Proud Past Christ-Centered Mission Strategic Future - Wisconsin ...

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FUTURE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT From Thailand to WLHS – One Student’s Journey Future host families are already being secured for the 2013-14 school year. For information on host families or any questions about the experience, please feel free to contact Hannah Reinke, international student program coordinator, at hannah.reinke@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567 x2353. Moo Thaw Paw, happy to be at WLHS. moved up 5 grade levels in 1 semester! Moo Thaw Paw was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her parents had to flee from Burma during wartime for believing in Jesus. They lived in the jungle and were even slaves for a time before entering the refugee camp. She said she lived in a bamboo house with a leaf roof and was always fearful for her safety in the refugee camp. One example she could speak of was how the drinking water was often poisoned. When the U.S. government learned of these refugees, they found a way to help many of them. Moo Thaw Paw and her mother, father, two brothers, and sister were among the fortunate ones able to come to the U.S. They arrived in New York City first and Moo Thaw Paw thought she had landed in heaven. Then on to Chicago and then their new home town — Milwaukee. They now attend St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church and Moo Thaw Paw is a sophomore at WLHS. She is excelling here — both spiritually and academically. Her freshman math teacher, Mr. Plamann, said, “Moo Thaw Paw was a delight to have in class. She worked very hard and had one of the highest scores in the Math Lab. Moo Thaw Paw started at WLHS at a fourth grade level. With the College Readiness Continuum (CRC) program she moved up to ninth grade math in just one semester!” College Readiness Continuum In the fall of 2011, WLHS launched the CRC. The program has exceeded expectations and helped a great number of students make strides to be better prepared for college. The CRC was developed from a bold vision generated by the WLHS board of directors and leadership team to provide every student, no matter their background or geography, with the highest quality instruction that meets their needs. CRC’s goal is to ensure that every student who enters WLHS below grade level will be prepared for ninth grade level work by their sophomore year. CRC is a yearround, comprehensive effort that may begin with summer preparation for incoming freshmen, continues with doubled instructional time in math and reading throughout the school year, and may conclude with summer credit recovery, if necessary. Students who are prepared for main-stream classes by their sophomore year will then be better prepared for college-prep work as upperclassmen. “We are pleased with the results from CRC,” said Ned Goede, principal. “Our experience has proven that if students are given individualized instruction by excellent and dedicated teachers, they can overcome academic challenges and achieve their greatest potential.” International Student Program First or second generation immigrants are not the only WLHS students who bring an international flair to WLHS. WLHS also accepts foreign born students who desire an American education into the International Student Program. These students attend on an F1 visa and live with host families who act as surrogate parents during the school year. This strong network of host families helps provide a loving, Christian home for these students while they attend WLHS. Each year more students have been added to the Program, and continued growth is anticipated. Activities during the school year are planned to introduce the students to the greater Milwaukee area and distinctly Wisconsin events. WLHS’ Program is designed with a great deal of individualized student attention and support. The Program includes a coordinator and counselor for academic and social support, English language support, academic tutoring, on-campus advocacy, and a student mentor program. While Moo Thaw Paw is not residing with a host family, she is accessing the benefits of the International Program. Thankful for WLHS Moo Thaw Paw says she likes to learn and see new things — such as snow and buildings. Her favorite subject is math and she wants to become a doctor someday. Of everything that she likes about the U.S., she likes knowing more about Jesus. Moo Thaw Paw is thankful for her safety and thankful to be at WLHS. International student doing homework in WLHS library 10 CONTACT Fall 2012
I Remember When ... by Jamie (Johnson) Anderson ‘99 As a former WLHS student and cheerleader, I was filled with school spirit. When asked to write this column I was thrilled, because 13 years later, I am still proud to be a Viking! When I was in grade school, the anticipation of attending WLHS was exciting since my parents and sister went there. Additionally, I was often there for tournaments, camps, plays, musicals, and academic competitions. Remember when you couldn’t wait to be a Viking When I became a WLHS student, I experienced the thrill of athletic accomplishment by being part of a state champion cheerleading team and cheering for a state champion football team. The beautiful WLHS facilities made attending school a pleasure, and I was especially thankful the expansion was completed in time for my senior year. It was incredible to have such outstanding science and math classrooms, and the multipurpose gymnasium meant no more cheerleading practices on the auditorium stage! I also experienced many academic honors due to the WLHS teachers. Remember the pride you felt from your scholastic and extracurricular accomplishments at WLHS Jay Anderson and Amelia Grace, Jamie (Johnson) Anderson, with Jamie’s parents Jim (’70) and Debbie (’71) Johnson Finally, there was the Christian fellowship. We were blessed to start each day worshipping with our classmates and being reassured of God’s grace in our lives. The events during Homecoming, Festival, and the Our Hands for His Service month evoked many fun memories. I still remember staying up all night with friends in the parking lot before the last school day of senior year. We wanted to make the most of our final hours at the special place. Now, the thought of staying up all night is crazy as we have a sevenmonth old baby and every hour of sleep is precious! Do you recall your fondest memories with your WLHS friends Today, I am still proud to see the great things happening at WLHS. The students, faculty, and staff continue to be outstanding, and their accomplishments are amazing. My favorite cheer during high school was, “Are you proud to be a Viking” I hope as you remember your Wisco days and as you see how the ministry continues to be blessed, you will proudly reply,“YES WE ARE!” IN THE NEWS for your gifts Wisconsin Lutheran High School is grateful to the many individuals, groups, foundations, and businesses who have blessed our school with gifts over the last year. These gifts made it possible for us to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education for all our students in a loving and caring environment. To see the list of donors who supported WLHS from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, go to www.wlhs.org and under “Support WLHS” click on “Why Support WLHS.” Dr. Joan Prince (’71), UW-Milwaukee vice chancellor, was nominated by president Barack Obama to serve as alternate representative of the United States to the General Assembly of the United Nations. The appointment, with the rank of ambassador, began on September 18. Mark Ehlers (’76) completed a 298-mile cycling journey across Wisconsin on August 19. The ride took 19 hours and 43 minutes. Ehlers attributes much of his desire to be an ultra-marathon cyclist and his commitment to Christianity as an indication of his faith. His jersey reads, “International Christian Cycling Club” and he named his weblog the Prodigal Cyclist. Dr. Lisa Tortorice (’94) finished second in the 32nd Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon held on October 7. Lisa, who resides in Charlottesville, Virginia said, “This is my 19th marathon and my first time breaking three hours. I was on a mission to break three hours and I did it.” Sara (Laimon) (’96) Luke was featured in the July 3, 2012, Cue section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Sara and her husband, Whakapaingia, spent the summer teaching workshops and classes on Whaka Flow — a series of flying yoga poses incorporating yoga, Thai massage, and acrobatics between two people balancing each other. The couple has a two-year old daughter, Tahi. Sara’s parents, John Laimon (‘65) and Lois, own Smokey’s Bait Shop on Pewaukee Lake. CORRECTION The IN THE NEWS section in the Summer 2012 Contact called out winners of the Blarney Run held in Wauwatosa in March 2012. We misspelled the name of Jonathon Fink and listed his graduation year incorrectly. Jon graduated in (’06), not (’08). CONTACT Fall 2012 11
Page 1 and 2: Fall 2012 Alumni & Friends Magazine
Page 3 and 4: In This Issue ALUMNUS ALAN MERTEN,
Page 5 and 6: The Strategic Ministry Planning Com
Page 7 and 8: Alan Merten with his wife Sally Mer
Page 9: Artist Rendering of Main Entrance a
Page 13 and 14: Stephanie (Szymanski) (’02) Hanso
Page 15 and 16: WLHS ACTIVITIES SUCCESSFUL FALL DRA

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