Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper Digital Edition Issue April 6, 2023

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Milwaukee voters found many options beyond the high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race on their spring 2023 election ballot.

All city voters found options for a new municipal judge and new citywide school board member following the resignation of longtime judge Derek Mosley

Spring 2023 Election Results

and the decision not to run again by school board president Bob Peterson.

Approximately 120,000 northside residents were able to elect a new Milwaukee Common Council representative, adding three new voices to the 15-member body and eliminating the last remaining vacancies following a period of great turn-

over. Winners will need to run again for a full, four-year term next spring.

In addition to the at-large seat, four of the eight district-based Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors seats were on the ballot. Only two of the four were contested. Winners will serve a four-year, part-time term as policymakers for the state’s

largest school district.

On the city’s near south side, the process to replace Dyango Zerpa on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors is just beginning. A three-way race will narrow the field to two in advance of a May special election.

Nine Milwaukee County Circuit Court bench seats

were on the ballot, but none of the incumbent judges faced challengers. Municipal Judge Phillip M. Chavez ran unopposed for reelection.

The election results include all of the races decided entirely within the City of Milwaukee, with data provided by the unofficial results posted by the Milwaukee County Election Commission.

'Break the glass ceiling': Local female powerhouses honored during Milwaukee Co. board meeting

At their Thursday, March 23, 2023 meeting the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors celebrated Women’s History Month by honoring Milwaukee women who embody this year’s theme of “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

“As we come to the end of Women History Month, I want to recognize these outstanding women who are truly the definition of community servants,” said Supervisor Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones. “We must celebrate their contributions and ongoing efforts to promote health, equity, and prosperity throughout Milwaukee County and beyond. We make women’s history 365 days a year."

Pictured at the event are CBS 58 News Director Jessie Garcia; Global Linkages, Inc. Principal Lorna K. Johnson; Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens President and CEO

Ellen Hayward; Milwaukee County Detention Center Former Deputy Superintendent Mavis McCallum; Community Reintegration Center Superintendent Chantell Jewell; Photographer Yvonne Kemp; Community Volunteer Lurella Shead; Michelle Young; Greendale Schools Superintendent Dr. Kim Amidzich; Superintendent Lisa Elliot: Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball: Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Tardy: Mayor Liaison Officer Arlisia McHenry; and Milwaukee County Corp. Counsel Maggie Daun.

Photo by Yvonne Kemp

Janet Protasiewicz Wisconsin Supreme Court

Lamont Westmoreland Common Council District 5

Larresa Taylor Common Council District 9

Andrea Pratt Common Council District 1

Molly Gena Municipal Judge Branch 2

Web Photos

One Family's Journey with Autism - Page 8

Alzheimer's Association of Southeast WI hosts 'Creating Connections: Partners in Hope'

More than 80 members of the community attended a talk by award-winning author Patricia McClureChessier, MBA, MPA, (2nd row sixth from left), who was the keynote speaker at St. Mark A.M.E. Church on March 15 for "Creating Connections: Partners in Hope," a workshop and luncheon for families impacted by dementia. The event was presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter. McClure-Chessier, from Chicago, Illinois, is the author of “Losing a Hero to Alzheimer’s” and “Dementia: Nine Key Principles.” She shared details of how she became estranged from members of her family after she became the caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Attendees also participated in a State Dementia Plan Survey. Special guests at the event included Sen. Lena Taylor; Hope DeVougas, a representative from Rep. Gwen Moore’s office; and the Hon. Charles Clevert, Wisconsin’s first African American federal judge, now retired. Also pictured (left

Who is George Gerharz? Gone, but never forgotten

By: Jim Smith and Marchelle Odom

When asked who his dad was, we received an entire background on this man of distinction. Matt Gerharz exclaimed, “I never got to give my dad's eulogy, so this is harder than I thought”. The “this” is his recollection of who his dad was as a person who consistently hoped.

He reminded us that his dad would be touched by the sentiments of having his story told, before he began to tell the story. So, here it goes…

George Gerharz spent his entire life helping the disadvantaged, the underprivileged, the “little guy.” He was a man who focused on doing good deeds rather than speaking of his own accomplishments. As his son, my father instilled in me (and many around him) the core belief that it is a privilege and honor to help others, and I am deeply grateful for this life’s lesson.

Dad was born in 1939 and raised in the small southwestern Chicago suburb of Lemont, IL. His family ran the local furniture store and funeral home; driving through town our family’s name can still be seen on the buildings today.

His father was a worker at the Union Oil refinery and his mother was a bookkeeper.

As early as grade school, Dad believed in equality and fairness. One of the few times he found himself in trouble was when getting into a fight after presenting a report he wrote on Brown vs the Board of Education; his belief that

this decision was the right decision. After class, he and his friend were confronted by several classmates with hateful names and hurtful accusations, but Dad would not back down on his beliefs.

Dad was a kind child and an excellent student who played varsity all four years of high school in 4 sports. He was also captain of the football team, prom king, editor of the school newspaper, and valedictorian of his class.

From Lemont, he went on to play football at Beloit College, and continued studying social causes and philosophy at several universities including Marquette and UNC Chapel Hill, (acquiring several masters’ degrees along the way). He then joined the seminary and became a Catholic priest in his desire to help the poor and underprivileged, but parted ways with the church early on to focus on social justice.

After the priesthood and prior to joining Social Development Commission (SDC), dad took on several interesting jobs, including founding a company that hired ex-cons to build playground equipment. Those of you old enough may remember many Milwaukee schools having these “Tire Toys” as a part of their schools’ playgrounds. Dad spent the next 25 years working at SDC in Milwaukee; tirelessly advocating for those in need alongside his dear friend, Don Sykes. Former director of the SDC Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Feeding Program, Jim Smith is quoted as saying, “George helped develop these non-profit catering programs into some of

George Gerharz

September 2, 1939August 21, 2020

the best in the country. The program was invited to the White House by Hilary R. Clinton. George was an angel sent from heaven to serve low-income communities."

Dad also served as a consultant for the National Community Action Agencies in Washington, D.C, the Low-Income Energy Coalition, Allied Community Solutions, and with Milwaukee's Council on Urban Life. His work focused on Milwaukee, Native American communities, and national welfare policies. He often consulted for nonprofits on a pro-bono basis, including the Innocence Project New Orleans.

He never really retired from his work. While he loved fishing, golf, softball and football, helping others and advocating for underprivileged communities and people was his passion. Up until the last days of his life, even when he was bedridden and could no longer speak, he would ask for his laptop and seek out help for the peo-

ple of Milwaukee, especially projects for North Division High School families. Mr. Stanley W. McWilliams, former principal at North Division was quoted as saying, “George was the foundation of many of the flourishing programs at North (nursing, welding, NAF, and health and human services)”.

Dad wrote two books, Show Me The Cash: Engaging Families To Help Very Poor Children Succeed was published in 2018. His second book Break the Caste: Inequality, Immobility and Poverty in America, was completed shortly before his death and will be pub-

lished this fall.

Whew! I knew my dad was a busy guy. I guess until I placed his contributions on paper, his many accomplishments, I did not realize exactly how much of his time he dedicated to others. My dad, a man of distinction, I could not be more proud. My synopsis of my dad’s life is in itself a tribute to his legacy. In the words of William A. Clay, “George was a good spirit who LOVED people and committed his life to them. He was generous, humble and a pleasure to be with. He made the world a better place.” I concur!

to right) back row: Gerri Sykes, Ramona Dicks Williams, Sheila Parrish Spence, Diane Beckley Milner, Sen. Taylor, McClure, Mirian Tangle and Karen Bricks Pace. (front row left to right): Ruth Bradley McNeely-Wells, Tracy McNeely, Jenelle Elder Green, Michelle Crocket and Karen Birks Pace.

Staff Photo

In some ways author and former Milwaukee resident Terry Wells-Jones (inset) has enjoyed a fairy-tale existence of privilege and opportunity that began in 1968 when she was “stopped on the street by the editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel” and asked “if I would come in for some photo test shots the next time, I was home from school.” This led to her becoming the first model of any race to appear in a fullpage color advertisement and a telegram from Oscar de la Renta inviting her to model his fashion designs in New York City.

After a successful decade as a model, Wells-Jones retired and used her education, experience and connections to develop a very successful plan to advance through the corporate world. She went on to shatter one glass ceiling after another as she rose through the upper management ranks of several Fortune 500 companies. Now retired, happily married and living near Palm Springs, CA, she and her husband travel the world and enjoy time with family.

During the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, WellsJones “began digging

eventually decided to write about her remarkable life. Reflections: Looking in the Mirror is the finished product. On March 23, 2023 she visited Boswell Book Store in Milwaukee as part of a nation-wide tour to promote her book and the following day she met with The Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper for an interview.

Wells-Jones enjoys celebrity status among Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sisters in Milwaukee and the AKAs receive a “shout out” in an

When Wells-Jones entered the University of Wisconsin at Madison on a full academic scholarship in 1964, there were only two African American students on campus until she began recruiting others. Most of the students she recruited had good grades, but lacked the money for tuition or knowledge about financial aid and scholarship programs. She personally met with parents and said she helped seven Milwaukee residents successfully apply.

Beginning at the age of

traumatic setbacks which should have derailed WellsJones from the successful life she has led. While walking home from a high school event in the segregated Deep South where she was born and raised, she accepted a ride from an acquaintance and was raped. She writes of praying in vain that she would not become pregnant. In an age where abortion was illegal and considered immoral by her parents, she was forced to live with a cousin in Milwaukee until after her son was born. Despite this radical change to her life, she managed to graduate with the highest-grade point average among her integrated high school classmates in Milwaukee.

She writes plainly and honestly in Reflections about the sacrifices she has had to make in order to live the life she chose. “People often ask me if I have any regrets about the decisions I’ve made,” she said. “The answer is yes, I had a few regrets, but too few even to mention. I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exceptions. I have learned over the years to count my blessings and not my problems.”

Staff Photos

CHURCH LISTINGS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER: ABIDING FAITH FELLOWSHIP B.C. to COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREATER MILWAUKEE

“Discover Your Abundant Faith”

Faith

CHURCH LISTINGS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

COMMUNITY OF GRACE BAPTIST

MPS job fair for seniors is April 19

Brook Lopez visits MPS to deliver free books to students

Students at Byron Kilbourn School, 5354 N. 68th St., exchanged fist bumps and high fives with Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango and had a chance to choose five free books courtesy of Bucks Center Brook Lopez. An event in the school library in March was one of the final “Brook Fair” events of the school year.

Are you a high school senior looking for work? Take a step toward finding a job! Explore jobs, meet hiring managers, and learn to succeed in the world of work. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will host a student job fair to help students learn about careers and find summer and year-round work.

Job Fair for High School

Seniors:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union

2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, 53211

Student transportation will be provided. Ask your counselor or College and Career Center advisor for a permission slip.

In addition to searching for immediate jobs, students have the chance to explore new fields that may lead to lifelong careers including automotive, construction, health care, law enforcement, manufacturing, and more.

Employers: For questions and registration information, contact Tamera Coleman at colemat@milwaukee.k12.

wi.us

Lopez has made it his mission to get books into the hands of students by selecting five schools and providing funds for every student to choose five books to build a home library. In addition to Kilbourn School, he has supported Scholastic Book Fairs at Allen-Field and William Cullen Bryant schools, also in March 2023; and at Hayes Bilingual and Marvin E. Pratt schools in November 2022.

More than 2,000 elementary schoolchildren in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have taken home picture books, chapter books,

Let’s Go With

and books in Spanish this season. Lopez has donated more than 10,000 books, estimated to be worth about $75,000.

Students also received bookmarks, called “Brookmarks,” and five bookplates that read “This book belongs to…” The bookmarks and book stickers have Lopez’s likeness on them.

“After seeing how successful last year’s fairs were, Brook decided to sponsor five schools this year. Last

year, it was three schools,” said Angela Gilman, senior manager of corporate social responsibility for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lopez’s family members also have supported his efforts to promote literacy; his mother, brother, sister-inlaw, and nieces have attended past events to be part of the excitement of providing free books.

Thank you, Brook Lopez, for helping to promote literacy for Milwaukee children!

Easy. Flexible. Affordable.

When it comes to riding the bus, there’s a better way to pay. It’s WisGo—our new, modern fare collection system that’s available in the Umo app or as a card. Get WisGo and start enjoying all the benefits that come with it.

How one African American family learned of daughter’s special gift of autism

By Marina Sarris

The Austins suspected that their middle child, Camryn, had autism, but her teachers and doctor did not. Perhaps it was because Camryn did not fit the traditional picture of someone with autism. Camryn is talkative, female, and black.

Camryn was one of only a handful of black children in her small, rural school district, said her mother, Kristin Austin. Austin worried that, if she kept pushing the school to evaluate her daughter for autism, it might affect how teachers viewed other black girls.

The family moved to a larger, more diverse area, where Cami, as she’s called, could get the help she needed. Cami’s new school diagnosed her with autism in 2021. The desire to help others like Cami led the Austins to SPARK or Simons Powering Autism Research, the largest research study of autism.

“I started scouring the web to inform myself and equip our family with what we needed to support her, as well as ourselves, and SPARK kept coming up as a leading source of research in autism,” Austin explained. “While we’re very interested in Cami’s personal development, we are also interested in understanding the broader landscape of what the autism community represents, the challenges, and opportunities.”

Austin is a professor with a doctorate in education. As she learned more about autism, she realized that studies often did not include girls of color. The family joined SPARK to help change that. They provided DNA samples to SPARK researchers, who are looking for more genes that cause autism.

Getting attention for Cami’s autism

For years, Cami’s parents tried to persuade others to see what they saw.

Cami is the second child, and only daughter, of Kristin and Cerick Austin, educators who live in Pennsylvania. From infancy through her toddler years, Cami slept very little, maybe just four hours a night, and usually not in one stretch.

Cami’s doctor did not worry because she was a happy child who was seemingly unaffected by lack of sleep. “She has always been an incredibly amicable, loving, and exuberant child,” Kristin Austin said. But that did not relieve her worry about Cami’s sleep problems: “Brain development at that age takes place during sleep,” she said.

Autism Awareness Month feature presented by SPARK

black girl, who happened to be smart,” Austin said. The diversity of autism

Austin joined SPARK in part to help increase knowledge about how autism affects girls of color.

Autism affects all races and ethnicities equally. But most of what we know about autism and autism genetics comes from studies that largely involved people of European descent, and boys.

you they have autism, believe them,” Cami said. “So many people don’t believe me just because I can talk. Being able to talk doesn’t mean I don’t have autism, it means I don’t need help with speech – although sometimes I actually do.”

Cami’s best friend is a girl with autism who is nonspeaking.

As Cami grew, her parents saw that she struggled with social skills, attention, and behavior. Two preschools that she attended also noticed: they each found her behavior to be too disruptive for them. Austin expressed her concerns about Cami’s social problems, but Cami’s many strengths derailed those conversations.

Cami is smart with an advanced vocabulary and a great memory. At 4 years old, she could recite the periodic table of elements, which most students do not learn until high school chemistry class, her mother recalled.

She also had traits common to autism. They included being very sensitive to certain fabrics, sounds, and smells; repeating phrases (which is called echolalia); obsessive and compulsive behaviors; and running from the classroom or hiding under a desk when she felt overwhelmed.

“People would constantly write off our concerns, saying, ‘She’s just advanced, she’s gifted, she’s bored.’ They would get distracted by what she could do and minimize the areas that really needed development,” Austin said.

The Austins got along well with Cami’s elementary school teachers. But, as one of the few black families in the small district, they considered carefully how hard they should push for her to be evaluated for her developmental differences.

“When you are a family in that type of environment, it’s possible that you are overly cautious about what decisions you make with your own children because it might skew the future of other black children,” explained Austin, who has studied and worked in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

She worried that any diagnosis Cami might receive there could create stereotypes or biases, simply because the school district had very limited experience with black children. “We didn’t want the way Cami appeared to be, to lead to the overdiagnosis of other black children,”

she explained.

Austin said she is fortunate that her family could move to a larger school district with more resources. The teachers in Cami’s new school quickly recognized her needs. After her diagnosis, Cami received an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that included help with social, emotional, and speech skills.

“If we had not moved, and if her father and I weren’t who we are – and by who we are, I mean having the privilege that we have, whether economic or educational or both – I don’t believe she would have been diagnosed. I think she would have been labeled as a sassy, mouthy

Historically, people of color have been diagnosed at older ages, and less frequently, than white children in the United States. Also, autistic girls are often diagnosed later than autistic boys, who greatly outnumber them.

Some researchers wonder if girls may be slipping through the diagnostic cracks because their autism may look different. SPARK has enrolled more than 26,000 autistic girls and women, making it easier for researchers to study them.

Cami, in her own words

Like her mother, 11-yearold Cami is interested in people understanding more about autism, especially how it affects people differently.

“I really want people to know that if someone tells

Cami enjoys many interests. “I love writing realistic fiction, anything arts and crafts, dancing, and acting. I am learning to sew and I love, love, love reading! I also love learning about black and Latina women in history,” Cami said.

She has two possible careers in mind: a performing artist or a politician. “Unless someone does it before me –which could definitely happen – I want to be the first woman president,” Cami said.

If Cami’s story resonates with you, learn more about what SPARK is doing to advance research of Autism Spectrum Disorder at https://sparkforautism.org/ togetherwecan or call toll free at 1-844-54-SPARK or 1-844-547-7275.

Three key steps for first-time home buyers

For those considering home ownership for the first time, it may seem as if there’s a long list of details to tackle once the search begins. However, before potential buyers even start looking at homes, there are three important steps to take.

The first step is getting your finances in order. Checking your credit rating and getting pre-approved for a loan are crucial. A good credit rating is key to securing a mortgage at the best rate possible.

Starting at least a year (or even two) before you plan to buy will give you a chance to pay down or eliminate any credit card or other major debt that can affect a potential mortgage.

“I would suggest that a first-time buyer talk with a lender,” said Angela Walters, a REALTOR with EXP Realty and chair of the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS board of directors. “Sometimes buyers assume they cannot qualify, but they might be pleasantly surprised when they talk to a lender. I encourage people to reach out to a lender whether they think they're ready or not because an early conver-

sation can help them do the right things. If you apply a year early and find out you're not ready, at least you’ll know more specifically what you need to do. You might need to pay down or pay off certain debts to improve your debt-to-income ratio. You can also get advice on whether consolidating debt would be a good or bad thing, or whether to hire a credit repair company, etc.”

What you don’t want to do when planning to buy a home is make another major purchase that involves a loan.

“If you buy a new car before you buy a house, your debt-to-income ratio may be too high. So, if you are thinking about buying a house in the next year or so, hold off on doing any other major purchases so your credit rating is as high as possible. Then, after buying the house, you can buy the car and you can buy the nice furniture,” Walters said.

Once you have an idea of how much house you can afford, do some thorough research on the recurring expenses that come (and keep coming) before and after you’ve made your first mort-

gage payment. Make sure you know what you’ll be paying for closing costs, moving, insurance, taxes, utilities, repairs, upkeep, and even potential changes to your commute.

The third step is establishing a relationship with a REALTOR. A REALTOR can help with the first two steps and more, so it’s a good idea to find one before you’re ready to start looking.

“It's never too early,” Walters said. “We have systems in place to help us stay in touch with people and nurture them until they're at the

point where they're ready to purchase. Just be upfront that you’re not quite ready yet.”

But you may be ready sooner than you think, so being strategic in your planning is important.

“Someone may be looking at homes we’re sending them and, all of a sudden, they see their dream home. Even though they wanted to wait until next year, this perfect house has popped up and they want to jump on it,” Walters explained.

Having your finances organized can help make that dream a reality.

Another way to get ready for homeownership is to contact Housing Resources Inc. (HRI). HRI is a nonprofit organization in Milwaukee that works to support financial education and empowerment and prepares people for sustainable home ownership.

HRI offers a six-part online education course, monthly HomeWorks for Homebuyers Education workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions. Visit the HRI website for more information and the workshop calendar at hri-wi.org

Not JUST Copy”

Rev.

CHURCH LISTINGS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER: NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH to SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

April 6, 1909 – Matthew A. Henson reaches the North Pole, 45 minutes before Commandeer Peary.

April 7, 1885 –Granville T. Woods patents apparatus for transmission of messages by electricity.

April 8, 1974 – Atlanta Braves slugger

Hank Aaron hits 715 home run, surpassing Babe Ruth as the game’s all-time home-run leader.

April 9, 1898 – Paul Robeson, actor, singer, activist, born.

April 10, 1947 –

Brooklyn Dodger

Jackie Robinson becomes first African American to play major league baseball.

April 11, 1966 –

Emmett Ashford becomes first black umpire in the major leagues.

April 12, 1983 –

Harold Washington becomes first African American mayor of Chicago.

MINISTER OF MUSIC WANTED

Reformation Lutheran Church, a small but committed urban congregation, seeks a P/T Minister of Music. Ideal candidate would have proficiency in both reading music as well as playing by ear. Responsibilities include choir direction and rehearsal, keyboardist with emphasis in the Black church tradition. Compensation for 10-hour work week includes two week’s paid vacation, and a starting salary in the $200-250/week range, dependent on experience. If interested and qualified, please call Minister Stephen at 414-544-3922

Mrs. FuMbanks' birthday salutes

April 1st

Joseph Bonner

April 4th

Janillan Wells

Mary Burnett

April 6th

Danny Burnett

April 7th

Kourtlyn Guy

Alexis Smith

Lavernia Green

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. is requesting proposals for the following projects:

Aeration System Upgrade at South Shore Water Bids due Monday 5/4/2023 at 10:00AM Submit bids to bids@cdsmith.com

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. Ph: (920) 924-2900

“An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer”

April 9th

Eddie Jones

Mattie Carter

Vivan Townsend

April 10th

Destiny Reed

Thomas Webb

April 11th

Cora Jones

Azaria Davis

April 12th

John Smith, Jr.

April 13th

Wesley Chamberlain

Al Green

Peabo Bryson

April 14th

Rodneca Hampton

Anwon Tanner

Sharon Carter

Weekly Newspaper & Publishing Co.

Our New Address Is: 2238 North Dr. ML K, Jr. Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212

(right next door to Jewels Caribbean) (414) 263-5088

April 15th

Dominick Henderson

Damon Wayans

Flex Alexander

Michael Cooper

April 16th

Martin Lawrence

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Luol Deng

April 17th

Maya Jones

April 18th

Nickleous Willis

Cola Carroll

Bertha Bratchet

April 19th

Kimberly Willis

April 20th

Gregory Fumbanks

Halley Beason

April 21st

William Beason

April 22nd

Jessica Carter

April 23rd

Arial Smith

LaVern Moore

Dwight E. Ingram

Rodney Hampton

Michael Newsome

Joyce Williams

April 24th

John Webb

April 25th

Delores Ramey

Towanda Ford

April 26th

Cynthia Jones

April 27th

Ageel Scott

Michael W. Celestine

April 30th

Berda Kendricks

Do you have a frienD, family member, church member, or colleague who has just celebrateD or is about to celebrate a birthDay? stop by our office with their name on monDay to

"Wishing you all the best!"

ATTENTION MBE/DBE/DVB/SBE/WBE:

Garden Homes Lutheran boys' basketball team wins LBAA National Tournament

The Garden Homes Lutheran boys' basketball team, The Vikings, have had a season for the record books. They are currently undefeated with a record of 26-0. They are the champions of 5 tournaments including the Wisconsin State Tournament of Champions. Due to their success at the State Tournament, they were invited to the Lutheran Basketball Association of American (LBAA) National Tournament, which they then won on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

The team has gotten a lot of attention this year but not simply because they are talented basketball players. Tournament organizers, along with opposing coaches, and fans have repeatedly commented on the team's sportsmanship, character, and humility on the court. GHLS has received numerous letters, emails, and phone calls praising the team for the way they conduct themselves. They truly are a special group of young men using their talents in a God-pleasing way.

Pictured are team members (back row, from left) Ryan Tatum, Rmani Chambers, D'Anthony Brown, Donell Jones; (front row, from left) Matthew Whorton, Justin Addison, Jayden Burrell, Dailend Jett; and (not pictured) coach Aaron Bauer and assistant coach Nathan Bauer.

BEHIND EVERY FUTURE ASTRONAUT, IS A BRILLIANT SCHOOL LEADER.

Put a brighter future in focus and join our team. MPS is seeking proud and passionate candidates to generate excitement about learning, inspire knowledge, and graduate future leaders in our schools. Visit mpsmke.com to discover the great positions available. Full/part-time positions fill quickly with options across Milwaukee. MPS offers competitive pay and benefits — most jobs have summers off!

For text alerts on current job openings, please visit tinyurl.com/jobsatmps. For more information, call (414) 475-8224 or email 565@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.