By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
When Patricia McIntyre first heard about President Trump’s travel ban, she was immediately concerned about how the policy might affect her family. Continue reading
Let’s Get Technical
Should schools be more skeptical about integrating technology into the classroom?
By Kara Conley, Current Staff
In 2017, when people think of school they no longer think of books, but computers.
Technology in the classroom is changing the way teachers must educate their students and the way students learn. Some students have evolved in their academics due to the increased technological use, but not everyone feels it is for the best. Many teachers and students at the West Bend High Schools acknowledge the value of technology, but are also aware of its downsides.
Filed under School News and Features
Tom Brady Dominated the Ads, Too
What were the most notable commercials of Super Bowl 51?
Hello, hello, and welcome again to the annual TV Talk article about Super Bowl commercials! The corporate advertisers of America have united once again to entertain and frustrate millions of fans. Here are my insights on a few of the most memorable ones.
Filed under Entertainment, Viewpoint
The Adventures Continue: Proposed Course Encourages Outdoor Activities
By Jessica Steger, Current Staff
The term “outdoor classroom” is about to take on a whole new meaning.
Wendy Wiesjahn, a physical education teacher at West Bend East High School, is in the process of creating a new class called Adventure Ed. 2. The class is on track to be introduced in the 2018-2019 school year, and will entail a strong presence of outdoor activities such as archery, trap shooting, outdoor survival skills and first aid, kayaking and snowshoeing. The course will also include more advanced rock climbing. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Baker Dominates the Boards
West ninth grader ranks among the state’s leading rebounders
By Lily Mottet, Current Staff
Maddison Baker never considered that before her first season of high school basketball had finished, she would be ranked as one of the best players in the state.
Baker is a West Bend West High School ninth grader who has become a valuable center for the girls varsity basketball team. Wisconsin Sports Network reports that Baker is the third best rebounder in the state. Continue reading
‘I Think Everyone Should Be Involved’: Local Teens Protest Inequality
West Bend students participated in the Women’s March in Madison
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
Cassiy Walker and Andie Schibline may not be of voting age, but they do not let their youth prevent them from participating in American democracy.
On Saturday, Jan. 21, Walker and Schibline were compelled to take part in the Women’s March in Madison. It was the first act of protest for Walker, a West Bend East High senior who will turn 18 in February. Schibline, a senior at West High, had some experience with peaceful demonstrations, having previously protested at the Trump rally in August at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Area Students Traveled for President Trump’s Inauguration
The entire Wisconsin 4-H delegation on Inauguration Day in front of the Capitol.
By Justin Scherzer, Current Staff
Two West Bend students not only witnessed President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, they also took part in their own election with hundreds of other 4-H members.
Libby Willkomm, a West High sophomore, Luke Schowalter, an East senior, and nine other 4-H students from Washington County joined up with 500 members from across the country for the Citizenship Washington Focus Presidential Inauguration experience. Starting Jan. 17, these students spent five days attending both the inauguration and the protest march while taking part in a multitude of other activities around D.C. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Big Men on Campus
West grads help lead major university athletic programs
By Anthony Schlass, Current Staff
Two ambitious individuals from West Bend have upgraded from playing high school sports to directing big time collegiate athletics.
Both Craig Pintens and Mike Houck are highly respected officials at their respective universities. Pintens, a 1994 West High School graduate, is now at the University of Oregon and is the Senior Associate Athletic Director. Houck, a 1990 West graduate, is at the University of Oklahoma and serves as the Assistant Athletics Director/Strategic Communications. Continue reading
“Nosedive” Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test
There’s something off about the buzzed-about episode of “Black Mirror”
At what point does satire become propaganda?
Simply put, satire is caustic criticism, whereas propaganda is the demonization of a target in order to push what the author views as “good.” The two can be hard to separate at times (especially since satire of propaganda is pretty popular), but it’s important to know what’s what.
Which brings me to “Black Mirror.” Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment, Viewpoint
East National Honor Society Raises Money for Habitat for Humanity
By Jessica Steger, Current Staff
Habitat for Humanity dedicated its latest house to the Komp family, amid many of the dedicated volunteers who have helped with the building.
In addition to the home, the Komp family received a check of $1,085.94, which was raised by the West Bend East National Honor Society through a holiday loose-coin drive. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Baby, It’s Chile Outside
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
One West Bend student is about to experience his very first white Christmas.
Juan Pablo Cofré, a Chilean foreign exchange student who attends East High School, is used to being warm for the holidays.
“I have never had Christmas in the snow. It is always really, really hot for Christmas [in Chile],” Cofré said. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Thiesfeldt Will Focus on Education
Former teacher will serve a fourth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
State Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt has always had a passion for politics and education, and he had a chance to combine both those interests as a government teacher at Fond du Lac High School.
Now, Thiesfeldt will continue to translate his educational positions into policy. He was re-elected to a fourth term as the Republican representative for Assembly District 52 on Nov. 8. Continue reading
Filed under Community
The Magic of Giving
By Jessica Steger, Current Staff
Unlike a wizard, you don’t need a wand to save lives, just a needle.
The West Bend High Schools’ Student Council hosted a blood drive Wednesday with the BloodCenter of Wisconsin. It was held in the south gym, with students, teachers, and community members all coming in to donate blood.
The blood drive has been held in years past, but this year StuCo added some extra spirit by creating a Harry Potter theme. For Kelly Sorce, a family and consumer teacher and StuCo adviser, it was a dream come true. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Independent Film “Another Yesterday” Has West Bend Connections
By Kaitlyn Von Behren, Current Staff
As six-year-old Saleem Soden tried to sink a putt at a mini golf course, the cameras were rolling, the lights were on, and everyone was watching.
Saleem and his mother Hadwat acted as extras in “Another Yesterday,” a feature film directed by Steven Heil in Oshkosh throughout the month of October. Hadwat and Saleem are the wife and son of Joel Soden, a math teacher at West Bend East High School. Continue reading
Filed under Community, Entertainment
End of an Era
Ruth Ruh, long-time administrative assistant, will retire Dec. 22
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
Ruth Ruh has been going to high school for nearly 30 years.
This streak will come to an end Dec. 22 when Ruh will retire as the administrative assistant to the principal, a job she has had since 1992. Ruh was a high school student herself at West Bend High School, and she graduated in 1969. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Looking for the Right Angle
Math courses are trying a new student-led curriculum
By Abby Gawrych and Lily Mottet, Current Staff
East ninth grader Jordan Jentsch never expected to act as the teacher in her math class.
The WBHS curriculum for algebra and geometry was altered this year, moving to a group-based learning style. Some of the high school teachers believed that a group approach would be beneficial to the students. They started their research a year ago but the plan was first implemented after observing the teaching style in person at a high school in Oshkosh. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Drumline Sticks the Landing
By Jessica Steger, Current Staff
The West Bend High Schools drumline beat out their competition, literally.
The drumline traveled to Milwaukee Nov. 26 for the annual Fresh Coast Drumline and Basketball Competition. The competition was held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with the drumline placing second out of seven schools. The competition was judged by professional percussionists.
Besides bragging rights, another perk to placing in the competition was the prize money. The drumline received $500 for their second place finish. This money is used to directly benefit the drumline through the purchase of new equipment. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
New Music Teachers Start on a Good Note
By Lilian Velez and Mattie Zautner, Current Staff
The music program at West Bend High Schools is experiencing a new era.
Seth Matuszak and David Pecsi are the new faces of the music department. Matuszak teaches orchestra while Pecsi teaches choir, and as new teachers, they have been learning right along with the students as the year continues. Now that each has a concert or two under the belt, they are thinking about combining the skills of the choir and orchestra for some of the upcoming shows. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Forensic Scientist: Sexton Begins 45th Season
Hall of Fame coach has guided generations of local talent
By Justin Scherzer, Current Staff
Not many NFL coaches can claim a 45-year tenure, but there’s one living in West Bend.
Of course, the NFL in question is the National Forensics League, and the coach is Doris Sexton, who has served as a forensics and debate coach for East High School since 1971. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
Not All Semester Exams Will Include Galileo Testing
Changes are in store for January exams
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
For students enrolled in year-long courses, Galileo tests will not be used as part of their exam scores in January. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
The Fab Five
Each tennis state qualifier from WBHS is a valedictorian candidate
By Auburn Larson, Current Staff
West Bend girls tennis has been serving up aces both on and off the court for the past four years.
This season four East seniors and one West junior qualified to play in the WIAA Division 1 Girls State Individual Tennis Tournament in Madison on Oct. 13-14. Perhaps even more impressive, though, is that all five girls have a perfect 4.0 GPA and are potential valedictorians. Continue reading
Filed under Sports
A Special Breed
West junior finds success in the saddle
By Anthony Schlass, Current Staff
Katelyn Schultz is not your prototypical student-athlete, but she recently accomplished one of her greatest feats.
Schultz, a West junior, competes in horse competitions and this year she went to Nationals, the largest single breed show in the world, and her horse won.
“It’s something I never thought would happen because it’s really expensive, but my parents support me so much. I was so shocked. You never think you’re going to be the one to win,” Schultz said.
Even with all of her success, Katelyn does have an everyday obstacle: She was born without depth perception, making sports like volleyball and basketball difficult to play. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features, Sports
A House Divided Against Itself
By Alina Prahl, Current Staff
Gabbie Becker again flipped over the Trump magnet on the fridge, much to her mother’s chagrin.
As with the country as a whole, the 2016 presidential election has divided the Becker family. Gabbie, an East senior, has reservations but prefers Hillary Clinton, while her mom, Paula, a West Bend real estate agent, plans to vote for Donald Trump. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Rettler Finds His Calling
West senior is headed to the seminary
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
It’s the question that many high schoolers are asked to consider at some point in their lives: What do you want to be when you grow up?
This question is often met with ambiguous and uncertain answers, but for West senior Max Rettler, the answer is clear. He wants to become a priest. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
This Election Shows Why Millennials Need to Be Informed and Serious
VIEWPOINT
By Hannah Bensen, Editor in Chief
Last week, a high school library aide was prevented by school administration from setting up an information table regarding the 2016 elections.
The display would have equally included books, bumper stickers, and buttons for the Democratic and Republican nominees in the elections for president and US senate. The intention was to educate students, not endorse a candidate. Continue reading
Filed under Viewpoint
Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away with DJ
By Anthony Schlass, Current Staff
If you ever catch yourself on Big Cedar Lake during the summertime you’ll most likely cross waters with DJ Jaessing.
The high school senior operates sailboats on the water for leisure and competition, and earned his first victory this year. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features
And Then There Were Four
Albrecht commits to Purdue
By Anthony Schlass, Current Staff
It was just a matter of time before West shortstop Evan Albrecht followed in the footsteps of his three West teammates and lifelong best friends.
By committing to Purdue University, Albrecht becomes the fourth Division I baseball commit for the Spartans, behind teammates Anthony Schlass (Oklahoma), Nathan Burns (Oregon State) and Jack Thelen (Wisconsin-Milwaukee). Albrecht, a junior, has played two seasons for the Spartans and has two more to go.
The recruiting process was not the most enjoyable for the sure-handed shortstop. Continue reading
Filed under Sports
The Australian “Glitch” Is “Lost” in the Mainframe
How do you convey the sensation of liking the initial premise of something, but hating the end result of that premise? That’s my dilemma with “Glitch.”
To elaborate, “Glitch” is an Australian series now on Netflix about six people who are resurrected from the dead. Each of these six people come from different time periods and different walks of life, but share one thing in common: they are obsolete. Simply put, the world moved on after they died and those that cared for them are either dead, senile or not the people they knew while they were alive. Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment, Viewpoint
Challenge Accepted
By Jessica Steger, Current Staff
Talk about the ultimate all-sports all-star.
Dennis Ziegler, the new East athletic director, has committed to a year-long challenge. He has extended an invitation to all East sports teams to give him an athletic challenge, and he will fulfill that request at their practice for that day.
On Tuesday, Ziegler joined the boys varsity soccer team for a pk5 shootout, acting as both a goalie and a shooter. He previously ran with the girls cross country team, running eight Decorah Hills, and joined the girls volleyball team by performing a five-ball drill with them. Continue reading
Filed under School News and Features, Sports
Milwaukee Film Festival Review: Right Now, Wrong Then
By Kara Conley, Current Staff
There’s nothing like watching the same story become a completely different one in a matter of moments.
“Right Now, Wrong Then,” a South Korean film that played at this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival, differentiates itself from those in its genre with the original idea of blending the same story into two separate ones, transformed by adjustments in a few subtleties. Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment
Walking for Charity Brings Club Members Together
SAGA members raised more money for the AIDS Walk & 5K Run than any other high school group in the state
By Kaitlyn Von Behren, Current Staff
The WBHS Sexuality and Gender Alliance fundraised over triple their goal for this year’s AIDS Walk & 5K Run.
SAGA’s goal was $500, and the total raised was $1690. Donations were collected in late September and early October.
The AIDS Walk & 5K Run was held Oct. 1 at Milwaukee’s Summerfest Grounds. The event is put on by the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin to raise funds to increase access to life-saving health care among those with HIV and AIDS. Continue reading
Filed under Community, School News and Features
Millonig’s Moment
Retired teacher keeps making his mark
By Kaitlyn Von Behren, Current Staff
The left brain and right brain merge seamlessly to create Bill Millonig, former East math teacher and current artist.
In August, a painting by Millonig was chosen as the winning trout stamp for 2017. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources holds yearly contests for the stamps, which residents must purchase to hunt or fish the particular species. Continue reading
Filed under Community
The Long Walk: In Conversation with Anthony Anderson
Local veteran will appear at Monday’s film screening at UW-WC
By Allison Trampe, Current Staff
Some people know Anthony Anderson as a neighbor, some as a war veteran. Others know him as a lead in the new documentary “Almost Sunrise.” Continue reading
Filed under Community, Entertainment
Milwaukee Film Festival Review: Kaili Blues
By Kara Conley, Current Staff
Last week I was transported to a small town in China.
“Kaili Blues,” a movie playing at this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival, is a terrific work of art that evokes emotion and engulfs audiences with an emphasis on visualization. I was entranced by the images floating across the screen as a complicated story unfolded in front of my eyes. Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment
Rather Meek for Something Called “Berserk”
“He who fights with CGI monsters should look to it that he himself does not become CGI…. When you gaze long at the spasming, spinny camera, the spasming, spinny camera gazes into you…”
Another summer hath come and gone, yet the eternal wheels of Television keep turning. Preacher was orange, JoJo’s was weird, but there’s a particular series that really stood out to me over the summer season… it’s Berserk 2016. I’ve said it time and time again, I’m a hardcore fan of the Japanese Berserk and highly recommend the stellar, if poorly animated Berserk 1997. It only took 19 years without a proper continuation to the series for Berserk to finally get a continuation of its story. Continue reading
Filed under Entertainment, Viewpoint
