Messmer Journalism Staff Makes Things Happen

Lefties

By Germika Sanders, Junior

It appears that our presidential elect Barak Obama and his former competitor, John McCain
disagree on a lot of issues, but they can not deny that they have one thing in common: they are both left-handed.

For thousands of years evil and even the devil have been associated with the left hand. Now in the twenty-first
century, we know that lefthanders have adapted to the right-hand world whether it is fair for them to “change” or not. Many centuries ago, being left-handed meant you were cursed which is very superstitious. Those with certain religious affiliations often thought the devil baptized his followers by making them left-handed. In Eastern countries,
citizens believed that left-handed people were inferior.

In some cultures, they were looked upon with awe and viewed as goddesses. Today we know that these “southpaws” are ordinary just like the rest of us. Unfortunately, we live in a world that caters to the right-handed. There are some disadvantages for not being able to write with your right hand.

“I really can’t stand writing in spiral notebooks because they hurt my hand,” exclaims an anonymous left-handed junior. This person also explained that it’s difficult writing next to a right-handed person because their elbows tend to collide. This could cause distractions and irritations for the students during classes not to mention left-handed individuals tend to have trouble with ink pens because their hand smudges the ink.


According to Mr. Chad Griesel, left-handers have a shorter life span than those who write with their right hand. A school-wide survey revealed 80% of students are right-handed. Those who are did not have a problem with being this way. “I’ve trained myself to learn how to write in right-hand notebooks,” stated junior Brianne Jarrett. There are solutions for those lefties who do not like taking notes in right-hand notebooks, but there is a catch. Many new products out there exist for those who write with their left hands.

There are products such as left-handed spiral notebooks, keyboards, scissors and even left-handed mugs. The unfortunate thing about these left-handed items is that they are expensive and hard to find. The average cost of a left-handed notebook
is $4.25 with a typical notebook from Wal-Mart ranging from $0.10 to $3.00. Why should lefties be charged for writing with a less “popular” hand?

Mary Cauler, a woman who owns a left-handed store in Pennsylvania, claims her left-handed items are high because not many lefties purchase left-hand items and they are not manufactured as much as right-handed items. We all know that left-handed individuals should be treated like everyone else. Unfortunately they have more disadvantages not because of the fact they are left-handed but through how society views them. However, when it’s all said and done, everyone will still think that we are living in a right-handed world.


Fun Fact: Where did “south paw” come from?

It was originally a boxing term, and since the majority of boxers were right-handed, when you fought a lefty they would stand the same way but their punch would come out of nowhere or "the south."

In baseball, left-handed pitchers face south when facing thebatter.

Honor Roll

GREAT NEWS!
There are 215 students on the honor roll for the first quarter, 62 of whom are on the ‘A’ honor roll! This represents 33% of our student body being on the honor roll. Our attendance rate for the first quarter was 95.9%. These statistics are testimony to the outstanding work of the faculty and staff. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Drop and Give Me 50

By Danielle Eastern

Arriving at the door of the gymnasium, Ms. Bretch and Mr. Armitage were planted, holding two clipboards in hand. Their positions helped paint a scene of two bouncers on the outside of a nightclub monitoring the VIP list before granting, those in line, entrance inside.

Conditioning began promptly at 3:15 p.m., but there were well over 40 athletes inside the gym before that time. The gym was nearly silent; only the sound of Ms. Bretch and the untangling of jump ropes could be heard. Both female and male athletes broke off into groups, obviously separated by age, because the distinction in behavior was apparent. Deon Wright, Varsity shooting guard, came into the gymnasium and immediately secluded himself. As he sat- elbows to his knees-on the outskirts of the center basketball court, he prepared himself for today’s battle of endurance.

The bell rings…

Every athlete in the gym began to line up beside the bleachers. “Line Up means HUSSLE and give me those laps,” yells Freshman Coach Stinman.

Photo of the Week - 3

Quarantine: Think again

By Sable Harris

Once again that time of the year has come for the spooky, scary movies. Maybe you should second-guess your decision on what or what not to see in the theaters!

The 2008 thriller Quarantine may sound chilling, but it is just another New Zealand remake. The film takes place in a cordoned off apartment building. As reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) shadows two fire men Jack (Jay Hernandez) and George (Jonathon Sehaech) as they are called into duty to this barricaded apartment building. Angela soon sees that being a firefighter isn’t just a walk up the ladder.

As the tenants, Vidal, and the fire department are all confined to the apartment by the government, the quarantined victims begin to go crazy and attack the healthy victims. They are attacked one by one by the quarantined apartment tenants.
This film is overwhelmed with action, and it begins to get a little bit boring. The constant attacks and containment in the apartment begins to get repetitive I give the movies two and a half squares.

"Secret Life of Bees"

By Germika Sanders

There are many different ways you can go about understanding the life of a lost soul. "The Secret Life of Bees" illustrates this by following a motherless child named Lilly (Dakota Fanning) and a housekeeper named Rosalynn (Jennifer Hudson) who escape from their small town in hopes of finding out who Lilly’s mom really was.
   

In the process of their journey they came across a magenta two-story house that belonged to three virtuous, kind-hearted and hardworking women.  Their names were August (Queen Latifah), June (Alicia Keys), and May (Sophie Okonedo). These women owned a honey business, which for some reason made Lilly believe she was in the right place for all her questions to be answered. The young and now blessed Lilly starts to realize who her mother was and what she was about. In addition, she experiences the dream life provided by her three guardian angles.
    

This movie by far deserves four squares. It have mystery, drama, emotional suspense and a little humor.


I personally recommend all people especially woman to go see this inspiring movie produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.



Senior night for volleyball

By Jon Sykes

The Messmer Lady Bishops' Volleyball Team took a tough loss on senior night Tuesday evening against Brookfield Academy. This was their last game of the regular season.

In the beginning of the game they kept the first match close and went down to the wire before losing 25-20. In the next two matches Brookfield Academy took control of the game winning the second match 25-13 and the third 19-25. The Lady Bishops showed great effort on their last stand in the game but ended up losing the fourth one 15-10.

Before the game, Senior Thomasha Ivy-Patterson spoke about how the team and how the season went so far.

“I am extremely pleased with our volleyball season. It has been a great experience to be involved in this sport for the past four years.”

Six seniors were presented before the game to be honored for their hard work and the last regular season they will play at home for volleyball.

Going into the playoffs the volleyball team knows what it takes to make it far into the playoffs.
The Lady Bishops next game is Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at home against St. Francis during first-round regionals.

Spirit week full of color and pride

Pep Rally Magic: Bretsch and Hauser

Messmer student in Thailand

10-17-2008

Monthly Update by Michael Werkmeister

Hello Messmer! I’m writing from Cantabria, Thailand. It is on the southeast coast of the country. It is so straight here; I’m like 10 minutes from the beach, and it is hot all day everyday.

Thailand is nothing like the States. Before I came I had no idea what to expect, and any thoughts I may have had are nothing like what it really is. I was told I’m going to a small city, but it is a city of about 400,000!

My school has about 4,000 students, and it is made up of several buildings. It is so cool at school though; instead of “Whiteboy” they call me “Farang” which means “foreigner” or “Westerner” in Thai. School is pretty crazy; I feel like a celebrity because everyone always wants to talk to me and practice their English. The thing is most need A LOT more practice, which makes it very hard to communicate.

I’m taking Thai lessons everyday at school, so I’m starting to be able to speak the language and to also read and write which is pretty cool. My school is so big and has so much to do -- I love it. I asked about the basketball team, and they said to show up Wednesday. On Wednesday I was there, and it turns out it was a game. They let me play and we won 76-24. Ha-ha! Our team is one of the best in the province. There was a big tourney this week, but I couldn’t play because I have not been here for 6 months, much like that bogus WIAA transfer rule. Anyway, I have still been playing half-court at the park. Some Thai people can hoop, but only a few. They sure don’t BALL like we do! So, I’m like one of the best; they just CAN’T STOP ME … I’ve also been playing full courts at the stadium, which is much more competitive, but … THEY STILL CAN'T HOLD ME ... ha-ha!

As for my host family, they are very nice. It is great because my host dad is a dentist, and in Thailand dentists are pretty well off, so my house is decent. Also, my mom speaks very good English, which is quite lucky considering some exchange students have families that speak only Thai.

I’ve been traveling around as much as I can on the weekend so that I can see a bunch of sweet places in Thailand. It is nice because my city is about two hours away from Bangkok. BANGKOK is a crazy place: there are so many people everywhere, but there’s a lot going on for sure, so it is really fun. I was there last weekend, and I bought a new guitar, which is so nice. Now I can’t stop playing it. Also, the price exchange here is AMAZING. One U.S. dollar is the same as 35 baht, and when I go out to eat most places its like 20-30 baht for a full meal. Everything here is just so cheap; I find myself spending so much money, but then I really look at it and see that it is only a couple of dollars.

THE FOOD!! AROI MAK!! (Very Delicious) it is so good. Almost everyone in Thailand has a maid including my family. Our maid is very nice and anytime she sees me sitting down even if I just ate she will bring me a full plate of food or something. Even when I’m so full I cannot help but eat it all because it is so good!

I don’t know what else to say, but everything’s GREAT over here. I hope all is well back at MESSMER.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ME!
Peace –
Michael Werkmeister

Photo of the Week - 2

Soccer fans attend the game on October 16th against St. John's Military Academy. The team won their last home game 4-1. Congratulations!

Photo of the Week

By Jowanda Wilder

Guitar club

By Devon Buscon

Head, neck, body, and bridge. These are not only the parts of the human body, but they are the parts of a guitar.

Band and choir director Mr. Greg Flattery has started a guitar club this year and is welcoming g all interested students to join in. He started the guitar club because of the interest a few students showed last year. He is willing to take all levels of players including those with no experience.

Having a guitar of your own is not a requirement to be a participant, but it is a good idea and helpful if you have one. Flattery said that he will try to get more guitars if there is a greater demand for them, so if you want to be a part of this musical group, sign up.

The school currently has three guitars that can be played and has three members. The guitar club normally meets Thursdays in the auditorium between 3:15 until about 4:30 after school.

Electric and acoustic are a few of the styles that you can try out should you choose to join. So this club is for you if you want to learn how to play heavier songs or just dabble in the lighter side of things.

Pilgrimage to Assisi coming up

By Sable Harris

When the word pilgrimage is mentioned, Malcolm X may come to mind, but there is probably a lot of confusion as to what the term really means. There maybe a basic understanding, but what exactly is a pilgrimage? Basically, it is a journey, and most likely a long one made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion. In December 25 Messmer students will have the opportunity to come up with their own interpretation of “pilgrimage”.

Senior Joseph Ferch, one of the students in the Franciscan Values class, which will culminate in the pilgrimage to Assisi in Italy is ecstatic about this opportunity to do more meaningful travel.

“I have already been to Africa, Japan, and Portugal, [so] Italy will be another to add to my travels,” states Ferch. The class will be following the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clara of Assisi. Both of them have impacted the Catholic Church and the Messmer family.

The class has impacted Junior Kayla Wilder as well. “I get so much positive feed back from my classmates, and we feel a great bond between each other because we have all connected spiritually.”

The students will be making their pilgrimage over the Christmas and they will be reporting back about their experience.

Hispanic Heritage Month expands at Messmer

By Brianne Jarrett

The color of life, the sound of joy and happiness, and the aroma of the fresh, spicy food swirls around. However, there is much more to Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15th-October 15th. It’s not just about the fresh salsa, stir-fried beef, the music, or dancing.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the independence and cultural tradition of five different countries including Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico. Because the celebration is so meaningful, Messmer incorporates aspects of the traditions into the typical school day. The students enjoy when it’s here.

Junior, Yasmin Sanchez talks about the Hispanic Month stating, “I’m glad that we have Hispanic Heritage Month at Messmer. It shows other students here more about the heritage.”

Mrs. Cristina Edgar, Mrs. Suzy Welsh, and Ms. Jennifer Wolske, foreign language teachers, plan exciting ideas for students to expand their knowledge of another morality culture of certain Messmer students.

“Hispanic Heritage is the contribution to our country and world”, says Wolske.

It was in 2005 when Messmer first brought Hispanic Heritage Month to the school. The celebration was not as developed as it is today, but it did show appreciation to the 15 or so Hispanic students because it proved that Messmer was striving to be a diverse school.

The first year there was only an assembly, but each of following years it has expanded. The whole point of starting this celebration was to change the stereotypes from others about a culture that is not a strictly American culture.

This year celebration will have much more exciting things to offer including an assembly, which will include Hispanic dancing and other factual information. There will also be Spanish masses, Hispanic food, and time in resource rooms to learn more by watching a movie.

The foreign language teachers have been planning field trips to make this celebration more interesting. On Friday, September 26th there was a virtual field trip in the Distance learning Lab about Con Suelo Samarripal, an award-winning storyteller.

Many students at Messmer celebrate at home as well. Junior Karla Romero celebrates it with her family. She celebrated this holiday in Mexico and when she moved to Milwaukee.

“My family celebrates it by going to a parade on the Southside, and in the schools of Mexico we used to make up a couple of dances,” states Romero.
Mrs. Welsh who happens to be half Mexican and Puritan recognizes the independence by getting together with her family and eating Peruvian food as well as going to the parade.

Even if you are not Hispanic, just being a part of this celebration helps us become more globally aware of things outside of our American culture. Plus, the Hispanics of our school would be appreciative on the acceptances of their culture. So just come and be a part of the celebration! “ Every year we learn something, and every year we get better!” concludes Welsh.

Cross country and football

Homecoming and Spirit Week

By Brittany Miller

Anticipation and anxiety fills the room every time the topics arise of homecoming and spirit week. Many wishful ideas float around Mr. Chad Griesel’s leadership class about what role each individual student would have if homecoming was approved.

“It doesn’t surprise me how excited my leadership class is with the thought of homecoming because there hasn’t been a successful one at Messmer since 2004!” states Mr. Griesel. Although this is true about homecoming, spirit week has been a lot more successful in coming into play at Messmer.

“We’ve had a spirit week at Messmer ever since I can remember”, stated senior Jasmine Douglas. People in the leadership class are just as equally excited about spirit week especially since it is more likely to happen. They have come up with numerous ideas for spirit week, but only a few made it through Mr. Griesel’s evaluation process. Included in this process are the pep rally, class color day, a tailgate party, and a school spirit day. Since none of these days have been officially approved by principal Mr. Jeff Monday, Griesel is accepting more ideas from outside people as well as his leadership class.

“While we are working to get spirit week and homecoming approved by Mr. Monday keep in mind what they both are truly about, promoting spirit among classes,” says Mr. Griesel.

As the date of possible approval approaches, the student body eagerly awaits the answer of Principal Monday.

(Go back on this blog's previous posts to find photos from last year's spirit week!)

Students connect with Eastern culture

By Melvin Coulter

Messmer High School hosts a variety of extra-curricular activities for its students varying from athletics to academics and everything in between.

An new and intriguing club for the 2008-2009 school year is the Japanese club created by Mr. Mark Ketterhagen. This is a club in which students are given the opportunity to learn about the different values and characteristics of the Japanese culture. “The clubs members become aware of a society foreign to ours,” said Ketterhagen.

Ketterhagen developed the idea for the club after spending over a year in Japan and becoming influenced by the society’s values. According to Ketterhagen, “Eastern culture is a near opposite to ours. Their society thinks together, collectively. They don't focus on individuality like we do.”

The Japanese club meets every other Tuesday after school to discus different objectives for the club and it’s members. Again this is the clubs first year being introduced to Messmer but probably not the last. Ketterhagen is optimistic about recruiting members. Flyers with different Japanese symbols and phrases are hanging throughout the building for recruitment tactics. Senior Melanie Estrada who was at the first meeting states, “the club is different, and that what makes me more interested in it.”

The next meeting is will be held on October 7th after school. Come enjoy some new language as well as some Japanese food, edamame!

Good things come in three!

By Germika Sanders

Not all good things come in pairs, they also come in trios!

The three musketeers, the three stooges, and now the three Dobraucs. Messmer's own Rachel Dobrauc is in fact a triplet with two other identical sisters named Mary and Joy. Although they all look alike physically, personality wise each one is quite different.


Rachel and her sisters are from Pittsburg, a small town in Kansas. Now the whole Dobrauc family lives in Omaha, Nebraska except for our Messmer teacher.

Growing up with two identical sisters didn't really thrill her as a child.
"I felt like I didn't have an identity," claims Rachel. She felt as if she and her sisters were always referred to as a group instead of individuals.

Each sister has very different character traits. Mary Dobrauc, who's now married and is Mary Cunard, is the reserved one out the bunch. Joy, on the other hand, is the spontaneous triplet. Rachel is the more outgoing outspoken one.

Although as children the sisters couldn't stand each other, as they grew older and went their seperate ways, their bond grew stronger. After graduating from high school Rachel attended Marquette University while the other two sisters attened Creighton University pursuing different dreams. Needless to say, "Ms Dobrauc" is an English/Mass Media teacher at Messmer High School. Joy works for a health care company in Omaha while Mary works at the University of Nebraska- Omaha.

As a child, sharing a birthday with two other sisters for Ms. Dobrauc meant limited presents!! Now grown, successful, and independent women, each sister misses celebrating October 26, with one another.

Introduction to Swim!

Peace Crane Project Promotes Justice

By Sade Martin

As a community, each student and teacher from all four MCS schools, Messmer High School, Messmer Preparatory, St. Leo’s and St. Rose will be making a peace crane in the memory of Sadako Sasaki.

Sasaki was a young girl who was a victim of the atomic bomb from World War II in 1945. Sasaki was 11 years old when diagnosed with a lung disease but was only 2 years old when the bomb hit. While in the hospital, Sasaki’s friends visited her and told her about a story about the symbolizism of peace cranes in Japanese culture. The peace cranes represent a stronger and longer life.

All she had to was make 1,000 cranes. Before she died in 1955 at the age of 12 she was only able to 635 cranes. Her friends finished the rest of them, all 365.

“After hearing about the story of Sadako Sasaki, it made me think of peace and how Messmer as a community could be more peaceful and a family,” said Mrs. Jenn Friel who is organizing the Peace Crane Project. Each theology teacher will be teaching and explaining how to make cranes. In the next two weeks all four schools will be making peace cranes.

At the end of the school year we will be sending all cranes to Japan where there are other peace cranes sent from all around the world in the memory of Sadako Sasaki. This is not just a school project; this is also a way to become more peaceful and a family.

Bishops Soccer

By Jon Sykes

Messmer Bishops soccer team took a hard 3-1 loss last Wednesday evening against St. John's.

The loss puts the record now to 1-2 in conference play.

In the start of the game the Bishops showed great effort as they took the lead 1-0, but a few questionable calls against the Bishops which led into free kicks for St. John's. With St. John's scoring off three free kicks, they took the lead and ran away with a 3-1 victory.

Overall the Bishops remain optimistic about their season. They expect leadership from their three team captains and keep working hard every day in practice to improve their skills. They understand what it takes to win and are willing to do just that. The Bishops next soccer game is on Monday September 22.

Milwaukee's Choice Program

By Tyshawna Jackson

Attending school is very expensive, and it is even more so depending upon the school. Milwaukee’s Choice Program has provided educational alternatives to many students whose parents cannot quite afford to pay for their education.

If the applicant for the Choice Program is approved, the student is able to get a full education that provides everything the student will need. This is extremely helpful to most students especially when school tuitions are around $5,000-$7,000 dollars for one school year which may include lunches and field trips.

Governor Jim Doyle has been known to want to end the Choice Program. This may be a good idea from taxpayers’ viewpoints, but this would greatly affect Messmer students.

Vernet Hale, sophomore, believes: “It is bad to end the Choice Program because it takes away from people that have to pay for more than one child. Even though I pay $2 for lunch, I still feel the pain for the ones that don’t pay and will soon have to.”
There are a number of upsetting reasons that would go with the elimination of Choice funding. Private schools would lose a lot of money, and public schools would soon be filled to the brim with student and probably gain some profits.

Junior, Michael Wright states “Because I have to pay for my education, I really don’t care if they end it or not.” When paying thousands of dollars for school, one may feel like this. They are entitled to their own opinion.

Freshman, Mujjada Ahmad, voices her opinion, “You shouldn’t have to pay for education, which should be free.”

Stressful public school situations may occur if more students are pushed into public schools. Public schools are great for some students, but private schools typically have smaller class sizes and may have more extra curricular activities. Senior Ryan Williams, “For the most part, a lot of people are on the Choice Program, and it would negatively affect them. Most importantly it would affect private schools.”

The opinions of both sides need understanding and should be strongly taken into consideration. The ending of the Choice Program would be a negative, but it may also become a positive thing. Theology teacher, Ms. Donna Eddy, believes both sides would win in a debate. “[The Choice Program] gives people who are not rich an opportunity to make the same choices that rich people do as to where their child or children can get the best education. It also allows for healthy competition which encourages both private and public schools to get better.”

Milwaukee's segregation

Today statistics show that segregation still exists, and our city of Milwaukee is listed number six as one of America's most segregated communities and cities.

This is a startling fact–one which most students and even adults may not be aware of. Junior Bruce Denson claims, "I know segregation exists, but I don't feel affected by it. Thanks to my previous leaders and forefathers I understand that my future is dictated off of choices that I make now, so that one day I can have a chance to fight segregation as they did."

One school survey showed that nearly three-quarters of Messmer students believe segregation can still be defeated.

"A lot has to be done. We're better together than fighting apart, but this can be defeated! If it couldn't then there would be no point in fighting it," claims sophomore Adrian Holt.

The only way segregation can be defeated is if the public is aware of it. Oftentimes it is right in our face, and we do not notice it because it looks like it is "socially acceptable." We may even be taught that it is okay. However, the ones who recognize this division before they are taught to divide are those who will help defeat segregation.

For all who still have not recognized or pinpointed segregation in our community, see if you can readily answer these questions.

Q: What's the main race seen on the south side?
Q: What group of people resides on the north side?
Q: What race primarily lives in Whitefish Bay?

If you have a quick answer to these questions, you can recognize our problem.

Of course some segregation is expected, and necessary, because citizens live where they feel comfortable. This is not uncommon or even wrong. The problem exists when EVERY area of the community is segregated and we fail to want to learn about other cultures.

There are steps that can be taken to eliminate segregation. It starts with the youth because they are the next generation. Junior Martin Childs believes, “Integration should begin with the youth. Sports and academic activities should be instituted in each community to expose the youth to different activities and ideas about one another.”

Let us be the ones to start the change and show our community, state, and country how we can “build each other up.”

Messmer alum active in past, present, and future

By Rachel Dobrauc

Greg Borowski (’84) received Marquette University School of Communication’s By-Line Award for his excellence in journalism. Friends, family, and colleagues in addition to past and current students of Messmer High School surrounded him in the recognition of his achievements. The wide spectrum of supporters to see Borowski accept the award aptly illustrates his ability to positively affect and encourage those around him.

“Everyone who knows Mr. Borowski knows that Messmer is very dear him. He is a very honorable man who touches the city of Milwaukee in a magnificent way,” stated Alea Cross (’07) who participated in initiatives founded by Borowski in the school’s Journalism program. Cross now attends Marquette University.

Borowski, a political reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, has been involved in the Journalism program at Messmer by organizing Journal reporters to visit class and discuss their roles and duties. In addition, he has helped establish the mentoring program for Journalism students at Marquette to help Messmer journalists.

In addition this summer will see junior and senior students participating in internships at local newspapers. Borowski’s success in the newsroom and in the Marquette and Messmer classrooms helps distinguish him from other area journalists. One can’t help but expect great things for the future.

Bias in the news but not the newsroom

By Ashley Campbell

What do you do when you wake up? Take a shower, iron your clothes, or eat breakfast?

Many students and parents turn on the television, probably while they are doing all of the above! Normally, people turn on the TV to watch some news station like Fox 6. Many do this to find out what the temperature is, what the day is going to be like, or to get the latest news.

While touring through Fox 6 news station, many things were brought to my attention. Being able to sit in on a meeting was a great experience. They have all the stories and story titles/slugs on a big computer monitor. With this, they go through a run-down of everything that will be aired from morning to night.

Ted Perry, a well-known newscaster, allowed the shadowing visit to occur. Perry showed me the studio and introduced everyone in the station. The anchormen and women were very kind, outgoing and helpful. The entire shadowing experience took place because a question asked at last year’s Pebbles of Peace seminar. Perry said that I asked a very wise question that he could not give a full answer to. The question that was asked was, “Why are blacks and other minorities always displayed as negative, violent criminals?”

Junior Christian Massey, had his own answer to this question. “I think that many news stations and the rest of the media portray blacks as bad and violent people. They normally say blacks in Milwaukee are the worst. I just don’t agree with people who have never visited Milwaukee and walked in our shoes.”

When I visited the studio over spring break he answered my question. Perry stated, “For every story we ask ourselves a question. That question is, is race or ethnicity a factor in this story? Why or why not? Should it be?”

This is a great question to ask. Sometimes race is needed in story coverage. One case he mentioned was that,
“If a phone company was ripping off all minorities, then race should be involved in this story. But if a person killed someone and the killer was a minority, we would not need to speak of his or her race unless police officers were still looking for them and viewers need a description to help catch them.”

Senior Velved Stevenson stated, “I think this is not completely true. At times newscasters will put a mans race on he air even if they aren’t looking for them.”

While being shown around, Beverly Taylor, an anchorwoman that I encountered is the co-host of Ted Perry at the 5:00pm show. She is of the African American descent and one thing that she likes mainly about Fox 6 is because it has a mixed and diverse newsroom.

Taylor also stated, “Sometimes when doing a story, many reporters are like let’s get the story, interview a few people and let’s go. But since I think differently, I pause myself and say, can I get a black psychologist or a Latino doctor to be interviewed instead of using the same person? Sometimes I would make sure I interviewed one black, one Latino, and other races just so I can get a little color in my story and to appeal to a different audience. I want to show viewers that minorities can be respectable individuals also.”

This stuck out because when young teenagers watch the news, mainly what they see is that a minority robbed eight people or shot 12 guys for some unnecessary reason. That image sticks in teen’s heads and that is the behavior that they most likely follow.

If a young person is shown a positive role model of their same race then the image of success will get implanted in their minds. They will believe that they do not have to be another stereotype or another person on the 5:00 news that just got killed.

By asking the question about minorities in the news, a new understanding of the news and the media was brought to the light. So, ask questions and more than likely, someone will answer them!

Decisions, decisions...

By Thaddius Atkisson

Messmer students may seem happy, yet many, if not all, have many choices and challenges that they face as teens and even at a specific grade level in school.

Junior Shenequa Jamison stated. “As a junior, I face criticism when I speak Spanish. People think I’m posing when I’m just trying to learn about Hispanic culture.” Fellow junior Alan Ricks states that, “One of the hardest things I face as a junior is U.S. History, and as you get older they try to kill you with homework.” Since this is a required class, freshmen and sophomores, be prepared!

Perhaps it is the seniors that have it the heardest. Having jobs, leaving from their former home and school, and starting college is a very hard transition to make. Ray McGee, a senior quotes, “One thing that I think is insignificant is homework. It’s not hard it’s just really time consuming. And for being a senior, time-management is very important. Now that I have job, I feel independent.” Another senior, Justine Shorter had this to say about 12th grade challenges and how the work s no easier then you think it is, “All four years you complain about how you’re ready to get into adulthood and get out of school. However, students have no clue of the work they are about to endure.”

Some student’s say that the coming to high school was a totally new experience. You go from different classes and rules, to having to go all around the school just for one class. “The main thing that changed for me was the different classes and the rules and regulations.” said Mujjada Ahmad. In a recent survey, students say that schoolwork is the most common thing for a challenge that’s at a constant.

Students like Sabatia McGee; “Coming from a school with homeroom to a school that takes a lot to get around from class to class is different.” Markesha Harris had this to say about being freshmen, “Well, it’s hard to keep your GPA at a reasonable level, because we just came from middle school, and at my middle school we didn’t change classes. We didn’t change classes; we had one teacher that taught every subject.”

For sophomores, the challenges may be a bit more social involved that ay include; sex, drugs, and rumors. For one anonymous source, “One main problem is females and their drama!” From another anonymous source, she simply said “Sex.” as a sophomore-based challenge. One sophomore, Milizta Ramos says “Working on school assignments is hard for me.” Rumors and school work seems to totally engulf the life of every sophomore, not to mention all the material checks, tests/quizzes, and homework that occurs on a daily basis.

Quality vs. popularity of shoes

By Tyshawna Jackson

What type of shoe do you like and why?

Many people buy shoes only for the popularity. Meaning, if you see someone else with a specific shoe on, most like you’ll later buy the same shoe. That is if you find it attractive. Of course everyone has their own opinion and their own likes, but sometimes “the monkey does whatever he sees.”

In the past shoes were never really taken to the extreme. No one ever really cared where the shoe came from or who made it. As long as the shoe would fit the foot, the comfort didn’t matter. In so many cases this is still true. Women will go out of there way to look nice. No matter how high the heel is and if it will hurt and even damage the foot, some people will still wear them.

A competition is a way some teenagers live their lives, so it's all about impressing people with what you have and what they don’t. Senior Antonio Brown states, “I buy shoes for the quality and for the popularity. Being different is basically a main priority for me. I like to stand out more than others. I even enjoy competing with others, [because] I gotta be the best.”

Many of the most popular shoes are very expensive, that’s one of the main reasons why people constantly spend their money on them. Whenever a shoe is too expensive it is commonly the reason why people don’t buy them, but it can also be why some people want to spend more money.

The more the money, the better quality of the shoe is the way things should work. Sometimes this may be true, however, an inexpensive shoe does not mean it is worthless. It all depends on the way you treat them. Safely handling a shoe can help the life span of the shoe.

Freshman Keonna Windom feels otherwise. “I love shoes period. Tennis shoes and also dressy shoes excite me. Cheap shoes don's really tend to have good quality, that’s the reason I would rather spend more money [is] to have a better shoe.”

There are many other people that feel the same way, but there are many other views. When shoes are fresh and new a lot of people will make it there business to get them before someone else does. Not because of a competition, some people want the shoes for fashion. Germika Sanders, sophomore, claims, “I buy shoes because they are cute. I really don't think the quality of a shoe matters, it's how well you can keep your shoes up.”

Tennis shoes are one of the most popular types of shoes. Jordan’s, Airman, Daddies and Air Force Ones are the main four picks of a shoe. With many people its they quality. A good reputation is followed behind these shoes. Popularity throughout the community and competition has a lot to do with these shoes being top notch. Junior Paige Johnson has a liking for many different types of shoes. However there’s a specific shoe that interests her the most. “Quality sometimes matter highly. Airmax are very comfortable and long lasting. I'd say they are worth every penny. My feet gotta be fresh.”

Cancelled concerts

It’s surprising and disappointing that most of the concerts in for Milwaukee teenagers get cancelled. Most teenagers look forward to seeing their favorite singer live on stage, and they save all the money they can just to buy tickets.
By LaGina Mitchell

How do you feel when you wake up at the crack of dawn to stand in line for tickets for a concert? Then, a few weeks later the concert gets cancelled; what a terrible feeling. What even makes a person go all out of their way for a concert at all?


One reason that the concerts keep getting cancelled is perhaps that in Milwaukee you can not even enjoy watching your favorite performer without a fight braking out. How can this even be worth your time?

Junior Takara Lee thinks that concerts are just a waste of time. A lot of times "you can’t see because someone is always in your way, a fight always brakes out, and the person you really wanted to see doesn’t even show up . . . You can just sit a home and watch the person on time and not be affected if the concerts keep getting cancelled."

Sophomore Keshayla Strong tends to think that concerts are “crackin”. When Strong finds out that there is a concert in Milwaukee, she goes all out, wanting to get the latest shoes and the hottest outfit that Milwaukee has ever seen.

She states, “I don’t care what it takes for this concert to be “crackin” cause I’m having money”. Strong would buy the most expensive seats just to see who’s performing on that stage. The best part about going to a concert is enjoying it and the after parties.

Freshman, Mark Jenkins claims that concerts are okay, but when they get cancelled he gets angry and upset. He feels this way because he gets all worked up and excited because of the particular artist coming.

Senior, Justin Coleman feels that concerts should not be cancelled because an artist doesn't show up. They should get another artist to perform. Having concerts is a time where great talents can be displayed.

As you can see majority of the people like going to concerts but hate when they get cancelled. According to V100, concerts get cancelled because artist do not show up. They would love to have more concerts but the problem is the artist showing up. Concerts should not be cancelled and we have to find a better way to persuade artists to come and perform.

Baby boom at Messmer

Love is what some of your favorite teachers felt in the school year of 2007-2008 because they brought a new baby into our world! That’s right…a baby.

Seven of the fifty faculty members have had or are expecting a child within the 2007-2008 school year; five males have had children added to their families, and the two expecting mothers are Mrs. Aleda Kitzman and Mrs. Amy Gibson. Within a twelve-month span many new faces are providing joy to the Messmer family!

Sylvia Rose is Human Resource Manager, Mr. Joe Halaiko’s, daughter. Born on July 8, 2007, Sylvia is named in honor of her great-grandmother’s. Her middle name, Rose, is a middle name on both sides of the family. Born 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 19 inches, Sylvia is bringing a new happiness to her father’s eye.

“I love being a parent now, and I’m looking forward to it all.” Halaiko said. 
On November 1, 2007 Mr. Chad Griesel and his wife welcomed little Michael into their world. Born 9 pounds and 7 ounces, little

 Mikey has a family name traced back to his daddy’s Irish roots. His fathers states, “I’m waiting for my son to grow into a totally unique, original person.”
Babies can bring a lot of love but they can also be time consuming. Waking up at any time of the night with feeding and diapers are a few of the many things that will make a parent sleepy the next day.

Biology teacher Mr. Josh Reiss and his wife Kristin welcomed a beautiful little girl in our world on December 17, 2007; what a wonderful Christmas present!
“Abigail Ann [is her name.] Abigail means ‘father’s joy’ and is also a wonderful character in the bible, and Ann is Kristin’s grandmother’s name,” Reiss said. He also stated, “[There is] less time for everything, but it’s worth it.”

Mr. Bill Gunderson and wife welcomed their third child on January 8, 2008.

“Kade Elijah was the only name we could agree on.” Very unique, and maybe it will be a new trend. He was born 6 pounds, 3ounces and is bringing a big change to the family. “Three children is much different than two children,” Gunderson replied.

There are two expecting mothers at Messmer, Mrs. Amy Gibson and Mrs. Aleda Kitzman are our mommies-to-be for the first time.

Regarding the sex of the baby, “we want it to be a surprise,” Gibson said. “If it’s a boy, Cooper Martin Gibson will be the name. If it’s a girl, Tyla Shea Gibson.”

This will be her first child but Mrs. Gibson says she’s prepared. “There is a lot of excitement, joy, stress and a major lifestyle change coming,” Gibson said on what she expected motherhood would be like.

Mrs. Kitzman won’t know for a couple of weeks what she will be having. So what are some possible names?

“We haven’t picked any names yet, but we want something unique but not strange,” she replied. This will also be Mrs. Kitzman’s first child and she’s expecting no sleep and someone to love.

The hardest ting about pregnancy, and the best thing will most likely be being tired all the time! “The joy I feel every time I think about what an amazing miracle I’ve been giving”, this is what keeps Kitzman and all of the other parents feeling happy and blessed!

Youth Summit

When entering the conference room on March 12, 2008, all one saw were the eyes of everyone else in the room glancing at them. Those eyes were wondering who they were and from what school they came from. In actuality, we were all there for the same reason: Marquette University held a Youth Summit with different public and private schools attending.

This year’s Youth Summit was provided by Multicultural Urban Suburban Emerging Leaders, (M.U.S.E.L.) a group that wants to change our community and world. Two of Messmer’s juniors, Danielle Brooks and Sable Harris, are M.U.S.E.L. participants.

At this summit, we all participated in group discussions, at first everything started off perfect; everyone was sitting in different groups. But when it came down to answering certain questions like: “On a 1 to 10 scale, how would you rate your schools education system?” “Do you think public or private schools are better?” and “What stereotypes do you see in your school and/ or community?”

In all of these topics, one common school we all know was constantly being bashed, Messmer High School. Sophomore, Arica Wolfe commented, “Just because we as students take pride in our school, get along with the teachers, and seek more attention from our teachers; does not mean we disapprove of public schools.” According to senior Ivory Morehouse, “Throughout the day, its like the other schools were throwing flame at us, to the point were we started to act and respond like them!”

But at the end of the day, the Youth Summit was a learning experience. From the debates, to taking a step back to realize how different schools have the same issues, to encouraging word from the guest speaker.

Special thanks goes out to, Ms. Val Moore, Ms. Maripat Wilkinson, and Mrs. Rhonda Moore for allowing twenty students to have this experience. We all left with different views and attitudes.

Track is in season!

Messmer's 2008 track season has begun! Athletes are optimistic about the season after watching Messmer Alumni Sheparis Wyatt compete last season in the high jump at the state meet. That was an excellent accomplishment.

Senior Lamel Adkins is their most prized possesion returning for his forth cull season in Varsity track. Last year Adkins set a state record becoming the fifth athlete in WIAA history to jump over 25 feet in the long jump. The Bishops are very optimistic and have a reason to be!

There are two returning juniors Chrisitan Massey and Melvin Coulter who have had their fair share of success with the Messmer bichops track team.

Massey and Coulter have been on the same relay team (4x4) team since their freshman year.They as a team have experienced the ups and downs of consistently competing at the varsity level since their freshman year.This season they’re main goal is to stay optimistic and they understand the sport much better than they did when they were freshman. “We’re big dogs now,” boasts Massey. “We’ve been running for too long so it’s time to give us our success!” asserted Coulter.

Last year Messmer's girls placed first in St. John's Military Academy meet while the boys carried home second place. The second week of March held their first meet at Pius High School. The Bishops didn't place first but competed respectably at the event. Junior Breshaunda Jones said she enjoys participating in track after her Varsity basketball season.

This year for the Bishops outdoor practice will be held a few blocks away from their school at Rufus King High School. There they will be practicing along side some their competition the Rufus King athletes. Previously practice was held at Shorewood high but the track is un-available this year due to the building of a new track. “It’s a change of scenery, and change is good sometimes,” said returning junior Dalia Johnson.

“I definitely plan to have this season but the only thing on my mind before graduation is a ring,” said Coulter.

Remaining Abstinent: The sex talk for a better future

By Shemika Pope

Last Tuesday March 4, 2008 was the assembly on life decisions and most importantly, abstinence. The genders split up with the girls heading to the auditorium and the boys off to the gym. Gust speaker Sally Ladky talked with the ladies while Brother Bob Smith and Mr. Jeff Monday as well as other male teachers spoke to the males.

Ladky spoke about many things, but her main target was to teach the girls “how to have the best sex.” This meant not to have sex but rather to wait for marriage when sex will be at its best. The things she brought up encouraged some and even discouraged others from having sex. “Her words made me think and want to wait to have sex and children [until] after marriage,” stated freshman Kalonda Johnson.

The difference between gentlemen’s and ladies' emotions, was also discussed as well as what women do and how we think about our actions and emotions. The girls were compared to egg noodles and a crock pot, while boys were compared to ego waffles and microwaves.
Statistics mentioned were very shocking especially since today’s generation typically will not marry their high school sweethearts.

Most of the girls believed these numbers and were surprised. “I thought the things she said were very shocking. The shocking point was girls loose their virginity at age 17.5,” stated junior Jekya Johnson.

To some of the students this discussion was nothing the students have not heard before. So maybe Ms. Ladky’s words went in one ear and out the other.

Senior Brittnay Mason and sophomore Precious Venable agreed. Brittnay Mason says she knew everything from other sex education. “I’ve experienced everything the speaker said.” Venable says she has already “had the talk” with her parents so this was nothing new.

I honestly think Ms. Ladky was speaking the truth but exaggerated her point, and luckily she was not also talking to the girls as if they were bad people if they have had sex already. I also think she was just trying to convince ladies to wait until marriage and that everybody makes mistakes and its what you do after the mistake.

Students reach out and read at Kagel Elementary School

By Christopher Hernandez and Martia Hunt

Messmer’s first pen pal education field trip took place on February 26th 2008. The exchange was with high school Spanish students and Kagel Elementary students.

Over a dozen high school students traveled to Kagel Elementary School located at 12th Mineral on Milwaukee’s Southside. Both sides took part in the exchange to interact in a foreign language, and they even got experience some Mexican food tasting.

Ms. Cristina Edgar organized and set up the trip weeks before for her third hour Spanish III class. We want to “let students from each school meet and share language and skills.” In preparation students from high school translated common children’s books into Spanish, which they read to the younger kids.

After arriving at the elementary school, the teens were greeted with a song in Spanish. Students were then divided into groups that shared storybooks and fairy tales. Afterwards, a lunch of tortillas, salsa, beans, Mexican drink and chorizo were served to teachers and students. This time allowed for students to interact and share a more complete sense of the culture.

Senor Christina Harvey described this experience as, “A moment and trip I’ll never forget.” These words defiantly were in the minds of high school student after leaving the elementary school. At the end of the day students said their goodbyes and planned to meet again.

We've got spirit

The Lady Bishop's basketball team went down with a fight during the Regional Championship game...and with strong supporters!

School shootings - but not in our house

By Ashley Sartin

It started at Columbine High School in 1999 and continues on with the most recent slaughter at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Both of these events have something in common: they both have taken place in educational settings. From high school to high quality universities, these types of massacres make one wonder what the security plans are in place at our own school.

Wednesday, February 13th, around 3:00 p.m. was when the shots rang out. Seven people were killed, and about seventeen others injured. Reports acknowledged that the gunman, Stephen Kazmierczak, had recently stopped taking his medication and became erratic in his actions. This may have been what led him to harm and to take the lives of other students and finally his own.

By carrying the two guns in a guitar case that for most was considered a regular day. Kazmierczak came to his final destination - where he would as many others would be seen for the last time - to Cole Hall. He came from behind the stage and started firing shots in the geology class. Soon as his rampage was over, just like other gunman in the past, Kazmierczak shot himself too, falling unto the stage.

But this is in Illinois. What about here at Messmer?

Patrick Fennesy, Campus Safety Director for Messmer Catholic Schools, has confirmed that Messmer does have a safety policy in place if something were to ever happen like the Columbine High School shooting. Fennesy has been involved in law enforcement for fifteen years. From being with the Milwaukee Police, Sate Police, a security guard for Governor Thompson, to being a U.S. Marshall, Mr. Fennesy has a lot of experience maintaining security. “We review and up-date the safety pan every year,” noted Fennesy.

For many students they feel like the security cameras are just for being nosey and invading in their privacy but in all actuality they are there to know what’s going on, and who is coming in and out of our school. “We know and see everything that happens, from outside of school to right on the front steps,” confirmed Fennesy.

As you can see, walking through the front doors of the school, we don’t have metal detectors. But we have security that are on top of their game. So, we don’t have to worry about things like the NIU and the Columbine shootings happening here.

Back to the 80s?

Bench press and squat...can you handle it?

The muscle man himself, Mr. Price, hosted the Messmer Bench PRESS and Squat Competition on January 9th after school. This was the chance for all Messmer students AND staff members to show what they were made of or basically, how strong they are.


“I was very overwhelmed to see the audience that came to support the event”, expressed Mr. Price with a warm smile. There were freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, teachers, staff, cheerleaders, parents and other family members, and alumni coming out to show their support that night. They cheered for one another hoping for them to do their best at either the bench presses or the squats. The Messmer family love was in the air.


This year's theme, “Build One Another Up”, was a key element shown that night. Mr. Price has done a wonderful job with the Fitness Club. There is no “negative” vibe about that.

The people who participated in the competition put a lot of hard work into their area. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they were practicing after school with Mr. Price .

With all the hard work put into this event everything went smoothly. The students did everything that they knew they had to do to accomplish what they needed to accomplish. They made everyone proud especially Mr. Price. This bench press and squat competition was not just for the Fitness Club members. By doing this bench press and squat competition Mr. Price hopes to gain more members of the Fitness Club.

Another Bench Press and Squat competition will be hosted again in May 2008. Mr. Price is looking for more members for the Fitness Club and member to join the competition. Members are welcome to join whenever just have a sheet sign by a parent which you can get from Mr. Price.

As the students joke about how Mr. Price was going to win the competition between the faculties at bench press, he had no idea that he was going to win. He felt that since Mr. Gonzalez is strong as well that he would of won but, “When you work hard and give the time and effort good things happen” Mr. Price shared with sincerity.

Hopefully in May 2008 there will be more students and faculty in the Bench Press/Squat competition. Mr. Price is doing wonderful things with the Fitness Club and by doing this Bench Pres/Squat competition. I would like to tell him good job and keep up the good work. I am truly looking forward to the nest competition.

What did you give for Christmas?

By Isaiah Jordan

From the end of October to the middle of December stores promote sales of the season. As these sales are promoted on our televisions, newspapers, and internet we think about everything we should buy for our friends and family for various reasons. One of these reasons may be to show just how much we care for another person. Another reason may be just to show who can buy the most expensive gift, but either way you spin the bottle you may end up giving to someone.

This past Christmas, according to Channel 12 news, the sales of the season was surprisingly low. This scared the major companies that promote these Christmas sales. Luckily, a few days before this special day arrived the sales started to skyrocket and people began to show the true spirit of the Christmas consumer. Montrey Slayton, senior, falls into this consumer category. He bought his mother a chocolate fountain for Christmas. Even though he purchased this pricy piece of merchandise he still says, “The greatest gift that a person could ever give someone is love.”

Many times we give with necessity or in expectancy of always receiving something in return and in most cases we do receive something in return. This presents the question, how does giving impact your life. Corey Williams, sophomore, clearly stated: “Giving is better than receiving.” In our ideal world we see giving as something that we are required to do for various reason, and what the true test to see how giving is really impacting our lives is to give a gift and not have that same person give you something back. Did this happen to you this Christmas?

How much would you be willing to spend on a Christmas gift? Maybe you would be willing to spend twenty, fifty, one- hundred, or two- hundred dollars for a family member or close friend? Niecy Anderson, freshman, thinks that “it depends on who it is. If it is someone like family or close friends I would spend two- hundred or over.” Oftentimes we believe the price tag matches the amount of love you have for that person. In actuality, the most heart filled gifts could be something you created and not an item you can buy out of the store. Unfortunately, because of this mentality we believe that we must spend large amounts of money to express our affection.

Samon Williams, junior, did not have this problem snce the best gift she gave was, “words of wisdom.” This, in many cases, is exactly what we need during the Christmas season because some people don’t have the family and friends that a lot of people have. This is a part of building one another up and is not just something that should be practiced doing this particular season but should be exemplified every season throughout the year.

Even though 2007’s Christmas has past the giving spirit can still be shown in 2008. Wither your gift is materialistic or non-materialistic when you give think about how it touches them. You can give good things or bad things, but remember bloggers, whatever you give somehow it will come back to you.

Bucks are improving

By Kisha Birmingham


The Bradley Center fans roared at the Atlanta Hawk’s missed shots when the Milwaukee Bucks secured their lead by four points while ending in a victory on January 16th.

With the winning score of 87 to 80, the Bucks continue they’re winning streak and earn a number four spot in the conference.

As the cold season continues to overwhelm Wisconsin with illnesses, Mo Williams, point guard, was out of the game on Wednesday due to flu-like symptoms he had the day before. He was replaced with Royal Ivey, who came in with six assists.

Injuries were popular causes of people not seeing familiar faces on the court. Desmond Mason, a guard-forward, is out for eight weeks due to torn ligaments in his thumb. You won’t see David Noel, a forward, playing for about for weeks because of the surgery he had on his wrist.

Andrew Bogut attains 21 points for the Milwaukee Bucks and he kept the crowd going wild. Along with four blocks and ten rebounds.

“No matter what happens, he always makes a way for us to come up. This man is unstoppable!” says Avery Alfred who has been a Bucks fan for over 30 years.

Milwaukee’s favorite player, Michael Redd, still did not straggle too far behind. He carried in 17 victory points.

A rookie by the name of Yi Jianlian acquired 16 points for the Bucks. As grasping sounds came out of the audience from shock and excitement, it seems as if it won’t be long before Jianlian is a favorite from Milwaukee

Even though it was not considered a “full house” yesterday, the sports fan spirit stayed in the air and in the mouths of Milwaukeeans.

The game was topped off with Bogut’s dunk off of Bobby Simmon’s clear pass. Hopefully, the Bucks will keep their state satisfied by continuing their winning streak and take their conference into triumph.

Youth leadership

By Justine Shorter

The world is always in search of tomorrow’s great leasers, and Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) is where most of them can be found.

GYLI is a four year program that introduces students to new and inventive ways of bringing forth social change in their schools and communities. The institute grants students the opportunity to travel while meeting other teens across the country that also yearn to make a difference in the often arduous world around them.

Participants work hard in searching for solutions to pestering high school problems and inconvenient matters affecting those in the community such as crime rates and pertinent health issues.

Since Messmer has never had a shortage of teenage leadership, it is no wonder that some of our brightest and most talented students are a part of the program. Isaiah Jordon, sophomore, joined the institute as a freshman and proclaims that fun, growth and development are all concomitant with being a part of GYLI.

“I would stress that there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a part of GYLI, but it is a very beneficial program that offers such a unique experience,” explained Jordon.

Jordan declares that the program is not only socially and intellectually stimulating, but it also brought him full circle with himself and who he truly is internally.

“I learned more about myself. The program helps you to define who you really are and to strengthen who you are."

When in Boston, Mass. Jordan sailed on a spectacular ship, and although he describes it as one of his most memorable moments, he can’t overlook the friendships that were formed and the life changing lessons that were learned.

“The best thing about being around so many so different people is that you get a chance to think outside the box and you get to observe different ideals. It‘s a great program, and I would encourage anybody to check it out,” he disclosed.

If your are interested in learning more about the Global Youth Leadership Institute please feel free to contact Ms. Burkel or Mr. Grissel.

Charity and donations for the holiday

By Theolia Childs, Senior

This was the season for sharing and giving to families who were not able afford a good warm-cooked meal. Messmer Catholic Schools held the House of Peace drive for the last four years in which students and faculty help with.

As campus minister, Mr. Hauser put boxes together as he began to notice that students were hardly participating. That is when competition began to increase for the students since the winning class of the food drive would win a jeans day pass.

“I was worried at first, but then I was amazed on how students were doing with donations,” said Hauser.

When it was finished, Messmer donated 228 boxes and collected over 5,000 items.

For the most part students and faculty had a fun and competitive experience. The class of 2011 won a free Jeans Day followed by 2nd place seniors, 3rd place sophomores, and finally the junior class.