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Madison, Wis. — The 16 graduating members of Overture Center’s Jerry Ensembles, two premier musical performance groups representing the Jerry Awards, have declared their post-high school education plans. Thirteen of the seniors are pursing degrees in the performing arts.

“It’s extremely competitive to get accepted into a performing arts program,” said Gail Becker, director of the Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble. “Students must go through a lengthy audition process, which is usually 8-10 months of grueling preparation, study, research, travel, polishing, material searching, training, coaching and, finally, performing.”

The accomplished singers of the Jerry Ensemble participate in the group 1-3 years each, delighting audiences with songs from musical theater classic gems, singing the National Anthem at sporting events and performing solos, duets, trios and more. According to Overture’s Programming & Community Engagement Manager Karra Beach, performing live with the ensemble helps students develop poise and confidence while building technical skills in acting, singing and dancing.

“One of my favorite things about being in Jerry Ensemble is that I’m able to do the thing I love and make great friends while doing it!” said Ethan Hanson, DC Everest Senior High School. “The biggest skill I gained from being in the Jerry Ensemble is having the self-discipline to work on things daily and improve upon myself.”

Lauren Harkness of Whitewater High School gained important life skills, too. “Getting to perform all over Madison, especially Overture Hall, has been rewarding and exciting. I learned how to be flexible and to always say yes to challenges,” she said.

In the university acceptance process, students are accepted into a university academically, and then they must be separately accepted into the theater or music program, which requires live auditions either at the school or at one of three National Unified Audition locations: Chicago, Los Angeles or New York. There are usually 30-40 schools at the Unified Auditions, which allows students to audition for numerous university programs in one location over the course of a few days.

“Keep in mind, because of the thousands of students vying for 12-20 available slots in a program, odds of acceptance are slim,” said Becker. “Students audition for 12-14 schools during an audition season. They typically prepare two musical pieces and two monologues to perform; however, many have 6-7 pieces in their audition book, ready at a moment’s notice. This takes months of practice and getting it just right, picking the perfect songs, fine tuning the best monologues, so they can stand out and show their best self. It’s all about being unique and genuine.”

Parnassus Funk of Madison West High School agrees it’s important to be genuine. She stated, “The Ensemble showed me that the best thing you can bring to the table at any audition is you. If you are kind and easy to work with, your path to success will be a lot easier!”

Summarizing his experience, Tristin Thompson, Lakeland Union High School, said, “Participation in a performance-heavy group like the Jerry Ensemble strengthened my artistic résumé and gave me practical experience in learning material quickly and collaborating with other artists, all of which was very useful in my college audition process.”

Ava DeCroix of Middleton High School agrees it was a valuable experience. She noted, “As a member of the Jerry Ensemble, I’ve been introduced to some of the more professional aspects of the performance world, such as networking, behind-the-scenes technology and a fast-paced rehearsal process. I definitely feel that these experiences prepared me for success in both performance and other fields at the college level.”

Following is a list of the Jerry Ensemble seniors and where they will be attending college:

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN JERRY ENSEMBLE

• Ava DeCroix, Middleton High School – Notre Dame (Glynn Scholar), Voice Performance and Computer Science
• Emma Dias, Waunakee High School – Marquette University or DePaul University, Voice and Theatre
• Julian Engle, Middleton High School – DePaul University, Film and Television Production
• Olivia Foght, Waunakee High School – Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Musical Theatre
• Parnassus Funk, Madison West High School – Webster University, Musical Theatre (deferred until 2021)
• Lauren Harkness, Whitewater High School – UW Milwaukee, Voice and Public Relations
• Kyle Kapusta, Oregon High School – Millikin University, Musical Theatre
• Jamal Stone, Sun Prairie High School – Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Musical Theatre
• Gabriella Unitan, Stoughton High School – UW Madison, undecided

CENTRAL WISCONSIN JERRY ENSEMBLE

• Riya Bolander, Marshfield High School – State University of New York Binghamton, Psychology and Music
• Ethan Hanson, DC Everest Senior High School – North Dakota State University, Musical Theatre
• Isabella Kneeland, Antigo High School – Saint Norbert College, Biology/Pre-Med
• Maegan Mansfield, Northland Pines High School – UW-Milwaukee, Acting
• Jarreth Schaefer, Marshfield High School – UW-Stevens Point, English Education
• Somerset Seymer, Northland Pines High School – UW-Eau Claire, Theatre
• Tristin Thompson, Lakeland Union High School – Oklahoma City University, Musical Theatre

“These students have approached the college application process with positive energy, gratitude and grace,” said Becker. “I’m very proud of all my students who tackle this journey. It’s not perfect, and it’s sometimes not fun, but we, who are performing artists in our souls, know it’s the only way. It’s our passion and nothing will stop us from pursuing it.”

According to Jamal Stone of Sun Prairie High School, “Any experience is good experience and the Jerry Ensemble provides just that. Being a part of the group is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

The Jerry Awards is a high school musical awards program that encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year with 23 productions within 45 miles of Madison and has since expanded across the state through partnerships with Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Grand Theater and Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. Educators and industry professionals review productions at Wisconsin high schools and/or community theater organizations and provide valuable feedback to students. In its first decade, the Jerry Awards engaged more than 700,000 students, teachers, theater professionals and community members and has grown into a nationally recognized showcase of the brightest stars in Wisconsin high school musical theater.

Students in participating high schools can participate in the Central or Southern Jerry Ensemble, the premier performance groups representing the Jerry Awards. Students are selected through auditions each year. The Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble is directed by Marshall DeLonay and the Southern Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble is directed by Gail Becker.

JERRY AWARDS SHOW: Each June, Overture honors high school musical theater programs in a Jerry Awards show. The much-anticipated culminating event will occur virtually this year on Sunday, June 21 at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live. The 90-minute show, featuring video clips of musical theater performances, student and school awards and special guests. Two hundred and seventy-one 271 Jerry Awards will be presented recognizing excellence with multiple recipients in each category.  Click here to view the complete list of recipients.

Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wis., features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and four galleries where national and international touring artists, 10 resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in nearly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture’s mission is to support and elevate our community’s creative culture, economy and quality of life through the arts. overture.org

By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner Staff
whitewaterbanner.com

At the Common Council meeting of June 16, Council President Lynn Binnie introduced a Resolution in Support of Racial Justice, indicating that he felt it was a necessary step in responding to the nationwide protests, as well as local calls for reforms in the practices and culture of policing. While expressing gratitude that the local protests have been peaceful, Lynn indicated that a number of our citizens are raising concerns about racial injustices in our own city, and are insisting on systemic change. “Perhaps that has come rather unexpectedly to my peers, to City leadership, and to citizens who are listening. In my tenure on the Council I remember very few concerns being raised in terms of discrimination or unfair treatment. You may feel the same,” he stated. He pointed out that our city leadership, both elected and professional, is unfortunately very lacking in racial/ethnic diversity, and maintained that it is impossible for those people to fully understand the perspectives of people of color.

Binnie concluded, “That’s why I felt it was imperative for us to consider a resolution on racial justice tonight. But that’s not enough. That’s why it’s time for us to be deliberate about listening. And that’s why it’s time for us to be committed to change. A resolution is only a starting point. That’s why after we discuss the resolution we will be talking about action steps.” He expressed appreciation for assistance in drafting the resolution to Council member Brienne Brown and to Dr. Kenny Yarbrough, Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at UW-W. The resolution that is copied below was adopted unanimously by the Common Council.

After the meeting The Banner asked Binnie how he felt about the 3+ hour meeting. He responded, “I was very pleased by the affirmative response of my peers, and of the numerous citizens who spoke, to the resolution. The comments by City Manager Cameron Clapper and Police Chief Aaron Raap demonstrated that, although many of our policies already address many of the concerns that are being raised nationally, they recognize the importance of intentionally listening to the community and committing to changes wherever they are needed. Recently I heard the adage, ‘culture trumps policy every time,’ and we have to be open to culture change in addition to policy change. Finally, I was extremely disturbed to hear the abhorrent things that some of our own citizens have done towards people of color in the course of daily life as well as during the current protests. It falls far short of what we desire for Whitewater, and I hope that all of us will take a good look in the mirror and consider how we treat our fellow citizens.”

Resolution in Support of Racial Justice

WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence provides in part that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”; and,

WHEREAS, the 14^th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that no person within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of the United States; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Whitewater recognizes that these rights were originally intended for a selected category of the United States population but have evolved to include all citizens of the United States; and,

WHEREAS, it is the goal of the City of Whitewater to be a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive community; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Whitewater intends to provide efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing, and working in an exceptional community; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Whitewater is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of its residents’ identities which include: racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, gender expression, persons who are differently-abled, and various sexual identities, all of which contribute to the vibrant character of our City; and,

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City that no person be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his, her, or their civil rights or be discriminated against because of their actual or perceived characteristics of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other identity; and,

WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated this intent by establishing an Equal Opportunities Commission, and by various actions of the Police Department, including: voluntary compliance with the extensive standards of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, being one of the first law enforcement agencies in the state to provide body cameras for officers, providing recent cultural sensitivity training sessions for officers, and participating in recent community forums with representatives from the Latinx community as well as the UW-W Black Student Union; and,

WHEREAS, our nation’s history is replete with shameful acts of injustices and discrimination towards people of color, beginning with slavery and continuing in various ways to today; and,

WHEREAS, over that history our nation’s various communities of color and their allies have directed our attention to these failures, calling for equal justice and fair treatment; and,

WHEREAS, in recent days millions of our citizens nationally and hundreds of our own City’s citizens have responded to recent tragic events of injustice, including loss of life, by protesting and calling for change; and,

WHEREAS, we recognize that in spite of our best intentions, we may be unaware of ways or instances in which our City’s services fail to reflect our core values; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Whitewater Common Council, do hereby resolve that the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin:

1. Reaffirms its commitment to equal and fair treatment and justice for all citizens and visitors, and states its strong opposition to systemic racism affecting people of color in this and every other community in the United States of America.

2. Encourages any individuals who believe that they have been mistreated or discriminated against in the course of any City services to file a complaint with the appropriate Department Director, the City Manager, a Common Council member, or the Equal Opportunities Commission.

3. Requires that any complaints be fully investigated with any appropriate corrective action being taken and, to the extent allowed by our Human Resource policies, the results being communicated to the complainant.

4. Commits to opportunities for dialogue and discussion between all interested parties with Common Council members and City leadership regarding concerns and suggestions pertaining to equal justice and fair treatment in any policies and practices of the City. Although it is recognized that racial justice issues may arise primarily in the Police Department and the Municipal Court, we do not wish to exclude discussion of issues related to any City services.

5. Commits to thorough evaluation of concerns, suggestions, and recommendations received, with timely action steps that may include adoption or revision of policies and procedures, personnel education, evaluation of outcomes, and transparency in these actions.

6. Commits to reforms and culture change.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Following the adoption of the resolution, before he discussed next steps, City Manager Cameron Clapper shared some personal comments, indicating that there had been some recent inadvertent missteps in communication from the city staff as they have addressed racial justice. Specifically Mr. Clapper mentioned that at the June 7 March for Racial Unity he had been emotional in noting the strong turnout, and in struggling to get words out followed “Black Lives Matter” with “All Lives Matter.” Cameron referenced a comment that someone made to him since that march: “Until Black Lives Matter we can’t say that all lives matter.” He then stated that he wholeheartedly retracted the “all lives matter” statement, indicating that he was titling his remarks “commiting to racial justice,” because he sees it as a process.

Mr. Clapper also expressed that he was very disappointed to hear of some of the very offensive things that have happened to individuals who are peacefully expressing their right to free speech in Whitewater.

The examples of “radical transformative change” that have been communicated as needed in the Police Department by some of the local protesters are consistent with those found at https://8cantwait.org. The City Manager enumerated each of the eight goals that have been expressed, together with an explanation of Whitewater’s current policies.

1. The duty to intervene-Require officers to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers and report these incidents immediately to a supervisor. Response: This is Whitewater policy.

2. Ban shooting at moving vehicles- this practice has been shown to be ineffective and jeopardizes the safety of citizens Response: Our policy only permits shooting at moving vehicles in very limited circumstances. An officer must exhaust all other options, and would only be permitted to shoot at a moving vehicle if necessary for the safety of surrounding individuals or the officer.

3. Require a use of force continuum- develop a force continuum that limits the types of force and/or weapons that can be used to respond to specific types of resistance. Response: Our policy and training are modeled after the use of force continuum from the Training and Standards Bureau of the WI Department of Justice.

4. Require comprehensive reporting- Require officers to report each time they use force or threaten to use force against civilians. Response: This is our policy, and such instances are reviewed by four officers in the chain of command, up to and including the Deputy Chief or Chief. City Manager Clapper indicated that he anticipates discussion about requiring review outside the department when there is an accusation of excessive force or racially motivated actions.

5. Exhaust all other means before shooting- require officers to exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to deadly force. Response: This is our policy. Before use of any type of force an officer must attempt to use verbal commands and nonverbal cues.

6. Require a warning before shooting-require officers to give a verbal warning, when possible, before shooting at a civilian. Response: Officers are trained to clearly and loudly communicate with the subject before using deadly force whenever possible.

7. Require de-escalation-require officers to de-escalate situations, when, possible by communicating with civilians, maintaining distance and otherwise eliminating the need to use force. Response: Our policy is designed to eliminate the need for force, and when force is required to gain control, the level of force must be reduced once control is gained.

8. Ban chokeholds and strangleholds-Allowing officers to choke or strangle civilians, in many cases when less lethal force could be used instead results in the unnecessary death or serious injuring of civilians. Response: Chokeholds are not authorized, nor are they part of our training. They would only be appropriate if an officer’s life was threatened.

Although Clapper summarized that most of our policies are in accordance with what is being described as best practice, he recognized a need for more open dialogue, for explanations, and for corrective action. A citizen told him this week, “Resolutions and proclamations are fine and good, but people watch action.”

Clapper indicated the following plans for action:

• Regular town hall meetings
• City Manager reports will provide updates on related initiatives.
• The quarterly Police Department report format will be reviewed for greater transparency.
• The Equal Opportunity Commission will change from a reactive to a proactive, standing committee charged with ensuring that the city’s policies and practices are free of systemic racism. People of color will be well represented on the commission.
• Diversity training will be provided more regularly.
• Our personnel recruitment will be focused on increasing diversity.
• Increased investigation of complaints, to include City Manager review of any allegations of excessive force or racial injustice.
• Any citizen who feels that they have been unfairly treated by any city employees is encouraged to file a complaint with the City Manager, the Police Chief, the Equal Opportunity Commission, or a Common Council member.
  

AMES, Iowa (June 18, 2020)- More than 12,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2020 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 9 credit hours of graded course work.

Whitewater, WI

 Ashley Elizabeth Young, Junior class year, Veterinary Medicine

MADISON, Wis.— Press Release — University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents President Andrew S. Petersen today announced that former Governor Tommy G. Thompson has agreed to serve as UW System Interim President effective July 1. The decision comes after consultation Thursday with the Board of Regents, which offered uniform support.

Thompson is a well-known champion of Wisconsin’s public universities, and he has called for a renewal of the Wisconsin Idea, the principle that the UW System serves all parts of the state. He is the state’s only four-term governor and his bipartisan policy proposals have had a lasting impact on the state. As a former U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS), Governor Thompson’s health policy experience will be critical as universities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. He chairs the UW System Business Council and helped lead a public-private campaign to fund UW-Madison’s BioStar Initiative with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

“The University of Wisconsin System is the state’s most valuable asset, and I will be its biggest advocate and its toughest evaluator,” Thompson said. “No other institution in the state can do more to improve lives, communities, and Wisconsin’s economy.”

Petersen said he asked Thompson to serve as Interim President because of his legacy of bringing people together and finding common ground.

“Governor Thompson is a statesman who offers the kind of leadership the UW System needs right now,” Petersen said. “I have witnessed his collaborative yet direct leadership style. He is perfectly suited to serve as Interim President.”

Regent Karen Walsh praised the selection.

“I have known Governor Thompson since he was in the state legislature, and he understands the importance of the UW System to the state of Wisconsin, including the key role that academic research plays in economic development,” Walsh said. “He is a pragmatic leader who seeks solutions. He has my confidence.”

Born in Elroy, Wis., Thompson, 78, earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from UW-Madison. He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1966 and became minority leader in 1981. He won election as governor in 1986 and won an unprecedented four terms, which makes him the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history. As governor he remained committed to a strong university system, faculty research, and the Wisconsin Idea. He stepped down during his fourth term to become HHS secretary under President George W. Bush, a role where he oversaw an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health and enhanced local public health preparedness.

He is currently a senior fellow with the Bipartisan Policy Center and chairman and chief executive officer of Thompson Holdings. He serves on the board of directors of Centene Corporation; United Therapeutics Corporation; Physicians Realty Trust; and TherapeuticsMD, Inc.

At his request, Thompson will be paid the minimum under Board policy, $489,334 salary annually.

Board of Regents policy vests the Regent President with authority to name an Interim President. No vote of the Board is required, but Petersen consulted with Board members Thursday and a uniform consensus developed around Governor Thompson’s appointment.

The Board of Regents will not commence a search for a permanent president for at least a year. Under the terms of his contract, Thompson will serve until a new president is hired and takes office.

Current System President Ray Cross will remain with the System as a consultant for 90 days after he leaves office June 30 to assist Thompson’s transition into the role.

See bio of Thompson.

Barb Quast and Pat Chaput are this week’s WUL Hometown Heroes.  They were nominated, “For volunteering as co-managers of the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and for working tirelessly at least 4-6 days a week for many years to help provide food to the Whitewater community.” 

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and delivered the news that slaves in Texas had been liberated two years earlier, in January 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Today’s celebration couldn’t come at a more fitting time, as citizens across the country, including Whitewater, have taken to the streets to call for racial justice.

Gov. Evers Announces Juneteenth Flag to Fly Over the State Capitol Building in Celebration of Juneteenth

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers announced on June 16 that the Juneteenth flag will be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol beginning at sunrise on Fri., June 19, 2020, in celebration of Juneteenth. “As a state that sees some of the most disparate outcomes for Black Wisconsinites, it is as important as ever that we recognize and reflect on our history, celebrate Black resiliency, and move forward in solidarity and strength toward a more racially equitable and just society,” said Gov. Evers.  “This year, Juneteenth has particular significance as we find ourselves in the midst of a movement for racial justice and an end to systemic racism,” said Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. “We have won significant freedoms since 1619, but our work will not be over until all Black lives matter by way of equity and the opportunity to thrive.” Juneteenth is formally recognized and celebrated in 47 states and the District of Columbia, with Wisconsin joining as the 32nd state to recognize this day in 2009. This is the first time that the Juneteenth flag has flown at the State Capitol building in state history. Wisconsinites are welcome to view the flag at the East entrance of the State Capitol and are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks.  The Rainbow Pride Flag will be temporarily removed and will resume flying over the East wing of the State Capitol building on Sat., June 20, 2020. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East wing flagpole above the Juneteenth flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North wing flagpole as it does every day.

Bingg’s Restaurant, N416 Twinkling Star Rd,, previously the location of Saxes Lone Star Inn, has constructed an attractive new deck to respond to the increased interest in outdoor dining due to the pandemic. Owners Ed and Chrissy Gaggioli state, “All meals are served using disposable dishes and cutlery for your safety. Hours are currently 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with dinner menu service beginning at 5 p.m. Friday menu is different, with fish fry added, entrees and a few other items abridged from the daily menu.”

Reservations (262-203-9830) are recommended, especially on Fridays. The current menu is available at https://binggs.hrpos.heartland.us/menu; carryout orders may be placed online.

Per a press release from Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners on June 14,”The City of Whitewater has just issued permits for two IN-PERSON running events to be hosted on June 28 and July 12.  Both events will begin and end at Starin Park.  Each run is a fundraiser helping local organizations.”

Put Homelessness to Rest 5K on June 28:  All proceeds benefit the homeless youth in the Whitewater School District.  Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners is working directly with the school district to make a difference.  Register today at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/Homelessness5Konsiteevent.  If you are not comfortable yet doing an in person event, you can take part in our virtual run/walk.  Please register at the same link as above.

The J-Hawks will be hosting the 2nd run on July 12, a 5K socially distanced run/walk.  This is also a fundraising event. The J-Hawks offer both swim lessons and competitive swimming and provide both FREE and REDUCED lessons to youth in the district who receive either free or reduced lunches respectively.  Register today at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/JHawk5KRunWalk

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT THERE AND RUN WITH OTHERS AND MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF OUR YOUTH.

WE ARE BEYOND GRATEFUL TO THE CITY OF WHITEWATER!!!!