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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
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.”
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.
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.
Monday, April 7, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Students reach out and read at Kagel Elementary School
By Christopher Hernandez and Martia Hunt
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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.
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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.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
We've got spirit
The Lady Bishop's basketball team went down with a fight during the Regional Championship game...and with strong supporters!
Monday, February 18, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, February 11, 2008
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.
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