SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

a noteworthy

EXPERIENCE

Kramar pursues her musical passion in college

Article by Ainsley Feigles llustration by Nora Raasch A melody runs through finite Waltz, Kramar has penned While Kramar draws inspiher head and she rushes to the an additional work for full ration for her music from piano to capture it in writing. orchestra entitled Letters to You, both Romantic and ContemAfter she locates the right two chamber ensemble pieces, porary era composers, she is notes and identifies a rhythm, two short film scores, a classical especially influenced by film her mind wanders as she composition for string orchestra, score composers, and hopes thinks about the many ways and a solo cello piece. As of April, to pursue this type of writing she could expand this melody she was composing a piece for the after college. “My composition into an entire piece of music. Homestead orchestra, set to be philosophy is telling stories For Isabelle Kramar, this premiered before the end of the through my music and I think routine is her passion. school year. film scores and program Kramar started learning Her compositions have led music are the best for that,” piano around the age of to numerous world premiere Kramar said. four and began cello in the performances, along with global Looking forward, Krasummer preceding her fourth recognition. This year, Kramar mar aspires to broaden her grade year, when she was nine was nominated for a division of inspiration and be influenced years old. During her time the Marvin Hamlisch Interna- by different styles. “I hope in music, Kramar has made tional Music Awards, alongside in college I’ll learn… more lasting memories through more than 500 composers from about diverse composers.. I her experiences with various 51 different countries. orchestras at Homestead and Kramar was nominated for the Milwaukee Youth Sym- the Youth Classical Composition phony Orchestra (MYSO), Division of this award. “Recentin which she spent six years. ly, I was fortunate enough to be Additionally, Kramar fondly recognized as a nominee for an remembers her solo oppor- international award. The comtunities and the chamber munity of that was incredible; ensembles with which she has the experience of having music performed. in my life brought me to a really It was not until later in her cool group of people,” Kramar music experience that Kramar remarked. began composing. “I com- Kramar currently does not pletely accidentally got into study composition privately, but it. I applied last minute to the rather relies on her knowledge John Downey Creation Proj- of music and available resources ect at MYSO. I had no prior to write pieces independently. knowledge or experience of She hopes that her time at the anything, but I just did it,” University of Wisconsin-Madison Kramar recalled, “I was like, will help equip her with further ‘Oh, I’ll try something new,’ knowledge and skills in the and then it turns out I fell in subject. “I’ve just been reading love with it, and ever since, as many books and watching as I’ve just been writing.” many videos as I can,” Kramar This unforeseen oppor- explained, “But with college, I tunity proved life-changing will have the opportunity, for the for Kramar. Since MYSO’s first time, to study it and formally premiere performance of her understand it, and I think that initial composition, The In- will make me a lot stronger.”

think having that diversity in composition and telling each one of our stories is important because of our different perspectives,”

Kramar expressed. Kramar will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison next year to double major in Music Composition and Data Science. Ultimately, she hopes to find a job in which she can combine her passions for music and technology. As she embarks on this next endeavour, Kramar is confident that she will not forget the impact of the Homestead community in helping her achieve her dreams. Kramar acknowledged, “It was the support and feeling of being able to try new things out, and find my thing, that was very much thanks to Homestead and its environment of encouraging new and crazy things.” page 9/ senior mag

behind the

SCENES

Lookatch looks forward to his future in design and production

Article by Hannah Kennedy Illustration by Nora Raasch It all started with a close to his fellow crewconcert. The flashing lights. The strobe effects. The massive sets. It was mates. “I really like that I got to see all the kids because we were like a big family. It is a big community and then that Benji Lookatch, everyone is so happy to see senior, became enthralled each other,” Lookatch said with the production of the He also developed a passion show and everything that for design and production. went on behind the scenes. With college on the hori Growing up, Lookatch zon Lookatch was certain that was involved in music and he wanted to continue with played drums from a young theater through a bachelor of age. He was also an avid fine arts degree and he began photographer who enjoyed to look into programs that caworking behind the camera tered to his creative interests. to take portraits of people. “I did not want to go to New This combination of a love York or California. I wantfor music and technology ed to stay in the midwest,” sparked his fascination Lookatch said, “and that is with theater design, pro- how I found Cincinnati.” duction, and construction. The University of Cincin As an incoming fresh- nati offers a highly comman, Lookatch joined petitive theater design and the stage crew for Home- production program within stead’s Drama Department their College Conservatory of in hopes of pursuing his Music, which is accredited as interest in set design and “one of this country’s leading technology. Immediately conservatories” by the New he was absorbed into the York Times. welcoming “family” of The specific theater and the drama department as design major only admits he worked alongside other five students annually, and members of the stage crew. Lookatch was one of them. While lighting and “After they accepted the five sound caught his attention, people the program director Lookatch took a particular really pushed for us to come liking to set design and to campus and get a tour. I building. “I really was was able to privately tour the good at building because campus and sit in on lectures. I grew up building in my He sat down and talked to me grandpa’s woodshop, and about the program too. [The he taught me a lot. It was director] really reached out a really good bonding to me and that stood out,” experience from my child- Lookatch said. hood,” Lookatch recalled. Lookatch was also im Throughout his four pressed with the facilities and years with the drama opportunities that the Unidepartment, Lookatch grew versity of Cincinnati offered. “They have multiple theaters and some of the best technology that professionals are using right now,” Lookatch described with enthusiasm. The hands-on experiences their program offered were equally as important to Lookatch as well. “I cannot sit in a studio all day. I cannot sit in a lecture hall all day,” Lookatch explained, “I need a lot of interaction and they offered a lot of handson work.” After his tour, Lookatch was fairly set on his decision to attend school in Cincinnati in the fall. “I kept telling myself that I had to look at other schools, but my parents could just tell that I wanted to be there,” Lookatch said. “They are parents; they just know.” What Lookatch is most excited for is the opportunities that theater design and production offer him. “It is not just theatre. It can be anything. It can be theatre, it can be concerts, it can even be weddings. I remember the director telling me that I could end up working anywhere from cruise ships to concert halls, and my eyes just lit up,” Lookatch said. Although he feels most drawn to musical theater, the freedom that comes with his creative degree is endless. “Ultimately, I could end up anywhere and that is what is most exciting,” Lookatch said.

METALSmastery of

Dummann seeks to create art that others will covet

Article by Ainsley Feigles Illustration by Nora Raasch Elena Dummann came to Each of her pieces require a Homestead knowing she enjoyed great amount of time and effort, art and that she wanted it to be an with much preparatory work. integral part of her high school “It takes a lot of revision. My experience. She enrolled in sketchbook is filled with ideas… various art classes, such as Crafts I’ll try to do a two-dimensional and Ceramics, before exploring sketch and draw each layer and one more course that piqued her do a compositional sketch so it interest: Art Metals. shows it all together,” Dummann This choice sparked an undeni- explained, “I’ll do measureable passion. ments, measure everything out, Her newfound interest came as and see how much metal I have a surprise to her. “I kind of took and it kind of bases off of that. art metals on a whim and I end- Or, if I have a lot of scraps, I’ll ed up really liking it,” Dummann try to make a piece that’s just recalled. using that to reuse as much as I This decision ultimately can.” shaped her passion for art, pro- After deciding upon a design, viding her the vehicle to discover Dummann then engages in a a new facet of her talents. After lengthy process to complete a Dummann completed three Art piece. “These pieces, unfortuMetals classes during her junior nately, take like a month to do year, she was not ready to part because I am cutting everything with the topic. Instead, she further by hand, filing and sanding,” explored the medium through an Dummann said, “After that I’ll Art Metals focus in AP Three-Di- do this thing called etching, mensional Art. so we’ll put it in this chemical Throughout her time in Art and it eats away at the metal… Metals, Dummann has acquired After we neutralize it, it has this many new skills, such as learn- engraved effect so that there ing how to use raised rivets on are two different textures to the her pieces to provide dimension. metal, and that’s how I get the Dummann stated that she is designs.” “mostly focused on three-dimen- To complete her design and sional sculptural art.” create the three-dimensional One of Dummann’s favorite effect, Dummann then rivets her pieces is her earliest creation, piece before it is finally comwhich brings these strategies pleted. into the spotlight. Displaying As a distance learner this a three-dimensional piece, she school year, Dummann’s work highlighted various aspects of her has come with some obstacles. work with infectious enthusiasm. “I am online so I do not have the “This was one of my first pieces, machinery that the school has, and it is raised riveted so every- but thankfully I was able to get thing has a different height… it a drill press for home and Ms. is all tiered and you can see all of Nowak, my Art Metals teacher, the rivets in the middle,” Dum- gave me a huge toolbox full of mann remarked. stuff to work on, so I can do it, which is really awesome of her,” Dummann exclaimed. As she heads into college next year, Dummann desires to engage in the art of jewelry making. She has decided to attend UW-Madison to pursue a degree in Art Metals and Jewelry. She is unsure where her degree may lead her, but she is optimistic about obtaining new skills in the subject. “I kind of wanted to branch out and I have always been interested in different types of jewelry, and it seemed like it would be really fun, so either after I graduate I would want to continue in the profession of jewelry, and jewelers, or I would just focus more on the studio aspect and really honing in on those skills and learning as much as I can,” Dummann explained, “I feel like there are two different paths I can take and I’ll just try to figure it out as I go.” As she discovers what her future may look like, Dummann is ultimately grateful for the support of her parents throughout her high school years. “My parents really stressed picking a career that makes you happy versus successful in other people’s eyes. This is the one thing I’m really passionate about and I can see myself doing this day in and day out and not getting super drained or tired from it. I knew I would be happy and I feel like that was the most important thing and they really wanted that for me,” Dummann said. It is clear that Dummann aspires to pass along her happiness to others. Dummann remarked, “Working with people and creating art and jewelry that they love and wear indefinitely, that’s the goal.” page 13/ senior mag

designing the

FUTURE

Marcon desires to make a positive impact through civil engineering

Article by Olivia Van Laanen Illustration by Nora Raasch To create. To build. To design. The hours proved worth it. During the 2018-2019 school year, David Marcon and his fellow teammates made it all the way to the North Worlds, the largest robotics competition in the country. A beaming smile crossed his face and Marcon felt overcome with excitement and pride. Homestead Robotics Club received a nomination for the highest ranking award at this competition. Fourth grade is the year it all started. As a little kid, Marcon admired his older brother and wanted to be just like him which led to him joining the youth robotics program through the Mequon-Thiensville School District. He has nurtured his growing passion for robotics by participating in the program throughout elementary, middle and all four years of high school. “I have enjoyed the

consistency of the program and the friends I have made through being part of a

team,” Marcon said. While designing and building the robot is a huge focus of robotics, another aspect is documentation. This is Marcon’s speciality. Documentation involves storing information about the robot into a computer system and being able to execute the programs which control the robot’s function. “I enjoy having the ability to push myself intellectually to solve complex problems which is a huge element of robotics,” Marcon claimed. While family is the most important factor in his life right now, Marcon considers academics to be his second most predominant priority. “I am proud of pushing myself academically the past four years and taking challenging courses,” Marcon remarked. His life at Homestead has been a schedule full of honors and advanced placement classes. Marcon states, “Without the assistance of the teachers at Homestead, I would not be where I am today.” Marcon specifically credits Mr. Ben Sloma, social studies teacher, “who has pushed me to succeed. If you want a good grade in Sloma’s class you have to work for it,” Marcon said. Another teacher who has shown considerable support to Marcon in his rigorous classes is Ashley Meulemans, physics teacher. Looking forward, Marcon is going to obtain an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. “I’ve always been drawn to STEM and I’m a math guy,” Marcon remarks. He enjoys the realistic problem solving aspect that civil engineering provides him with. He has been inspired by his robotics coaches to study civil engineering. He believes that “overall I will be able to make the most positive impact with this specific degree.” This focus of study can be found in numerous places in real life that have a direct impact on people’s lives. The large number of specialities civil engineers can pursue include types such as infrastructural or environmental engineering. As Marcon heads off to college in just a few short months, one goal he has for himself is continuing his academic success although he knows that college will be more challenging. “I want my professors to think highly of me. I want to be good in my field and have the ability to make a difference,” Marcon said. Additionally, he is also looking forward to being able to take electives that interest him and will prove to be salient for his career path. In the next five years, Marcon aspires to obtain an undergraduate degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE), be taken on by a civil engineering firm and acquire his masters degree. Marcon has decided to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his next four years of education. As Marcon continues on into this new chapter of his life, he is able to look back with a smile and full heart on an outstanding academic performance, his various achievements in his time with the robotics club and can utilize everything he has learned to head onto making a lifelong impact on society.

playing with

HEART

Young’s mother-daughter bond that sticks together

Article by Lexi Buzzell Illustration by Nora Raasch In the noisy gym filled with fans cheering, coaches screaming, and whistles blowing, there is one voice that sticks out above them all. “Let’s go Daja!” shouts Aleta Parker, mother of Daja Young, senior. With Young’s father not in the picture, Young and her mother have a very special bond. “We’ve always been very close; it’s pretty much just us,” Young said. Throughout the years, her mother has juggled multiple jobs while also attending school and sporting events, and supporting her daughter. “Everything I do is for Daja. She is everything I have,” Parker said. Parker has supported her daughter as she chases her dreams and works to accomplish her goals, including playing basketball at the collegiate level. “My mom is my number one

supporter, on and off the court,”

Young said. Young first started playing basketball when she joined her school’s team at Glen Hills Middle School in Glendale, which has students from 4th-8th grade. Young was one of just two 4th graders on the team. “I always liked basketball and I’ve always been athletic, so when I joined Glen Hills, it all started from there,” Young said. By the summer going into her 5th grade year, Young had found her passion and joined her first Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team, Playground Elite. AAU basketball is a nationwide program that targets advancement of players and their development. Young knew that playing AAU basketball would help get her to the next level. “I had been in ballet and gymnastics, but I liked basketball so much better, so I stopped doing them, and committed myself to basketball,” Young explained. In addition to AAU, Young continued to play for Glen Hills and then the Nicolet program before coming to Homestead freshman year, switching programs. Despite leaving her friends and teammates she had known and played with for years, the transition at Homestead proved seamless. “I was able to play in the summer league, so I was able to get to know some of my team prior to the start of the season. Everyone was welcoming and helped make my transition smooth,” Young said. Throughout high school, Young continued to spend her summers training and travelling with Playground Elite, while also getting looks from college coaches. “I had a couple scholarships ranging from [National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics] NAIA DI to Junior College schools,” Young explained. Ultimately, once Young visited William Penn University, she found herself right at home. “A couple former Playground Elite girls play for them, which is perfect because the chemistry will be there already with some of the players,” Young explained. William Penn University is a private University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with NAIA Division I sports. The distance from is another factor for Young when choosing a school. Being apart from her mother may prove difficult, as they have never been apart for so long. “[My mom] is really happy I am going, but I know we are really going to miss each other a lot because we have never been separated since the day I was born,” Young explained. She always wanted “to go far, but not too far.” William Penn University is about a five and a half hour drive from home. Young is confident distance will not change her tight relationship with her mother. “[William Penn] is not too far, so I can always drive back for the weekend or she can drive up,” Young said. In addition to being a perfect fit athletically and geographically, the nursing program is also very strong. “Nursing is something I knew I wanted to do since I was born, I’ve always been meant to be a nurse,” Young said. Knowing this, Young’s practice in the medical area has already started. As a certified CBRF and CNA, Young works at Cornerstone of Oak Creek, a facility where she helps take care of elders, including giving insulin shots, taking blood pressure, and passing out medicine. “I know I will learn some new stuff about nursing in college, but I already have a little bit of background and experience because I work in the field,” Young said. Beyond college, Young plans to continue to play basketball in gyms and with friends, but her focus is on becoming “A travelling nurse, starting [her] career, and figuring out where I want to live in the long-run because I don’t think it will be Wisconsin,” Young explained. “My mom plans to stay in Wisconsin, but I know I will always have her there for me and [she will] be my biggest supporter,” Young said. page 17/ senior mag

the adventure

AWAITS

Robbins takes on a new journey overseas and is excited for what is to come

Article by Katie Price Illustration by Nora Raasch

To experience a new culture. To explore his interests. To gain a new perspective. As Henry Robbins, senior, embarks on his journey to Indonesia for a gap year, he hopes this opportunity will provide him with these things, along with many others. This was a rather simple decision for Robbins, who knew he wanted to take a break before attending The College of Wooster, a private liberal arts college in Wooster, Ohio. When explaining why he chose Wooster he said that “they offered a pretty good scholarship and had a four year research program that sounded really intriguing.” Straying from the norm of a traditional four year college didn’t scare Robbins. He gained support from his family and friends, making his decision even easier. Not only did he see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it also allowed him thinking time to discover what he wants to continue to study in college. “It is something that I’ve always considered doing,” Robbins explained, “so I just knew I had to take the opportunity.” The program Robbins chose is organized through Where There Be Dragons. In order to be accepted into this program, Robbins first applied, and then had a follow up phone interview. It is rather selective with only 12 participants and three leaders. He had the option to chose from various programs in North America, Latin America, Africa and other parts of Asia. Robbins ultimately chose Indonesia because he thought that “traveling through the Oceanic islands sounded really cool. They also put a large emphasis on staying with the host families and learning about the skills used in their lives,” Robbins continued. Where There Be Dragons states that their mission is to “cultivate meaningful connections through immersive and responsible travel. Our vision, ultimately, is to foster a more compassionate, just, and inclusive world.” For Robbins these were some of the things that drew him to the program. He also claims that he hopes to learn about the specific culture in the country and how the Indonesians live their lives on an everyday basis. Robbins will be there for a semester from September to December where he will travel from host family to host family and participate in a variety of experiences, including spearfishing with the host father. “I also get to choose a topic of study but I have to look into those more to see which interest me,” Robbins said. The options he can choose to study include, but aren’t limited to, martial arts, street art, cooking and traditional dance. While in Indonesia, not only will Robbins be exploring and learning about the country, but he will also be participating in service work and specifically focusing on helping the locals. Although this is a new experience in a completely new country, it is not far fetched for Robbins. “I actually went to Canada for the whole summer last year to go camping,” Robbins explained, “however, I’m still a little bit nervous. I think my nerves will be mainly on the flight and when I first arrive there, but they should calm down once I begin to settle down.” When asked where he sees himself in ten years, Robbins was unsure, however, he is using this experience with the hope that it will provide him clarity and allow him to discover his true passion. To anyone looking to go against what is considered the “traditional” route after high school, Robbins offered a few words of encouragement. “Be open to any ideas

out there and don’t be afraid to take on any new

ones,” Robbins explained.

her inner

BEAUTY

Hudson fell in love with skincare

Article by Francesca De Martino Illustration by Nora Raasch When Rylee Hudson was in school instead of a four year middle school, she opened university because it is someher computer after school one thing she would actually enday and watched her first ever joy doing and learning about. makeup tutorial. She instantly “I want to do this because fell in love expression found skincare interests me more in the little plastic contain- than anything I would have ers. She was mesmerized by to go to college for,” Hudson the beauty industry and how explained. amazing it all seemed, and She plans to go to the from that point on, she knew Mequon-Thiensville School she wanted to be a part of it. of Esthetics and will start Hudson started getting classes in August of 2021. into beauty when she was in Mequon-Thiensville School elementary school. “I have of Esthetics is a certified really been into makeup since continuing education facility I was in fifth grade and have approved and licensed by been obsessed with it ever the Wisconsin Department since. In middle school all I of Safety and Professional would do was watch Youtube Service. tutorials and do my makeup Here she will learn the with the person on the screen anatomy of the face, neck, after school,”Hudson said. hands, and arms, as well as It wasn’t until her junior how to identify skin disoryear of high school that she ders and conditions, perform started considering getting facial treatments, and obtain a serious license for this af- business management skills ter-school hobby. “My friend required to seek employwas telling me about becom- ment after school. In order to ing an esthetician and how receive a diploma from the she wanted to do that after school, there is a required 450 she graduated high school. hours of study and treatment She explained everything practice. After graduating she that went on there and what will take the State of Wisconyou needed to do to get your sin Licensure Examination license. At that point, I started in order to practice as an thinking about doing it too certified esthetician. because it is already my “I am super self conscious passion and I really wanted about my skin. My skin has to do what made me happy,” never really been bad, but I Hudson said. will look in the mirror and see She knew that she did these like tiny little imperfecnot want to go to a four year tions. That’s also why I am college after high school, so getting into skincare because she began senior year, Hudson I want to learn and know how started researching places to to treat my skin correctly,” go to get her license. Hudson Hudson said. decided to go to a beauty Not only can Hudson use this knowledge for herself, but it will help improve the skin of her future customers with similar insecurities. As of right now, Hudson continues to work on her makeup skills daily, to practice the art. She also researches new products and techniques she sees on Tik Tok and on other platforms. Hudson says, “[I] do my makeup everyday and sometimes when I am on Tik Tok and I see a product someone is using, and I will research it to see what it does and if people really like the product or not.” Ten years from now, Hudson’s goal is to have a job as an esthetician somewhere in the area of Mequon-Thiensville. She also hopes to travel. “I want to be financially stable enough to travel a lot.” Another plus for Hudson’s job is to have very flexible hours. “These hours will allow me to go on vacations and visit fun places to make life interesting,” Hudson said. Hudson wanted her classmates and future graduating classes to know that students can take a different path after senior year and she shares

some advice. “My advice to

anyone who is wanting to go to a non-traditional path after high school is do what you want and you do not need to go to college to do something that makes you happy.”