. The assembly took place in the auditorium; there were numerous things that the program provided. The choir sang Negro spiritual songs, there was a skit, a poem was read, and a slide show depicted the struggles of African Americans to gain their rights. 

The program also highlighted how successful African Americans have become. Junior Ajon Roth, said, “The Black History Month program was something I was looking forward to all day and when it came I loved it.” Senior Tishena Brent said, “The special lunch they provided for us was the best lunch I have had since freshmen year!” 

Ms. Diane Nuskiewicz teaches business and technology. She said, “I liked the Black History Month but felt they should talk more about the accomplishments and the positive aspects of African American history.” Ms. Laura Hancock, Theology Teacher, said, “I really enjoyed seeing students take an active leadership role in the assembly.” 

Overall Black History Month was enjoyable and an informative Month for both faculty and students. 

--Contributed by senior Neena Mathews 

Faculty Retreat

The students of Messmer High School aren’t the only ones who participate in retreats. The faculty and staff have one of their own which took place recently. The purpose of the faculty retreat is to provide a respite from the normal routine and allow the staff and to center their minds on God. Campus Minister Ms. Anne Haines was in charge of the retreat. She said, “It was a tremendous amount of work to run the retreat. However, it reminded me of how wonderful the experience is.” 

The retreat consisted of two different options. There was the traditional retreat, which was a day of reflection with Father Randy. Father Randy used to be assigned to the Messmer schools but is now on the postnovitiate staff and is the local minister of St. Clare of Assisi Friary in Chicago. The traditional retreat took place at The St. Martin de Porres Parish church, located at 3114 N. Second Street-Church (2^nd & Burleigh). 

The other option for the retreat was to engage in service around the community. The staff was divided among different sights such as Outreach. Other service sights included the Cathedral Center, Open Door Café, Hunger Task Force, Catholic Charities, and Milwaukee Catholic Hope. Sights also included St. Bens, The House of Peace, Independence First, and The Woman’s Center. 

Math Teacher Aleda Kitzman said, “It was my first time being at the Woman’s Center.” She continued, “I didn’t know anything about the place, but the volunteer work I did taught me a lot about it.” Ms. Kitzman helped out by writing addresses on envelopes for mailing. This aid really saved the center time. She said, “It’s important to be able to reflect on who we are.” This retreat allowed the many other faculty and staff members to reflect on who they are, center their minds on God, and be reminded what a difference volunteers can make.

--Contributed by senior Jaron Carter

Exploring Foreign Language

National Foreign Week this year was celebrated March 4th-8th.  For that week students and teachers explored the many different languages the world has to offer as well as the places where these languages are spoken. Each day of the week focused on a certain language. In French and Spanish classes students created flags of the places where foreign languages are spoken and displayed them on their lockers. 

For Foreign Language Week some classes decorated their doors to represent all the different languages. They included different comments from students about why they thought learning a new language was so important. Sophomore Jasmine Haygood said, "As a part of the Spanish class I think learning a new language is important because it opens up many doors for you; you become eligible for more jobs and career choices." 

Another sophomore, Sarah Jones, a French student here at Messmer, says, "Learning a new language can be fun, not only do you learn things about the language but also things about its origins." Spanish teacher Mrs. Karry Jo Jazwiecki says, "Studying a foreign language improves knowledge of one's own language and increases student awareness and appreciation of other cultures. It is also fun to be able to express oneself in another language and to understand native speakers when they speak a language other than English."

In addition to door decorating, treats from each culture were sold at lunch every day. Students were able to try new things. Not only was Foreign Language week a hit, it was a learning experience for many students as well as some teachers. Sarah added, "I loved learning new words from different languages and what they meant, and the treats at lunch were not half bad either." 

The purpose of Foreign Language week was for students to explore different languages and to open students up to things they may not hear, see, or taste every day. Mrs. Jazwiecki adds, "The purpose of Foreign Language Week is to highlight the importance of foreign language study."

--Contributed by sophomore Ramanda Davis

Meet Mr. Meuler

This just in, we have a report on our Interim Principal Mr. Andy Meuler. He worked with MPS schools for 35 years, the majority of those years at Rufus King. He retired from Rufus King in 2006 as principal. He also worked as a principal at Racine's St. Catherine's High School. Mr. Meuler's biggest goals for Messmer are to observe classes and work with the staff addressing problems around the school. He also wants to make sure Messmer maintains its high standards that are part of its good reputation. He is impressed with Messmer and says that the students here are respectful and orderly and the school is very clean. Mr. Meuler says his impact on Messmer is minimal, but he wants to give the staff and students the benefit of some of his experience, discussing what he observes both positive and negative. He also wants to share what he learned from his long time in the field of education. Mr. Meuler said, "[Messmer] runs very well. The school made me feel welcome."  --Contributed by sophomore Deaira Wiley

Time to Take Flight!

The 2012 Messmer Track & Field Season ended with 12 school records being broken and most relay teams going to the Sectional Meet. On Monday March 11, Head Coach Ms. Sue Feuerstein and her team were back at it. She says, "We as coaches feel very positive about this years team." Ms. Feuerstein and the rest of the coaching staff are excited to see the athletes step up and eager to fill the empty spots. 

Senior TrayVond Whitaker said, "I’m excited about this season. We have a lot of great athletes and a wonderful coaching staff." TrayVond is one of many seniors on this year’s team. Four amazing coaches lead the Track Team: Ms. Feuerstein, Mr. Geoffery Kaiser, Vice-Principal, Mr. Jeremy Armstrong, English Teacher and newcomer Mr. Ryan Bergren, also an English Teacher. Coach Feuerstein spoke briefly about the coaching staff saying, "I’m very grateful for the other coaches’ expertise and commitment." 

With a strong coaching staff and an amazing team, the Bishops look to send several athletes to the 2013 state meet.

--Contributed by junior Terrell Matthews

 

My Bishop Journey

I was walking around complaining about school one day so my Broadcast Media teacher encouraged me to do some research. She felt I was taking my school for granted. Here is what I found out.

Over it’s 87 years of existence, Messmer has been known as an extremely good and successful educational foundation.  Messmer is a great school that pushes students to further success in life. Messmer is one of the top schools in the urban Milwaukee area with a graduation rate of 95%. 

According to Guidance Counselor Ms. Lora DeFranco, out of this, at least 85% attend college. With approximately 700 students, this is extremely impressive. Alumni Isaiah Ali, class of 2012, said, “I admit Messmer was a huge challenge for me, but honestly it paid off in the end.” This is a part of school that many students who attend Messmer now have a hard time grasping. Messmer challenges students in ways which we never think we will need later in life. Sayvon Friend, class of 2012, said, “After Messmer, I felt proud of myself because I knew all the hard work and effort I put into it each day finally paid off.” 

Messmer is supported by many in the Milwaukee community because they all know the opportunities that come with attending Messmer High School. Students have varied opinions about Messmer. Alumni Radonte Ashford, 2012, said “I didn't like Messmer because I felt the teachers were too strict and I was not learning anything, but later due to some of my teachers and friends I realized that they cared about me and my success.” 

Messmer teachers and staff do everything possible to make sure the learning environment is excellent. In some cases, this environment is taken for granted but overall Messmer is a great school for those who allow it to be.  

After doing this article I now appreciate my parents pushing me to go to Messmer, and I look forward to my continuing journey as a Messmer Bishop.

--Contributed by junior Ishmael Ali

Mr. Flattery Pumping It Up

For those who have not noticed, Music Teacher Mr. Greg Flattery has been in and out of the building lately. This is because he is in a production with the Skylight Musical Theatre in downtown Milwaukee. Mr. Flattery auditioned for the play last year, and a year later was picked for the position. This play involves many rehearsals and performances, so he will be missing some school. 

“As a teacher, this is the biggest thing I do.” said Mr.Flattery. Mr. Flattery likes to “talk the talk, and walk the walk.” This play will allow him to reinforce to his students how he actually lives what he teaches about in the classroom. Mr. Flattery hopes to bring back more teaching skills to his students. He believes that the experience will make him a better teacher. The play is called “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and will take place at the Skylight Music Theatre March 8th-24th. 

The play tells stories of different peoples lives through music. While Mr. Flattery is gone, a substitute teacher will take his place. The substitute taking Mr. Flattery’s place, is Ms. Nyla Clements. Just recently, Ms. Clements graduated college to become a music teacher. Her main instrument is the clarinet. Ms. Clements will be subbing until the middle of March. “I love the students and met a lot of friends” said Ms. Clements. She enjoys teaching, and looks forward to meeting more people at Messmer.

--Contributed by junior Ishmael Ali

Setting a Place at the Table

Tablesetters is an exciting new club this year at Messmer High School. It is run by Ms. Anne Haines, Campus Minister. She said, “I developed Tablesetters to teach the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching to students by putting the Gospel mandate of love of neighbor into action. It has since grown and is being implemented into two other schools.” 

Tablesetters just started at Messmer in December 2012. It was originally founded back in 2005 by Ms. Haines at St. Francis Borgia School. It provided the foundation of this year’s Archdiocesan World Mission theme of "Setting a Place at the Table." 

This month Tablesetters is focusing on the Catholic Relief Services Lent Rice Bowl Campaign. This year they are also participating in the ProHealth Care Walks for Cancer, doing community outreaches associated with God’s creation such as picking up trash, working on the Messmer Peace Garden, and helping staff and students save energy throughout the school. 

Ms. Haines says, “The people that help me with these events are the students, theology teachers, and [Math Teacher] Ms. [Vanessa] Sowinski.” She is taking the lead role in the cancer walk. The goal for Tablesetters is to teach children how to be builders of the Kingdom of God and do things for the right reason. 

The purpose of being involved in Tablesetters is to become good people, because it’s fun, and for fellowship with others. Ms. Haines says, “My goal for this organization is for it to grow at the high school level and to take it to St. Rose & St. Leo and Messmer Prep.” 

Esmeralda Nungaray, a junior, says, “It is important to be part of your Catholic community and to show the community that the youth can have an important role in faith.” She says she is excited about the upcoming Tablesetters  play. Esmeralda has come up with the idea of doing an reenactment of the Stations of the Cross and hopefully expanding participation in the performance throughout the years here at Messmer. 

Esmeralda's goal in being involved in Tablesetters has been to inform people about God and our views as Catholics. She says, “I have learned that there are so many ways to express your faith.” Junior Jada Ruffin, said, “Tablesettlers interested me because of the idea of volunteering in activities and helping others.”  Jada is excited for the event that is coming up, the breast cancer walk. She said, “It is a great way of being active but overall it’s the cause. I am looking forward to meet other families and members in this cancer walk.” 

Jada's goal in being involved in this organization is to volunteer for every event. Being part of Tablesetters has impacted her attitude toward others. She said, “I’ve learned a lot from the Baby Bottles Project for women and helping others in need.” The Baby Bottles project involved collecting money in baby bottles for mothers in need.

Josselin Alcantar, sophomore, is also involved in Tablesettlers. She stated, “I am Catholic and helping people is what I have been taught.” Her favorite event so far has been the Baby Bottles Project for women because she was able to get involved in it. She stated, “I have learn that there are many ways to help people in need.” It impacted her life by making her more aware of poverty and other human beings. Jada said, “My goal is to bring happiness to others because it makes me happy.”

Ms. Haines states, “I hope that everyone feels welcomed to come, and anyone can join [Tablesetters] at anytime.”

--Contributed by sophomores Jessica Gregorio and Gabriela Moreno

Boy's JV Basketball

The Messmer Junior Varsity basketball team’s season is over. The team is had a great season ending up with the the best record in the conference, 20-1. 

Mr. Jajuan Zolicoffer is the new Junior Varsity Basketball coach here at Messmer. He is an alumni, of the class of 2005. The JV team's best game this season was an away victory over Lake County Lutheran. Our team lost one of their best players for the night due to uniform complications, three of their guards fouled out, and one player could not stop cramping late in the game. In spite of all the trials and tribulations the JV still won the game in double overtime. 

Mr. Zolicoffer said, “I enjoy the opportunity to teach my players the correct way to do things on the court and how to take the principles of the game and use them in life to be successful.” Mr. Zolicoffer expects nothing but 100% effort from his players. He also expects his players to do all of their schoolwork so they can excel in school. Sophomore Avery Smith said, “Coach Zolicoffer is a great coach, he pushes us to work hard at everything we do. He wants us to become something in life.”   

Mr. Zolicoffer said, “My biggest challenge this year has been making the players understand that to be great they have to work hard.” He doesn’t show favoritism to his players; he appreciates every single one of them. He said, “They all bring a different dynamic to the team.” Mr. Zolicoffer works in the Messmer bookstore, when you see him say "Hi" and tell him you appreciate what he does as the coach of the Messmer JV basketball team.

--Contributed by sophomore Savannah Farmer-Short

Bringing Joy to Messmer

At Messmer Ms. Joy Bretsch is the Athletic Director and Dean of Students. Ms. Bretsch says, “I enjoy working with students, student athletes, and the faculty/staff. I like to solve problems during difficult situations, and then see the success that comes out of it. I also enjoy seeing students compete in athletics and then see the improvement in each one of them over time. I like teaching students life skills and time management throughout  the day here at Messmer.” 

What keeps Ms. Bretsch working at Messmer is the students and seeing them mature with a Messmer diploma. Ms. Bretsch's typical day at work starts with checking in tardy students from 8:00am to 8:45. She also checks in with Ms. Dianne Szajna, the receptionist, about attendance. From 8:45am to 9:00 she returns calls. From 9:00am to noon Ms. Bretsch is busy with classroom visits, checking in with Assistant Dean Mr. LeRoy Fullwood, and with athletic duties such as a budgeting and scheduling. As the Athletic Director she works with the Assistant Athletic Director, Mr. Alan Vance. From 12:18pm to 1:25 she supervises the lunchroom. Before school ends at 3:00pm she does hall sweeps, makes calls to confirm referees, picks up cash boxes, and sets up concessions for games. 

At the end of the school day, she does the afternoon announcements. After school she checks all hallway floors and makes sure students are out of the building. She also attends the games to support and supervise. Ms. Bretsch has been an essential part of the Messmer family for over 15 years. Students value and respect her-- we are lucky to have Ms. Bretsch!

--Contributed by sophomore Armone Crowell

From Student Athlete To Coach

Mr. Jajuan Zolicoffer has been working at Messmer for one year. He is in charge of the bookstore and is the head coach of the Boy's JV Basketball Team. 

Mr. Zolicoffer graduated from Messmer High School in 2005. While he was a student here, he was on the basketball, track, and football teams. Mr. Zolicoffer said, "It feels great to work at my old high school. It gives you a sense of pride and you feel like you are helping others who are on the same path." His experience here at Messmer has been very good so far. He said, "The students and teachers have been very delightful and helpful." 

He also encounters challenges with both his responsibilities. He has to keep a consistent number of materials in the bookstore for the teachers, staff, and students. As a coach, Mr. Zolicoffer says it is always interesting "finding ways to make sure the boys take my advice seriously, and keeping them disciplined." 

Before he worked at Messmer, Mr. Zolicoffer worked at Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a great alum-turned-employee and the staff and students are happy to welcome Mr. Zolicoffer back to the Messmer family!

--Contributed by sophomore Avery Smith

Bye Bye BB- For Now!

The Messmer Boys Varsity Basketball team had a very successful and impressive season.  However, all good things must to come to an end.  This year's team had one of the best seasons the school has seen in years.  

Senior Cornelius Adams stated, “It's good to see the team taking a step further each year, and I hope that the future teams will continue the tradition.” The team finished with an 18-6 overall record and an excellent 16-2 conference record.  The last game of the season was in the second round of regionals against Wisconsin Lutheran high school. The focus going into the match-up was to “play our game, and have fun” said Head Coach Mr. Alan Vance. Unfortunately, the team lost.

The juniors and sophomores who played on this year’s team are already looking towards next year with hopes of improving even more. Junior Anthony Williams said, “This was a fun season and I look forward to doing even better next year.”  Because of the improvement every season, next year is already looking very promising. So don’t hang your heads, Bishops, the boy's varsity basketball team is still on the rise.  

--Contributed by junior Jekim Jones

Pre-College Fair

Last week Messmer had their 2nd annual Pre-College Fair. Mrs. Rose Richard, Academic Success Coordinator, arranged the fair with help from Mr. Ken Klatkiewicz, 10th grade Guidance Counselor and Guidance Department Chair. Ms. Richard got the idea for the fair through her work with Marquette University’s pre-college program, the Urban Journalism Workshop. The main reason for the fair is because Ms. Richard wants the students to learn more and be industrious.

The Pre-College Fair was a big success. It provided information to Messmer students about summer academic programs to enrich the students’ minds. There were 11 different universities and colleges in attendance along with the Mayor Internship Program and the YMCA Black Achievers. 

There were 24 pre-college programs represented from the universities and colleges combined. Students were excited to learn about programs to help better themselves, prepare them for college, and to gain experience to include on their college applications. 

DeSean Wakefield, a junior, said, “The fair was truly enjoyable and I liked the information they provided for me to decide what to do for the summer.” Ms. Richard loves to hear comments like that, as well as others to help her decide what to improve on for the next fair. She enjoys seeing the thinking faces of the students as they pick programs to apply for. 

Ms. Richard said, “I hope students see value in a summer program because it is a competitive world, and I want to see Messmer students right in the mix.”

--Contributed by junior Gabriella Leachmon