Students across the Whitewater Unified School District showcased their literary knowledge in the district-level Battle of the Books competition last week.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association, the program challenges students to read and master 20 books from a preselected list. Book lists were published last June, allowing students and staff to begin their reading journey.
Under the leadership of District Library Media Specialist Kathy Retzke, library lessons in November 2024 introduced students to the competition format. Teams of up to four students were formed, and each was responsible for dividing and conquering the reading list. Over the next 10 weeks, weekly meetings led by library staff provided opportunities for collaboration, comprehension exercises, and practice questions.
Originally launched at Lakeview Elementary under the direction of former library paraprofessional Jerre Sveum, the program expanded district-wide three years ago. This year marks the addition of a high school team. Participation has soared, with 89 students across 26 teams competing from 4th to 11th grade.
“The Battle of the Books program is a fantastic example of how reading can bring students together in a fun, competitive, and educational way,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “Seeing nearly 90 students from across our district dedicate themselves to reading, teamwork, and critical thinking is truly inspiring. Their hard work and collaboration exemplify the kind of engaged learning we strive for at WUSD. We are incredibly proud of all our participants and look forward to seeing how our teams perform at the state competition.”
The winning teams from each school will advance to the statewide Battle of the Books competition, February 24-28, competing virtually against 250 elementary schools, 160 middle schools, and 70 high schools. Below are the teams that will represent WUSD:
Do you and your young kids love to sing, dance, and play musical instruments? Do you wish you had new parenting strategies to handle stress, meltdowns, and challenging behaviors?
Children ages zero to six and their caregivers are invited to “Sing, Dance, Thrive,” a free class at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center (341 S. Fremont St.) on Saturday, March 1 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. Participants will engage in imaginative music and movement adventures, playfully dance with colorful ribbons and parachutes, and nurture relationships by deepening emotional awareness and learning coping strategies for home and school.
The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.
There is no cost or registration required to attend. While the class is best for ages 6 and under, all ages are welcome to attend. Contact Sarah French with any questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.
UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble (UW-W Photo by Craig Schreiner)
The UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Glenn C. Hayes will be performing their Carnegie Hall program on Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 pm in The Young Performing Arts Center, 930 W. Main Street, on campus. Tickets will be available at the door. The group will be performing by invitation at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, March 11 on an 8:00 pm program. The ensemble is accepting donations for their Bus Fund. If you would like to support the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, you may make a tax-deductible donation by writing a check payable to “UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc” and indicate FUND 0487 – SWE on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to: UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc., Alumni Center, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI. 53190.
Tickets for The Young concert may be purchased here. Admission for adults is $7, for those age 65+ or under age 18, $4. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 service charge.
Update 2/25 @ 3:55 p.m. – The team plays in the first round of the conference championship tonight, Tuesday 2/25 @ 7 p.m. – UW-W (#3) vs. UW-RF (#6)
Unconditional love and basketball: Warhawk Kacie Carollo builds on family legacy
Written by Chris Lindeke Photos by Craig Schreiner, UW-Whitewater Athletics
The Carollo family name is synonymous with women’s basketball — and winning — at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
For more than two decades the family has been deeply associated with a team that has a strong legacy at the university and is a household name in NCAA Division III women’s basketball.
Keri Carollo was hired as head coach in April 2002. In 2008, her husband, Joe Carollo, joined her on the sidelines to be an assistant coach.
Fast forward to 2025, and their daughter, Kacie, is helping the family build on that exceptional success.
The Carollo family, including, left to right, Keri, Matthew, Kacie, Tyler, and Joe, hold the team’s conference championship and national runner-up trophies after the Warhawk women’s basketball team’s run to the Final Four in 2022. (UW-Whitewater athletics photo/Michael McLoone)
A two-time All-American, Carollo, an integrated science-business major, has been a linchpin in one of the strongest four-year stretches in the program’s history.
The run has included two Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships, one conference tournament title, and three trips to the NCAA Tournament, including the Final Four in 2022, the Sweet 16 in 2023, and the Elite Eight in 2024.
Carollo has thrived on and off the court — she is a recipient of multiple scholarships and is a five-time member of the Dean’s List — and enjoys the small-town, community-like atmosphere and the caring faculty.
“The professors have been very understanding of our schedules and the demands,” she said. “They understand the time and energy commitment to sports, which I’m very grateful for.”
With just four games remaining in the regular season, Carollo is cherishing every remaining moment as a part of the team.
“It’s basketball, so it’s not the most important thing in the world, but it is to our family, and it is to my teammates,” she said. “Valuing every single day — and the people around me — has been super important for me, because it goes by really fast.”
Carollo’s journey to becoming a Warhawk started more than two decades ago.
A young Kacie Carollo holds an individual trophy between her parents, Keri and Joe Carollo, after the Warhawks placed third in the nation with an 80-67 win against Oglethorpe on March 22, 2008, in Holland, Michigan. (UW-Whitewater Athletics photo)
Raised to be a Warhawk
Carollo’s first memories of being involved in the program include “picnics” packed by her parents that included snacks, puzzles and games — all things to keep her occupied during the team’s practices and games.
She recalled being pushed around in the ball cart and being on the bus with her “big sisters” on the team.
“She was very outgoing, strong-willed, and personable,” Keri Carollo said. “You could tell she was a lot like me — she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and had a very strong personality but was also very caring and always looking out for everyone else.”
In 2008, when Carollo was just a small child, the Warhawks experienced their first big success under her mother’s leadership. The team made its first-ever trip to the Division III Final Four, where they went on to finish in third place.
More national success followed for UW-Whitewater. The team made back-to-back appearances in the Final Four starting five years later, finishing as national runner-up in 2013 and in third place in 2014.
Recruited to be a Warhawk
A three-sport athlete at Whitewater High School, Carollo worked closely with her parents to explore opportunities to compete in college basketball.
After a trip to St. Louis for a college visit as a high school senior, she realized that her home for the next four years may be right in her backyard.
Carollo was recruited closely by then-assistant coach Kirsten Hammer and then-graduate assistant Brooke Trewyn, who each earned a BSE in physical education and an MSE in professional studies from UW-Whitewater and were members of the Warhawk women’s basketball team as undergraduates.
“They asked me a lot of questions, and I could tell they really cared about me as a person,” she said.
Carollo enrolled at UW-Whitewater in the fall of 2021, joining a veteran-laden team that was poised for a big season after enduring a COVID pandemic-shortened 2021 campaign.
Warhawk Kacie Carollo, right, hugs Vayda Briggs, 10, who came to the game to see her former babysitter play. The Warhawk women’s basketball team defeated UW-Eau Claire to win the WIAC championship at Kachel Gym on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Four years of success
Carollo was an immediate fit with the Warhawks during the 2021-22 season. She played a supporting role in helping UW-Whitewater capture the regular season league championship and make a run through the NCAA Tournament to the championship game.
After the team punched its ticket to the Final Four with a victory over conference rival UW-Oshkosh, Carollo embraced her mother and coach with tears in her eyes.
UW-Whitewater head women’s basketball coach Keri Carollo hugs her daughter Kacie, guard on the Warhawks, while players react after defeating UW-Oshkosh for a spot in the NCAA Division 3 Final Four Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 12, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
“Everything happened so fast, and none of it was expected,” Carollo said. “It was just so huge for everybody in that moment … I know how hard my parents have worked, so it was cool for me to be an actual, tangible piece of it rather than just supporting them.”
Most importantly, she showed her ability to blend in both on and off the court — a characteristic that’s stuck with her over the last three-plus seasons even with her parents as coaches.
“I have to give Kacie a lot of credit — she’s made it easy — and I would also give credit to the teams she’s played with,” Coach Carollo said. “They have been very understanding of that dynamic, and we’ve never had teams that Kacie’s played with give us any pushback.”
Carollo evolved into a central leader on the team starting with the 2022-23 season. The team captured its second straight conference title, won the WIAC Tournament and reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Players gather with Head Coach Keri Carollo at center court after the win. Kacie Carollo (13) is next to her mother, Keri. The Warhawks women’s basketball team defeated UW-Oshkosh on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. to advance to the WIAC tournament championship game. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
In 2023-24, UW-Whitewater, led by Carollo and another All-American — 2024 Jostens Trophy (National Player of the Year) recipient Aleah Grundahl — made a second straight run to the second weekend of the national tournament. The Warhawks finished one game away from a trip to the Final Four.
This year’s team is currently ranked #25 in the nation. The postseason begins the week of February 24, and the Warhawks are hopeful for another deep run.
“We value opportunity,” Coach Carollo said. “When you’re gifted an opportunity — not everybody gets to play college basketball — you make the most of that opportunity and try to get the most out of that experience. That goes for academics and social life, too, as not everyone gets to go to college. A lot of people take it for granted.”
Head women’s basketball coach Keri Carollo, center, and her husband Joe, an assistant, talk to players. Their daughter Kacie, right, is among the players. The Warhawk women’s basketball team defeated UW-Stevens Point, 53-44, on Jan. 10, 2024, in Kachel Gym. With the win, the Warhawks matched their best start in program history with 14 wins and no losses. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Looking back (and ahead)
The Carollos have grown closer because of their basketball experiences inside of Kachel Gymnasium and around the country.
“We’ve always been close, but I think this has brought us closer, just seeing her go through the highs and lows and challenges of being a student-athlete and a woman,” Coach Carollo said.
The couple are also firmly embedded as leaders in other spaces around the Williams Center. Keri Carollo serves Warhawk athletics as senior woman administrator and assistant athletic director for compliance, while Joe Carollo is an assistant director for business affairs and event operations and a lecturer of kinesiology, teaching classes in the sport management minor.
“I know how much they care and how involved they are — it is literally their life,” Kacie Carollo said. “When they get after me or someone else, I know at the end of the day, it’s not personal — it’s just because they care.”
Carollo is on track to graduate in May 2025. She plans to remain in the area and pursue a career in health care administration.
Kacie Carollo (13), an integrated science and business major, comes off the court. The UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team defeated Calvin University (Michigan) on Dec. 30 in its final home game of 2024. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Carollo’s focus remains on basketball as she hopes to help extend the season deep into March. She has already etched her name into the program record book, currently ranking second in both career points and rebounds, and now looks to add even more team success to an already sterling career ledger.
No result will break a mother and daughter bond that has only grown stronger after more than 20 years of bleeding purple together.
“I tell her at the start of every year that no matter what happens — wins, losses, whatever — I’m always going to be proud of you and love you unconditionally,” the coach (and mom) said.
Tom Ganser writes, “A 16 inch icicle hanging from our gas grill. Enough winter!”
Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing another interesting photo, which was submitted on February 21. One would guess that the icicle is probably not 16″ anymore.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
Hello, I am Nick Baldwin, a husband, father, and educator running for school board. My wife, Heather, and I have 2 children, 13 and 9, both of whom have attended school in the district since kindergarten. In our free time our family enjoys camping, fishing, building projects in the shop and cheering on the kids in their many sports, clubs and activities.
I graduated from Whitewater High School in 2000 and attended UW-Platteville from 2001 to 2005. In the Fall of 2005 I student-taught under Mike Wintz at Whitewater High School. In the Spring of 2006, I was hired at Waterford High School where I taught the remainder of that school year and all of the next. In the Fall of 2007, I started at Union Grove High School where I work to this day. In 2015, I became an adjunct professor at Gateway Technical College, teaching their dual-credit automotive and small engine classes at the high school level. I have a B.S. in Technology Education from UW-Platteville, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. I also hold automotive certifications from ASE, and a general-class amateur radio license from the FCC.
I’ve always worked to help our district in the best ways I knew how. In the past, I have served on the Whitewater High School Technology Education Advisory Board. During that time, another member of that board and I were able to crowd-source thousands of dollars of funding for a new CNC router and power miter saw to be donated to the high school shops. The tools are now an integral part of the curriculum and are used by clubs such as Ferradermis. Those tools are a testament to the wonderful support that our community has for our schools when they are in need.
I believe that the Whitewater community is unique in its ability and desire to support our schools. In the past several years I have witnessed an outpouring of support for our students and staff at monthly school board meetings. I know that we can come together to help our district raise our test scores, improve staff and student morale, provide parents and community members with clear, concise, and transparent communications, and grow the necessary curricula to best prepare our students for life after high school. Please consider voting for me, Nick Baldwin, April 1.
Editor’s note: The Whitewater Banner offered the School Board candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves to our readers. Responses will be published in the order they are received.
Eleven Whitewater Unified School District students have been selected for publication in this year’s edition of “Southern Lakes Anthology.”
The annual competition showcases original art and writing from 3rd-8th grade students across more than 30 school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The theme for this year’s anthology was “The Power Of,” with students encouraged to explore the concept through creating poetry, prose, expository writing, illustrated writing, art, and cartoons.
WUSD Advanced Learning Specialist, Caroline Nelson, described introducing the competition saying, “I love seeing students’ enthusiasm as I reveal the annual SLA theme in classes each fall. They immediately begin brainstorming ideas and making connections to their lives. This year, students were able to apply the theme “The Power Of” to concepts such as self-worth, friendship, historical achievements of women, and chemistry. I look forward to celebrating our published authors and artists at the reception taking place this Spring.”
Over 90 WUSD students submitted their work for review, and after an initial round of district judging, 24 pieces advanced to the regional level. On January 29, WUSD educators Sara Brautigam, Caroline Nelson, and Kathy Retzke joined over 100 fellow judges to review more than 900 submissions and select the top entries for publication.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our incredible students whose work was chosen for publication in the 2024 Southern Lakes Anthology,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “These students demonstrated creativity, dedication, and perseverance in crafting their pieces, often seeking feedback from peers and teachers to refine their work.”
Below is the list of published authors from WUSD:
3rd Grade: ● Josie Chaphalkar, Lincoln – “The Beauty of Nature” (Illustrated Writing) ● Evelyn Brockwell, Lakeview – “The Galaxy’s Strength” (Art) ● Charlie Pieper, Washington – “Molecules of Might” (Art) ● Sofia Cerillo, Washington – “I am Sofia”
5th Grade: ● Neema Kejo, Washington – “I Wish I…” (Poetry) ● Jamie Hoffman, Lakeview – “The Forest Life” (Art)
These students will be honored at a recognition reception at UW-Whitewater in May, celebrating their achievements alongside other published young authors and artists from the region.
In addition to the published selections, the following students had their work submitted for regional judging and earned honorable mention:
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of the Whitewater Area will participate in two fundraisers in the upcoming two weeks. Funds raised will support the LWV’s educational outreach efforts, and the events will provide an opportunity for the LWV to reach a wider audience.
The first fundraiser is a BINGO Night, hosted by the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties at The Real MacCoy’s, N1431 County Road N, Whitewater on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:00 pm. Ten percent from the sales of the BINGO cards and fifty percent of the cash raffle will go to the LWV.
The second fundraiser is Share Night, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Culver’s, 1414 W Main Street, Whitewater. LWV members will deliver food orders to cars and tables, and assist with keeping the restaurant area clean. Culver’s will donate 10% of the sales made during that time to the organization. LWV will also staff a booth at the event to share information about voter registration and the April 1, 2025 election.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 8:30 a.m. The board will certify the election results from February 18. Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion and possible action related to the Territorial Oak and Discussion and possible action regarding landscaping guidelines. Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St *In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/605491661 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 605-491-661 United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 6:00 p.m. ———————————————– 6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION Agenda: …..to discuss employee contract and preliminary non-renewal notice. – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81769707177?pwd=rdSFzAfIvJ5VmTaqYcNWagEtZq3Tsv.1 – Passcode: 915610 ———————————————– – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 817 6970 7177 – Passcode: 915610 ———————————————– Closed Session ———————————————– 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includesConsideration of Petition to Alter School District Boundaries – Milton School District, Transfer – EMLSS Coordinator to ADMINISTRATION – Associate Principal at the Middle School effective July 1, 2025, and Update on high school turf fields. – URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82261459987?pwd=aVZrWW12WHJIUmk3Zm9qTmkyb01jQT09 – Passcode: 141789 ———————————————- – Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 822 6145 9987 – Passcode: 141789
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Executive session, followed by open session: Discussion and possible action on Pre 3 Offer to purchase vacant land located at/A444200001, Discussion and possible action LOI with the City of Whitewater and Walworth County Habitat for Humanity. ,Discussion and possible action of a development agreement with Arch Development. Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Community Room, 2nd Floor, 312 W Whitewater St In Person and Virtual Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88398099018?pwd=M1TbmIBJngLzV841c3jUfEAmgca3mU.1 Meeting ID: 883 9809 9018 Passcode: 950683 One tap mobile +13017158592,,88398099018#,,,,950683# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,88398099018#,,,,950683# US Dial by your location 1 312 626 6799 US Meeting ID: 883 9809 9018 Passcode: 950683
