Tri 3 mag

the

Highlander 34.3 volume

issue

May 29, 2015

The BUsiness of paying teachers

Implementation of bonus system draws to a close

Photo by Madina Jenks

News Cover story editorial Feature opinion sports photo poll

on the cover As the first year of MTSD’s somewhat controversial Strategic Salary System comes to a close, teachers reflect on the experience. photo by Emma Zander

2

Photo by Bella Stechschulte

Photo byCarly Klieman

4 12 14 20 26 28 32

Photo by Elizabeth Huskin

Table of contents

7

MTSD PASSES $18.2 million referendum to make capital improvements to schoolS

12

The proposed Wisconsin budget cutS may cause damage to the UW system and local schools and districts, including MTSD

16

Homestead students discuss which celebrity they would swap lives with

30

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // table of contents

athletes of the issue: years of dedication come to fruition for two senior student-athletes

the

letter from the editor As we enter our third edition of The Highlander newsmagazine, we have reflected and made adjustments from our two prior issues. New people entered the conversation, sparking fresh ideas, formulating unique thoughts and collaborating to produce one final product.

With an ever-changing staff walking through the doors of room 405, we were excited by the potential for another quality magazine. Through a guideline of concepts from faculty, administration and students, as well as each staffer’s personal story preferences, the staff as a whole selected the stories to go into this publication at the beginning of the trimester. Since then, it has been a sea of Publications students sitting in interviews, taking pictures, writing stories and designing these very pages that have pushed us to making this news magazine stronger.

Our second newsmagazine won eighth place in the Best of Show competition at the National High School Journalism Convention in Denver, Colo., in April, and we are once again proud to

highlander

follow us present our work to you.

We base our story selections on what we, the Highlander Publications staff, believe are representative of the Highlander community. We do reserve the right to speak the majority; however, we often survey a sample to gauge student interest.

As we enter our third and final newsmagazine for the school year, we hope that you will continue to find it interesting and peruse the variety of news, feature, sports and opinion selections we have for you.

Any students or faculty who wish to express their opinion through The Highlander should drop off a signed letter in room 405. Please understand that we do reserve the right to edit for both content and grammatical errors.

The Highlander is a unique forum, representing the student body, and we understand the respect and trust that comes with that stance. We believe this magazine fulfills that goal, and we look forward to your reactions. Thank you, and enjoy reading!

@homestead411 @hhssports411 @homestead411 highlanderpublications

the staff editor-in-chief design editor designers

writers and photographers

aaron glazer

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 operate as a public forum of free expression, upholding 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 can be withheld upon request. If you have upcoming story ideas for The Highlander or for our daily news website The Highlander Online, you may submit them to rrauch@mtsd.k12.wi.us.

aaron glazer molly riebau Madeline Boulier, Jordan Ellerbrock, Talia Gottlieb, Madina Jenks, Katya Mikhailenko Kelly Allen, lada avrunina, madeline boulier, sean driscoll, jordan ellerbrock, Maddie fricker, gaby geiger, aaron glazer, talia gottlieb, emily hannemann, connor hanson, chloe herzog, elizabeth huskin, madina jenks, carly kleiman, anna kreynin, maggie martin, nicole martin, katya mikhailenko, molly riebau, sydney roeper, Carly Rubin, erik skaar, katie starsky, amelia stastney, bella stechschulte, emma wade, emma zander

copy editors

maddie fricker, Anna kreynin

adviser

rachel rauch

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 3

Candidates anounce run for

presidency Information Compiled by Nicole Martin

Ted Cruz Republican Texas Senator Twitter handle: @tedcruz Education: Princeton University and Harvard Law School Mike Huckabee Republican Arkansas Governor Twitter handle: @GovMikeHuckabee Education: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ouachita Baptist University

Marco Rubio Republican Florida Senator Twitter handle: @marcorubio Education: University of Miami, University of Florida Rand Paul Republican Kentucky Senator Twitter handle: @RandPaul Education: Duke University, Duke University of Medicine, Baylor University

Ben Carson Republican Retired neurosurgeon Twitter handle: @RealBenCarson Education: University of Michigan, Yale University

Carly Fiorina Republican Former business executive Twitter Handle: @CarlyFiorina Education: Stanford University, University of Maryland, MIT

Hillary Clinton Democrat Secretary of State Twitter handle: @HillaryClinton Education: Wellesley College, Yale University, Yale Law School

Bernie Sanders Democrat Vermont Senator Twitter handle: @SenSanders Education: University of Chicago

Photo by Carly Rubin

Watch for...

Martin O’Malley Democrat Former Maryland Governor

Jim Webb Democrat Former Virginia Senator Jeb Bush Republican Former Florida Governor Scott Walker Republican Wisconsin Governor Chris Christie Republican New Jersey Governor Lincoln Chafee Democrat Former Rhode Island Governor Rick Santorum Republican Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Perry Republican Former Texas Governor Lindsey Graham Republican South Carolina Senator Bobby Jindal Republican Louisiana Governor *as of press time

4

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // news

school board members elected for 3-year term

in

Photo by Sydney Roeper

By Emily Hannemann

Months of campaigning, speculating and debating have come to an end.

This year’s election results for Mequon-Thiensville School Board are in. The results of the April 7 election carried few surprises.

While there were three seats available and three candidates, Stephanie Clark, Cindy Werner and John Jacobs, running for offices, it was considered that a write-in candidate could pose a threat.

But with preliminary vote counts for Clark at 34.52 percent, Werner at 33.21 percent and Jacobs at 30.91 percent, the write-in category as a whole only obtained 1.36 percent of the 13,124 votes counted. Clark was the only candidate to seek re-election for a second term as vice president of the board earlier in April. Werner and Jacobs have never sat on the board before.

Clark said of her recent re-election, “It is a humbling experience to run for any elected position and receive the support and votes of your community.”

On why she ran for office, Werner said in an interview with informmt.org that she had always hoped to run for the Board of Education and believes “that it is our responsibility as a community to prepare our children for the changes occurring so quickly in our society.”

Jacobs said he ran to give something back to the community that gave much to him and his family.

“It would take me many years of service to

return half of what the community has given to us. My work this past year on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council was very rewarding, and it provided a clear vision for me as to how I can contribute to the district,” he said.

All three newly-elected board members said they support the Mequon-Thiensville referendum to renovate the district’s buildings that was also approved April 7.

“I think the board and the superintendent did an extraordinary job carefully evaluating the options and putting forth a referendum in the best interest of the community,” Jacobs said.

Clark said she has three goals in her upcoming term: to achieve measurable success in implementing the next three year strategic plan, to continue to focus on closing all achievement gaps and to provide prudent fiscal oversight to the facilities expenditures approved through the referendum.

Jacobs added that an overall goal for the district is to improve in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, starting children in computer programming and other exposures to the fields as early as the first grade. “[Technology] has become the new literacy in our world and it can only strengthen our students’ potential as they head to college and the workforce,” Jacobs said.

John Jacobs

Stephanie Clark

Cindy Werner

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 5

referendum brings changes to mtsd facilities The proposed plans for the renovated school buildings intend to solve problems with inaccessibility and general learning inefficiency. Utilizing its annual budget for summer capital improvements, the administration planned to fix its problems rather than reusing the same flawed model. Mr. Kyle Thompson, MTSD Director of Buildings and Grounds, asserted, “There was nothing fancy in this referendum, only renovations of spaces that need renovating.” Photo of rendings by Madina Jenks

By Madina Jenks

Trickling into designated voting centers on April 7, 2015, approximately 7000 voters decided to approve the $18.2 million facilities referendum for Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) schools focusing on architectural, mechanical, electrical and security improvements with a 61 percent approval rating. With the passing of this referendum, all schools will receive upgraded equipment, such as fixed lighting and flooring, aimed to improve the learning experience at MTSD schools.

To explain the need for these measures, Dr. Demond Means, superintendent, said, “The last successful referendum in our community was in 1988, and it involved $28 million for one facility; this referendum is a request for $18.2 million and addresses all of our facilities, all seven, including Range Line.” Explaining himself further, Dr. Means stated, “Our facilities are safe; it’s not that our children are in unsafe environments. It’s

6

just that this environment is not commensurate for a proper [learning experience].”

Mr. Matthew Joynt, assistant superintendent, shared his reaction to the passing of the referendum, stating, “I am excited that the Mequon and Thiensville residents have voted to make improvements to the school district that will certainly maintain and in some ways enhance the experiences of our district’s students.”

While voters generally approved of this referendum, the overall reception has been mixed.

Stating her reasons for voting in favor of passing the referendum, Mrs. Kathleen McCann, Mequon-Thiensville resident, said, “I voted yes. It’s important for me that the referendum passes because I know through all the information the district gave us that our schools need improvement, and that improvement is tied to our property values. We have great academics, but it’s important that we take care

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander// news

of our physical structures as well.”

Teachers also weighed in on the subject. Mr. Ciurlik, social studies teacher, claimed, “As a person who works at this building, there was an obvious need for this referendum to pass. Besides, my taxes, my cable bill and my trash bill, every bill I have has gone up more than my taxes have in the last 16 years I’ve lived here, and that’s a huge disconnect. The cost is really not the issue here.”

However, there are several who disapprove of the passing of the referendum. Opposing the referendum, Lauren Tunney, junior, reflects many opponents’ views as she said, “While the passing of the referendum is over and done with, the administration should have accounted better for deteriorating structures in the budget.”

To counter this common argument from the opposition, Mr. Kyle Thompson, MTSD Director of Buildings and Grounds, explained, “The [referendum] only asked for

$18.2 million because we’ve been keeping up [with] the state of our buildings. So instead of a $60 million referendum, we have an $18.2 million referendum.”

Some planned summer capital improvement projects would have proceeded unhindered regardless of what the referendum results were. The administration assigns certain capital improvements that must be made over the summer before the start of every school year.

Funded by the school’s buildings and grounds budget, taxpayers will not have to pay a single dollar extra for any of these [summer capital] renovations and additions, including the complete overhaul of the lecture hall into an instructional media center (IMC), the fixing of structures and the purchase of more security cameras. Mr. Thompson explains these expenditures, claiming, “The reason for most of these capital improvements is safety.”

Moving in another direction Five of Homestead’s educators say goodbye as life takes them down different paths. They have been part of Homestead for various periods of time. Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said, “I think that’s sort of the nature of this profession. You have people who give their life to a particular place like Mrs. Beaumier and Mrs. Schultz, and then you have people who come do really good work for a period of time, then life maybe takes them in another direction.” Photo by Kelly Allen By kelly Allen

For seven of Homestead’s faculty members, the 2014-2015 school year is their last.

Among the parting members are Mrs. Mary Beaumier, Mr. Fritz Rauch and Mrs. Emily Weitekamp from the English department, Mr. Joshua Mayerak from the math department, Ms. Christine Schultz from the science department, Ms. Vicki Boehm, school aide and Mr. Michael Kaske, head custodian.

A variety of reasons move these members’ lives in different directions. Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said, “I think that’s sort of the nature of this profession. You have people who give their life to a particular place like Mrs. Beaumier and Mrs. Schultz, and then you have people who come do really good work for a period of time, then life maybe takes them in another direction.”

Retirement serves as the reason Mrs. Beaumier, Ms. Schultz, Mrs. Boehm, known as “Vicki” and Mr. Kaske will not be returning to Homestead next year. After 33 years at Homestead, Mrs. Beaumier plans on possibly traveling and spending time with her horses. Mrs. Beaumier believes Tennyson said it best: “Tis not too late to seek a newer world...Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”

For 17 years, Ms. Schultz has loved teaching at Homestead because it has allowed her to share a love of science and a love of learning with her students. “As my heart began telling me it was time to retire, my very first response was tears. But I soon saw the wisdom of change.

It was time,” Ms. Schultz said. Looking forward to moving into the next phase of her life, Ms. Schultz plans to focus on friends and family.

With new possibilities and time, Ms. Schultz can pursue her dream of raising puppies to become helper dogs. An array of activities are also in the cards for Ms. Schultz, such as gardening, cooking, reading, possibly tutoring or substitute teaching and traveling.

After 20 years at Homestead, Vicki wants to spend more time with her husband. “We do a lot of traveling, and right now that’s what I want to do,” Vicki said. Though happy to gain traveling time, Vicki will miss the faculty and most of all, the students. She advises students to “make the most of high school, cultivate friendships, join clubs and especially try something new.”

When first arriving at Homestead, Mr. Kaske thought of his position as temporary.

Thirty years later, he has remained at Homestead and decided it is time to retire. In his retirement, Mr. Kaske plans on taking trips with his wife and doing some work around the house.

As he leaves, he encourages students to “do everything [they] can to participate in different things and take advantage of all of the opportunities here at [Homestead.]”

Furthermore, family situations draw some teachers away from Homestead. Relocating to her hometown of Sarasota, Florida, Mrs. Weitekamp will be closer to family. “While I’m excited about our move toward family, I’m so thankful for the relationships I’ll take with me from here,” Mrs. Weitekamp said. While sad

to leave the community at Homestead, Mrs. Weitekamp said, “Life has a funny way of bringing us back to our roots no matter how far we travel or how hard we try to forget.” Mrs. Weitekamp leaves Homestead with a last piece of advice: “Honor the place that raised you, for you would not be you without it.”

With a long daily commute, Mr. Mayerak will be looking for a new position at a high school closer to home for next year. “It has just gotten to the point where it is probably better for me to have a job closer to home,” Mr. Mayerak said. Experiencing a bittersweet goodbye, Mr. Mayerak feels “that the students and teachers [at Homestead] are all wonderful, and it really is a great environment,” but he is excited to work closer to his family and to travel less every day.

Mr. Rauch moves in a different direction towards Grafton High School after accepting a head football coaching position along with an English teaching position. After 20 years at Homestead, he believes it is the right thing to do at the right time for him and his family. Mr. Rauch’s new opportunity brings a chance to impact the lives of more students and athletes.

As these members of the Homestead community part, Mr. Bowers says, “Thank you to those people who were here for 30 years or those people who were here for three years. In any case you have made an impact and contributed to the good things that are happening [at Homestead] and to student learning on an everyday basis.”

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 7

cutting cutting gone

Photo by Emma Zander Photo illustration by Molly Riebau

8

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // news

The Wisconsin 2015-17 proposed budget bill includes a $300-million cut to the UW System, and the Mequon-Thiensville School District will feel its effects. Although these budget cuts are not final, the UW System and other districts statewide may be faced with challenges if the proposed budget passes.

By Elizabeth Huskin

A

s the Wisconsin constitution states, the budget of Wisconsin must be balanced.

The state legislature, with strong input from the governor, creates Wisconsin’s biennial budget, including the amount the state will spend within two years. The bill must be approved and passed by the full state assembly and the full state senate before it is put into action.

According to the Wisconsin Budget Project website, the starting budget process begins when state agencies “submit their budget requests to the governor.” The governor then uses the requests and drafts the budget proposal around the month of February. The budget is finalized in June.

Because an increasing number of high schools have been looking for opportunities that can allow students to expand their academic horizons, Wisconsin passed the Youth Options Law. This law allows high school students to take courses on a university campus if the high school does not offer that class.

“Let’s say a student wanted to take Italian.

Homestead does not offer Italian, but Concordia does. Homestead, by law, has to allow a student to take that course at Concordia,” Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, said. “This law has been around for a really long time and very few students take advantage of Youth Options because Homestead has a pretty robust curriculum as it is.”

In addition to the Youth Options law, Wisconsin passed the Course Options law last year.

Course Options governs dual credit courses for high school students, allowing students to take a course at the high school and receive college and high school credit. Because of this law, the budget cuts cannot impact these opportunities to receive college credit. The only way to completely abolish dual credit would be for the state government to pass a counteracting law against Course Options. “I think there is a little misunderstanding. The dual credit option is not related to the budget,” Mr. Bowers said.

When creating Course Options, Wisconsin declared that schools and school districts, not the undividual students or universities, would pay for dual credit courses. “When the bill was approved, the schools and districts freaked out because that is potentially a lot of money,” Mr. Bowers said.

To the advantage of schools and and school districts, the UW System stepped in and paid for the tuition of the dual credits this past year. The UW System experienced a surprise surplus, allowing it to cover the dual credit expenses. “The UW system stated that they cannot pay for the dual credit again, and this was before the budget cuts were announced. That was a one year fix.

The free dual credits were a one time deal,” Mr. Bowers said.

The $643 million surplus, known as “slush funds,” raised serious concerns in the Wisconsin government. When the mysterious money was discovered, in-state tuition was already up 73 percent from 2004, according to Matt Crumb in his article titled “UW Slush Fund Controversy: ‘We Can Account For Every Dollar’ Says Ray Cross.” Promptly after the surplus and tuition increase was discovered, Governor Scott Walker initiated a two-year tuition freeze, which he plans to continue in this upcoming budget.

The unpredicted surplus raises the question of whether or not the cuts will significantly hurt all 26 schools within the UW system. However, according to Dr. Demond Means, MTSD superintendent, “Whenever there is a budget cut to education, it should raise some concern.”

Free dual credits proved to be a financial relief for Homestead. As the once-in-a- lifetime free-credit deal comes to a close, however, the question of how Homestead will pay for these credits arises.

Currently, Homestead offers 13 dual credit courses including Accounting 1, multiple PLTW courses, CPR-AED-First Aid, Introduction to Business, Personal Finance, Advanced Mass Media and Communications, Advanced Creative Writing, Latin 4 and Advanced Programming.

A UW school offers each dual credit class, except Latin 4, which the University of Minnesota offers.

As stated in a May 6 email from Mr. Bowers, UW-Oshkosh charges $30 per credit and UW-Whitewater charges $90 per credit. “Based on these costs, our current enrollments in all UW-supported dual credit offerings and the district budget to support dual credit, we will be able to move forward with offering [the] respective courses for both Homestead and UW credit next year,” Mr. Bowers said in the email.

During a district meeting with Sen. Alberta

Darling, Rep. Jim Ott and Rep. Dan Knodl, all three politicians clearly stated that K-12 education was their “first priority” regarding the state budget. Additionally, Rep. Knodl stated that the UW budget comes right next to the priority of K-12. “The governor proposed a $300 million cut to the system. We (the senate and the assembly) would like to see that cut reduced so the impact is not as significant,” Rep. Knodl said.

On the contrary, according to a letter addressed to the Mequon-Thiensville taxpayers from Dr. Means, the current budget proposal will include the elimination of “$150 per student, which would create a $520,000 budget shortfall in our district budget next school year.”

The letter continues to discuss that Gov. Scott Walker has failed to propose an increase in the revenue cap “the mechanism that allows public schools to generate revenue for ongoing operational costs.”

Moreover, the governor’s budget recommendations include “phasing out the state’s first parental choice program, Chapter 220.” Chapter 220 allows minority students from Milwaukee to apply to a suburban school which consists of predominantly non-minority students. The program aims to integrate minority students into suburban schools. Regarding Chapter 220, Homestead recently accepted approximately 23 applications from minority students across Milwaukee. If the “phasing out” of this program occurs, the Homestead-hopeful students’ acceptances could possibly be revoked in future years.

Currently, 99 students within the district participate in the Chapter 220 program. Next year’s numbers are not confirmed, but the district expects that they will be higher than this year’s.

In the letter previously mentioned, Dr. Means asked students and parents to advocate for the school district. He states how important it is to let the “elected officials know that an investment in public education strengthens Wisconsin’s economic future.” He asks the people of Mequon to “please join [him] in standing up for our children.”

Even though the effects of this proposed budget seem costly, it is important to keep in mind that the budget bill will not be finalized until June 2015.

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 9

where are seniors headed?

As the class of 2015 turns the pages on the next chapter of their lives, The Highlander staff has compiled the post-high school plans of each graduating senior who responded to our requests. Although each student writes the next part of his or her story, we wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors. Congratulations!

Alabama

Auburn University Rebecca Martin

University of Alabama

A

Madeline Niedfeldt

i

Kentucky

University of Kentucky Kriston Herod Alexandria Petersen

Louisiana

Tulane University Kevin Blutstein

Massachusetts

Illinois

Tufts University

Fizza Ali Michaela Rusch

Hanna Tseng

Grace Bobber Grishma Reddy

Calvin College

Chloe Herzog Caleigh Koss Megan Lampen Cole Murphy

University of michigan

Mark Usatinsky

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Arizona

benedectine university

Jenna Miller Haley Wagner Olivia Gonzalez

Northwestern university

Michigan

California

Depaul university

Adrianna Williams Holland Cummisford

arizona state university

american jewish university Rose Milshteyn

Point Loma Nazarene University Amanda Moser

university of southern california

chicago state university

Ashayla Johnson

Aaron Glazer Margaux Wilson

loyola university chicago

Tyler Wittenberg

northern illinois university

Martin Shaffer

university of chicago

san diego state university university of san francisco

Colorado

University of colorado- boulder

Tyler Ng Megan Churchill

University of denver Kathleen Sullivan Hanna Braaten

colorado state university

D

Patrick Findling

Delaware

university of delaware

Samantha Puhl

District of Columbia Howard university Nia Feaster

Georgia

University of georgia- athens Allison White emory university Sean Zacharias

georgia institute of technology Morgan Clark

Sean McGowan Catherine Formella

Washington University- Saint Louis Micah Rubin

Montana

Montana State University Sarah Barr

n

Nebraska

Creighton University

Sarah Erpenbeck

Blake Anderson Katie Starsky

Jessie Hu

New York

michigan state university

Minnesota

CUNY John Jay

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Vincent Zuccaro Nicholas Gess

Taylor University

Kelly Allen Jeremy Alston Jonathan Bartlett Mitchell Baubonis Hannah Behnken Kathleen Cullen Chase Duggan Alexandra Gieske Daniel Knuth John Marita Kelly McCrimmon Kailey Mortl Lucas Neusen Kelly Ochocki Brock Pasternak McKenzie Quinlevan Andrey Rainchik Mary Reilly Grace Reimer Madelyn Schaut Allison Stendler Hannah Yang

Rose Hulman

Minnesota State University- Mankato

Xavier University

Butler University

St. Catherine University

Miami University - Ohio

Noah Lookatch Max Raykov Jaylen Key

Caroline Schultz

elmhurst college Thomas Sullivan

columbia college chicago Alexis Thompson

Indiana

valparaiso university Marc Brown

indiana university- bloomington Julian Burk Peter Chapin Maggie Collins Chase Gabriel Caroline Reardon Bradley Sadoff Kiliegh Erickson

Anthony Grueninger

Erin Reiels

Victoria Puhl

Teighlor McGee

Iowa

Nick Ziebell

Drake University Rachel Chavin Rachel Paulmann Caitlin Barham

Iowa State University Samuel Faber Jacob Faber Alexzander Williams Amanda Albright

University of Iowa Adam Hobbs Jacob Lappin Becca Siverhus

Grinnell College Sarah McCarthy

10

Saint Louis UNiversity

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // news

Concordia University St. Paul St. Cloud state University Trevor Cho Lucy Jacobson

Hartwick University

North Carolina High Point University Hilarie Mains

University of North Carolina Devonta Parker

o

Ohio Zachary Mayer Liam McCormick

Nicholas Allen Alessandra Gouverneur Daniel Metzendorf Andrew Mullins Ryan Sileno Bella Stechschulte

Crown College

Ohio State University

Mississippi

Cedarville University

mississippi State University

Case Western Reserve University

McKell Lillestolen

Patrick Katz

Missouri University of missouri Sarah Lundeen Emily Hannemann

Lane Starrett

Melanie Poindexter

Sharad Mukerji Jadin Stoffel Fredrick Helmstetter Priya Khullar Ariel Kim

Cleveland Institute of Art Svetlana Tenges

University of Ohio Jacob Downey

University of Cincinnati Emily Eckhardt Anika Hitt

University of Dayton

Connor Hanson

p

UW-Parkside

Henry Desmond Joseph Fischer Elijah Triggs

UW- Stout

Patrick Curran Michael O’Malley Laura Schneider Ryan Sickler Amanda Whurmann

UW-Milwaukee

Nicole Martin

Zachary Abramovich Savannah Acompanado Zachary Angelier Jacob Braun Matessa Cabreza Dominic Enea Amanda Gierach Paul Giersch Nathan Griffin Erika Johnson Makina Luhano Lawrence Martin Hilda Martinez Ramirez Marissa Matocky Bradley Novak Nicholas Orfield Alexander Puhl Sean Reynolds Aaron Robar Jacob Ruhkick Jacob Sanner Marissa Scaffidi Alexander Seinfeld Elizabeth Shih Andrea Tirsky Daniel Urbanczyk Sarah Wheatley

Utah

UW-Eau Claire

Pennsylvania

Bryn Mawr college Miriam Himelstein

Pennsylvania state University Dara Schuman

South Dakota

University of south dakota-sioux falls Elijah Perine

Tennessee

Austin Peay State University

Dominique Wilkerson

Dark Horse Institute Spencer Perlewitz

Vanderbilt University Michael Nelson

Texas

baylor university Nicole Harms

Southern Methodist University

Brigham young universtiy Madeline Gabor

Virginia

University of virginia William Gebhardt

Washington Whitman College

Hannah Hartmann David Hathaway Ethan Laferriere Michael Wheatley

UW- Platteville

Connor Scholtus Drew Waller John Warshauer

UW-Stevens Point

Cornish college of the arts

Alysia Herrera Drew Steger William Toney

Seattle University

UW-LaCrosse

John Happ

Shayley Timm

John Paul Vetter

West Virginia

West Virginia University Micah Schroeder

w

Wisconsin UW- Whitewater

Christian Braverman Nikki Brendemuehl Nicholas Buffoni Julia Graff Conrad Kreunen Hannah Mays Devin O’Connor Gage Zupke

Amber Kosmal Shivani Kulkarni Abby Claussen Rachel Laabs Erika Rzentkowski Sarah Schmipf Cole Simpson Mitchell Sutton Adam Urban Haley Waise Aubrey Wilson

MATC

Rebecca Al Rayes Thomas Grisa Zachary Heiniger Mariah Hilgendorf Aaron Lang Michaela Miller Sabrina Rosler Kongyeng Vang

MSOE

Robert O’Brien Nathan Vredenbregt

UW-Waukesha Miesha Sloan

Saint Norbert College Olivia Spiech

Aveda Beauty School Austin Perkins

UW-Green Bay

Samantha Severson

Concordia University - Mequon Marciarae Harmon Rachel Kruegel MaiTong Mouoa

MATC Madison

Cianna Clay-Johnson

UW-Oshkosh

Derek Fisher William Lindsay

Lawrence University Christine Kerkman Richard Kubly

abroad Abroad

UW-Madison

Clare Aeschbacher Ashhad Ahmed Shea Allen Gurtej Bindra Abigail Bogli Sophia Bradshaw Leah Busse Whelan Callahan Jackie Chang Katherine Daniels Madeline Fricker Ryan Gielow Benjamin Gust Jacob Heilmann Maximillian Henry Sarah Hilby Taylor Hoffmann Adam Kelly Alexis Kenwood Jessica Kloss Samuel Konrath Andrew Kruck Rebecca Levshetz Adam Meyer Pierce Mobley Kahaan Patel David Pfaff Ann Price Jack Pulito Mari Sadowsky Jacquelyn Sandlow Tenley Sanduski Alecsander Schulz Daniel Seaton Victoria Shveytser Lauren Silber McKenna Stern Madeline Sternman Jared Stieve Matthew Swenson Nicholas VanDrisse Tiffany Vang Kelsey Wagner Daniel Wichman

Helha Belgium Antoine Bierny

Barcelona, Spain

Xavi Fabregat Pous

UNE Paraguay

Luciana Daniela Garlisi Torales

Germany

Eda Günes

Jerusalem- Netiv Aryeh Mikah Semon

Thailand

Kwanruean Suedongloy

China

Yuan Xu

Working Davon Bethley Janae Brown Kelsey Fletcher Serena Kujawski Marcus Niggemeier

Armed Forces Air Force

Nathan Hunt

US Army

Alyson Rausch

Year Off Neve Bishoff Riley Dixon Sarah Pipkorn Leah Schiman Austin Pelczynski Nicki Dominski

Service Noah Harrison Brent Menchaca

Other Shahmeer Ali Eric Piku Abby Schallert

Carroll College Kayla Curasi Kelly Kasper

MIAD

Sarah Denk Victoria Hessling Donovan Hill

Ripon College Sam Ginkel

UW-River Falls

Bryce Counsellor

Maranatha University Jessanna Clark

Photos by Emma Zander Bella Stechschulte Carly Rubin Chloe Herzog

Marquette university Jacob Bishop Madeline Boulier Twinkle Dutta Svetlana Galkina Charles Maleki Cameron Marotta

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 11

Proving performance: teachers must create portfolios to receive pay raise

A

By Anna Kreynin

s the 6:30 a.m. alarm blares, and many students reluctantly roll out of bed, Mr. Joe Ciurlik, social studies teacher, has already pulled into the Homestead parking lot. Although he spent the previous evening, as well as a chunk of his weekend, grading papers, answering student emails and arranging lesson plans, he arrives almost an hour early to prepare further.

Despite the time Mr. Ciurlik and his MTSD colleagues invest in their students’ success, some are ineligible to receive extra compensation this year, due to their decision not to participate in a key portion of MTSD’s compensation system: the portfolio process.

The 2014-2015 school year marks the first year of the Strategic Salary System, a compensation system that aims to “directly [reward] employees for their performance and skill,” according to the Strategic Salary System plan.

“Both merit pay and the new Strategic Salary System reward teachers who demonstrate an impact on student performance.”

To achieve these rewards, however, MTSD faculty who have attained a master’s degree must attend the Instructional Leaders Academy (ILA), a four-part workshop focused on data collection, personalized learning and leadership building.

During one of the four sessions of the ILA, teachers in attendance learned how to create a professional portfolio that, according to Ms. Sarah Zelazoski, human resources director, allows them to easily demonstrate “how [they] are directly supporting students and how they are achieving.”

Teachers who chose to submit portfolios put themselves in the running for strategic compensation.

Ms. Zelazoski, Mr. Matthew Joynt, assistant superintendent, and a principal from a school other than the school in which a teacher is employed judge the portfolios based on a rubric that encourages teachers to demonstrate their impact on student achievement by docu-

12

menting Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), which, according to Mr. Joynt, are “goals written by teachers focused on student data that the teacher, the school or the district would like to improve.”

Mr. Todd Reineking, school counselor, believes SLOs create a fair system of measuring staff impact on student achievement across the district. “This was one of my main concerns with this process,” Mr. Reineking said.

“I thought, ‘How am I going to be compared to an English teacher?’ or, ‘How am I going to be compared to a math teacher?’ But it’s not set up that way. The goals are self determined.”

In addition, administration judges portfoli-

“I understood that every moment I invested in preparing [a portfolio] to receive more pay meant that I was directing less time to other things like my family, like my students, like my profession.”

- Mr. Ciurlik os based on teacher contributions to the Homestead environment, overall evaluation results, completion of the ILA and attainment of a “high demand” master’s degree.

Administration considers master’s degrees completed in English, math, reading and ELL to be in high demand. Teachers with master’s degrees in other fields were able to submit a one-page defense of their master’s, explaining how they used their degree to impact student achievement.

Submission of the master’s defense, however, did not guarantee freedom from rejection.

“My master’s [in curriculum and education]

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // cover story

was not a high demand master’s according to the district. I was very frustrated over that because when I completed my master’s in 1997, I had to get the school’s permission to get that master’s degree,” Mr. Ernest Millard, social studies teacher, said. “I felt like I was getting this message in 1997 when I completed it that it was a valuable master’s, and then in 2015 I’m getting the message that that’s not an important master’s degree.”

Out of the approximately 80 teachers district-wide who attended the ILA, 54 submitted a portfolio.

“I understood that every moment I invested in preparing [a portfolio] to receive more pay meant that I was directing less time to other things like my family, like my students, like my profession,” Mr. Ciurlik said. “To have to make the choice of demonstrating my worth to receive compensation versus investing the time to making sure my students have success and investing the time to making sure that I can prioritize my family was an easy choice.”

In regard to the level of participation during the compensation system’s first year in place, Ms. Zelazoski said, “This has been a really big change. There are a lot of differences [between the new model and the old model], and change is a process. It’s not just one day it’s one way, and the next day you make a shift. It takes time.”

The motivation for the shift stemmed from the passage of Act 10 in 2011 that banned public unions from collective bargaining and limited their ability to negotiate base wage increases. This, paired with what Ms. Zelazoski calls a “national trend toward greater accountability,” prompted MTSD to enact the new compensation model in place of the old one, which compensated teachers based on their level of education and their institutional “longevity.”

“I think that we’ve always had a high-performing school district. I think we’ve always had great teachers,” Ms. Zelazoski said. “This new system allows us to clearly demonstrate it.”

Payday

How do

teachers get paid?

Conference administration discuss how their schools pay teachers.

Nicolet

Our committee of 22 teachers and administrators has been meeting every two weeks since January and on Tuesday, May 5, the committee embarked in a process with all teachers, administrators and school board members to take feedback on various compensation system components. Our committee will review the feedback and continue our work. It is hard to say at this point, what if any changes will be made to our traditional compensation system.

- Jeff Dellutri, Business Manager Despite Act 10, several nearby school districts opted to enact a system more closely related to the old model.

Due to limited funds, the neighboring Grafton School District stripped the old pay schedule in favor of a three-part system composed of base wage increases, supplemental compensation based on longevity and learning-based compensation.

Grafton teachers receive a yearly base raise worked out between the district and the union, supplements based on teachers’ time with the district and compensation for attending additional teaching workshops and sessions.

“We have to value our good teachers. We want to attract good teachers and we want to keep them,” Dr. Mel Lightner, Grafton superintendent, said. “Anything that takes away from my teachers’ devotion and dedication to kids is not what we want to do. They are working 10 to 12 hours a day many days, they have families and kids and lives outside of school.”

In spite of the extra hours, staff members who submitted a portfolio feel they did reap benefits.

“I think there are a lot of positives as far as the organizational component,” Mr. Reineking said. “I think it’s a lot of stuff that we’re already doing; the portfolio is just documenting it. I think it’s good that the administration knows exactly who is doing what in the building because there are a lot of moving pieces.”

Mr. Millard believes documentation of the portfolio itself has the potential to improve faculty’s data interpretation skills, stating, “At the state and federal level, we have to be data driven and so looking back and reflecting on it, I did come away with better ways to interpret and look at data, which I think ultimately is going to help us reach the goals of what our district, state and federal governments want.”

With the strategic salary system’s first year coming to a close, teachers have received their results.

According to Mr. Millard, although the process was “frustrating [his] first time through,” he is pleased with the outcome of his hard work and effort. “I am pleased that I am in a position to get a raise,” Mr. Millard said. “Overall, I thought the process was fair, and seeing what is going to happen in terms of financial compensation is definitely worth the time.”

Cedarburg

As far as Cedarburg's Pay for Performance plan for educators, the district was planning on implementing a performance-based compensation system prior to Act 10. At that time, it was basically an additional compensation "level" that was more or less "layered" on top of the more traditional salary increase and teacher step/lane matrix that assigned pay increases based on years of experience and graduate credit attainment.

The union negotiated a salary increase and the board assigned "bonus" pay on top of that.

That system was in place for a year or two. Year one was the year Act 10 was passed and the second year was after Act 10. The most significant "change" that occurred since Act 10, but not because of Act 10, is the board decided to make both salary increases and any bonus based on performance. The union has never agreed with that, and so negotiations each year have reached an impasse and the district has implemented a compensation system where all compensation is performance-based. That means some teachers do not get any increase (salary or bonus) if their performance is not up to the district's expectations. It also means the teachers identified as the most effective (Distinguished) get the highest salary increase and the largest bonus.

- Conrad Farner, Director of human resources

milwaukee lutheran

As a private school, we have seen very little impact from Act 10. Our compensation model is generally based on experience level with some room for accommodations based on merit.

- Matthew pankow, Principal

Germantown

Base Salary Increase • Percentage to be determined annually based on overall district budget for salary increases. – Previously based on CPI; Conceptually based on CPI plus discretionary district performance amount (assuming additional funds can be secured). • 70% Paid based on successful completion of Professional Practice Goal. – Template design and process designed by Committee Representatives – Body of evidence used to support successful completion of “Individual Goal” - This will be a “Yes” (i.e., achieved, demonstrated reasonable progress/effort) or “No” measurement. • 30% Paid based on District Achievement and Collaboration Goal. – Staff provided a list of suggested goals and board to select 1 for 2014/15 – Committee representatives will construct a list of potential activities and a process for pre approval through the Human Resources Office

- Germantown compensation plan the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 13

E 14

EDITORIAL Aaron Glazer

When professional athletes, businessmen, pilots, attorneys or countless other American professions achieve a marked level of success in their profession, they are rewarded with a “bonus,” or additional compensation. While this model is successful in a myriad of professions, this approach is exactly that: successful in a myriad, and is not as well-suited for some professionals, such as teachers. For the first time, attempts are being made at taking what prepares young businesspeople, a proper education, and turning it into a business itself.

Locally, this scenario is at the forefront, as the Mequon-Thiensville School District implemented a strategic compensation program this year, designed at rewarding strong faculty.

Throughout this school year, faculty has tried to gain personal influence through a competitive portfolio system that determines their “bonus,” with 50 percent being locked in stone indefinitely and the other 50 percent being up for grabs every three years. However, this portfolio process is arduous and has caused duress for the professionals involved.

We, the Highlander Publications staff, believe that in theory, the strategic compensation system is strong, but that the process to achieve said compensation should be improved or altered.

In an ideal world, the concept of strategic compensation is valuable. Teachers who have accomplished additional goals throughout their educational and professional career, as well as teachers who are more adept at the mastery of teaching through performance and skill should be rewarded for their dedication and outcomes.

Compensation is an easy and worthwhile way to do so, as it leaves the employee satisfied and the employer more assured of the employee’s tenure.

This business “employee-employer” situation is, however, not meant for the educational world. In a school building, where an emphasis should be put on collaboration among staff to best suit kids, staff may choose to hold lesson plans, creative ideas and other pursuits to themselves out of fear that other staff will use it to their advantage and be rewarded in the strategic system.

Teachers are stronger together, and this practice will potentially give students not as diverse of an educational experience as a result of individual rather than collaborative lessons, which does not exactly sit well with a student.

Equally, a sense of teacher accountability is

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander

needed. While I do not think this happens in the district, it is fairly easy for teachers to boost their SLOs beyond their actuality in order to yield a potentially higher score. With no regard put to a regulated forum for data collection, these practices and discrepancies could arise fairly easily.

For a teacher, one day of critical importance is when the vaunted administrator sits in for classroom observation, and this year that is tied to the strategic compensation system. This is one of two or three times in a year a teacher is directly seen teaching, the core of his or her profession and the motive with which he or she applies for this program. The fact that this evaluation is worth a paltry portion of the overall score means that a staffer who is a better writer and data collector is better equipped to “play the game” that is the portfolio than a more charismatic teacher.

Also, the three members of the reading committee rarely if ever interact with the given teacher prior to judging a portfolio. To remedy this, current administrators would need more time in classrooms.

While the requirements for the portfolio have been sold as part of a teacher’s normal repertoire, they are very nuanced and cause faculty to spend a large portion of their personal time devoted to this portfolio. In taking personal time away solely for the chance at increased compensation, faculty must choose to devote time away from grading, lesson planning, attending extra-curriculars or spending leisure time with family. For a job that already demands grading papers and preparing lessons during hours when the faculty member is not at school, an increase in work is the last thing needed for these professionals.

Moreover, the entirety of the process must be completed by the middle of March, shortly after the end of second trimester, because administration needed that designated time to evaluate them. Some faculty were more open to completing portfolios in the summertime, when they would not need to compete with the demands of the school year.

As the strategic salary program finishes its first year, some faculty are cringing after finding a low amount of fruits on the tree of their labor while others are secretly smiling. For now, faculty can enjoy the relaxation of knowing what their own salary is, but in three years’ time the cycle starts all over again.

Surf’s up on Lake Michigan

By Margaret Martin

People have been surfing Lake Michigan for almost 60 years, and according to The Malibu of the Midwest by William Povletich, it all started with two friends who wanted to make the seemingly impossible, possible. Bob Leskie and Robert Van Handel always dreamed of surfing, but they lived in Wisconsin. The surfing culture is more popular and prominent on the west coast, but this didn’t stop Leskie and Van Handel from constructing their own surfboard.

Though the board sank, their dreams did not.

As they drained their board to keep their dreams buoyant, they were unknowingly inspiring Lee and Larry Williams, the founders of the Dairyland Classic, to follow in their footsteps.

The Williams brothers, along with many other Wisconsinite surfers, started the Lake Shore Surf Club which attracted the attention of many people, except the residents of Sheboygan, where Great Lake surfing was born.

In fact, many Midwesterners are completely unaware of the dedicated surfing community that takes over the lake year-round, including winter. Povletich, who also wrote Some Like it Cold: A Sheboygan Surfing Safari, first heard about surfing the lake when he was a teenager growing up in Mequon. His first reaction was “Who surfs on Lake Michigan?!” and he never “considered surfing to be a rational form of recreation [in Wisconsin].” It wasn’t until his Californian friends, who are surfers, started asking him about the legendary Lee and Larry Williams that Povletich “realized the Williams’ story had a universal appeal beyond the novelty of surfing in the Midwest.”

Since Sheboygan is a surfing hub, it makes sense that Wisconsin’s only true surf shop, EOS, is located there. Walking into EOS is like walking through a portal to the west coast: the walls are plastered with pictures of people surfing the lake and are accompanied by clothing from topnotch brands such as Patagonia and North Face.

Then, as people make their way to the back of the store, they’ll find dozens of surf and paddle boards, and they might even find Mike Miller, owner of EOS, repairing boards Miller grew up in Sheboygan, but never got into the surf scene as a kid, despite the fact he is an avid snowboarder. In 1997, Miller opened a Revolution Boardshop, and when lake surfers began to come into his shop, he started to stock surf boards. Thus EOS was born, and in 2005

Miller began to surf the lake. Miller had “surfed on the East coast, West and Central America,” but “Sheboygan is my favorite!”

Surfing Lake Michigan is much more than just surfing. It has changed the lives of those who surf and those who don’t. It made Miller more appreciative of the lake, especially Sheboygan’s “unique geography that allows you to surf off of both north Off the coast of Sheboygan a paddleboarder and and south winds.” Miller’s expansive surfer ride the nippy waves that a north wind produces. knowledge of the lake allows him to Submitted photo report surfing conditions for Great Lake surfers, Photo Illustration by Madeline Boulier who, according to Miller, might travel for up to five hours just to catch a wave. He states that the never the same; mother nature created it and it best time to surf is “late summer into fall and can be a different experience every time.” winter,” although “you can’t predict everything, Surfing has captivated millions of people, it’s all up to mother nature.” and the fact it exists in its own unique way right When asked about surfing on Lake Mich- here in Midwestern “farm country” is astonishigan, Lexi Emond, junior, said she had no idea ing. But what is even more astonishing is how that people do it, but it doesn’t surprise her. many people are unaware of such a extraordi“When you live in a place as cold as Wiscon- nary sport. According to Miller, “surfing has sin,” Emond explained, “you’re probably going changed my life like no other experience I ever to do some crazy things to have fun, especially had, but don’t take my word for it: go out and try outdoors.” That is exactly the mindset Miller for yourself,” and why not try Lake Michigan, has, stating that “you catch a wave and its because after all, “it’s home...it’s our break.”

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 15

Walking the Homestead

Information and photos by Carly Kleiman

Paparazzi. Red carpet events. Countless fans.

The life of a celebrity appeals to average people as they watch celebrities on television and listen to their favorite singers on the radio. Although many people idolize several celebrities, we asked Homestead students and teachers to choose one celebrity to swap lives with.

Check out their responses below.

red carpet Tucker Gabriel - sophomore

I would be Roger Federer because he is the best tennis player in the world, he makes A TON of money and he can speak seven different languages.

Mr. Tony Navarre - coach

Mike Babcock, the coach of the Detroit Red Wings, because he gets a pretty nice paycheck and has a consistent gig.

Ellie Trau - junior

Mary Kate or Ashley Olsen because I have always been told that I look like them and they live very lavish lives.

Ms. Figg - drama teacher

Catherine Hepburn. She was a tomboy for her time in many of my favorite movies, and she is all around a great person.

Lizzy Tucker - junior

Patrick Minkin - junior

Leonardo DiCaprio so I could play Jordan Belfort, the Wolf of Wallstreet and Jay in The Great Gatsby.

16// may 29, 2015

I would definitely be Blake Lively because her style is impeccable and I see her as a very highly regarded person.

// the highlander // feature

Rachel Writz - freshman

I would be Ellen Pompeo because she gets to play such a cool character (Meredith Grey) and she gets very passionately into her roles.

College students start non-profit to support childhood cancer

E

Photo by Sydney Roeper

By Sydney Roeper

very year, 15,000 children in the U.S. hear the words, “You have cancer.” Love Your Melon, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization founded by University of St. Thomas students, gives children undergoing cancer treatment hats using a buy-one, give-one premise. College ambassadors dressed as superheroes hand-deliver the hats to the recipients nationwide.

After selling approximately 45,000 hats, enough to cover the heads of every child in the United States with cancer, the organization changed its approach. Love Your Melon announced in April a new partnership with the Pinky Swear Foundation, which provides immediate support for children battling cancer, and with CureSearch for Children’s Cancer to fund research initiatives to cure childhood cancer.

According to a Love Your Melon press release, 50 percent of net proceeds on every Love Your Melon product sold will now be donated to the Pinky Swear Foundation and to CureSearch for Children’s Cancer.

In an article from St. Paul Pioneer

Press, Zachary Quinn, cofounder of Love Your Melon said, “Any additional profit that come from hat sales goes to funding adventures and therapeutic treatments for children battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases...anything that makes memories and provides incredible experiences for these kids — things they can tell stories about.”

While the main concentration of college and high school Ambassador Crews are in Minnesota, the organization has come to Wisconsin. De Riah Salon located in Mequon and Cedarburg is the only storefront retailer of the hats in the area.

Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, UW-Green Bay and UW-Stevens Point have College Ambassador Crews. Caroline Kupchella, freshman at Marquette University and Marquette University Campus Crew captain, said “Love Your Melon is a very tangible service group to get involved in. Instead of just donating money and having someone tell you it’s going to children in another country, when you buy a hat at Love Your Melon,

one hat is given to a child in a children’s hospital [in this country].”

For every 100 hats that a campus crew sells, the crew members, dressed as superheroes, have a donation event at their nearest hospital to give out the hats to kids there.

“The crew’s main job is getting the word out and encouraging people to buy hats though sales events on our campus as well as [to] promote things through social media accounts,” Kupchella said.

According to the Love Your Melon website, through funding from future product sales, Love Your Melon will continue to give hats to the thousands of children receiving new diagnoses every year in addition to the 45,000 it has already contributed.

If you know a child battling cancer who has not yet received a Love Your Melon hat, visit the Love Your Melon request a hat page on their website (http://loveyourmelon.com/ community/giveahat) to request a hospital delivery.

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 17

Students follow in parents’ footsteps Alumni revisit glory years, reflect on priorities and interests

By Katya Mikhailenko

Different generation. Same hallways.

Homestead High School opened its doors to students over 50 years ago in 1959. Through this duration of time, multiple generations of the same families have had the opportunity to attend the same high school.

The Boyers, Birminghams and Slickers all unite under one similarity: both the current students and their parent(s) went to Homestead.

Ms. Jennifer Slicker, Class of ‘85, was the fashionista during her years at Homestead. She describes Homestead clothing trends as “starting out very preppy: Izod and Lacoste, Shetland sweaters and anything Aigner was cool, especially the basket purses.”

Her daughter, Madeline Slicker, junior, proves there is a difference nowadays, stating, “Patagonia, Lululemon and Birkenstocks are brands that are commonly found in the halls of Homestead.”

Three of Mrs. Jan Boyer’s, Class of ‘81, children went to Homestead. Her youngest, Alyssa Boyer, is currently a freshman. “Pappagallo purses were popular; these were purses

18

with wooden handles and cloth bags that could be changed out. Ones with your initials were a popular version,” Mrs. Boyer recalled.

According to A. Boyer, “The top clothing stores and brands of [the students at Homestead] weren’t even invented during my mom’s years at Homestead. That shows the dramatic changes that have occurred.”

Mrs. Julia Birmingham, Class of ‘88, stated, “The current Culvers was a Hardees where people were commonly hanging out, and Northridge Mall was the place to shop.” Caroline Birmingham, sophomore, explained the significant changes in the “it” places for current Homestead students. “Most people eat at Noodles & Company or Panera. Shopping is normally done at Bayshore Mall,” she said.

The girls in Ms. Slicker’s class swooned over “the new, cute chemistry teacher, Mr. Mehls,” who to this day teaches the liquid dance and gas particle song.

All three of these parents described having their kids at Homestead as being nostalgic.

M. Slicker remembers walking the halls with

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // feature

her parents, who were high school sweethearts during their years at Homestead. “[My parents] pointed to their old lockers and were like, ‘This is where we met each other for the first time.’

It’s ironic that they met each other for the first time where their daughter would eventually go to class,” M. Slicker said.

Since the 80s, Homestead has undergone significant physical changes. “The smaller outside commons area was a lounge where students could smoke during their free periods,” Mrs. Boyer said.

The younger Birmingham explained how nowadays, “every fall Friday night is committed to decking out in the theme of the night and going out with friends to support the football team.” Her mom, on the other hand, mentioned that “the football team was not as good, so there was not as much excitement in attending the games.”

Overall, the Boyers, Birminghams and Slickers all agree that having walked the same halls as their children has resulted in a closer bond.

Submitted Photos

Family tree

Siblings grow closer

By Amelia Stastney

When it comes to early morning routines, the Loofts have a hectic one.

“There is a lot of shouting,” Mackenzie Looft, junior, admits.

The hour before school is tricky enough when only one high schooler needs to get ready. It’s even trickier when there are two or three siblings racing against the clock. Battles over whose turn it is to use the car or who left the refrigerator door open can cross school grounds and continue in the halls.

As if home wasn’t close enough, some students, like Sophia Angelier, sophomore, and Zach Angelier, senior, have classes together as well. Most Homestead siblings, however, see this unique experience as a way to grow their already close bond.

Eliza Imbrie, freshman, said, “I like being able to get to know [Sara Imbrie, junior,] better and talk to her a little bit less like she’s just my older sister.”

S. Angelier adds to the discussion and said, “The best part [of having a sibling at Homestead] is that if I ever have any questions, [my brother Zach] can answer all of them.

The older siblings can reap benefits as well. Sarah McCarthy, senior, notes, “It’s really fun to watch a little sibling grow up throughout high school, and you really hope they understand how much you support them.“ While all interviewees agree that having a sibling at school with them is something they treasure and enjoy, they quickly pointed out some of the pitfalls. According to Joe Wasserman, junior, his younger sister, Olivia Wasserman, freshman, ”needs a ride from [him] all the time.”

Additionally, Nick VanDrisse, senior, said that “having a few classes together becomes a competition on whom can get the higher grade” and believes that the worst thing about going to school with Sami VanDrisse, junior, is “being compared academically.” After weighing the pros and cons, all interviewed siblings believed having a sibling at Homestead is more than worth the sacrifice. “The good always outweighs the bad,” M. Looft said.

y se, junior, enjo d Sami VanDris en peers for an , or ni se , se Nick VanDris . They have be estead together lings, going to attending Hom rding to the sib co ac d an s, ar ye eir relationship. e th re d th ne st the pa s only strengthe ha er th ge to ad Homeste

Sarah McCarthy , senior, loves to spend time with Katie McCarthy her sister, , freshman, at sc hool and at home recently went on . They vacation together in Belize.

Angelier, homore, and Zach Sophia Angelier, sop e together. enjoy spending tim

senior,

Nick VanDrisse, senior, thinks hig hly jumior, and belie ves “she’s very sm of Sami VanDrisse, ar plays many spor ts here at Homeste t and outgoing. She ad, and she know to get under my skin when she wa s how nts something.”

Submitted Photos

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 19

ABCs of a

Wisconsin

summer By carly rubin

Stuck at home this summer? Consider checking out some of these hidden treasures found all around Wisconsin.

A

Art Museum Lakefront Festival- Spend a day outside the Milwaukee Art Museum to enjoy the work of local, national and international artists.

The festival also includes live music, gourmet food and plenty of activities. This event is June 19 to 21 and tickets are $14 with a student ID. Bradford Beach- Need some sun? Take a trip to Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach to appreciate the beauty of Lake Michigan. The beach often offers soccer, volleyball, frisbee and yoga, so there is something for everyone. If all this excitement makes you work up an appetite, head just one minute up the street to Northpoint Custard for some good old Wisconsin eats.

Cedarburg Strawberry Fest- If you’re looking for some fun closer to home, visit Washington Ave. June 27 to 28 for the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival. Here you can snack on all things strawberry ranging from milk to shortcake to ice cream.

While savoring the strawberry goodness, you can listen to live music, visit local shops and view the work of over 250 artists.

Discovery World- Explore the fields of science and technology at Milwaukee’s very own Discovery World. Here you can spend your day perusing through countless exhibits ranging from the science of the Great Lakes to the study of dreams.

In addition, the facility contains an aquarium and aquatic petting zoo. The center is open every day

B

C

D 20

and admission is $14.

Eagle River- Channel your inner outdoorsman and spend a weekend in the city of Eagle River.

Located in the northern Wisconsin woods, this town offers something for everyone. Horseback riding, go-karting, fishing and shopping are among the many must-do activities in Eagle River.

While visiting, don’t forget to grab a seat at the Minoc-aqua Bats water ski show for a night of high-energy excitement.

Farmers Market on Main Street- If you find yourself in Madison, make sure to stop by the Dane County Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning, hundreds of local farmers gather around the Capitol building to sell their fresh produce.

The market also includes a wide variety of local artists and bakers.

German Fest- Break out your black, red and gold and take a trip to Milwaukee’s German Fest. This festival will hit you like a cultural tidal wave of traditional music, dance, clothing and of course, cuisine. The festival takes place July 24 to July 26 and tickets are $7 with a student ID. Historic Third Ward- For a wide variety of shops and restaurants, check out the Historic Third Ward neighborhood in Milwaukee. Here you can find a unique display of city-style culture while experiencing the beauty of Lake Michigan. Make sure to visit the Public Market to send your taste

buds on a journey while sampling delicacies from all around the globe.

Irish Fest- If you’re feeling lucky, spend a day at Irish Fest and encounter the historic traditions of Ireland. With everything from raffles to food to a red hair and freckles contest, everyone is bound to find something that interests them. The festival is August 13 to 16 and tickets are $17.

Jelly Belly Factory- Take a tour of the Pleasant Prairie Jelly Belly factory to learn a bit about America’s favorite candy. When the tour has reached a closing, you can sample the hundreds of Jelly Belly flavors ranging from cherry to spaghetti. Tours are absolutely free so come and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Klode Park- Pack up your picnic basket, grab some friends and drive down to Klode Park in Whitefish Bay. This picture-perfect area is right on the lake and is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon. Bring a kite or a frisbee for some added fun to your excursion.

Lionfest- In need of some carnival fun? Then come visit Lionfest at the Thiensville Village Park. Here you can take a turn on the Tilt-AWhirl, eat some cotton candy and even walk away with a goldfish at the end of the night.

The festival will take place June 12 to 16.

E

I

F

J

G

K

H

L

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // feature

Photo by Katya Mikhailenko

M

Miller Park- Break out the grill and come enjoy game day at the home of the Milwaukee Brewers: Miller Park. Spend the afternoon tailgating with friends and family, and then make your way inside to cheer on the Brew Crew. Remember to wear your blue and yellow and to root, root, root for the home team!

North Point Lighthouse- For all of you Wisconsin history buffs, take a trip to the North Point Lighthouse establishment and museum.

Built in 1888, this historical edifice posseses a fascinating story. Take a tour of the grounds for $8 to learn more about Milwaukee’s lighthouse.

Ozaukee County Fair- One of the last free fairs in the Midwest, the Ozaukee County Fair is sure to be a hit this summer. Come one come all to this thrilling event of rides, live music, food and fun. This fair will be celebrating its 156th year in Cedarburg. The celebration is July 29 to August 2.

Petting Farm- Channel your inner child and make your way to Mulberry Lane Petting Farm in Sherwood, Wisconsin. With more animals than Old MacDonald himself, this farm offers countless opportunities to learn about and experience the agricultural lifestyle.

Farm activities include feeding goats, milking cows, riding horses and hay rides.

N

q r

v w

o

s

p

t u

x y

Quarry Lake Park- Venture into the scenic outdoors of Racine, Wisconsin at Quarry Lake Park. This picturesque landscape offers picnicking spots, hiking trails and an 18-acre spring-fed lake.

You wouldn’t want to miss this natural beauty.

Rave Eagles Club- For all the music-lovers, attend a concert at The Rave Eagles Club in Milwaukee. The venue hosts bands from around the world of every music genre, from rap to heavy metal. Open Monday through Saturday, purchase your tickets and make your way to The Rave. Buy tickets at therave.com.

Slide the City- This July, grab your floaties and inner tubes and check out the Slide the City waterslide in Milwaukee. For a limited time, you can come and conquer the 1000-foot Slip and Slide with your fellow Wisconsinites. Register online for $35 at slidethecity.com.

Turner Hall- If you’re not advanced enough to climb Everest, try indoor rock climbing at Turner Hall in Milwaukee. This facility includes numerous levels of rock walls, a treadwall and even a 55 foot slackline! A single day pass is just $10.

Urban Ecology Center- In need of some relaxation and meditation? Drop in on a Hatha yoga class at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee. Classes start June 18 and are $20 each for non-members. All levels are welcome.

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum- Let your love of art thrive at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee. This Wisconsin gem is equally as beautiful on the outside as the art on the inside. Tickets for a tour are just $5.

Wisconsin State Fair- Spend a day or two at the Wisconsin State Fair park in Milwaukee and enjoy the best this state has to offer. Peruse through numerous food stands, concerts and a mini dairy farm. The fair is August 6 through 16 and tickets are $12.

Xtreme World- Calling all adventurists: test your limits at Xtreme World in the Wisconsin Dells.

With bungee jumping, ejection seat, skycoaster and even an alligator enclosure, it is apparent that this place is truly for the bravest thrill-seekers.

Yacht Club- Come aboard and visit the Milwaukee Yacht club. Dine at the club’s delicious restaurant or stroll through the docks of the marina. If becoming a sailor is your calling, participate in the MYC sailing school. Information can be found at milwaukeeyc.com.

Zoo- Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Take a safari ride through the wild and unpredictable Milwaukee County Zoo. Get up close and personal with animals from every land including hippos, giraffes, penguins and many, many more. The zoo is open all summer and tickets are priced at $14.25.

z

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 21

Right: Daniela Garlisi hold up a thank you note for Homestead for helping her create so many memories. Left: Xavi Fabregat thanks Homestead for the impact that it has made on his life. Photos by Emma Zander

School leaves

lasting impact

By Gaby Geiger

Last summer, four students from four nations prepared to make the journey from their home countries to a foreign land: Wisconsin.

As part of the AFS program, Eda Günes from Germany, Xavi Fabregat from Spain, Yuan Xu from China and Daniela Garlisi from Paraguay attended Homestead High School for the 2014-15 school year. As these students prepare to return to the comfort of home, they reflect on the memories they have cultivated during their year at Homestead.

For Günes, walking into school on the first day not knowing anyone and leaving on the last day of school with lifelong friends has been an unforgettable experience. “Meeting such nice people at

22

on AFS Students

Homestead just makes me happy family, but they also met their host and makes me want to travel more. families and grew to love them as The kindness of everyone truly in- their own. “Being able to live with spired me,” Günes my host family gave said.

“Meeting such nice me the opportunity These students to experience the real people at Home- American culture betook their educational opportunity stead just makes yond the stereotypes. and turned it into Without my host famsomething much me happy and makes ily I wouldn’t be able more by joining me want to travel to finish this exchange sports and clubs year,” Garlisi said. such as track, soc- more. The kindness The lessons they cer and cross counlearned from their of everyone truly host families and from try. Through these experiences, they Homestead will stay inspired me,” were able to create with them for the rest - Eda Günes friendships they will of their lives, along always cherish. with the memories Not only did these students they created along the way. Each become part of the Homestead of the AFS students brought his or

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // feature

her own uniqueness to Homestead and will be missed by the students and the teachers. “Eda has become one of my best friends, and I am so glad that I had the privilege of being her host sister because she has taught me more than she could ever know,” Stephanie Metzendorf, sophomore, said.

Although they are excited to get back to their families and friends in their countries, these students will always remember Homestead High School. According to Garlisi, “What I will miss the most about Homestead is the people and the opportunity that Homestead gives to interact not just with the students, but also with teachers and everybody else that is part of Homestead.”

new

teachers

reflect

on first year

mr. james davies, science Was it hard adjusting to a new school?

Information Compiled by Talia Gottlieb photos by Maggie Hadcock and Talia Gottlieb

“I felt so welcomed by Homestead’s environment and fit in right away. It was so enjoyable and fun teaching this school year.”

mr. joshua hunt, art how was your year at homestead?

“I’ve had a fantastic year at Homestead. The students are a joy to work with and our art program is top notch. I believe there is always room for improvement and look forward to strengthening my teaching, bonds with students and Homestead community next year.

Mr. Daniel Miller, Social Studies mrs. louise reinmuller, latin

Why did you enjoy your year at Homestead?

“I got so much support in the classroom from the administration.

The students are all so committed to learning, and it makes class so much more enjoyable. Plus, being the JV soccer coach and the Steffen Middle School basketball coach just added to my awesome MTSD experience.”

favorite memory at homestead?

ms. julie king, reading specialist favorite memory at homestead?

“Almost having to break into the Highlander Hut with Ms. Evans to get spirit wear. Since I was new here, I had no Homestead clothing to wear during all of the fall spirit festivities. When we got to the Highlander Hut, it was locked.

For a good 45 minutes we were running around the whole school trying track down the keys. It was chaotic.”

“My favorite classroom memory was when the Latin 2s were taking a quiz on the animals. They had to match the animals with the sounds they make. No one was understanding what animal made the sound ‘puck puck’ so in the middle of their quiz I started saying ‘puck puck puck’ over really quickly so I sounded like a chicken. The weird looks and nervous laughter I got were great.”

mr. mitchell hahn, math favorite memory at homestead?

“At the end of first trimester, several students in my fourth hour Algebra 2 class told me they were upset that they weren’t in my class for second trimester. It made me feel like I was doing a good job, and it really made me feel at home at Homestead.”

Ms. Lorin Kelly, Physical Education Best Part of homestead?

“The students. They are so academically driven and concerned about their grades and progress in class, which makes my job so much more fun. I also really enjoy the longer class periods here at Homestead. It keeps the students engaged and allows for more time to do fun activities.”

mr. joshua mayerak, math how would you describe this year in three words?

“Exciting, fun and hectic.”

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 23

GRADES:

HELPING OR HINDERING STUDENT PERFORMANCE?

Photo illustrations by Sydney Roeper Molly Riebau, junior, argues that non-traditional grades encourage learning, not memorization.

By Molly Riebau #TTOG, Teachers Throwing out Grades, a hashtag used by hundreds of educators nationwide, embodies the movement of educators who aspire to throw out their gradebooks and transition to feedback-based learning and grading based on knowledge.

Mark Barnes, author of Assessment 3.0: Throw out your Grade Book and Inspire Learning, helps lead the movement and details his experiences of “throwing out” grades. Barnes, working in a school that operates on the basis of traditional letter grades, found that “the best way to strike a working balance was to allow students to grade themselves.

This way, we could discuss learning throughout the marking period, and in order to appease a bureaucracy that called for traditional grades, we decided what grade should go on report card together.”

While attempting to advertise his book, Barnes started the Facebook group TTOG, which now has 3,356 members. The group allows educators interested in transitioning to a feedback-based classroom style to learn more about no-grades teaching methods and to advocate for the movement of the end of grades.

24

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // opinion

The main reason for the movement, according to Barnes, is that “it is impossible to measure learning. I can’t ask kids to demonstrate what they know about the Civil War and then tell them they know 60 percent of it, based on what how many questions they answer correctly on a test,” Barnes said. “Any assessment that uses numbers or percentages or letters is subjective. While one student may answer all 25 questions on a test correctly, another who only answers 15 may know the material just as well.

There are far too many variables involved in this kind of assessment. If we don’t discuss learning with students, we are cheating them out of the best chance to demonstrate mastery.”

Starr Sackstein, another prominent voice on the TTOG scene, argues alongside Barnes, claiming that her transition to a no-grades classroom “[shifts] the conversation away from ‘What did I get?’ to ‘What have I mastered?’ or ‘What do I need to work on?’”

Photo illustrations by Sydney Roeper

By Maddie Fricker Although dropping grades altogether may sound like the answer to many students’ prayers, its implications in the college admissions process make it too good to be true.

According to a 2014 survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the most important factor in college admissions decisions is high school grades.

The College & Career Readiness and Success Center at American Institutes for Research found in a 2013 study that high school performance is often an indicator of postsecondary academic success, accounting for the significance of high school grades over other admissions factors, such as standardized test scores.

Mrs. Jill McElroy, Director of Counseling, said, “Currently, colleges give more weight to the rigor of the courses and the grades received. They realize that a test reflects how the student did the day of the test, which some days are better than others.”

Mr. J. Leon Washington, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Lehigh University, echoed this, sharing that, “[If someone is] is doing everything he or she can in the high school, but just doesn’t test

Maddie Fricker, senior, argues that teachers should continue assigning grades to students. well, we’d take the kid.”

However, if high schools were to “throw out” grades, college admissions officers would be left with no choice but to substitute their top factor of high school academic records with test scores.

Ironically enough, when part of the purpose of eliminating grades is to reduce competition among students, having no grades in high schools would inevitably cause competition to heighten in admissions offices. With a new focus on test scores, a single score on the ACT or SAT would carry much more weight on deciding whether or not a student is admitted.

Therefore, because of the consequences of ending high school grading in postsecondary admissions, high schools should continue assigning grades to students.

According to Mr. Brett Bowers, principal, “In a perfect, pure world, if all we were doing was giving students information that describes their current level of achievement, I don’t think we’d do that with grades. The challenge is that grades are used for a variety of purposes, one of the most significant ones [being] to develop a transcript.”

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 25

Although regular courses may have a lighter load, both paths lead students to success and graduation.

Photo illustration by Bella Stechschulte

Honors vs. Regular: What’s the difference?

By Bella Stechschulte

“All level changes must be made within the first 15 days of the trimester.” Every student has read this on the bottom of his or her new trimester schedule. Students have 15 days to decide if a class is too hard or too easy. Some kids know within the first 15 minutes, some need the full 15 days and others are content with the level of the class they are in.

It is no secret that many students believe honors classes can be too difficult and regular classes can be too simple. Tessa Cabreza, senior, dropped AP Calculus for grade-level Calculus earlier this school year. “I was struggling within the first week of AP Calculus and knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with it, so I dropped into regular calculus and was breezing through it,” Cabreza said.

On the other hand, some students hav-

26

en’t noticed a difference when making a level change. Allie Levin, sophomore, took grade-level Biology freshman year and jumped up to Honors Chemistry this year. “I thought moving up to an honors science class was going to be difficult, but it wasn’t as hard as I imagined and the work load was about the same,” Levin said.

Anna Keller, junior, had a similar opinion when switching from regular World Studies to Honors World Studies. “I was questioning Honors World Studies, but I was glad I moved up to the class because I found it to be more interesting and interactive,” Keller said.

Taking honors classes, however, is not always necessary to get into college. Although a student not taking honors classes may not be getting into Harvard, odds are that’s not the goal.

Brock Pasternak, senior, mainly took regular classes throughout high school, challenging himself here and there with a few honors courses. “I would rather take a class that I know I

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // opinion

won’t have to kill myself to do well in than take one that I know I would struggle in just because it looks good to a college,” Pasternak said.

Making a level change myself, going from the honors math track to the regular one, I can validate first hand that there is not a good balance between the accelerated and regular classes, at least in the math courses. I struggled to keep the grades I wanted in classes such as Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Geometry, but once I moved down to regular Calculus I found it easy to follow and easier to get an A. When deciding what classes to take for the next school year, we can all hear Mr. Bowers in our heads telling us to “take a stretch class.”

For some that might mean taking an AP level course while for others it can simply mean staying in the regular classes they are in. Whatever you choose to take, remember the difficulty of a class is in the eye of the student, and that what is easy to you may be difficult for someone else.

Product Reviews: tech it out Illustrations and Information Compiled By Katie Starsky

BULK UP

The Bulk Up app helps the user to build muscle and achieve goals through meal logs and tracking protein content. “It allows me to manage caloric and protein value in each of my meals, allowing me to successfully adjust my workout and meal plans to meet a certain physical goal. The motivation throughout the visible progress is seen on the app and on your body.” -Dominick Cole, junior

The Strava App allows the user to track runs and rides through the use of the GPS, find new places to run and ride and compete against family and friends. “I love the app Strava. Both my husband and I use it to track our speed, distance and change in elevation. It also gives you little trophies for any personal best.” -Mrs. Zortman, math teacher

STRAVA FITBIT APP UP BAND

The Fitbit app allows users to track their basic activity by connecting the band to the app. “I have a Fitbit and I’ve had it for about two weeks. It’s really nice because it tracks your steps and the miles you walk and also how many calories you burn. It syncs to your phone so you can control everything on the app. You can put in what you eat, and it counts how many calories you consume and the Fitbit also tracks your sleep. So far I really like it, but it definitely wasn’t worth $100.”

-McKenzie Quinlevan, senior.

The lightweight, small UP band by Jawbone logs the duration and effort of multiple physical activities.

“I have the UP band by Jawbone; it’s a bracelet that you can plug into your phone and connect to an app which tracks your sleep and activity. I love it; it keeps me motivated.” -Kathleen Sullivan, senior

The Fitbit can track steps, sleeping patterns, heart rate, minutes of exercise and more.“I have a Fitbit and I love it. It doesn’t take long to charge which is really nice. Overall I give it five stars. It’s really simple to use.” -Megan Churchill, senior.

fit bit

J X R U W

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 27

ATHLETEs OF Dedication Pays Off

By Erik Skaar

N

ia Feaster, senior, was born with the ability to run fast and jump far. A sibling of two varsity track stars at Homestead, Feaster has looked to follow in their footsteps throughout her years as a track athlete.

Feaster began her track career in middle school. “I was inspired by my brother and sister because they both ran track, so I figured I also should,” Feaster said. After two years of competing in middle school, Feaster’s skill began to emerge.

During her freshman year, Feaster not only competed varsity, but also qualified for the state meet in the triple jump.

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted to when I went to state as a freshman,” Feaster said. “It was a goal that year to make it to state though, and I accomplished that goal so I felt pretty good about that.”

Involved in gymnastics as well as track, Feaster has developed her sense of leadership and teamwork. “I have become great friends with Nia over the past three years,” Ellie Trau, junior gymnastics and track teammate, said. “She is a great teammate and really influences us all.”

According to Feaster, she aims to inspire and encourage her teammates by providing a strong example for them to follow.

“I try to instill my enthusiasm and love for track into others by being positive during practice, when I’m not out of breath, and always encouraging my teammates during practice and meets, hoping they will do the same,” Feaster said.

After graduating several key seniors last year, Feaster is next in line to fill those gaps. Although recurring knee injuries kept Feaster out of the state meet her sophomore and junior years, Feaster hopes to return to La Crosse in June for a second state experience, stating, “My goal this year is to improve my times and distances from last year and hopefully make a run to state.”

Nia Feaster participates in the long jump, one of her favorite events. Photo by Bella Stechschulte

28

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // sports

THE ISSUE for Senior Athletes

By Sean Driscoll

C

harlie Maleki, senior, started his golfing career as nothing more than a sideline sport he could enjoy with his father. “My dad introduced me to the game when I was five years old. At that point it wasn’t something I absolutely loved doing; it was more of a hobby,” Maleki said.

However, golf soon sprouted into a passion thanks to several special individuals.

“One of my biggest role models for my golf game is without a doubt Jordan Niebrugge,” Maleki said. During his freshman season, Maleki played alongside Niebrugge, who plays at Oklahoma State University and who participated in the 2014 Masters Tournament. “Being able to spend a season with him every day really sparked my passion for the game and showed me how hard work and dedication can pay off,” Maleki said.

“The homeslices,” boys golf coach Steve O’Brien’s nickname for the boys golf team, are young this season. Thus, as a returning varsity letterman and state champion, Maleki is expected to be the leader of the squad.

“Charlie leads by word and action. He works extremely hard on his game and is able to convince his teammates to work along with him. He does this in a very respectful way,” Coach O’Brien said.

“He sets a great example for all of the younger kids in the program by making us want to get better everytime we step foot on the course. Charlie is a really good model for leading by example,” Jake Elchert, junior, said.

Last fall, Maleki saw his hard work and dedication truly pay off as he committed to play golf for Marquette University.

“He’s a fantastic golfer and great leader,” Joe Hobbs, junior, said. “[My] short-term goals are to have a great season with the team and really enjoy my last season as a high school golfer. Then I hope to move on to Marquette and have a very successful college career as a Golden Eagle,” Maleki said. “I really have no plans set in stone after college so we will just see where the game takes me.”

Charlie Maleki eyes down the ball as it approaches the hole. Submitted Photo

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 29

students take their talents to the next level by connor hanson

Determination, perseverance and leadership make up a minute portion of the characteristics that Homestead’s future college athletes promote every time they step onto the practice field or don their game day attire. They have spent relentless hours, seen and unseen, elevating their skills in order to outmatch their opponents, and now, as the dust settles on their prolific high school careers, a new path arises as they have garnered interests from colleges across the nation. From Wisconsin to Kentucky, 21 senior student-athletes have decided to continue their athletic careers and add a new chapter to the budding novel of athletic and academic excellence they have created.

il

Pfaff wi David football

Jaylen Key

basketball Northern Illinois University

Michaela Rusch

softball Benedictine University

Carly Schultz

softball University of Chicago

Cameron Marotta

basketball Marquette University

University of Wisconsin- Madison

Charlie Maleki

golf Marquette University

Sean Reynolds soccer University WisconsinMilwaukee

David Hathaway

Marciarae Harmon basketball Concordia

John Marita

football University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

University of Minnesota

Mitchell Sutton

mn track

Trevor Cho

baseball St. Cloud State

Nick Ziebell

football Concordia St Paul

Christine Kerkman soccer Lawrence University

baseball University of Wisconsin La-Crosse

Gage Zupke

football University of Wisconsin Whitewater

Nick Gess Elijah Perine football University of Sioux Falls

sd

mn

wi il

ca

Tyler Wittenberg

rowing University of San Diego

30

// may 29, 2015 // the highlander // sports

swimming Hartwick College

ny

oh Anika Hitt de Samantha Puhl ky womens golf University of Cincinnati

Allie Petersen

womens swimming University of Kentucky

figure skating University of Delaware

Anika Hitt “I decided to play college golf

to continue advancing my skills and to challenge myself to be the best I can be. I want to stretch myself to be better than I ever believed I could be. Given the program I chose, I believe I have the opportunity to do just that.”

Sean Reynolds

“Playing soccer in college has not only been a dream of mine, but also a dream of my dad’s since I was a little.” boy.”

Trevor Cho

“I always wanted to play in college.

When I was a little kid all I wanted was to be able to play at the next level. From playing travel baseball I wanted to go on to play varsity, and from there I wanted to play in college, and I’ll always want to be able to play at the next level.”

John Marita

“ I want to throw at the collegiate level because I love the sport and don’t want to see my athletic career end.”

Allie Petersen

“I’ve swam my whole life, so I knew at a very young age that swimming at a D1 college was my goal. My dad swam for Northwestern and my brother currently swims there, so college swimming just runs in our family.”

Gage Zupke

Submitted photos

“Deciding to play football at the collegiate level was a challenging question for me.

Wrestling was a serious consideration as well.

They are both tough sports and after talking it through with some friends and family, football ended up being the choice.”

Samantha Puhl

“I want to stay active and continue to experience the challenges of competitive sports.”

womens world cup nears by jordan ellerbrock

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup marks the first sinPhoto by Jordan Ellerbrock gle sporting event in Canada to be held from coast to coast. With the preliminary round starting June 6, the cities of Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton have been selected to host tournament matches.

For the first time in tournament history, the number of qualified teams will be 24 instead of 16. This modification adds an additional 20 matches to the original 32.

As the number-one ranked team and the 2012 Olympic champions, the U.S. will be among the favorites to win this summer’s tournament. The U.S will face Australia, Sweden and Nigeria in Group D, otherwise known as the “group of death,” containing four of the top-ranked teams in the world.

Alex Morgan, the U.S.’ leading scorer, is “one of the players to watch” according to The Sports Network. Fara Williams, a midfielder from England, is also on the list. The most capped soccer player in English history, Williams is a threat on both sides of the ball, equally capable of playing up behind her strikers to offer support going forward or dropping back in more of a holding role. Representing Brazil, Marta Vieira da Silva is the joint all-time leading scorer at the Women’s World Cup. She has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year a staggering five times (20062010) and is a shortlisted nominee again this year.

Jessica Cooley, junior, will be attending three of the World Cup games in Vancouver this June. “I am really excited to see the U.S. compete and to watch my favorite player, Alex Morgan,” Cooley said.

Interrupting all of the excitement and anticipation, however, are lawsuits and complaints that have recently surfaced. A group of high-profile women’s soccer players have withdrawn a lawsuit that fought FIFA’s and the Canadian Soccer Association’s plan to use artificial turf at this summer’s Women’s World Cup. Artificial turf is to blame for rising injuries along with overheating and altered speed and quality of play on the field. The lawsuit accuses the organizers of discrimination, arguing that elite men’s teams would never be forced to play on an artificial surface instead of natural grass.

“Those diving headers that are so exciting on the world stage aren’t going to happen on artificial turf because you can get injured,” noted Heather O’Reilly, U.S. Women’s Soccer player.

However, these allegations have not stopped fans from purchasing nearly one million tickets to watch the World Cup unfold this summer. Owning a large portion of the already-sold tickets, Americans are expected to contribute in the Canadian Soccer Association’s goal of breaking the 1.5 million mark for total attendance.

the highlander // may 29, 2015 // 31

Contest Winners

Where is your favorite place to read The Highlander?

first

Silma Berrada, freshman, indulges in The Highlander on Mt. Etna in Taormina, Italy. She won a $50 Bayshore giftcard. Submitted photo

One Last Thing with Amanda Boll, junior

Each issue, we randomly select a student to be featured.

Information and photo compiled by Lada Avrunina

Last Thing I Bought

second

Hannah O’Leary, sophomore, snaps a photo of fellow French students reading The Highlander at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. She won a $25 Bayshore giftcard.

Submitted photo

“A head massager-- the one you manually use with a squid as its handle, but it broke like two minutes later. Rest in peace.”

Last Workout “Everyday I run. I run for fun.”

Last Embarrassing Moment

“I forgot to look both ways and I walked to the sidewalk and a car slammed on their brakes and honked at me. Oops.”

Last Laugh “When Cassie Shaurette sang a song about a chicken and a grape.”

Last Sport I Played “Softball or laughing (if that counts because technically you can get abs laughing).”

third

Kathleen Sullivan, senior, enjoys The Highlander in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She won a $25 Bayshore giftcard. Submitted photo

Last Time I Cried “Last night because the thunder made my cat scared and she put her back nails in my head. I have holes in my head because of her.”

Last Time I Danced “It was in the car at a stop light.”