Book Review: "Manderlay Prep"

By Gloria Brookens

Rumors, rumors, rumors. Who has not had a rumor created about them! No matter where you live or where you go, there are going to be rumors. They can be about you or someone you call a friend. Whoever they might be about, rumors will always hurt especially when they are a sharp knife that cuts deeply into your skin -- or the ones that graze the surface like a paper cut.

Rumors can be from some you do not even know sometimes, but how to deal with it when the rumors are spreading from someone you live in the same household? Are you supposed to ignore or spread some about them? The best way to make people realize that a rumor is just a rumor is by letting that truth become known.

Manderley Prep is full of the popular or the geeks. On campus everyone have money and wear the best of clothes. Never seen with last issue clothing on; they are there to impress. What they are impressing is not the books or the teacher but each other.

We all have heard or read the fairy tale Cinderella. In the book, Cindy really does live that life. When her father passed away her stepmother and two evil stepsisters continue to live in the house her father own and make her feel like she is nothing.

Entering high school with her evil stepsisters who are seniors they began to spread rumors. They tell her that they cannot be seen with her. She is not cool enough to be with them or even be known that they are related in any kind of way.

When the nice handsome kid comes to school his eye catches Cindy since she was the only one to do something when he drove past. Everyone looked at her and laughed but he thought something different. Her stepsisters soon come aware and know that they are to cute for him to pass. But will he pass up her two evil stepsisters for her? Or will he pass her for the two evil stepsisters because of the rumors going around about her?

Q & A about the Distance Learning Lab

1. What classes are offered to Messmer students in the distance learning lab?

Currently, students are taking Japanese and Medical Terminology. Next semester we are hoping to add a Sports and Entertainment Marketing class. Mr. Anderson also teaches a Law class that is broadcast to other schools from Messmer. There are many, many classes available in the network. If a student has a particular interest, they can always ask to see if we can provide the class.

2. What are the advantages of learning in a non-traditional classroom setting?

There are distance learning (with interaction via television or computer with other teachers and students) and online courses (primarliy using a computer/internet).

An advantage to both distance learning and online classes is the wide variety of courses available.

One advantage of the distance learning over an online course is the "real-time" interaction you have with your teacher and other students. You are able to ask questions and get clarifications immeidiately. A disadvantage might be that if you have a question outside the class, you would need to email/call the teacher or wait until the next class period to get a question answered.


3. Have you ever participated or taught an online course? If not would you recommend others to try it?

I've not taken distance learning classes, but I have taken a number of online classes. I would recommend both distance learning and online courses to individuals who are self-directed and are able to organize their time. I prefer the flexibility of asynchronous classes where you can participate in the discussion when it best fits your schedule.


Questions submitted from Justine Shorter

A boxer among us

By Ashley Sartin

Competing in Canada, Texas, and Mexico is no big challenge for freshman Mukubi Sikisi. Since the age of nine, Sikisi has proven himself to family and friends by boxing publicly. “They enjoy it, but my mom can never see my fight. She doesn’t want to see her baby get hit,” confessed Sikisi.

When Mukubi first started boxing with his friends, yes it was a hobby, but now he boxes in one-on-one competitions. Due to his one-on-one competing he is now on a national level. “Last year, I ranked number one in the U.S.A. This year I am ranked number four,” said Sikisi. “I dropped because I didn’t go to the tournament because I injured my hand at regionals.” Because of the injury Sikisi has to go to physical therapy every week. The boxer does admit he was disappointed and knows he has to step it up.

Last summer, Mukubi went to Kansas City for the National Championships and earned his first National win. “Every time I box, I keep the recorded tapes of myself, ever since the age of nine.” He constantly boxes at the King Center and the United Community Center.

So many people have big dreams of taking their hobbies and making them a “career”, as does Mukubi, who wants to make boxing his career. “I have a great up-side in boxing.” This means, he has an outward style to boxing because he is left handed boxer. “Not many people like to fight left handed people, so I use that to my advantage,” expressed Mukubi.

One of Mukubi’s worst stories was when he was ten on his way to Minnesota. A kid named Kenny keep saying, “You’re going to lose, and everybody else is going to win.” Sure enough Mukubi lost, and everybody else did win. Now as he look back, he learns that in life you are not suppose to let people get to you; don’t doubt yourself. As he reflects, he realizes he let the boy get to him and settle in his brain. We can all learn from this as we go through life. Mukubi Sikisi enjoys boxing and sharing his experiences.


(Photo courtesy of Wisconsinboxing.com)

Where in the world is Mr. Nettesheim?

By Kisha Birmingham

Coming into the 2008 school year, Messmer High School students were astonished when they looked around the building. Seeing new faces, old faces, and faces that had disappeared made the first day of school nerve-wracking yet exiting.

Mr. Joe Nettesheim, a former Messmer teacher, was one of those faces that were not there on the first day of school. While employed here, Nettesheim taught Theology for freshmen and Death and Dying. Since July he has been the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at St Margaret Mary Parish, located at 3970 N. 92nd Street. The lifelong learning orientation sessions are on Sundays and Thursdays.

“I came into this business with enthusiasm and excitement!” Nettesheim states. The goal of these sessions are to help Christians understand and strengthen their beliefs that all Christians have more to learn about God, regardless of the age or race. Part of ever human’s calling on this earth is to deepen our relationships with God.

When asked why he left, he said that he felt that the time was right because this was an opportunity of a lifetime that he just could not pass up. This is part of his longtime dreams, even though he admired being a teacher. This career he was very familiar with and he would have the opportunity to help people more spiritually along the way.

“I really do miss my students. I loved teaching. I still am a teacher, just to a wider community.”

St Margaret Mary Parish is a place where adults, young adults, children, single, married, and even divorces families come together. A major goal for them is to pray and learn the theology behind the events we celebrate each year.

Anyone who has a general conversation with Mr. Nettesheim will get an understanding that he is happy with the choice he made.

“Even though I am gone, it is still good to know that I am missed and that I had a positive impact on my former student’s lives.”