Messmer Today - Fall 2024

Messmer High School | Milwaukee Wisconsin Messmer Today FALL 20 24 Sing a New Song Unto the Lord: Messmer High School welcomes a new director to lead the gospel choir! A Bold “Taste of Messmer” Discover the highlights from Messmer’s inaugural open house event.

As Messmer turned 90 in 2016, we reminded ourselves that we are “Founded in Faith and Rooted in Milwaukee.” Now near the midpoint of our 99th year as Advent nears, we look back with deep gratitude. Even as we peek ahead to Messmer’s 100th anniversary, the calling to the daily work of the present day—our institutional vocation—keeps us grounded. This is the perpetual work of a Catholic High School—each student and each adult thankful for our gifts in responding to the call of our loving God. Our annual October class retreats reminded me “ But what of just how unique the Messmer experience is for about you?” our students. Our groundbreaking WinterM term—each full month of January, now in its fourth Jesus Asked. year—reinforces what a truly exceptional education Messmer High School brings to the heart of “W ho do you Milwaukee’s north side. In spirituality and practical skills, we provide Messmer students with positive challenges to discover their passions and talents. say I am?” Ma琀琀hew 16:15 I am pleased to report that the integration of Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose into the Seton Catholic Schools family is complete, now united with twelve other Catholic elementary schools. We commend our fellow Catholic school educators at Seton for their uplifting work and look forward to welcoming Seton graduates to MHS for generations to come. Without Messmer’s bold initiative over the past 25 years, there would be no Saint Mary of Czestochowa nor Saint Rose of Lima alive and serving nearly 700 students today. To all of you in our Messmer community, you should be proud of this enduring legacy! Having returned Messmer to its core high school origins, our Board and committee members, faculty and administration—and other contributors to our Messmer community—have worked on a renewal of our Mission, Values, and Vision. Our Board of Directors formally approved the document shared on page 4. As we complete this 99th year with great anticipation for the Class of 2025 and then Messmer’s 100th year, I offer the culmination of this work with thanks to all and thanks to God. And thank you for your support of Messmer High School! Yours in Christ, Dr. Jim Piatt | President, Messmer Catholic Schools 2

Messmer Catholic Schools Board of Directors Of昀椀cers James Schubilske, Chair, Vice President and Chief Audit Of昀椀cer, WEC Energy In this issue Group Brian Bulgrin, Treasurer, Partner, Deloitte & Touche, LLP Maggie Small, Secretary, Associate Department Administrator, Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. Directors Hon. David Borowski, MHS ’84, Circuit Court Judge, Milwaukee County 4 5 6 Filippo Carini, MHS ’83, Chief Operating Of昀椀cer, United Way of Greater Mission, Highlights Campus Milwaukee & Waukesha County Vision, Values Happenings Dr. Kathleen Cepelka, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Retired, Archdiocese of Milwaukee William Coleman, President, Coleman & Williams, LTD. Anne Haines, Founder and Executive Director of St. Bakhita Catholic Worker Michael Jackson, U.S. Director – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, BMO 10 11 12 Harris Bank, N.A. William Mahler, Investor and Independent Director Campus Alumni Alumni Events Karen Molloy, MHS ’81, Vice President Ministry Spotlight and Treasurer, Northwestern Mutual Moment Nelson Phillips, Of昀椀ce of Corporation Counsel, Milwaukee County Joe Vehec, Vice President, PNC Bank Conrad York, Marketing Consultant Emeritus Board of Directors Peter J. Salza, MHS ’60, Honorary Chair, 14 15 Attorney at Law Mikel Holt, Associate Publisher, Milwaukee Community Journal In Memoriam Planning Alfred H. Mattacotti (Deceased), Ahead MHS ’58, President, Milwaukee Plating Company Jeffrey Monday, Principal, Marquette About the Cover University High School, Past Principal, Senior Cordero H. focuses intently as he drills and prepares Messmer High School a piece of wood for a project in carpentry class, showcasing Rev. Warren Sazama, SJ, President- his craftsmanship during WinterM. Retired 2016, Marquette University High School At Messmer, we work to close gaps by ensuring that every single minute of Please donate now! our instruction addresses a grade level state standard. Abigail Demeter, Assistant Principal 3

Founded in Faith. Rooted in Milwaukee. Building the Community. Mission Messmer Catholic High School, grounded in the Gospel mandate to teach all, educates students to excel as ethical and faith-昀椀lled graduates who build righteous and peaceful communities. Values and Vision Faith We integrate faith in every aspect of our lives—to know our Creator, ourselves, and our vocations. The God-given dignity of every person guides our formation of conscience, our engagement with culture, and our response to adversity. Knowledge We focus on academic excellence as critical thinkers, embracing the pursuit of eternal truth. Messmer graduates are innovative, relevant, and well-quali昀椀ed to choose college, the workforce, or public service. Leadership We understand that integrity and service—in the example of Jesus Christ—are at the heart of leading and following. We seek purpose, act with compassion, and uplift others for the common good. 4

Highlights 21 students were inducted into the National Honor Society, up 14% from last year 45 The Class of 2024 students earned Principal earned their driving instruction Shenora Jordan permit, granting them earned the $3.2 behind-the-wheel training Herb Kohl Principal Million in February 2024 Leadership Award in scholarships in 2023 93% of students 5 Seniors participate in Senior Retreat extracurricular clubs earned the such as the Anime Club, All-In-Milwaukee Chess Club, and scholarship (full tuition, MHS Electrical room & board) Engineering Club Expense Percentages Donations by Source Messmer Catholic Schools Year End Statistics Program Foundations & Organizations General & Administrative Non-Alumni Individuals st th July 1 , 2023-June 30 , 2024 Advancement Alumni 5

Campus Happenings Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Messmer Girls Volleyball Team Unites Messmer High School’s girls volleyball team raised awareness of breast cancer in a match against Lake Country Lutheran. Donning custom “all pink out” shirts, the team honored breast cancer survivors. Inspired by Messmer’s tribute, Lake Country Lutheran’s coach purchased pink shirts for her players and staff. By uniting both teams in a touching display of solidarity, this game was an unforgettable moment transcending the game. A big thank you to our athletes, coaches, and fans for showing that the power of sports goes beyond competition—it brings communities together for a cause. The Future is Now at Messmer: Dr. Taylor Leads the Way in Computer Science & Video Game Design Messmer High School proudly welcomes Dr. Mark Taylor as the new Information Technology instructor for the 2024-2025 school year. With a strong computer science, programming, and video game design background, Dr. Taylor brings a rigorous and inspiring curriculum that’s already pushing our Bishops to excel. A standout feature this year is the addition of coding. In the 昀椀rst few weeks, students advanced from learning coding Student Designs basics to creating impressive digital projects—a testament to Dr. Taylor’s teaching and our students’ enthusiasm for mastering essential skills. From AP Computer Science to Game and Animation Development, Dr. Taylor’s classes offer Bishops hands-on experience in coding, problem-solving, and creativity. 6

Celebrating Excellence: Messmer High School 2024 Graduation On June 1st, Messmer High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2024’s graduation, an event 昀椀lled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt memories. This year was especially meaningful for Principal Shenora Jordan, who joined Messmer as these students began their freshman year. Over four years, she has watched them grow, persevere, and succeed. Principal Jordan shared touching and humorous moments during the ceremony, highlighting her bond with the class. One memorable instance was when a graduate turned to her on stage and, with a grin, used her 昀椀rst name, confessing, “I’ve been waiting four years to do that!”—capturing the warmth and closeness at Messmer. Collectively, the Class of 2024 earned over $3-million in scholarships. In her address, Principal Jordan urged the graduates to carry Messmer’s values forward. With pride, she closed as she often did during morning announcements, 昀椀ghting back tears as she said, “I love you, and there is nothing you can do about it. Love wins, Messmer.” “I love this school!” said graduating Senior Tavon. S. “I will always be a Bishop!” The ceremony concluded with cheers and applause. As the Class of 2024 enters the world, they leave with the knowledge and con昀椀dence to make an impact. GO BISHOPS! Graduations were also celebrated at Messmer Saint Mary and Messmer Saint Rose as the 8th-grade classes 昀椀nished their grade school years. Over 47% of these students now attend Messmer High School. These schools, now operated by Seton Catholic Schools, have returned to their names of previous years: St. Rose of Lima and St. Mary Czestochowa. This year, the two schools serve over 700 students. I will always be a Bishop! Senior Tavon. S. 7

Campus Happenings WinterM Preview! In January, Messmer High School goes into WinterM mode. WinterM is a mid-year term for twenty instructional days that gives students a chance to recover credit, participate in enrichment courses, take courses designed to reach grade level for some students, and/or earn certi昀椀cation courses such as welding, carpentry, CNA, and phlebotomy. Here are some of the incredible WinterM courses that will be offered in January 2025: CNA CARPENTRY AFRICAN BRAIDING PHLEBOTOMY NAIL TECHNICIAN TAEKWONDO 8

WinterM 2024 Experiences! 27 12 5 Messmer students Messmer High School Students completed learned techniques carpentry students, a welding training in African hair braiding led by Tonda program aligned with under the guidance of Thompson of She the American Welding Robin Anderson and Slangs Wood, built Society’s national JuQuita Vance of R.A. convertible benches standards and Salon & Suites. Styles that transform into guidelines. Thanks to included cornrows, picnic tables, gaining Andrea Bester of faux locs, Senegalese hands-on skills in Cutting Edge, these twists, crochet braids, creativity, teamwork, students may feel wigs, Fulani braids, and and dedication. inspired to pursue a Bantu knots. career in welding. Let the Praises Go Forth! Messmer High School Welcomes a New Gospel Choir Director Messmer High School is thrilled to announce Mr. Bonito Leatherwood-Garrett, affectionately known as Mr. LG, as the new gospel choir director. Mr. LG brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the choir, inspiring students to push their vocal limits and reach new heights. “They have a passion for giving God glory,” he shared. The gospel choir performs at monthly all-school Masses. Students like Tymarius W. embrace the experience wholeheartedly. “I wanted to sing but was a little scared of what my guys might say,” Tymarius explained. Two of my best friends joined, and now I’m having so much fun!” Messmer is seeking donations to support the choir’s growth, with hopes to increase rehearsal days, add choir robes, and purchase a new set of drums and other instruments. For gospel choir donations, click on the QR code and add “gospel choir” in the comment section. 9

Campus Ministry Moment The annual Messmer retreats were a huge success! Almost 500 students participated in grade-speci昀椀c days of team building, character development, and faith formation. Freshmen stayed on campus for a day Juniors set off for a day of teamwork, of fun activities that helped them discover fellowship, and discovering potential through where they 昀椀t in as part of their new outdoor rock wall climbing and high ropes Messmer family. Peer leaders from the courses at the beautiful YMCA Camp Junior class led the charge. Minikani in Hubertus, Wisconsin. Seniors also returned to their beloved, annual, overnight Sophomores had a new partner with retreat destination of Camp Minikani in Marquette University Campus Ministry. Hubertus. Bon昀椀re talks, fellowship, prayer, They spent the day at Marquette University re昀氀ection and canoeing 昀椀lled their days in the Alumni Memorial Union, Chapel of and night. the Holy Family, bowling in the Union Sports Annex, and tours to the historic Saint Joan I really enjoyed the bon昀椀re, of Arc Chapel. The theme for this day of re昀氀ection was Imagination (Imagining a where we sat together world of justice, faith, and discernment) answering questions on who and “Cura Personalis” (Care of the whole we were, who we are, and who person). Marquette students and staff shared we want to be. It made me inspirational perspectives on life beyond high school. realize how we all go through EA similar things. We realized that as a whole class, we have real love for All the Messmer High School retreats were KJ each other. well-needed, and deserved opportunities to develop old and new relationships with classmates and faculty in casual, faith-昀椀lled and fun environments. So many shared it was a needed “mental break.” The retreats operated in the spirit of our 2024-25 scriptural theme from Matthew 15:16: “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say that I am?” Discovering the spirit of Jesus in one another is a great way to recognize the love and dignity that exists in Messmer and how students can learn to seek it out in the world beyond our school walls. 10

Alumni Spotlight Makayla Harris Meet Makayla Harris, a proud Messmer High School alumna from the Class of 2020 and a recent University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate. Thanks to Makayla’s resilience and the support of the Messmer community, her journey was one of triumph. At Messmer, Makayla was an honors student, president of the National Honor Society, cheerleading team M ak ayla H ar r i captain, and recipient of the ‘Most s Outstanding Student Award.’ She earned the All-in Milwaukee scholarship, which helped pay for her education at UW-Madison. Her accomplishments laid the foundation for her college success, where she made the Dean’s List, served as a Resident Assistant, completed four internships, and co-founded two organizations Although I’ll centered on minority empowerment. be miles away, Makayla’s academic path began at Messmer Prep (now St. Mary of Czestochowa) in fourth grade. I look forward Makayla credits her Catholic education as one of the reasons her academic success reached to supporting such heights. Messmer As she continues to carry the values she acquired however I can. at Messmer, today, Makayla is pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Barry University School of Law in Orlando. Makayla Harris Makayla is excited to give back to the Messmer community by mentoring students and staff from afar. “Although I’ll be miles away, I look forward to supporting Messmer however I can.” 11

Alumni Events Messmer Alumni Reunite: A Fall to Remember This Fall brought a wave of nostalgia to Messmer High School as alumni from 1969, 1974, 1979, and 1984 returned for school tours as a part of their reunion celebrations. Seeing alumni reconnect and reminisce was a joyful reminder of Messmer’s lasting impact. Each class celebrated and enjoyed time together around the city. The Class of 1974 gathered at Bluemound Country Club; the Class of 1969 met at Alioto’s Restaurant; the Class of 1979 enjoyed Three Lions Pub; and the Class of 1984 reminisced at O’Sullivan’s, owned by alumna Sue Syvock (Rauen, ‘81). Michelle Watley (‘84) shared, “It was wonderful reconnecting with classmates and Messmer. I was moved to hear about all the amazing things happening at the school and even saw my mom’s ‘57 yearbook.” Stay connected with us! Visit www.messmerschools.org to complete an Alumni Pro昀椀le. Click on ‘Community,’ then scroll down and select ‘Update your alumni pro昀椀le.’ We look forward to seeing you at future events! Want to add a tour of Messmer High School to your reunion plans? Contact Erica Zdroik, VP of Advancement, at [email protected] It was wonderful reconnecting with classmates and Messmer. Michelle Watley (‘84) Class of ‘69 4 Class of ‘ Class of ‘7 84 12

Messmer Hosts Inaugural 2024 Open House: A Taste of Messmer Messmer High School proudly held its 昀椀rst Open House: A Taste of Messmer, showcasing its nearly 100-year legacy. The event was broadcast on social media, in addition, people heard Messmer students talk about the event via ads on V100.7 and Jammin’ 98.3. As a result, the event drew over 450-current and prospective students, families, and alumni to explore Messmer’s offerings, with Student Ambassadors guiding personalized tours. A lively vendor area featured businesses owned by Messmer alumni and organizations offering community resources. The food trucks along Capitol Drive added 昀氀avor, offering local favorites. One of the event’s highlights was the “Ol-Skool” vs. “Nu-Skool” alumni basketball game, organized by Walter Cullin (‘05), Vic Sloan (‘05), and Messmer’s boys basketball coach, Ben Hailey. The “Nu-Skool” team claimed victory, leaving the “Ol-Skool” team playfully asking, “Where’s the oxygen?” Vic commented, “Congratulations on another successful event. This was a good look for Messmer.” Walt added, “The engagement was crazy! The atmosphere was electric! This was beautiful!” With music provided by Jammin’ 98.3 the event celebrated Messmer’s strong community connections and commitment to student success. Messmer’s Annual Golf Outing Recap Messmer’s annual golf outing, sponsored by CG Schmidt and initiated by a group of dedicated alumni over twenty years ago, took place on June 10th at New Berlin Hills. The course was 昀椀lled to capacity, and we were once again blessed with beautiful weather. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors and those who donated items for our raf昀氀e and auction. This year, we featured several unique items crafted by students from our carpentry class. 13

In Memoriam MAY THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED REST IN PEACE 1930 1950 continued Phyllis Jones (nee Lechmaier) ’39 Robert Fehring ’58 Alfred Mattacotti ’58 1940 Dorothy Schmidt (nee Pupeter) ’58 Marilyn Nevens (nee Dencker) ’43 Charlotte Lombness (nee Lathrop) ’58 Catherine Hoef昀氀er (nee Heger) ’44 Christine Szyperek ’59 Constance Zander (nee Pier) ’44 Stephen Moker ’59 Betty Vanderpool (nee Gengler) ’44 Ronald Szymanski ’59 Walter Greis ’45 Patricia Knickelbine (nee Zodrow) ’59 John Heiden ’48 1960 Janet Pemper (nee DeBoth) ’48 Clare Frami (nee Albert) ’49 Carol Barwick (nee Cherne) ’60 Marilyn Land (nee Baumann) ’49 Kathleen Olson (nee v) ’60 Patricia Cepress ’49 Richard Tomczyk ’60 Leon Heun ’49 Thomas Gazzana ’60 Ruth Hanna ’49 Karen Rufus (Riegler) ’61 Joyce Duss (nee Tennies) ’61 1950 Susan Frerk (nee Verhey) ’61 Diane Kirchen (nee Figlesthaler) ’50 David Zadra ’62 Bernice Gebhard ’50 Colleen Hefter (nee Nystrom) ’63 Anna Matuszek (nee Engeldinger) ’50 Genevieve St. Louis (nee Farley) ’64 Ruth Gardner (nee Hauser) ’51 Robert Felder ’64 Patricia Pajunen (nee Geiger) ’51 Mary Koenigs ’64 Thomas Bruders ’51 Theodore Corrao ’64 Theresa Hansen (nee Janz) ’51 Raymond Krupski ’64 Emily Kosso (nee Mojito) ’52 Jerome Cherubini ’64 William Kuhr ’53 Carolyn Land ’66 Ione Kohler (nee Straus) ’53 Richard Dick ’66 Ann Schwartz (nee Beyer) ’53 Timothy Flahive ’67 Maripat Shaw (nee Maolone) ’53 John Phelan ’67 Dennis Herbst ’53 on May 24, 2024 Barbara Martinko (nee Lukasavitz) ’68 Shirley Swiecichowski (nee Kleinhans) ’53 Monica Hendricks (nee Grimm) ’68 Marguerite McGovern (nee Mitzi) ’54 Timothy Kubiak ’68 Robert Gorzek ’54 Karen Bowen (nee Stenstrup) ’68 Marlis Klemm (nee Schalewski) ’54 James Romanowich ’68 Patricia Blastic (nee Grzeca) ’54 1970 Joseph Engel ’55 Carol Kreider (nee Piaskowski) ’55 Francesca Gordon (Ortiz) ’70 Patricia Tester (nee Scholler) ’55 Ronald MacCudden ’79 Romain La Flex (nee Shuda) ’55 Frances Straszewski (nee Merrill) ‘79 Eugene Kealty ’55 Richard Zinda ’79 Frank Mayer ’56 Teri Miller ‘79 Dirk Sattler ’56 Sciphio Scott ‘79 Eugene Seifert ’56 Michael O’Connor ’57 Mary Kolanko ’57 14

Planning Ahead Join us! MARCH Messmer High School Fat Tuesday: Feast Before the Fast 4 rd, 2025 Tickets go on sale January 3 Visit fattuesday.givesmart.com for more information JUNE Save the Date! 9 Messmer High School Golf Classic and Community Fundraiser Celebrate with us! Messmer is gearing up for its th 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2026. 100 Anniversary Stay tuned! What are Planned Gifts? Simply put, a planned gift is a donation made by a donor in the present and then gifted in the future, usually after the donor has passed. More often than not, these donations are incorporated into a donor’s will, known as a bequest, or in a trust. Please consider creating a lasting legacy through a planned gift to Messmer High School. For more information, please contact Erica Zdroik, VP of Advancement [email protected] 15

Non-Pro昀椀t Org. U.S. Postage Paid Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4764 742 W. Capital Drive Milwaukee, WI 53206 Stay in Touch Please Donate Stay in touch and update your Online: MessmerSchools.org/Donate contact information. Scan below Text: Give2Messmer to 41444 or visit messmerschools.org/ Or scan below: