News

The creative writing club, The Inklings, received some writing advice from two Christian authors. Jill Kemerer, a publisher's weekly bestselling author, spoke to the club's co-presidents during a zoom interview about how she became a writer and tips for getting work published. Additionally, former Wisco teachers Mary Schmal and Leanne Ross shared a presentation with the club about their book series, Children of the Light, of which Mrs. Schmal is the author and Mrs. Ross is the illustrator. Students were able to ask them questions about the illustration process, how a writer finds the motivation to keep writing, and get suggestions on how to approach challenges when writing their own stories.

Wisco seniors learned important lessons about finances at the Reality Store on March 18. After receiving an assigned life situation (marital status, children, debt, etc.), along with a "paycheck" based on the job they hope to get, students stopped at various stations to create a budget. Along the way, students "run into" real life expenses such as car repairs, medical bills, or child care. Thank you to all our volunteers who helped to make this event valuable for our students!

Sixty-three students interested in the healthcare field visited the Waukesha County Business Alliance's Discover the Future of Health Care Expo. Students had the opportunity to explore various career pathways and participate in hands-on demonstrations in the healthcare industry such as: inserting an IV, taking blood pressure, using a pig lung to help learn about the respiratory therapies, and learning how a medical professional might respond to different medical needs through the use of an AI mannequin.

Students in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) throughout the state were invited to FBLA Day with the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. This was the first year that WLHS FBLA attended this event. While the highlight of the day was attending the Bucks vs LA Clippers game in the evening, earlier in the day students were given a backstage pass to see what it's like to run a basketball team — from ticket sales, to digital media, even land acquisition and building projects. The day was filled with a keynote speaker, tours, and meetings with executive leadership and staff.

Mr. McEachern’s AP Biology class genetically engineered bacteria which added genes for antibiotic resistance, lactose digestion, and the ability to glow. The bacteria were heat-shocked using a PCR thermocycler so that the bacteria could absorb and express the new genes.

In February, Director of Technology Mr. Peter Iles attended a special conference at Divine Savior Lutheran Church and School in Doral, Florida, joining 30 other ministry leaders to explore the evolving opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Keynote speakers and breakout sessions inspired engaging discussions on how AI can be effectively utilized within both church and school environments. Attendees brought back a variety of tools and innovative ideas to Wisco, with the goal of leveraging these advancements while ensuring that our students are equipped for a future where AI will play a significant role.

Congratulations to our former athletic director, Mr. Jeff Sitz ('74), who will be inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) 2025 Hall of Fame. Jeff was nominated as a leader of education-based athletics at the state and national level. He will be inducted at the 56th Annual National Athletic Directors Conference, December 11-15, in Phoenix.

Congratulations to senior Annabelle Coudron who signed with Eastern Illinois University (EIU) for their women's track and field program. EIU Panthers compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1. Annabelle is a nine-time WIAA State qualifier and has earned two state medals. She also holds six school sprint records, including the 100 and 200 dashes.

Students on a Viking Christian Leader Academy (VCLA) Impact team volunteered their time to make tie blankets for the Ronald McDonald House of Wauwatosa. The service project, initiated by VCLA member Lauren Van Landeghem ('26), used Thrivent grants to purchase the materials, and then blanket-making directions were taught by Lauren.

The first Wednesday in February is National Signing Day. It has traditionally been the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of intent for a collegiate sport with a school that is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Congratulations to our seven senior boys who signed letters of intent to play football at their respective colleges next fall:

Congratulations to Hope Larabee ('25) who was awarded second place for her original work in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition for Southeastern Wisconsin. About 110,000 teens submitted written work in various categories. Hope competed in the science fiction & fantasy category and placed in the top 1% percent who were awarded. "I started writing during COVID," Hope says. "My teachers always encouraged me to send in my compositions to various competitions. When I opened the Scholastic letter, I was excited to see that I had won."

WLHS is happy to introduce Mr. Mark Sward to the science department. Mr. Sward will be covering for Mrs. Lindsay Knight's chemistry classes when she starts her maternity leave this month. Retired from service in the army since 2015, Mr. Sward previously worked at Kennedy Elementary in Grafton. He is a graduate of Concordia University and worships at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Grafton. Welcome to WLHS, Mr. Sward!

During the month of January, the Wisco football team has partnered with our WLHS Conference Elementary Schools for the Reading Buddy Program. Pictured here are visits to St. John's, Mukwonago, St. Paul's, Muskego, Christ, Big Bend, Risen Savior, Milwaukee, Atonement, Milwaukee, Mt. Calvary, Waukesha, Christ the Lord, Brookfield, and Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin. The football team is visiting a total of 14 grade schools, so stay tuned to see if they visit your school next!

How fast do you have to have "it?" Our culture tells us to find a microwave to speed up the process. Click here to listen to WLHS Assistant Principal C.L. Whiteside's ('06) podcast, The Non-Microwaved Truth. In Mr. Whiteside's newest episode, "Twisted Truths," he examines misinterpretations of God's Word that have led people astray and explains why sticking to the absolute truth is more crucial than ever. You won't want to miss these eye-opening nonmicrowaved truths!

WLHS is excited to welcome back alum Ryan Oertel ('93) as the Executive Director of WLHS Foundation and Mission Advancement. Ryan previously served at Wisconsin Lutheran College as Vice President of Operations. Ryan and his wife, Jenni, have four children who are currently attending or alumni at WLHS including: Mikayla ('19), Samuel ('21), Noah ('23), and Liam ('28). The Oertel family worships at Grace Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.

We are thrilled to introduce Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07) as the new Director of Alumni Relations for Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Our alumni network is a vital part of the WLHS legacy, and we are excited for Sarah to work to strengthen these bonds. Sarah and her husband, David ('07), have three children Owen (8), Elsa (6), and Louis (3). The Proeber family attends Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Brookfield. Welcome back to Wisco, Sarah!

Students have the opportunity during their free time this week to make uplifting cards to send to sick children in hospitals. Dozens of kids all over the United States will receive hope, cheer, and encouragement in these cards, which will be sent through the Cards for Hospitalized Kids organization. Through collective efforts, Wisco students have created about 100 cards to send.

On Tuesday, January 14, WLHS welcomes to the lunchroom Chef Amanda Barnes to serve her chef display meal of penne matriciana, Italian salad, and focaccia bread. In addition, Chef Barnes will also be working with the culinary classes as well as preparing the dinner for our Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday evening. Taher, our food service provider at WLHS, sends a traveling chef to our school throughout the year. We are happy to welcome back Chef Barns.