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.

Book Review: "Manderlay Prep"

By Gloria Brookens

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q & A about the Distance Learning Lab

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


Questions submitted from Justine Shorter

A boxer among us

By Ashley Sartin

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

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

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

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

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


(Photo courtesy of Wisconsinboxing.com)

Where in the world is Mr. Nettesheim?

By Kisha Birmingham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"30 Days of Night"

By Kisha Birmingham

Have you ever wondered why people are so creeped out by scary movies? Is it because of all of the blood and guts, the ugly faces, or the music in the background that makes your heart throb? In the movie “30 Days of Night”, it was all of the above.

A small town in Alaska, for 30 days and 30 nights of winter, has no sunlight whatsoever. For a whole month, the citizens have to prepare themselves for a plunge of darkness. So what is the worst that can happen? It’s a small friendly town with hardly any crime, and everyone gets along each other. Maybe a crew full of hungry vampires can go on a lunatic feeding fest perhaps?

At first, it was the usual preparation for the dark month to come. But suddenly, weird and mysterious things slowly start to occur. Evan, the Sheriff, played by Josh Hartnett, is informed by all of the complaining people. When he notices that it is more than just people playing mind games, he decides to take actions in his own hands.

After people start to brutally die, Evan knows that there is something else out there. When everyone notices that they’re some sort of blood sucking freaks, they hide. The townsfolk slowly start to disappear, since they are the most ripened of the harvest. As they last survivors struggle for their lives, they anxiously wait for the sun to come back up so it can demolish the vampires. Hopefully, they will be alive to see it.

March On Milwaukee

By Jerome Gee

Playing the role of Lawrence in the play March on Milwaukee made me feel good knowing that everyone in the play had someone’s life to portray who made it possible to live the life we do today. It was a very neat feeling to know that Messmer is the first high school to ever perform this.

I liked being around the other actors and actresses. We were not just cast members for the play - we had to bring the Commandos to life and their friendships so we all came closer together. If it weren’t for Ms. Wilkinson none it would have been possible. She kept us in order and made sure we were always on time. Also, we always had pizza waiting for us, which gave us a lot of motivation.

The cast is only half of the play: it wouldn’t have been a success without of Mr. Flattery and the Crew. They had to be right on time with the spotlights and the music. They also enjoyed the pizza. Overall the play was a success and I really enjoyed working with the cast, Ms. Wilkinson, Mr. Flattery, and the Crew.

GYLI

As one odyssey ended, another had just begun, but the long history of Messmer leadership now continues in a global fashion. This past summer marked the third year that Messmer High School students participated in the Global Youth Leadership Program. Arturo Maldonado, Gregory Bates and Isaiah Jordon explored leadership through their community while Lamel Adkins and Jasmine Porter examined their role in our ever-growing global community.

Arturo, Gregory and Isaiah, accompanied by Chad Griesel, started their odyssey in Boston as they learned to sail the freedom schooner Lettie G. All navigation, sailing, and other naval chores were executed by the these young gentlemen and the crew of other fourteen to fifteen year olds who had gathered from around our nation to participate in this experiential learning community.

These gentlemen will be continuing on to the Lama Center in New Mexico next summer where they will study the leadership within themselves from a Native American perspective with the guidance of Larry Littlebird. Other internal challenges that await these voyagers are mountain climbing, a five hour no technology solo reflection time, and building an authentic Native American lodge.

Lamel and Jasmine, who had attended the previous two institutes with DeOndrea Talley, completed their training in Costa Rica accompanied by Gail Burkel. There they worked in cooperation with the Earth University learning green methods of agriculture and ranching. The lessons on campus were then transferred to the community as each student was immersed in a home stay and participated in everyday rural life. In addition, the entire team of students completed service work at a local school helping them paint their facility, interacting with the students, and bringing much needed school supplies, books and pillows for their limited but growing library. Their final celebration was a day of white water rafting.

All GYLI programs are experiential, hands-on, and transformative. Participants are immersed—both students and adult—into experiences of pluralism based on religion, class, gender, age, cultural background, sexual orientation, and ability. Students and faculty then develop and revise their leader learning plans, plans that will be implemented in their home schools during the following school year. Such plans at Messmer High School have included student lead instructions of cultural acceptance at the annual MHS freshman retreat and Multicultural Assemblies complete with food tasting and dancing.

For more information on the Global Youth Leadership Institute, please visit www.gyli.org or see Ms. Burkel in room 101.

Creepy Crawly Critters!

Click on the pictures to see the full shot!

(Photos by Isaiah Jordan)