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letter
predictions
playlist
best friends
athletes Editor-in-chief Frances Mackinnon Assistant Editors Thais Marques and Sasha Shapsis Designers Frances Mackinnon, Sasha Shapsis, Thais Marques, Shir Bloch, Ava Wojnowski Cover Artist Izzy Carrell Writers and Photographers Sasha Shapsis, Frances Mackinnon, Thais Marques, Annie McCormick, Hannah Halska, Rachel Starsky, Drew Bosley, Allison Yang, Shir Bloch, Maddie Westreich, Cate Myer, Megan Carley, Ava Wojnowski Advisor Rachel Rauch Principal Brett Bowers Superintendent Matthew Joynt Printer American Litho page 2 // the highlander senior magazine
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major
features
college map
goodbyes
goodbyes 5/30/19 2:33 PM
ns
s
Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors, Dear seniors,
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Dear seniors, In the immortal words of the world-famous lyricist and performer Brendon Urie, “Hey Look Ma, We Made It.” We made it through the Wilson Funfairs and Oriole Lane Carnivals, intense elementary playground football games and Ye Olde Schoolhouse field trips. We made it through middle school with timebombs on our hands, making the apps on our iPod Touches into circles, and the Great Bee Massacre at Camp Minikani. We forwarded email chains to fifteen of our friends so that we our crushes wouldn’t reject us, and survived Lakeshore almost catching on fire. Then, as we moved our lockers into oversized backpacks, we learned exactly what it meant to become a “mighty highlander.” And somewhere in between the football state championships we became really good at it, too. We went through bomb threats, walkouts, AP Physics cheating scandals, and plus-20 to become Mr. Bowers’ favorite senior class, even if he won’t admit on twitter. But beyond the John Legend tweets, snow days, senior-teacher tag, football games, musicals, and AP exams we have made memories that will long out live the bricks in the Highlander Walkway. So, thanks for the memories. Without you all and your stories and accomplishments, we would be sending blank pages to press every deadline. Thank you for answering our emails and facebook messages desperately asking for quotes and laughing while staring away from the camera for our photographers. We couldn’t have done our jobs without your help or support. It is your memories that fill the products we produce, and it has been an honor documenting them over the past four years. We would be amiss if we did not also thank the Publications program and staff. Our high school experiences would not have been the same without each and every one of you. The friendships we made and the lessons we learned together in room 405 have given us far more than we thought any classroom experience could. So, as we enter the next chapters of our lives, we want to take a moment in this magazine for the class of ‘19 to take a bow. We made it this far and we are just getting started to tell the world here we are.
Signed, The publications seniors
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P R E D I C Seniors envision their classmates in the future
Emory Weeden
will have a thin mustache, jorts, and a mustard stain on his tank top while eating a hot dog in his van which also doubles as his home.
Max Kelly
will die laughing at a joke that’s not funny.
Willie Garrison III
will be drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Drew Bosley
will install a giant hampster wheel in his bedroom so he can run in his sleep.
Frances Mackinnon
will come back with a Scottish accent.
Claire Looker
will work as a Cupid at an instant marriage chapel in Vegas. page 4 // the highlander senior magazine
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Julian Camacho will bring his metal lunchbox with him on his first day at NASA.
5/30/19 2:34 PM
Molly Plamann
will get to heaven and compain about it
Alaina Bodi
will move to New Zealand and never return.
Henry Stull
will complete his world domination.
I O T N S Emma Como
will break at least two bones in her first couple of hours at Loyola.
Sofia Salerno
will sleep through graduation.
Zach Teplin
will go through a prolonged heavy metal phase.
Shir Bloch
will invent a time machine to travel to Ancient Rome.
Mary Wilkerson
will get the word ‘BELGIUM’ tattooed on her forehead.
Lizzy O’Leary
will become Tik Tok famous.
John Sellars
will become a college professor who says things like ‘dichotomy of the consciousness’ in normal conversation.
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SENIOR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST Sorry
Justin Bieber
Can’t Feel My Face The Weeknd
Hello
Adele
Hotline Bling Drake
Trap Queen Fetty Wap
Panda
Desiigner
Starboy
The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk
Cheap Thrills Sia
Closer
The Chainsmokers
One Dance Drake
Bad and Boujee
Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert
Location Khalid
Despacito
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber
The biggest songs from the past four years
Bodak Yellow Cardi B
Shape of You Ed Sheeran
Mo Bamba Sheck Wes
God’s Plan Drake
In My Feelings Drake
Lucid Dreams Juice WRLD
Sicko Mode Travis Scott
thank u, next
Ariana Grande
Old Town Road
Lil Nas X ft Billy Ray Cyrus
Lovely
Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
Sucker
The Jonas Brothers
7 Rings
Ariana Grande
break up with your girlfriend Ariana Grande
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Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Best Friends Friends going to the same college
Erid Rodd and Tai Ho
Q: Where are you two going to college? TH: We will both be attending the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Q: How long have you two been friends? ER: We’ve been friends since middle school
Q: What’s your best memory together? ER: My favorite memory together was ordering pizzas to class at Lakeshore.
Q: How would you describe your friendship in one word? ER: Brothers TH: Exciting
Bella Destefanis and Ava Thorson Q: Where are you two going to college next year? AT: The University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. Q: How long have you two been friends? BD: We’ve been friends for 7 years.
Q: What is your best memory together? AT: Definitely last minute going to Migos, Big Sean, and Future concert at Summerfest together and seeing Giannis. BD: One of the best memories we have together is going on our siblings senior spring break when we were freshmen. We hung out, tanned all day, and had sleepovers every night. Q: What is one thing everyone should know about your friend? AT: She’s smarter than people think and she’s gorgeous. BD: Ava is a really nice and outgoing person, and she is welcoming to everyone she meets. College will be really fun with her.
Caroline Gedman and Hannah O’Brien Q: Where are you two going to college? CG: We will both be attending the University of Iowa Q: How long have you two been friends? HOB: We’ve been friends since our freshman year
Q: What is your best memory together? CG: The spring break trip to Punta Cana this year HOB: Same, my favorite memory with Caroline was senior year spring break Q: How would you describe your friendship in one word? CG: Funny HOB: Exciting
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business
international business
“I want to take on a creative career path while still being involved in business.” Sheldon Shister
“I enjoy working with younger children and have always wanted to take part in education since I was young.” Bernie Moyer page 8 // the highlander senior magazine
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“I want to use math and carry on the tradition of business in my family.” Katelyn Kern
business management
“I want to put my fluent French speaking skills to a good use world wide.” Willy Garrison III
elementary education
CLASS
F 2
“I want to use biology to get into the medical field in the future.” Emily Clemens
marketing
19
biology
what’s your major? what’s your major? what’s your major?
“My family has a history of business and I want to continue to carry on the tradition.” Garett Wilson
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C C C C
LLEGE ATHLETES LLEGE ATHLETES LLEGE LLEGE ATHLETES ATHLETES
DIVISION DIVISIO DIVIS DIV D
DIVISION DIVISIO DIVIS DIV D
DIVISION DIVISIO DIVIS DIV D
Katelyn Bliesner
Garrett Wilson
Will Wood
1
New Jersey Institute of Technology Volleyball
2
St. Cloud State University Football
3
University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse Football
Ryan Wadell
Leah Tunney
Kyle Spivey
Jake Raddatz
Jayci Scheff
Jordan Gomez
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Basketball United States Airforce Football
Tommy Peterson
Northern Illinois University Football
Hillsdale College Swimming Wingate University Swimming
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Football University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse Football
David Beaulieu
The College of Wooster Lacrosse
Emma Szypszak
Tai Ho
Drew Bosley
Chase McGee
Anna Heyden
Katherine Schoessow
Florida Gulf State University Volleyball Northern Arizona University Cross Country and Track & Field University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Soccer
Jared Schneider
University of Arkansas - Little Rock Track & Field
Michael Kennedy
Marquette University Basketball
University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse Football Illinois Wesleyan University Football
Wisconsin Lutheran College Softball
Bernie Moyer
University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse Softball
Howie Newbauer
University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse Football
Willie Garrison III
Kansas State University Football
Grace Crowley
Univeristy of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Basketball
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e to succeed Story by Thais Marques and Kate Wade Photo by Sasha Shapsis From binge watching Shark Tank in middle school to competing at national and international DECA competitions at Homestead, Cameron Blackwell is devoted to fulfilling his ultimate professional aspiration of becoming a business owner and innovator. Growing up with a father who began his own business, Cameron has always been driven to follow his dad’s footsteps. “My father has played a huge role in my interest in entrepreneurship. Dinner table discussions about how to manage workers, how to come up with a better solution to a problem, sales tactics, marketing tactics and in-depth business discussions have allowed my interests and curiosities to grow,” Cameron said. Mr. Blackwell asserts that, even at a young age, Cameron has always possessed a keen interest in business. From constantly asking questions to experiencing with starting a simple online business at age twelve, Cameron has always been excited to follow a path of entrepreneurship. “He has always been driven to create. Cameron’s own self-determination will ultimately lead to his own success,” Mr. Blackwell said. Cameron’s ambition to become a business and entrepreneurship guru is accompanied by a constant effort to be up to date with the business world and to participate in hands-on learning at Homestead. As an upperclassman, Cameron is a founding member and vice president of Homestead’s Investment Club and has written weekly blogs to help students understand the stock market better. He has also participated in an abundance of business classes. After Homestead, Cameron will attend UW Madison’s business school for economics and marketing. After gaining his bachelor’s degree, Cameron plans
on working as a consultant at a prestigious firm in order to gain knowledge and skills. “My plan is to first get hands-on experience as a consultant, then find a problem at a certain industry and finally launch my own company as a solution to a problem that I identified.” Although business owners may be unfavorably characterized as money-hungry, ethically troubled individuals, Cameron wants to stray far from those stereotypes. “It’s not so much that I want to have a high net worth or that I’m looking for a specific dollar amount, it’s about what I can do with the money. I’m not talking about buying cars or buying homes; of course, those things are nice, but if I really step back from the equation, with a net worth of say, ten billion dollars, I would ask myself: how many kids in Africa can I give glasses to that never had the opportunity to see clearly before,” Cameron said. Among the people who watched Cameron’s passion for business to grow is Homestead business teacher Garrett Sterken. According to Sterken, Cameron has demonstrated an innate ability to understand business concepts and to apply business ideas to real life scenarios. “Cameron has shown a very high level of ability to grow and succeed, especially in some very challenging DECA competitions,” Sterken said. He predicts Cameron will continue to employ his business skills in his future endeavors while continuing to follow his dreams. Cameron suggests to young students unsure about finding or pursuing their passions, “everyone has a purpose in life, something that you specifically were sent here to do. Your job is to figure out what exactly that is at all costs. I’m happy I feel so passionate about entrepreneurship. I plan on having multiple businesses on my ascension to success.”
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e to empower Story by Megan Carley and Ava Wojnowski Photo by Sasha Shapsis Watching her hair fall to the ground strand by strand, her face began to glow. She had finally done something she had wanted to do for years. Some might expect that a girl with anxiety would be the last person to cut her hair dramatically, much less shave her whole head in a field house full of spectators, yet Lily Norman defied all expectations in March of 2017. Lily struggles with anxiety, the most common mental illness in the US. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects around 40 million people in the US. Anxiety impacts everyone differently. Lily has been dealing with anxiety for about five years. “[It was] airly mild [at first], but now with college and more stressful things in my life just kind of piling up, that is definitely when it’s heightened.” Lily says her anxiety was triggered when her brother left for college, and she became more on her own at home. Her symptoms vary in terms of severity. Sometimes “symptom wise, I guess I would say like butterflies in my stomach, like racing thoughts and like racing heartbeat. Mentally, it’s like how am I gonna deal with so much stuff all happening at once or what other things are gonna come up in my day that could make it worse?” Over the years, Lily has grown to understand herself and figured out how best to cope. Coping methods are different for everyone, but Lily has found a few key ways to keep herself in check. “I’ve been really good at learning my limits, which isn’t easy and kind of takes a little bit to do. I’ll go to bed fairly early, I try to eat healthy and drink enough water, which sounds so basic but it’s a good first step that you don’t need a lot of help with.” Lily’s teachers are also always willing to work with her. She finds that the best approach is to be open with her teachers and let them know when she has a lot on her plate. “I have not had a teacher who has not been okay with me either turning something in late or taking a little extra time on something, just to get it done well.” During her sophomore year, Lily took a huge step in her confidence that most people would never be able to do, with or without anxiety. At Homestead’s annual Relay For Life cancer fundraiser in 2017, Norman decided to donate her hair, but in lieu of the typical eight inches, she
opted to shave her whole head in front of approximately 60 people. “I wasn’t nervous. I had wanted to cut my hair for three years at that point. I wanted to do it in middle school but never really had the opportunity.” To Lily, shaving her head was “not a big deal.” This act of bravery, which most people would without a doubt shy away from, ironically fueled Lily’s confidence. “Obviously I had my bad hair days and the growing out phase was definitely rough, but I remember the first day I came back to school, I wore my best outfit. I wanted to look good, and it made me more confident within myself,” Lily said. In addition to this bold act of confidence, Lily has found herself benefitting from simply talking to others about her issues. One of her main confidants is fellow senior Emma Smith. Smith’s advice explains the reality but ensures a bright resolution. “I’m sure I’ve said this to Lily, and I’d tell it to anyone suffering with anxiety: whatever’s going on right now that’s causing bad thoughts, feelings and stress is going to be super hard to get past, but once you do get past it, it’s an accomplishment and something to think about for the next time the feelings of anxiety are overwhelming,” Emma said. For those who suspect that they, too, may be suffering, Homestead’s counseling office is a good first step. school psychologist Mary Beth O’Brien says that she talks with students about their anxiety “a lot,” and finds that the best approach is simply to talk through it. She teaches students to look at their situation from a different perspective and use mindfulness techniques such as meditation and breathing. “[The best approach is] sometimes just talking to kids and having them verbalize how they’re feeling, process through, and give another perspective or get a better idea of their perspective,” O’Brien said. For Lily, talking was a key factor in overcoming her obstacles. She has been able to learn her limits, but also go outside of them from time to time. Her anxiety has developed her into the girl she is today, and her actions in response to it have forced her to grow in obvious ways. “If I can shave my head in front of a huge group of my high school student peers, I can do whatever I need to do,” Lily said.
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e to build Story by Allison Yang and Shir Bloch Photo by Sasha Shapsis Wake up. Get ready. Drive to school. Cody Williams follows the same morning routine as his fellow Homestead students. His destination, however, is Grafton High School. Since his junior year, Williams has been attending Grafton High School in the morning to take auto mechanic classes. He has been interested in cars and mechanics for as long as he can remember. “I’ve been around them my whole life. I’ve always been tinkering on cars,” Williams said. Williams knew that he wanted to be an auto mechanic from early on. In sixth grade he considered the possibility, but in eighth grade, Williams got his first truck and was certain of his future. The truck was only $500, but Williams takes great pride in his vehicle. When Williams first got his truck, he started out doing burnouts in his driveway. Two years later, Williams purchased a new motor and started to fix up the truck to his liking. Today, Williams proudly parks his mini monster truck in the corner of the red lot. While most students at Homestead High School are expected to continue their education by attending a fouryear college, Williams has a different plan for the next stage of his life; to become a car mechanic. Williams has tried to transfer to Grafton via open enrollment every year since freshman year, but hasn’t been accepted. Most of his childhood friends have been accepted into Grafton High School, but Williams has, unfortunately, only been allowed a compromise of sorts: he can attend shop classes in the mornings. Jacob Zupke, Williams’s close friend at Grafton, has witnessed the resilience of Cody firsthand. “Whether we are in shop class or turning wrenches at home on his truck or my car, this kid has the desire to learn and become the best of the best,” Zupke said. Enrolled in two schools at the same time, Williams starts his day with two classes at Grafton High School before driving over to Homestead. Williams enjoys being a part of two distinct groups of students. “I can talk to each group and neither knows the other. It’s fun,” Williams said. Just like any other sport or activity, auto mechanics also has competitions. In December, Williams and his partner, Matt Kline, took a written test on auto mechanics
that would earn the duo a bid to the state competition. Williams and Kline passed the test with flying colors and earned one of the two regional bids to the state competition. To prepare for the state competition, Williams and Kline spent extreme amounts of time working outside of class. “Me and my teammate Matt got together every Sunday and Mr. Hader, our auto mechanics teacher at Grafton, made slides for us to go over. We worked on a 2019 Subaru Forester for 3 months to practice for state,” Williams said. On Feb. 28, 2019, Williams and Kline, competed in the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee Technicians of Tomorrow Competition. In the competition, the team tested their mechanical skills on a 2019 Subaru Forester. The duo, known as the Auto Hawks, took first place and qualified for the national contest in New York City. In the state competition, Williams and Kline received scholarships to a technical school in Wisconsin and tool sets valued at $6,000. Williams plans on attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay next year. After the state competition, Williams and Kline competed in the National Auto Tech Competition in New York City from Apr. 22 to Apr. 24. On the first day, the team was tested at work stations and performed tasks such as compression and electrical tests. The next day, Williams and Kline took on the on-car challenge. In this challenge, they had to diagnose and repair a car’s issues in a given amount of time. The Auto Hawks placed 20th out of 29 teams from across the nation. “They favored the east coast,” Williams said. Williams wishes that Homestead was more conducive to helping students achieve their post-graduation goals other than attending the traditional four-year college. Having auto mechanic classes at Homestead would be much more convenient for Williams because he lives in Mequon. “It’s just the area we live in and the type of people here,” Williams said. Regardless, Williams is content doing what he loves and doesn’t let the plans of his peers affect him.
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e to perform Story by Annie McCormick and Drew Bosley Photo by Sasha Shapsis For Brenton Levy, change is a constant. New schools every couple years led to new environments and adaptation. A byproduct of this fluctuating lifestyle was Brenton trying to be someone he wasn’t. As he tried to navigate through his sometimes confusing lifestyle, he learned valuable life lessons, sometimes the hard way. Brenton Levy is a dreamer, a lover, a man of God, a survivor. He overcame adversity despite the odds. From the beginning of his schooling to the fourth grade, Brenton went to Messmer Prep School in the inner city of Milwaukee. “I grew up in the inner city, and it definitely is a different lifestyle. For me, growing up everyday was a struggle. I had a single mom, it was me and my brother. My dad has been incarcerated my whole life.” At this point in Brenton’s life, he wasn’t focused on his grades, dreams or goals. He was focused on survival. “In the inner city, there’s drug dealers, gang bangers, murderers, rapists and at the end of the block people telling you to join a gang for protection. It was all negativity, but at the same time it was the way of life at the time… survival.” At the end of his fourth grade year, his mom moved Brenton and his older brother to Glendale where he would attend Bayside public school. “Moving to Glendale was a different lifestyle, me being at Bayside the lifestyle was completely different for me. I found myself trying to be someone I wasn’t because the priorities are so different. In the mix of it all, I realized I just lost myself.” At the start of six grade the struggle of conformity continued for Brenton. However, he learned at a young age that he needed to be himself, be true to himself, and be true to who he was as a person. Seventh grade for Brenton might have been one of the hardest years. “That year, my brother got in some trouble with drugs. School just flopped in a sense, my mom had us move to Bayside for a better opportunity, but for both me and my brother, the work in the classroom still was not getting done.” That summer Brenton‘s mom sent his older brother to Texas to live with his aunt to finish up his high school education. “To me, that had a huge impact. That was my brother, my biggest supporter at the time,” making his relationship with his mom during his early teenage years rocky. “I feel as if my brother and I were neglected by my mom, it was always the question, ‘how could you treat us like this? We didn’t ask for any of this, and it was
because of my father where we ended up.” Brenton wasn’t getting the love he needed from his mom as a result of her losing her job the summer she sent his brother away, and, on top of all of that, alcohol use. “She would come home and yell at me all the time, I didn’t understand it and truth be told, I hate started to develop towards everything. I blamed my parents, and at that time I didn’t want to live with my mom anymore,” Levy said. Overall, he wanted change. He knew if he wanted to turn his life around it had to come from him. “The only way for me to go to Homestead is if my mom signed away custody to one of my dad’’s friends, Kassandra, who lived in Mequon with her grandkids. She really did make a life for herself. I just started calling Kassandra my aunt, because I thought that was the right thing to do. She truly is family to me,” Levy said. For Brenton, it was still overwhelming because he was in a house full of people he didn’t know well at the time. Also a school he knew nothing about and had no friends at. “At the beginning of high school, I’d say I lost myself even more because it was such a change in environment and vibes. I had a fear of not being accepted, of being called ghetto, and I never wanted that reputation. Freshman year I did deal with a certain degree of depression because of all this. I felt as if I were just drifting through the wind, going through the motions,” Levy said. Brenton turned to sports as an outlet to express himself. He played basketball, which went really well his sophomore year. He made the varsity trade team, during his freshman year. The momentum Brenton had going in his life, school, sports, and friendships all took us a stand until his junior year. “I ended up quitting halfway through both the basketball and track seasons that year and with everything else,. even school, the feeling of not caring manifested. I thought that nobody had ever cared about me, so why should I put that extra effort in,” Levy said. During this time period, Levy drowned himself in distracting activities such as constant video games, staying up late on the weekends, not doing school work, and living an unhealthy lifestyle. Fast forward to senior year, Levy sees immense changes in himself and his outlook on life. “I definitely have more of a positive attitude, and I look for the best in everyone. It isn’t always easy, but the hard times I went through definitely changed me for the better,” Levy said.
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e to dream Story by Hannah Halaska and Rachel Starsky Photo by Sasha Shapsis Four years ago, Aijala Thao would have never pictured herself going to college or owning her own business. With five sisters, one brother, an aunt and a grandfather to take care of at home, Aijala found balancing her home and school life a constant challenge. Now, four years later after inspiration from positive role models, taking chances, and finding the vision behind her passion, Aijala can finally say, “I am proud of where I am and where I came from.” But finding her confidence wasn’t easy. Coming from Hmong American Peace Academy, a small K-8 charter school in Milwaukee, Aijala’s transition to Homestead was tough because she was new to high school and the district. “I felt like I didn’t fit in, and I wasn’t used to the environment,” plus “everyone had their cliques already,” which made the transition even more socially challenging and stressful. In the beginning, of her journey, she was lost. However, senior year in Creative Writing, Aijala’s perspective changed. English teacher, Rachel Rauch, saw determination and passion when she read Aijala’s poetry in the first trimester. “I learned a lot about her background through her writing and how similar we truly are,” Rauch said. Constantly juggling home and school, Aijala has been able to break away from the constant cycle, worry about her own self and invest in her future. “When taking care of my family started sophomore year, I missed a lot of school and my grades dropped.” Being a student wasn’t easy. Even though Aijala had a lot on her plate, through writing she became inspired. “Once you believe in yourself, you feel empowered. You can shape your own power, aim high and follow your vision through,” Rauch said. As a senior, this was exactly the message Aijala needed to hear in order to see her goals and envision her future after she soon found a balance between home and school. “Once I found the balance, my grades sky-rocketed, and I was still able to provide for my family at home. My parents expect a lot from me be-
cause they do not want me to bring shame upon the family.” During her time in Creative Writing, Aijala connected her dreams to opportunity. Being a Highlander has given Aijala the opportunity to strive for her dream: to launch a fashion and cosmetic line. She is attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this fall to complete her general studies, and then SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Atlanta for fashion, beauty management and marketing in the fall of 2021. By going to college, studying fashion and getting out of a house of six siblings, Aijala is starting more than a new brand of fashion --she’s starting a new brand for herself as a first-generation college student. Her college readiness process was unique because unlike most students, she is leading the process for her parents and all future generations of her family. Aijala’s counselor, Sarah Robinson, who has worked closely with Aijala since sophomore year said, “she has so many family roles, but at the same time is so eager to be successful with her life long dreams and goals.” Robinson also said that “the next chapter of her life is like navigating new waters and getting a wider view of the world.” Going out of the norm is fuel for Aijala. “Life happens so fast, and I knew nursing and engineering was not something for me even though that is what is expected from my culture.” As a first-generation college attendee, she is proud of how supportive her family has been regarding her decision even though it is not in the norm of her culture. “I don’t know anyone who has said I want to launch a fashion line” she said. Over the past four years, Aijala realized Homestead’s environment is exactly what she needed to push her to the next level because “role models help you change your mentality. If you’re from the urban areas you’re expected less of, but at Homestead, they expect more of you and push you.”
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e to inspire Story by Cate Myer and Maddie Westreich Photo by Sasha Shapsis “Of course I’d rather be normal, and not a very Autistic boy. I may be very different but I am also very much the same as a lot of you.” The pressures of high school cause students to face multiple social, physical, and psychological battles, either behind closed doors or in public. Jesse Adix, senior, faces a daily battle which is seen by everyone, but understood by few. Jesse is a smart and active individual who enjoys school and experiences all the emotions we do. The only difference is that he’s affected by Autism. Nearly 1 in 59 children are affected by Autism in the United States. Jesse is one of the many, but he does not let it define him. Autism only affects the way Jesse communicates, not the way he thinks. Jesse has aspirations to write about and educate people on Autism: “I want to be an author. I want to teach people about Autism and what they can do to break out of their minds and learn to communicate.” One of the major strategies Jesse has incorporated to help him communicate has been Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) which is a prompting technique used by some parents and educators to help non-verbal children or students with autism and other disabilities to communicate through pointing, typing or writing. Jesse started RPM training in elementary school with the help of his teacher aid of 14 years, Diane Waddington. The training process consists of prompts individualized based on the child’s preferred mode of sensory perception (auditory, visual, tactile, etc.) according to the Association for Science in Autism Treatment In an interview with Jesse, he used RPM to answer interview questions by typing answers into his iPad. “ I tried for a very long time to use RPM accurately and when I finally did get the hang of it, it was a huge milestone for me,” he said. Though Jesse is one of many students affected by Autism, he is also one of many students who have been introduced to creative writing to express the things he struggles with. He uses RPM in order to write his
poems and stories. An excerpt from one of Jesse’s poem reads, “I feel like a train going off the tracks… The few brave people who would still climb aboard the train must really love the train so much.” Jesse’s internal conflicts heavily influence his passion for writing and what he writes about. His writing includes the immense frustration that comes with Autism. In the poem “The Teacher,”Jesse expresses his struggles with living in a body which does not cooperate with his mind. My teacher and angel all in one At times we argue and fight Both fighting this cage of Autism That we struggle to break free from Jesse’s aspirations for the future consist of being an author while also educating the public about what Autism truly is. Joining Creative Writing class at Homestead, then eventually Advanced Creative Writing sparked his interest for the future while allowing Jesse to speak his mind and giving others the chance to get to know him in a way they usually couldn’t. Jesse’s writing teacher, Angela Cicero, has been impressed by his writing since the first day she read it. “Jesse’s writing reveals the depth of his intelligence, creativity, and insightfulness. He is a brilliant young man, and his poetry not only gives others a glimpse into the uniqueness of his experience, but also reminds us of our shared humanity despite outward differences.” Jesse has been fighting an everyday battle his entire life, but has persevered by learning how to communicate life through RPM, and his more complex emotions through his writing. His goals for the future will lead him on a path to his dreams different than most 18 year olds, but his talent will take him to just as wonderful places. Jesse’s ambitions will allow him to tell his story on a greater scale with the hope more people will come to understand Autism.
page 21 // the highlander senior magazine
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here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go
HERE WE GO HERE WE GO HERE WE GO Information compiled by Highlander Publications staff Map by Sasha Shasis and Frances Mackinnon
As the class of 2019 transitions from high school to other endeavors, the Highlander Staff has compiled the post high school plans of each graduating senior. In less than a month, the graduating seniors will turn the pages to the next chapter of their lives. Next year, the class of 2019 will be represnted in 78 colleges across 27 states and nine countries. We as a staff wish the best of luck to the graduating class as they step out into wherever life may take them. Class of 2019, here we go. AFS students returning to... Gap Year Germany
Ireland Betsy Baker
Elizabeth Burschel (Rotary student)
Mexico Marina Alejaandra Esposito Navarrete
Maastricht University Izzy Wasczkiewicz
Hailey Brince Tyler Brown Melissa Chang Aaliyah Hinek Emily James Chris McGauran Nikko Nelson Dylan Neman Burke Simpson Mary Wilkerson
Italy Federico Cigolot
University of St. Andrews Cameroon
Frances Mackinnon
University of British Columbia Sophie Jensen
Yasmine Hawa
Thailand View Chatjiraroj
Universidad NOVA de Lisboa Francisco Magarreiro
page 22 // the highlander senior magazine
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Milwaukee Area Technical College Matthew Contardi Trever Dayton Jessica Griner Jonathan Klocko Logan LaBelle Gabriele Ladikaite Brenton Levy Oleg Melnyk Wachoua Vang Wachue Vang
University of Wisconsin-Stout
University of Wisconsin-Madison
James Valentino University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Karly Bartz Lindsey Miller Cameron BlackwellAnvesha Sarah Blaubach Mukherjee Casey Boehlke Zachary Jacob Brink O’Connor Cameron Buzzell Elizabeth Matthew Carr O’Leary Autumn Cavalco Zoe Emily Cheng Oppenheimer Will Condon Mary Papageorge Julianna Cox Matthew Patch Megan Dauchy Pooja Patel Emma Day Abigail Perkins Isabella Amber Rahmann DeStefanis Ally Rilling Eli Eiseman Isabella Gabriel Frederichs Rimalovsky Natalie Gauss Olivia Rossman Benjamin Gelfand Reem Salah Ari Glasstein David Schmich Katherine Michael Schmich Goberman Julie Schneider Ben Grant Dani Sesini Elan Graupe Benjamin Sheth Nesya Graupe Joesph Slicker Stefan Grbic Emma Smith Joshua Hodge Pierce Stasney Zachary Kenwood Zach Tanz Katelyn Kern Ava Thorson Jacob Kleiman Laura Wagner Jacob Kloss Paige Weir George Lampen Elizabeth White Neev Liberman Esther Jasmine Machhi Zelenovsky Ryan Maxon Dan Zinger University of Wisconsin- Platteville Conor Coyne Kevin Klug John Link Cal Scholtus
Alex Auchter Max Hanson John Pelant Megan Siatczynski
Beloit College Abigail West University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Rebecca Wykoff
University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse
St. Norbert College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Cody Williams University of Wisconsin- Green Bay
LeArria Gholson Josh Buraczewski Bernie Moyer Calvin Koepke Anna Heyden Gabby Nejapa Lawrence Kathleen LoCoco Maggie Sanner Jansen University Concordia University Howie Newbauer Chelsea Halloin Ashley Cwiklinski Charlie Ravanelli Charlotte Charles Meyers Jack Riebau University of Trumble Cody Wendt Eric Rodd WisconsinHannah Rubin Washington County Emory Weeden Cardinal Stritch Emmery Wilson Mykayla Thimm Tyler Burks Marquette Alex Kaplin Will Wood Dion Goodwin University Jacob Zeller Milwaukee Institute Batool Ali of Art and Design Mariam Ali Caroline Ferrero Shir Bloch Midajah StewartConor Coyne Noble Sophie Crangle Aine Grady See Above University Of WisconsinMichael Kennedy Whitewater Catherine Myer Kaylee Norris DeLon Blanks Joe Nelson Milwaukee School Kyle Spivey Ryan Boehlke Sophia Zang of Engineering Ben Tamim Thomas Graff Carroll Kathleen Haddad Sean Tatum Kaleb Hausley University Luis Jaquez Zarate Brandon Maxson Meghan Morris Emma Knutson University of Antonio Salerno Wisconsin-Milwaukee Seth Schanowski Faith Adebogun Kaitlyn Donley Sierra Mackiewicz Sheldon Shister David Sorin Zane Straka Maisie Allen Joesey Fetzer Seamus Madden Emma Straszewski Aijala Thao Hunter Amason Andrew Fite Riley McClone Angel Valdez Valiantsin Bella Gabor Ethan Miller Ryan Waddell Auchynnikau Leah Glaser Ellisha Nelson Mikyia Wallace Cyle Baker-Schmidt David Hansher Kenneth Perry Nate Beale Gavin Henry Armon Heidarian Madison Westreich India Wilkerson Warren Callahan Alec Hering Sofia Salerno Grace Crowley Shikinta Hollis Abigail Scheer
Myah Bartscher Andrew Bates Abigail Check Emily Clemens Lauren Doers John Dolan Ben Elchert Jordan Gomez Matthew Hagy Timothy Hetrick Tai Ho Claudia Mendoza
page 23 // the highlander senior magazine
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St. Olaf College John Sellars
Carleton College Rebecca Helmstetter
Montana State University Kemari Moore
University of St. Thomas
Jackson Bogli Crown College Meeghan Lillestolen Winona State Un Grace Baden Utah State University Tabitha Passey Brigham Young University Hope Kim University of ColoradoBoulder Justin Sadoff Chris Weiss Air Force Academy
Stanford University Zach Teplin
Jake Raddatz
University of Iowa
Dylan Benson Iowa State University Caroline Gedman John Scalise Paul Hanson Matthew Thompson Kim Hartlieb University of Nebrask Cam Kranich Hannah O’Brien Jack Keller Anna Oates Carrie Obrecht Michael Shallert Gavin White Brooke Siverhus Emily Weeden University of Kansas Steven Dorf Ben Kleiman Alexis Miller
Kansas Sta Northern Arizona University
Willie Garris
Drew Bosley University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Julian Camacho
University Little Rock
Jared Schn
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University of MinnesotaTwin Cities Joseph Fitzgerald Maria Fitzgerald Greer Gentges Ryan Halloran Catherine Heilmann Sam Johnson Claire Looker Anna Matthews Anne McCabe Michael Morway Kai Newman Erik Sutton Katey Van Vooren Noah Zach
St. Olaf College
John Sellars
rleton College becca Helmstetter
sity of St. Thomas
n Bogli Crown College Meeghan Lillestolen Winona State University Grace Baden
Luke French
Emmalee Meinolf
University of Rochester
St. Cloud State University Ryan Ruhkick Garrett Wilson Northern Illinois University Thomas Peterson
Chase McGee University of Chicago Tyler Gao
Northwestern University Sam Griswold
University of Michigan
Thais Marques Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Kunal Khullar New Jersey Institute of Technology Katelyn Bliesner George Washington Univeristy Lauren Grueninger Liberty University Molly Plamann
Makayla Wright
Emilie Gerdisch Tessa Lusis Kansas State University Lily Norman Willie Garrison Henry Stull
Wingate University Jayci Scheff
Indiana University Advaith Bharathwaj Haley Haddad Max Kelly Hannah Sonnentag
Texas Southern University Layandra Gandy
Tufts University
Adam Davidson
Northern Kentucky University
DePaul University
Jared Schneider
Andrew Brooks Gretchen Jones
Cornell University Alex Castroverde
Hillsdale College Leah Tunney Purdue University Alaina Bodi College of Wooster Radhika Kulkarni David Beaulieu Valparaiso University Ohio State University Kevin Klocko Joey Buenz Miami of Ohio University Sam Crivello
Bradley University Mara Kleinerman Sydney Kleinerman University of Nebraska Loyola University- Chicago Emma Como Jack Keller Mariam Qudeimat Carrie Obrecht Gavin White Illinois Wesleyan University
University of ArkansasLittle Rock
Boston College
Will Gerew
State University John Scalise Matthew Thompson
Kansas
Northwood School
Michigan Tech University
Georgia Institute of Technology Aila Khan University of Alabama Lizza Glueckert Hannah Rogers
Xavier University of Louisiana Brooke Bell
Florida Golf Coast University Emma Szypszak
Barry University Eric Stewart University of Miami Ravi Akhmadeyev
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Goodbye from the class of 2019 Mr.Sivanich, While I never had a class with Mr. Sivanich, our Thursday GEMS meetings always made my day a little better. It still amazes me when I hear his crazy stories about his wild cat Missy or about the fact that he gets up at 2:30 a.m. to do school work and squeezes a morning run in before school. His inspirational talks about how important females are in the STEM field and his and Mrs. Ackmann’s dedication to make GEMS the best that it can be, always inspires me and other girls to be better. Not being able to see him every other Thursday morning next year has not yet set in. Not only will I personally miss him but everyone at Homestead will too.
Esther Zelenovsky
Josh,
I’m not sure what it’ll be like without having you on the other side of a wall from me next year, but I know I will miss the past 17 years I’ve shared with you. From yelling room to room at each other to silent eye rolls that neither of us sees but both of us know are happening, I’ve grown used to and love all of our minute arguments, our constant competitions, and, of course, your unique nap schedule. I won’t be able to help you with classes as easily anymore, but text me whenever you need that math problem solved. I am beyond excited to see you excel next year in soccer and golf, leading your teams that you have worked so hard for the past three years. Treasure every moment because it will all come to a close quicker than you will want to believe. Again, I’m going to miss you more than I probably like to admit, so come visit me whenever you want to say “hi” or to play some golf in winter.
Love your personal tutor, Zach Teplin
Hey Claire! Believe it or not, I’m gonna really miss you at
college. I’ll miss you and your god awful country music. I’ll miss watching Cody Ko videos and laughing till we dry heave. I’ll miss our shopping runs to Milwaukee. I’ll miss our drives to school where you’re always running late. I’ll miss your stupid slang words like ‘gang gang’. It will be really weird to not see you every day. Plus I’m so glad I’ve always had someone to laugh with at all the Mark Baden comments (“do you pick out your dad’s ties?” -an idiot). You’re gonna crush your next two years of high school. I can’t wait to see where you go to college and what your major is going to be. Whatever you decide to do with your life, you’re gonna be so stinkin successful and I can’t wait to see you thrive.
Love you Claritin Clear, Grace Baden
P. S. Sorry you always got called Grace by my past teachers. That’s really awkward for you. page 26 // the highlander senior magazine
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To my awesome group of insane trouble makers (aka the girls basketball team), I will miss each of you so dearly next
year! I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend every day with such an amazing (and LOUD) group of ladies. Even though I’m heading out of state for college, I’ll still be your biggest fan! Remember to always appreciate Mckenna’s facts about mayo, Mia’s weird animal noises, my beyond unfortunate sledding accident, the coaches whipping THE VANS, and all our other crazy, wild adventures. Cherish every second of it because it’s going to be gone in a flash. Love each and everyone of you endlessly! Good luck with the rest of high school, babies! Come visit me next year!
Sam Crivello
Goodbye to my lax family. I will forever
remember and miss all of the fun memories of indian runs in the rain, blanket huddles on the sideline, and pregame dancing in our shuttle lines. All of you have helped shape my confidence and character, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I have had a blast with you guys and will miss you so much. I love you all, and I wish you the best in the future. I’ll be back to visit soon. No mercy ladies ;)
Anna Lalonde
Ms. Figg, The way she moves, the flicker of her never-dimming light. The way her glow never dwindles.
She just wanted to spread, live, consume, inspire. Crawling slowly, inching onward.
Reminiscing in songs that Were sung, plays that were done, Battles that were won.
Remembering only the The scent of burning embers as small, hopeful words of encourage- Pleasant things, unsure of What was ever scalding hot. ment Dancing forward, eating her surroundings, escaped her lips, easing me onward. taking in everything she can. So as I watch her dance, Flowing like the steady I close my eyes. The same words that would Hopelessly dreaming of the One day be uttered Laughter fills the Black Box By her daughter. The one I’ve grown to like the crackling of flames, Impact her mother had on me, the sense of her warmth beckoning others in. love. allowing the heat of her flames Dimming light, hope still to stain my cheeks. remaining. Already 6 whole years, She reminds me much of her mother, Maybe 6 more? a body being driven by the same coals, I wish the best for her. Slowly, painfully, heat radiating from their core. Such a force deserves peace, The distant sizzle of dying flames And the fire to never wane. Engulfs the Black Box. Her mother’s bright smile, trailing me along behind her, eager to explore theatre.
Not wanting to burn out, But understanding that The way her mother’s inner flame ricocheted Goodbyes must happen.
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Love, Maisie Allen page 27 // the highlander senior magazine
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a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e a r e
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