March 7 2014 Highlander by Rachel Rauch

the

highlander

Vol. 33, No. 4

March 7 ,2014 Homestead High School, Mequon

Paying for performance

Teacher compensation plan to be implemented in fall By Aaron Glazer

As the bell tolls to usher in the start of a new class period, the teacher is ready to begin another day of instruction. Except this day is different from all other days. In the back corner of the classroom, an administrator sits, ready to evaluate the teacher. While evaluations have existed for years, this evaluation has a new meaning. For the first time, this evaluation has a direct impact on the teacher’s compensation. “Last December, the school board approved a strategic plan that would afford the district the opportunity to maintain its track record, and even to build on it,” Mr. Matthew Joynt, assistant superintendent, said. Strategic compensation, more commonly known as merit pay, is “paying people for work or within areas that directly benefit the district goals,” Mr. Joynt said. The plan will be coming to the Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) in the 2014-2015 school year. “With the passage of Act 10, teachers can bargain for base wage increases through their union,” Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said. According to MTSD’s Jan. 22, 2014 Staff Update newsletter, “school districts are limited to the consumer price index percentage for base wage increases.” In short, there is only marginal room for a raise in salary. Hence, the strategic compensation program will “offer salary increases beyond cost-of- living percentages.” Over the past two years, MTSD has “spent approxi-

mately $4.7 million toward active employees’ health insurance.” In the 2014-2015 school year, “the district plans to contribute approximately $4.3 million, bestowing $400,000 to use in a variety of ways,” according to the District Update. As a result, the district faced three options. They could balance the funds, redirect the budget in case of a budget shortfall or redirect the budget towards strategic compensation. “MTSD has chosen to focus some money in the area affording us the opportunity to pay people for work aligning with our strategic plan,” Mr. Joynt said. “It is not necessarily about how long [teachers] have been in the organization or the credits [they] have attained, but rather by the district priorities,” Mr. Bowers said. In the realm of compensation, two categories have been identified as factors influencing compensation levels: inputs - credentials and awards or outputs - performance based measures, according to a MequonNOW article. A committee of district adminstration and teachers has been meeting to discuss these categories. “We’re currently considering what inputs or outputs make up the strategic compensation plan,” Mr. Joynt said. “When finished, teachers should have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to benefit from strategic compensation.” Right now, “the district is reviewing a menu of what might be included and weighing that against the objectives of the strategic compensation program,” Mr. Joynt said. According to Mr. Benjamin Sloma, social studies teacher, there is “a degree of healthy skepticism” surrounding the strategic compensation program. Mrs. Jennifer Zortman, math teacher, agreed, saying that “there are a lot of gray areas or stipulations.” Mr. Joynt suggested that this will remedy with time saying, “It is a change in progress.” The strategic compensation program will help maintain “a profession where young people coming in can see a future,” according to Mr. Eric Bauer, English teacher. As

for today’s compensation, “people need to feel like they have control over what they are compensated on,” Mr. Sloma said. To ensure this control, administration “is training to bridge the gap to that transition,” Mr. Bowers said. With one of the primary determinants of compensation possibly being teacher evaluations, Mr. Bowers said that “the administration will do 40 hours of training to be certified as evaluators. The intent is that the training will ensure consistency in teacher evaluation.” With the new system, the hope is that collegiality and staff morale will be consistent as well. Though there may be “many uncontrollable variables in the system,” according to Mr. Sloma,“if done well and done right with mutual trust,” the system will promote collegiality, Mr. Bowers said. In the long run, “the program should help us meet the lofty goals that [the district] has and afford the district the opportunity to be recognized as one of the top public school districts for education in the state of Wisconsin,” Mr. Joynt said.

Student View What do you think makes a good teacher?

Nicole Gorelik, senior “Someone who is relatable and reaches out to the students on a more personal level.”

Lauren Silber, junior “Someone who guides you to the answer and explains concepts well.”

Stephanie Metzendorf, freshman “Someone who gets along with their students and does not pick favorites.”

Lexi Lipkowitz, freshman “They are understanding of kids’ needs and connect well.”

David Berman, sophomore “Someone who cares about the students, helps outside of classtime and expresses himself beyond a lecture or PowerPoint.”

Chase Duggan, junior “They have to make the class interesting and keep all students engaged.”

Information compiled by Aaron Glazer

What’s Inside

Affluenza becomes reality

Michael Nelson, junior “They connect to the students and teach the material but have fun with it too.”

Teachers reveal hidden talents

Alumnus inspires from the heart

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Zach Zimmermann, senior “They keep the class involved and they make the class a communal environment where everyone feels comfortable being involved.”

March Madness nears

news

School board elections: Meet the candidates Information compiled by Blake Leeson

The school board election is April 1, 2014. Three candidates Paul Buzzell, Wendy Francour and Sid Terry are vying for the open seats. The candidates shared reasons they feel they should be elected.

Paul Buzzell

Sid Terry

Wendy Francour

Submitted photo

The goal of the new Ad Hoc committee is to support positive community involvement of all ages.

Submitted Photo

Why do you want to be on school board? 1

I was so appreciative of the great start I got from Homestead, that I told myself “one day I’ll go back and teach business at Homestead, to help kids like me get the great start in life I got.” [I have been in the district for] 30 years total. add value to the school board 2withI can my now 20 years of business and finance experience. This was going to be the way I can really give back to the school district and community. I want to help the community I love.

I am the Chief Financial Officer of a $35 million manufacturing company in Mequon. I have an MBA in Finance and a BBA in Marketing and Real Estate.

I have a 35 year career in sales, marketing and fund development that will be assets in implementation of the Strategic Plan.

I have over 20 years of leadership and volunteerism in MTSD. These experiences have provided me with direct knowledge of MTSD challenges and opportunities and have given me experience making difficult decisions to balance available resources.

I co-founded and co-chaired a grassroots, community-wide fund development campaign that netted $96,100 to support MTSD. I know how to identify a need and seek creative ways to find solutions.

Dr. Means through the years

of all, I want to express 1myFirst concerns as a parent, grand-

parent and citizen about what our children are being taught and how it is being taught. I am concerned about how children are being assessed. [I’ve spent] 40 years teaching 2children and adults. My educa-

tional background includes an A.S. in Mechanical Technology, a B.S. and M.S. in Education and subsequent work towards an MBA.

I believe a serious discussion of CCSS (Common Core State Standards) is needed at the school board level so that we can address its impact on personal privacy, student assessment, curriculum content, local control, and cost.

New district ad-hoc committee formed By Blake Leeson

According to a district newsletter produced by Ms. Melissa McCrady, the director of communications, the Mequon-Thiensville School District Board of Education unanimously approved 17 residents to serve on a community Ad-Hoc committee on Oct. 28, 2013. The board approved the following committee members: Julia Burke, Jeffrey Clark, Kim Ebinger, David Fuchs, Celeste Giunta, Tracy Johnson, Joseph Martin, Elizabeth O’Connor, John Peterburs, Jim Popp, Tom Price, Jack Rooney, Bryan Sadoff, Patti Schulz and Drew Wallach, along with co-chairmen Brian Levy and Jon Safran. The committee’s purpose is to study how to financially sustain the quality of the district and keep the ranking as the number one school district in the state of Wisconsin, according to the Department of Public Instruction. The Ad-Hoc committee provides the board with fresh ideas through a public lens. These ideas will drive the school board’s protocol of how to maintain the academic and co-curricular quality throughout our district’s schools.

Deadline for donations nears

Homestead High School - Mequon, WI

Campaign seeks to renovate entrance to Homestead

1994

Dr. Means teaches World Studies By Noah Melan

In an attempt to gain an understanding of how the trimester system feels to teachers, Dr. Demond Means, superintendent, took over a World Studies class from Mr. James Engle, social studies teacher, in the last week of February. Dr. Means enjoyed the challenge of teaching a high-school class in the trimester format, which was his idea. He taught a lesson on the escalation of Middle-Eastern conflict immediately after World War II. Dr. Means has always been a teacher. Twenty years ago, before he left the classroom to become an administrator, he taught social studies at Homestead. Even during his time as an administrator, he taught graduate courses at Cardinal Stritch University and Concordia University. Dr. Means plans to return in May to take over a classroom all day teaching U.S. History.

Earned Masters in Educational Leadership at Concordia

2005

Earned Doctoral in Educational Studies at Cardinal Stritch

2007

Appointed Superintendent of MTSD

Facts from mtsd.k12.wi.us.

LLP

Began teaching social studies

Photo by Noah Melan

Dr. Demond Means, superintendent, revisited the place he began his career: a classroom, teaching social studies on Feb. 27.

1994 1997

– 06 November 2013 – #120448-03

Earned Bachelor of Arts at Concordia University

Submitted Photo

A digital rendering by Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP, of the new 800-900 commons, facing the counseling office, depicts what the restoration would look like. By Nicole Martin

“If you have ever entered the Homestead High School field house, you surely know how exciting it is to be a Highlander,” read a recent letter sent home to district parents. Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, came up with the idea to renovate the 800-900 commons “to showcase what students have accomplished academically,” Bowers said. With the help of co-chairs Tanja Felton, parent, and Jane Kammerait, parent, Mr. Bowers hopes to finish the project in early May of this school year. “The kids do so well. We want to recognize them for all their hard work,” Kammerait said. Through a letter campaign, they hope to raise $50,000 between Feb. 1 and March 15 by selling silver and gold plates that can then be customized and displayed in the newly renovated entrance. “So far, we have received optimistic results,” Felton said.

Academic Lobby - Option 1

Submitted Photo

A digital rendering of the new 800-900 commons portays the point of view from the 800 wing.

Student opinion

Our View: Editorial

Throughout the 13 years I have spent as a student, I have come to recognize the qualities that constitute a good teacher. Typically, these educators are kind, considerate and understanding. They are willing to put forth the extra effort to ensure their students’ success. They are relatable and care about each student as more than just a grade. Most importantly, they are passionate not only about teaching but also about learning. From what I have found to be true, a good teacher’s lessons don’t stop once the bell rings to end class. In a world where budget cuts and layoffs seem to be the norm, it is easy to dismiss rewards for deserving educators. Nevertheless, the Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) has found that in the upcoming 2014-2015 school year, certain funds will be allocated for additional teacher compensation. According to a Jan. 7, 2014 MequonNOW article, MTSD will be “increasing premiums, co-pays and other employee costs of the district health insurance plan” for all teachers on order to free up $400,000 to be distributed to worthy educators on a merit-based system known as strategic compensation. We, the Highlander Publications Staff, believe that extraordinary teachers should be rewarded for their hard work; however, strategic compensation, or merit pay, is not the structure on which to do so as it detracts from a productive, cooperative learning environment and it is an unfair and unclear scale on

which to judge the quality of an educator. Focusing on individualism and competition works well in the business world, but that system would quickly disfigure an educational setting. A Scholastic article examining the pros and cons of teacher merit pay explains that “research studies have repeatedly shown that merit pay doesn’t have a positive effect on teachers’ classroom work, but instead can have a divisive and damaging effect on a school or district’s teaching community.” Through staff meetings, in-service days and day-to-day interactions, teachers spend a lot of time together. In addition, they promote the overall success of their students by sharing lesson plans and working to achieve a standardization of class curriculum. These beneficial and necessary communications would only be threatened with the implementation of strategic compensation. It’s not likely that teachers would suddenly shut their doors and refuse to aid their colleagues; after all, teachers are some of the most thoughtful professionals in the working world. However, it is possible that they would feel less inclined to share ideas if salary bonuses were on the line. After all, as expected in a business model, self-preservation and triumphing over competition are the ultimate goals. Although a less functional workplace is a major disadvantage, the biggest flaw of strategic compensation is that it fails to offer a standardized scale

of measured merit amongst teachers. As evidenced by the front page coverage, MTSD is making efforts to regulate the process, yet, is it truly possible to do so? So far, inputs and outputs seem to be the key words in determining who is deemed worthy of a bonus, yet these scales are highly variable. How does one go about equating the outputs of an AP teacher compared to a special education teacher? Both educators teach drastically different students in terms of their testtaking abilities; how is it fair to compare? Similarly, certain subjects just don’t yield outputs. Few, if any, pen and paper tests exist in artistic realms such as theatre, music or art, and thus an art teacher’s worth can’t be fairly gauged in comparison to a common core teacher. Evaluations will also contribute 50 percent in determining worthy teachers, and as the district notes, proper training for administrators will help to ensure that these assessments are equitable. Nonetheless, issues once again arise when considering certain subject matters. In a lecture-based class, evaluations seem to be a fair measure of success. However, what about in student-led courses? Publications, One Act theatre, Product Development Project and several other classes throughout the district are not measured by test scores, yet they still provide invaluable opportunities for students and support Homestead’s mission statement.

My View: Affluenza becomes reality by

Molly Riebau

Growing up in a community steeped in wealthy families, one starts to realize the effects of wealth, positive and negative. In Mequon, according to bestplaces.net, over 31.69 percent of households have an annual income over 150K (more than twice the national average) and the majority (53.26 percent) make over 100K per year. Affluenza, although not officially recognized as a psychological disease in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a disorder commonly known as “rich kid syndrome” that affects wealthy citizens of America by hindering their healthy psychological development. The disease pertains to those who have too much prosperity for their own good, specifically those living in white, two-parent households with an annual income of over 150K per year. These are the teens who saturate their lives with activities and AP classes, who attend high schools with renowned test scores and an outstanding academic curriculum while working hard to attend prestigious universities. These “victims” of Affluenza attribute their issues to the pressure associated with maintaining their elite status of wealth and achieving impressive transcripts complete with 4.0 GPAs. Affluenza garnered national attention after Ethan Couch, wealthy Texas teen, killed four in a drunk driving incident in December. His defense team claimed this horrific incident was a result of Affluenza, and rather than fulfilling his jail sentence,

Homestead High School 5000 W. Mequon Road Mequon, Wisconsin 53092 The Highlander’s editorial policy is to present facts and opinions in a fair and honest manner on issues pertaining to students at Homestead. We uphold the right to speak unpopular opinions and the privilege to agree with the majority. Letters to The Highlander are encouraged; however, we reserve the right to edit for length and grammatical errors. In addition, letters must be signed, but names will be withheld upon request. Any student who wishes to express his opinion through The Highlander should drop off the letter in room 506.

Couch would benefit further from therapy and treatment away from his parents. Albeit extreme and rather ridiculous, Couch’s trial is a prime example of maladjustment in wealthy adolescents. Many stressed teens blow off steam using alcohol and drugs, often by experimenting with friends. However, wealthier teens frequently have access to a wine cellar in the basement or a liquor cabinet stocked full, and a missing bottle of booze is usually overlooked. When teens feel that they can easily get away with stealing alcohol and money from their parents, they feel the need to push the boundaries even further and delve into the dangerous world of recreational substance abuse. Of course, when many of us think of the problems plaguing today’s youth, we point fingers at inner-city gangs and violence, but what many fail to realize is the heap of problems that beset the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum. Compared to impoverished teens, those of wealth perpetrate more crimes associated with illegal substances, stealing (from parents or peers) and cheating. While there is no medical cure for Affluenza, some psychologists suggest that charity work and exposure to the less fortunate can help to put victims’ lives into perspective. A burden is also placed on wealthy parents to promote healthy behaviors and encourage their children, rather than suffocate them with the pressures of perfection. While crying Affluenza should not excuse a DUI resulting in the death of four innocent people, we should be concerned about the issues of the wealthy. After all, teens of wealth are the future high-paid CEOs and politicians that shape the values of American society.

Photo Poll

Why take zero hour gym class?

Editor-in-Chief Copyeditor Layout and Design Editors Reporters and Photographers

Zero Hour gym class was created this year to “give students another option to be able to squeeze something else into their school day,” Mrs. Susan Godfrey, physical education teacher, said. Only available during second tri, the class starts at 6 a.m. and runs to 7:10 a.m. Every day they start with a ten-minute run, followed by yoga, a weight workout or swimming. Information compiled by Nicole Martin

Illustration by Sydney Roeper

Becky Martin, junior: “I couldn’t fit gym class in my schedule so I opted to take Zero Hour gym class.”

Zach Schaum, senior: “I needed a credit to graduate.”

Ali Gehr, junior: “It sounded like a fun thing to do in the morning because I like to wake up early.”

Jaden Stoffel, junior: “I wanted to take two three-trimester classes, and this was the only way I could fit gym into my schedule.”

The Staff Adviser

All in all, it is evident that teachers, just like any other professionals, should be held responsible for their work, but simply offering monetary rewards to select educators determined through a flawed merit system is unjust. Instead, we propose a different approach. According to a Jan. 12, 2012 press release from the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice, “Basing teacher bonuses on standardized test scores alone is ineffective in attracting and retaining good teachers. Instead, using teacher compensation strategically and effectively addressing the conditions that the best teachers want and need will go a long way toward supporting their professional activities and retaining them.” In other words, school districts ought to devote compensation towards improving the educational opportunities of the school as a whole instead of rewarding individual teachers. Focusing on conditions such as “time and tools for teachers to learn from one another” and “teaching loads that take the diversity of students into account” will produce higher-quality educators and create stronger school environments. Overall, MTSD has built a strong reputation as an exceptional school district, so it is clear that what they are doing, thus far, is working. As the cliche goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” so it is questionable as to why they would choose to implement a potentially damaging system.

Mrs. Rachel Rauch

2013 All-KEMPA Award 2013 NSPA Best of Show 2013 WNA Second Award in Overall Excellence 2012 WNA First Award in Overall Excellence 2012 KEMPA First Place Award

Katie Bandurski Erin Connolly Katie Bandurski, Katie Bui, Janae Brown, Blake Leeson, Molly Riebau, Sydney Roeper Sydney Benson, Janae Brown, Erin Connolly, Jake Elchert, Brittany Emond, Aaron Glazer, Caleigh Koss, Anna Kreynin, Blake Leeson, Margaret Martin, Nicole Martin, Noah Melan, Molly Riebau, Sydney Roeper, Katharine Ryan, Katie Starsky, Katie Writz

Visit us online for back issues of The Highlander at https://sites.google. com/a/mtsd.k12.wi.us/homesteadpublications/

American Litho Printing 530 N. 22nd Street Milwaukee WI 53233 (414)-342-5050

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Feature

Revealing the truth Drugs and illegal activity in Mequon

Not only has drug and alcohol use and abuse in young adults become a national problem, but it has also hit the Wisconsin North Shore area harder than ever. Because of the increase of drug and alcohol use, the community is responding in ways never seen before. Below are the true stories of Homestead students and alumni and their experiences with drugs and/or alcohol, as well as their consequences. Their names are kept anonymous for the purpose of the stories. Information compiled by Sydney Benson and Brittany Emond

[

]

[

What’s really happening?

What was supposed to be a small birthday get-together quickly unraveled into an open house, filled with alcohol, music and more than 100 people. “[My friends and I] planned on keeping it very low key and didn’t really expect anyone to show up,” a Homestead senior, host of the party, said. However, as more and more people began to receive texts about the party, view posts on social media and forward the memo to all of their friends, the idea of a “small get-together” quickly turned into an out-of-control underage drinking party. “Within a 30-minute period it expanded dramatically. Not only were there people from Homestead, but pretty much every school in the North Shore,” the host said. According to the host, the majority of people brought alcohol to the party and drank it there. Surrounded by friends, engulfed in the music and immersed in the atmosphere, “everyone seemed to be having a good time,” the host said. That is, until the cops showed up. “Nobody knew the cops were there until someone screamed ‘run!’ and everyone followed,” she said. Although many got away, numerous drunk teens faced the navy uniforms and red and blue blinking lights with fear in their hearts and regret in their minds. “It didn’t hit me at first,” she said, “no one knew how to act at that point because everyone knew there was no way of getting out of it.” The consequences that followed this party affected many of the partygoers. Individually, the host had $3,000 in tickets to pay and many other attendees were charged as well. A dip in their bank accounts wasn’t the only consequence partygoers faced. “I got a 30-day license suspension and had to take the Mequon Thiensville Intervention Program (MTIP),” she said.“I also received a sport suspension.” By violating the athletic/extra-curricular code, any participant caught at the party--whether drinking or not--also received a suspension from his or her sport or activity. Arguably the worst consequence of them all comes from home: “My parents were extremely disappointed in me and that itself sucked the most.”

Tip line

“parents

tickets were given to kids ages 15-20 years old since the beginning of 2014

90%

of busted drinking parties are texted in to the 411 tip line

$187

the typical cost of a first offense drinking ticket - Officer Wegner

are trying to be more friends than parents

with

]

According to Officer Wegner, the recent increase in busted underage drinking parties is mostly due to the 411 tip line, a service started by the Mequon Police Department that is offered to everyone in the community. To use the tip line, text the keyword MQPD and your message to the number 847411 (TIP411). Because the service is anonymous, tippers may be tipping for various reasons. “It could be someone who wasn’t invited, someone who was there but asked to leave, someone trying to get back at another person or someone who knows it’s a problem and wants to tip the cops off to it to prevent anything,” Officer Wegner said.

I think the

Hosting Ordinance

the kids.

In response to parents allowing their kids to throw parties with large numbers of underage people drinking, Steve Graff, chief of police, is trying to pass a hosting ordinance. According to Officer Wegner, this would hold the parents more accountable. “Right now, we can just write tickets for underage drinking. The homeowner can maybe get a ticket for furnishing alcohol,” Officer Wegner said. With this new potential ordinance, hosting a party would come with a fine up to $5,000.

they’re under

the belief

that if the kid

is going to drink,

they’d like them to

drink under their roof

Typical Party Bust:

1 supervise it... 2

or where’d they

no way

“

parties were busted since the last week of December

How is the community responding?

there’s they can supervise

60 kids at a party.

- Officer Wegner

3 4 5 6

A Walk-Through with Officer Wegner

We get there and we’ll usually have officers come to the front door if we know it’s a party. We have officers go around back to secure it so we don’t have kids running. We don’t do that just so we can write a bunch of tickets, we do it for the safety of people at the party. If we’re allowed in, we try to get everyone together and put them in one room. We’ll have them submit to the breathalyzer (PBT); they can submit to that or decline that. But if we smell alcohol on them and have other reasonable belief that they were drinking we can still write the ticket without them blowing. We need less proof than a field sobriety test to write an underage drinking ticket. After they take the test we have to contact a parent, we cannot release a juvenile to anyone but their parent or someone who is 18. We usually have an officer go through the house because many people are hiding. We also can tow cars parked on the street illegally to prevent kids from driving home.

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“The party ended a long time ago. My use was just to maintain and my goal was to not get sick. I wasn’t getting high anymore,” a Homestead alumni Class of 2011 said, reflecting upon his heroin addiction. His deadly addiction started with morphine and oxycodone, drugs prescribed to him after he underwent reconstructive knee surgery due to a football injury his junior year of high school. “I loved the way they made me feel,” he said. “Sometimes I would even sneak in an extra pill.” After about three months of painkillers, he weaned off of them, causing him to seek out friends with access to strong, if not, stronger, painkillers. It wasn’t long until one of his friends asked if he had tried “dope,” a street name for heroin. “I had always been scared of the word ‘heroin,’” he said. “But at the time it also intrigued me.” Before he knew it, he found himself at a friend’s house snorting “dope” for the first of many times. Compared to the high strong painkillers had given him previously, heroin was much stronger. “I just loved it,” he said. He then began buying bags consisting of .1 to .2 grams of heroin for as just as little as $20, cheaper than what oxycodone would cost in order to provide the desired high and transitioned to injecting heroin in his veins rather than snorting it. Later, he began scoring the deal of .5 g bags costing $60. At the peak of his addiction, he spent at least $100 a day on heroin, taking a minimum of 1-1.5 g daily. Over the course of his heroin addiction, he overdosed three times. His second time was the most lethal as he was pronounced “Dead Upon Arrival” when the paramedics showed up after his girlfriend found him and dialed 911. “My heart stopped for about 45 seconds,” he said. Luckily, a paramedic gave him extensive CPR and was able to revive him. After his third overdose, he spent four months in jail for Possession of Heroin and violating his probation. “I pushed away all of my friends and family,” he said. As his relationships dwindled, his addiction continued to grow deeper to the point where he could not go a single day without heroin. A lack of heroin in his veins resulted in feeling terribly sick. “Fifty percent of my heroin addiction was battling withdrawal,” he said. However, attaining the heroin was a war all its own. While selling heroin (in order to make a profit to buy a greater amount of heroin) in the north side of Milwaukee, a customer entered his car from the passenger side, stabbed him in the chest twice, took $500 worth of heroin and bolted. “One morning I woke up and said, ‘Enough is enough.” He realized he had hit rock bottom as his relationships withered away and his willingness to attain the money to buy heroin extended to getting stabbed and stealing. That day, his family accompanied him to a rehab center. After spending 35 days there, he moved into a halfway house. Today, he attends AA meetings daily and has not taken heroin since entering rehab. To anyone considering trying heroin, he says, “Don’t do it. Heroin is a drug too good to try. It will take the best of you and turn you into a demon.” Not only has heroin tormented his relationships and placed his life on the line multiple times, but it has captured the lives of people close to him. “My four best friends from high school have died from it,” he said.

[

< Marijuana>

“I was thinking about college, and letting down my parents,” a Homestead student said as a Mequon police car pulled up to what he thought would be a casual drug deal. “Smoking [pot] was a very casual thing,” he said, “and I got too comfortable and forgot the consequences of what I was doing. But, eventually a few friends and I got the idea of selling weed on the side casually so that we wouldn’t have to pay for it. Since you buy for cheap and sell higher, once you break even you had weed left over for yourself and your friends. So, in my head, there was nothing wrong with that. It was simple: buy some, sell some, get some free. It seemed like the golden opportunity.” This “golden opportunity” dulled to silver handcuffs as he was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver THC, less than or equal to, 200 grams, a Class I Felony. In addition, he spent the night in Ozaukee County Jail. Because he had maintained good grades and played multiple sports throughout the year prior to his conviction, he received a Deferred Prosecution Agreement, often referred to as a First Offenders Program. This required a year of probation with strict guidelines: absolute sobriety, “no more trouble,” 40 hours of community service and monthly drug tests. Although the restricted life he lives now differs from a normal high school student’s, the consequences he received gave him a new outlook on himself and his life. “Countless people have asked me if I could take back what happened, and every time I answer the same: no. I do not wish to take back my actions,” he said. “I have changed my life in a huge way, and I don’t know how misled I would still be if reality didn’t slap me in the face that night.”

On Jan. 29, 2014 a Heroin Summit took place from 7-9 p.m. at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilions. Experts specializing in law enforcement, family, health and schools spoke of the heightening heroin epidemic in Ozaukee County to parents, students and children packed in a single room. At the end of the session, families and individuals were given the chance to share how heroin abuse has affected their lives and ask questions in a Q&A session. Adam Gerol, Ozaukee County district attorney, stated that when he left his job as a defense attorney for drug addicts in 2008 “there wasn’t the same heroin problem as we have now.” Gerol explained that most heroin addicts start using over-the-counter drugs in their youth but turn to heroin when the supply runs out. The average price of an addict’s daily dose of heroin is $20, cheaper than almost any prescription drug. Gerol continued to explain that a majority of crimes committed in Ozaukee County “have heroin in the heart of them.” In addition, Lieutenant Rodney Galbraith stated that 80 percent of thefts in Ozaukee County are committed by heroin addicts. The summit proved so popular that a second one was held Feb. 11, 2014 in Port Washington.

< Drug Deals > After running into dead ends calling local drug dealers, a student and his friend decided to call a number they had recieved from someone else in pursuit of party drugs. The man on the phone asked the two students to meet him at 17th Street and McKinley in Milwaukee. “I could tell this probably wasn’t going to be a very good decision,” the source said. Thirty minutes passed and the pair kept debating whether to go or not. Finally, they decided to get ready to leave. “We got to Milwaukee and found that 17th and McKinley does not exist,” he said, “We parked the car and walked over to a guy sitting on his porch to ask him for directions.” Though the two boys never got directions, the man on the porch told them that he knew a few people that could sell them drugs. “After he pointed us in the right direction, we walked a block to two guys around 25 years old. The entire time I had butterflies in my stomach.” The butterflies continued as the men started asking questions: “Where did you park? How much money do you have? Do you guys have any heat?” Then, the men asked the two students to give them their phones so that they could compare. “I didn’t think anything of it because they were being so friendly,” he said. It didn’t take long for the student to change his mind. “I had my head down waiting for my phone and the drugs when I felt something cold and hard on my forehead, so I lifted my head up and saw that they were pointing a gun at me.” “At first I thought they were joking around until they started yelling and telling us to give them all of our stuff including our car keys. They took the car. They took our phones. They took everything. We were stranded in Milwaukee.” After facing a life-threatening situation, the students involved felt that they had truly learned an important lesson. “My outtake on this experience is drugs can create fatal situations, and no one should put themselves in a situation where their life is at risk.”

82%

71%

23%

34%

of 12th graders reported marijuana as being fairly or very easy to get.

of 12-17 year olds in Wisconsin percieved no great risk from smoking marijuana once a month.

of 12th graders used marijuana in the month before the survey.

of Wisconsin high school students tried marijuana at least once in 2009.

- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Behavioral Health Barometer, 2013

- Monitoring the Future, National Survey Results on Adolescent Drug Use, 2012

- Wisconsin Epidemiological Profile on Alocohol and Other Drug Use, 2010

- Monitoring the Future, National Survey Results on Adolescent Drug Use, 2012

How is the community responding?

Heroin Summit

]

What’s really happening?

MTIP

]

Illustrations by Katie Bandurski

“grow upfast,

Designed to address the importance of making “appropriate choices and reflecting upon outside influences,” Mequon-Thiensville Intervention Program (MTIP) offers a “peer-guided support system” for students at Homestead High School. The program is designed to aid those who are abusing or have a history of abusing substances, according to the Mequon Police Department website. Students cited for alcohol or drug use and/or distribution are required to complete this program, consisting of eight classes over the course of a couple weeks, in order for their citation to be removed from their record. Ms. Terry Carr, school social worker, and Mr. William Woessner, school psychologist, hold each class after school in the guidance office. Woessner and Carr present participants with a “challenge” to stay substance free during the program. Then, in each class, students discuss their struggles and successes with meeting the challenge. Each class is completely confidential. “MTIP allowed me to express my feelings on my previous alcohol consumption,” Becky Lawlor, senior and previous MTIP participant, said. All in all, the program attempts to curb any growing dependency problems and give students any help they may need.

Overall,

I was forced to

and I mean fast.

Reality

hit me.

real

I realized how consequences are

“

Feature

and how fast

your life can be taken. - Anonymous Source

Feature

Secret lives of teachers: An artist and a rocker by sydney roeper

Submitted photo

Mr. Benjamin Sloma works on his latest piece, “Vetetran’s Park Paddleboaters, Milwaukee” in a studio room at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc.

escriptions that come to mind when one hears the name Mr. Benjamin Sloma, social studies teacher, may be that he is Homestead’s intimidating AP US History teacher who keeps his tests in the refrigerator, but something most might not know is that Mr. Sloma is an aspiring artist. A self-taught painter, Mr. Sloma completes his works en plein air, a French expression that means “in the open air” and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. “The human eye can see so much more than what a camera can capture,” Mr. Sloma, said, which explains why he prefers to paint on location. His appreciation for the art of painting began several years ago when he started collecting work of early twentieth century Wisconsin artists. “I began painting about three and a half years ago, and I almost exclusively work in the summer,” Mr. Sloma said. “My interest is in painting Wisconsin’s small towns, farm fields and uniquely Midwestern atmospheres,” Mr. Sloma said. His enthusiasm to-

ward these subjects stems from his interest in the Regionalist movement of the early 1900s, which represents everyday life in the heart of the United States. Ms. Ann Cook, English teacher, commented, “Mr. Sloma’s artwork captures the feel of this part of Wisconsin. The composition is impressive, and I particularly admired the use of light, which reminded me of many beautiful drives through the countryside.” “What stands out most about Mr. Sloma’s work are his skies. He has a way of handling the light and shadow in clouds that really makes them come alive on the canvas,” Mr. Eric Bauer, English teacher, said. Those who have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Sloma’s paintings greatly admire them. Silver Lake College, Mr. Sloma’s alma mater, held an exhibit of his work during January and February of 2014, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art has also showcased some of his work. Mr. Sloma’s goals for his artistic career include improving skills and continuing to exhibit his work.

by margaret martin

Photo by Margaret Martin

Mr. Scott Heibler has enjoyed music as long as he can remember and learned to play the guitar from his older brother.

he rumble of voices becomes a wave of screams as neon lights expose the longhaired rockers. As the edgy sounds of the guitar blare out of the speakers, the crowd mimics a sea, crashing like ocean swells and moving as one. The base drum flutters in the young hearts, and in this vast ocean of faces a familiar one is found : the 14-year old version of Mr. Scott Heibler, science teacher, attending his first concert. When he was six, Mr. Heibler learned how to play the guitar from his older brother. By watching his brother strum away at the instrument, Mr. Heibler was able to master the art and not only create his own sound but also mimic that of popular songs by his favorite artists. While attending Hartford High School, Mr. Heibler started a band with a few of his buddies. He played the guitar for ‘Crippled Youth’ and would play some shows for his fellow classmates, who at the time all had a similar music taste. “If you weren’t listening to rock, you were listening to Michael Jackson,” Mr. Heibler said. Punk and hard rock music were the soundtrack

of his teen years, and his favorite bands then are still his favorites today. These include but are not limited to to Iron Maiden, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, Metallica and ACDC. Although his talent could support him in a music career, Mr. Heibler never thought of heading down that road. His band did record a few of the songs they wrote on tape, but “the quality was so horrible at [that] point you couldn’t understand what we were singing,” Mr. Heibler said. When Mr. Heibler isn’t playing with his 20-month-old daughter or grading papers, he finds time at least three days a week to play the guitar. He enjoys doing covers of songs or playing with friends or for family, mostly on the acoustic guitar. Mrs. Dawn Pfaff, science teacher, has worked with Mr. Heibler for 18 years. She said he balances out the department and is really fun to work with. Although she was not aware of his musical talents, she was not generally surprised he played in a rock band. Mrs. Pfaff said, “He never ceases to amaze me. He is just that cool of a guy.”

SKIES plans Earth Day events by katie writz

With Earth Day approaching on April 22, people want to do what they can to keep our world clean and green. From planting new trees to recycling a Snapple bottle, the Illustration by Anna Kreynin Earth needs these dedicated tree-huggers. Lucky for Mequon, the S.K.I.E.S. club keeps our community environmentally safe. According to Lauren Watchmaker, senior, S.K.I.E.S. is a club that stands for Students Keeping It Environmentally Safe. The club, led by Watchmaker and Kartik Papatla, senior, is devoted to outreach and education. Papatla added, “S.K.I.E.S is an organization through which I can engage my community, whether it be through events at Homestead or organizing visits to the elementary schools to teach younger kids about ways they can help improve the environment.” Kelly Ochocki, junior, commented, “We’re dedicated to promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle in as many ways as we can.”

Watchmaker said, “Each fall, S.K.I.E.S students reach out to the district elementary schools. This winter, we volunteered at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center where we helped clear the land of invasive species. We are planning to volunteer there again in the spring.” In the next few weeks, S.K.I.E.S. has many activities up their sleeves. According to Watchmaker, the club sponsors Earth Day events to increase the awareness of the environment and encourage carpooling. This year, they are hoping to encourage all students to carpool to school on April 22. Last year, S.K.I.E.S members gave buttons to all who carpooled on Earth Day. This year, they are exploring new ideas such as possibly creating a mural of pledges that HHS students will make to be more environmentally friendly in the coming year. Ochocki added, “This year we’ll probably make a couple new changes and incentives for ways students can become involved with caring for the environment. It’ll have to be a surprise for the time being though!”

Shuffle the deck: Lucas White By Katharine Ryan

The Highlander Publications Staff made a deck of cards containing the names of the entire student body. For each issue, we shuffle the deck and pick a student to feature. This issue’s pick: Lucas White. Lucas White, senior, has big plans for the future. Over the previous summer he participated in Badger Boys State camp, which involves 800 of Wisconsin’s smartest and most talented students creating a “51st” state and having the participants run the government. White exclaimed, “I was even able to meet and talk with Scott Walker.” He is proud to be a Highlander because “our school is Submitted photo so great at everything it does from academics and extra- Lucas White holding his state championship trophy during the curricular activities such as our sports and arts to how we football ring ceremony. display ourselves in the community.” White plans to study Biomedical Science with a minor in history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Afterwards, he wants to go to medical school in Memphis to Favorite song: “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk study Emergency Medicine. “I need excitement and challenges in order to really be in my element,” White said. Favorite place: Washington DC “Working in a fast paced ER would be a great fit for me.” Favorite sport: football He “[hopes] to eventually come back to Wisconsin to practice medicine.” Favorite color: green In 20 years, White says, “I still hope to be working in the ER; that’s really my passion in life and I hope I can do Favorite food: steak it for as long as I can.”

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Fast Facts

Illustration by Katie Starsky

Birth order defines personality by katie starsky

Oldest brothers or youngest sisters are more than a label on a family tree. The order is sought to have a psychological pattern behind it that can shape a child’s personality. “First borns are natural leaders,” Rome Neal explains in a CBS article entitled “Personality Traits Linked to Birth Order.” This has been shown throughout the nation’s history because most presidents are first-born children. First borns also “are model children who have a strong need for approval from anyone in charge,” Neal states. First-born children tend to “bask in their parents’ presence, which may explain why they sometimes act like mini-adults,” Jocelyn Voo explains in her article entitled “Birth Order and Personality.” Overall, first borns tend to be the new parents’ experiment of trial-and-error. On the contrary, middle children feel left out and stuck in the middle, Meri Wallace, therapist, explains. They tend to display characteristics of being people-pleasers, peacemakers, and somewhat rebellious. Neal goes on to explain, “They are guaranteed to be the opposite of their older sibling.” Peer groups become the middle child’s second family because they may feel they have no place within their family. Finally, the babies of the family. Neal elaborates that they are social and outgoing and typically just want to have a good time. The last borns can be manipulative or attentionseeking, according to Voo. Only children tend to be rather mature for their age and display perfectionalism. “Only children are firstborns in triplicate,” explains Neal. However, they may be seen as attention seeking from their parents as well. In addition, only childern usually get along with people older than themselves. As Joshua K. Hartshorne states in his article “How Birth Order Affects Your Personality,” “Our position in our family somehow affects who we become.”

Feature

Shake it up:

The history of shamrock shakes by janae brown

What’s green, sweet and fun to slurp around Saint Patrick’s Day.? A minty Shamrock Shake! But the green drink hasn’t always been about promoting St. Patty’s Day. According to mcdonalds.com, the shake began as a way to raise money for families camping out in hospital waiting rooms with nowhere to go. McDonald’s says it all started when Fred Hill, a former Philadelphia Eagles tight end, found himself sleeping in the waiting room while his daughter was being treated for leukemia in 1974. He noticed other families in the same situation and asked his manager for help. His manager called a friend from a local McDonald’s advertising agency, and together they agreed to launch a promotion to raise money, and the Shamrock Shake began to bring in money for the cause. After McDonald’s agreed to launch the green shakes, enough money was raised to buy a house a short distance from the hospital, and the first of the Ronald McDonald Charity Houses was born. Placed throughout the United States, Ronald McDonald Charity Houses are dedicated to giving help and hope to families struggling with finances and sickness, whether it be through housing or even basic health care, according to rmhc.org. What started as a way to help others in 1974 is now an annual ritual in 2014 that many people look forward to. “The fact that they got the idea from a customer or fan is very unique,” Dasheena Nelson, manager at McDonald’s in Fox Point said. “The taste is unique, the color is unique…. It’s very popular. People ask for it all year round.”

Submitted photo

Neil Willenson, Homestead Class of ’88, started several philanthropic organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Neil Willenson spends time with the kids at Camp Hometown Heroes in the summer of 2013.

Alumnus gives back to community by erin connolly

When faced with adversity, many turn a blind eye or mentally change the channel. When Neil Willenson, Homestead Class of ‘88, stared suffering in the face as a 20-year-old college student, however, he decided to do something about it. Befriending a local five-year-old boy with HIV/AIDS, Willenson discovered the pain and prejudice that comes with the disease. Two years later he started Camp Heartland (now One Heartland), a weeklong summer camp for kids with HIV/AIDS. During his 18 years as the founder and CEO, they raised “about 50 million dollars and welcomed approximately 6,000 different children affected by HIV/AIDS,” Willenson said. Working as the vice president of community relations for Kapco, Inc., Willenson also co-founded a new organization, Camp Hometown Heroes, in June of 2013. The camp provides a place for children who have lost a parent in the military to come together with others in the same situation. Believing these children have made the ultimate sacrifice, Willenson said, “The least that we can do as a country is to ensure that they’re given the opportunity to heal, to grow.” Willenson developed leadership skills and learned invaluable life lessons while at Homestead. “There were a few critical teachers [who] taught me more about life than trigonometry,” he said. “He is one of the nicest guys I know and is very down to earth,” Erin Reiels, junior, said. He holds the belief that anybody, no matter how young, can involve him or herself in one way or another. “They can find a cause, they can pursue that cause with passion, and they can make a real difference,” Willenson said.

Hometown Heroes Mission Statement

Hometown Heroes is a volunteer led non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children, families, first responders, military families and veterans in need through a “pay it forward” approach to volunteerism and giving. By creating opportunities for thousands of inspiring volunteers, Hometown Heroes not only benefits the recipients but also those who serve. Hometown Heroes greatly improves the lives of our neighbors in need through direct financial aid, emergency assistance and partnerships with dozens of social service organizations. We honor fallen U.S. service members through our Camp Hometown Heroes summer camp. We provide opportunities for compassionate people to share their time, talent and resources with the collective goal of helping others. Statements like “giving back to the community”, “making a difference thru volunteering”, “paying it forward” all exemplify our thoughts on how to help others. These thoughts are what “Hometown Heroes” was founded on: the simple idea of helping others less fortunate thru volunteerism and community involvement.

Learn more about Hometown Heroes at http:// h o m e t o w n h e ro e s . o rg / about.html

The luck of the Irish The band plays in Ireland by caleigh koss

Illustrations by Anna Kreynin

This past winter break, the Homestead Band took an eight-day trip from Dec. 27, 2013 to Jan 3, 2014 to Ireland. A total of 35 chaperones and 103 students attended. The trip started in the city of Cork and from there they traveled to a city called Kilkenny. Then they went to Dublin, and from there they took a day trip to Belfast up in Northern Ireland. “We got a lot of time to explore the area, which gave us the opportunity to find things we really wanted to do.” Sarah McCarthy, junior, said. McCarthy plays clarinet during Symphonic Band and piano during Jazz Band. This is also her second year as Drum Major for Marching Band. McCarthy went on to say, “It was absolutely incredible to play in such a different country. The people are so welcoming, the landscape is

breathtaking, and the culture is so fun!” When asked what it was like to play in such a beautiful country, Katie Lapcewich, senior, said, “We were given the opportunity to perform in front of a castle, so that was beautiful. We also marched in one of Dublin’s New Years Eve parades, which was a fantastic experience!” Lapcewich’s favorite part of the trip was “either exploring the Blarney Castle in Cork or spending time touring Dublin.” George Ballesteros, sophomore, added, “My favorite part about the trip was the Dublin parade and how huge it was. People loved it so much that it felt like we were rock stars.” Mr. Todd Spindler, band teacher, said, “It was incredibly fun getting a chance to spend time with these kids.”

Photo by Brittany Emond Shamrock shakes typically arrive at McDonald’s nationwide in Febuary to mark the advent of St. Patrick’s Day in March.

Submitted photo

Band members warm up for their performance in front of Kilkenny Castle.

Members of the band perform in Cork City Hall.

Submitted photo

Highlander Publications

Homestead411

homestead

sports

March Madness hoopla bounces into town by Jake

Elchert

The college basketball tournament known as sport.” the teams into a bracket and make sure the names are “March Madness” brings intense games both in the Coach McKenna added, “Any chance you get as a all appropriate.” college tournament and the Homestead High School fan to see sports live is a great experience, especially “Brackets are organized by grade level so that the tournament. college [sports]. You get the feel of the intensity, the final four includes one team from each grade level. The college tournament occurs every year in the skill and athleticism of the players, the communication We start off with each team guaranteed a few games, month of March and extends through the first days of between players and coaches, and the overall crowd.” and, after that, the winners move on. The overall setup April. of the bracket depends on how many teams Sixty-eight of the top college basketball sign up,” Matt Gresham, sophomore’ stated. teams are eligible to participate in the tourGresham added that it also takes time to get nament, and the number of teams are cut in gym reservations and chaperones. half after every round. Austin Cao, senior, said, “For a standard According to the BMO Harris Bradley bracket you need 16 or 32, but we can to do Center ’s website, part of the second and round robins or runoff rounds if it’s anything third round of the tournament will be played in between. The teams are paired randomly.” in Milwaukee. Gresham said, “Prizes usually include “Having the games in town is a bonus to gift cards, but the most important thing is to all the fans,” Jacob Urban, sophomore basketwin is the title of Homestead 3-on-3 March ball player, stated. Madness Champion.” Mr. Kevin McKenna, varsity boys basket“The prizes have been iTunes, Target, or ball head coach, said, “I think that for colDairy Queen gift cards. Just a small token lege basketball fans it is a great experience. saying thanks for participating,” Mrs. Pfaff It is a great venue to show off what Milwauexplained. kee has to offer.” According to Cao, “We don’t make a Part of the rounds will be hosted by Marprofit off March Madness; the event is just quette University. “Location is determined for fun. Anything that can get the school toon how your [the team’s] regular season gether is great.” went, the more wins the [team] has, especialBoth Gresham and Mrs. Pfaff agreed that ly quality wins, gets [them] closer to home,” in past years the tournament has been very Submitted Photo Coach McKenna added about how the loca- Players James Reilly, Fred Eason, Darius Marshall, Jarrod Walton and Andy Blutstein successful. “The tournament last year was tion of the games is picked. great. The championship went down to the were the winners of last year’s Homestead High School March Madness tournament. Both Urban and Coach McKenna agree that wire as last year ’s junior class beat out last they both like to watch the college basketball games March Madness at Homestead is not as competitive year ’s seniors to win the title,” Gresham said. rather than the professional games because they are as the college tournament, but it is still fun and takes “We feel really good about this event. When we more team oriented and more fun to watch. time for the student council to prepare. finally get there, we feel really good about kids wantUrban mentioned, “Being able to watch the games According to Mrs. Dawn Pfaff, student council ad- ing to be at school on a Friday night and playing will give athletes, like me, a sneak peak of the next viser, “The kids usually take about a month to get the some hoops and getting some exercise,” Mrs. Pfaff level. It teaches us work ethic and dedication to the advertising ready, to get the promotions ready, to get concluded.

Thirteen seniors declare their intent on Feb. 5, 2014

Thirteen senior athletes take their game to the next level Submitted Photo

(Back Row): Shannon Greeley will play soccer for Ball State University; Nick Peterson will swim for Northwestern University; Eric Wade will play football for UW Whitewater; Danny Coran will play tennis for Tufts University; Bryce Juedes will play football at the University of Minneota Duluth and Shay Darga will play soccer at Southeast Missouri State. (Front Row): Mardee Merar will play tennis at UW Milwaukee; Jon Weyker will play football at Southwest Minnesota State; Mikaella Sabinash, Mollie Rosen and Elyse Hansen will all play soccer at Winona State, Northeastern and Florida Gulf Coast, respectively; Blake Leeson willl play volleyball at Ohio State and Jordan Lewinsky will play football at Drake University.

Athletes of the issue use work ethic to persevere By Anna Kreynin

Elyssa Tracy Gymnastics

The gymnastics career of Elyssa Tracy, senior, has not always been smooth. Deemed persistent and hardworking by sophmore teammate Mackenzie Goebel, Tracy has overcome numerous injuries. “I had a stress fracture in my back that I had to deal with and take six months off to let heal,” Tracy recalled. “I have also had three ankle surgeries over the years which took about three to four months to fully recover from.” Despite these unfortunate setbacks, Tracy is proud of how far she’s come. “My proudest moment this season has been competing in more than one event. Unfortunately, I have only been able to compete bars the last three years, so its a lot of fun to be competing beam again,” Tracy said. Additionally, Tracy has set goals for her Photo by Anna Kreynin last season as a Homestead gymnast. “Personally, I would like to improve my routines and scores. As a team, it would be awesome to qualFavorite event: floor ify for team state again this year,” Tracy stated. Best score this season: Andrea Rossman, senior teammate, agreed, stating, “Elyssa is unique in the way 91.5 on beam she truly loves the sport of gymnastics. She Favorite skill: Giant on is very dedicated to her training, but she still is a very fun teammate. It has been great bebars ing her teammate for the last four years.”

{ }

Ryan Mezera Boys Hockey

Ryan Mezera, senior, is a great leader to the boys varsity hockey team and is always setting a great example, according to Joey Hobbs, sophomore teammate. Michael Schulz, senior teammate, agrees. “Ryan really keeps our team glued together. He helps us focus when we need to but he is never afraid to make us laugh and relax,” Schulz said. Reflecting on the season so far, Mezera stated, “My favorite part so far was defeating Marquette in the Bradley Center Showdown. Obviously the team’s goal is to make it to state and win.” Mezera believes that “never giving up” is the most important lesson he has learned over his 14 years on the ice, and that this lesson will help propel him and the team to their goals. Coach Tony Navarre, boys varsity hockey coach, believes Mezera’s work ethic on and off the ice makes him a great athlete. “It’s fun to see what he can do. He will continue after high school, and I believe he can go as far as anyone could,” Coach Navarre said. When speaking of his future in hockey, Mezera said, “My future goal is to someday play college hockey after playing juniors. But no matter what, I want to have fun while loving the game.”

{ } Submitted Photo

Number of Goals: 36 Number of Assists: 34 State ranking for goals scored: 7