Three current and one former Whitewater High School student were recently honored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) with the Aspirations in Computing award. Senior Jazmin Cederberg and former student Arsonic Webster-Barczak were named Wisconsin Winners, while Senior Dayna Carlson and Freshman Ace Hudec earned Wisconsin Honorable Mentions. All four have studied computer science extensively at WHS and are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team.
Dayna Carlson, Ace Hudec, and Jazmin Cederberg
The students will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on May 7 that will feature college booths, many young IT professionals with whom students can network, and a keynote speaker. Students will receive a medal and a prize bag filled with goodies from local businesses and organizations that value each student’s accomplishments and applications.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,400 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in the world of computing. NCWIT helps organizations recruit, retain, and advance those who identify as women or non-binary from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers by providing community, evidence, and action. They do this by providing opportunities to awardees for networking, career development, and community-building.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher and Banner Volunteer lmasbruch@wwusd.org
VIP Services will be hosting their first annual ‘Casino Night Benefit’ and new logo unveiling on Saturday, February 18th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at their offices on 811 E. Geneva Street in Elkhorn. Funds raised at the event will be used to support VIP’s ongoing community programs and help launch their new branding efforts.
Tickets to the benefit are $50 each and include entrance, playing chips, local beer provided by Duesterbeck’s Brewery, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. Guests will have the opportunity to play blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas hold’em. The top three chip holders at the end of the night will get to pick from the prize table, which will include a large-screen HD TV and a wine basket with a gift certificate to a local favorite, The Duck Inn. There will be other raffle opportunities and a prop-filled photo booth where guests can have their photo taken in front of a backdrop.
“This unique event presents an exciting opportunity to showcase VIP’s services and create new connections in the community,” Poshepny said during a promotional announcement for the event. “We are very proud of the work we do, as well as those we support in their efforts to overcome challenges and barriers to find employment and other opportunities to become involved in the community.” Those interested in buying or reserving tickets are encouraged to call VIP Services at 262.723.4043 or visit VIP’s offices.
VIP’s motto: Empowering people with disabilities to explore and experience endless possibilities.
Editor’s note: The above news release was received from VIP Services.
On Saturday, February 11, the Whitewater Wrestling Team competed in the Regional Wrestling Tournament held in Jefferson. The tournament consisted of 13 teams, each attempting to achieve top two status to advance to the team sectional with the top four individuals to qualify for individual sectionals. After a grueling day of competition, the Whitewater team defended their title from a year ago, clinching the team title, outdistancing Martin Luther who took second place. As a team, Whitewater will travel to Evansville to compete in the team sectional against Belmont/Platteville, a team that came out of a very strong region.
Whitewater Whippets
Individually, Whitewater wrestled very well throughout the day. Traysen Thomason and Aaron Porras led the way for the Whippets, each of them winning their first individual Regional championships at 138 and 160 pounds. Traysen wrestled very well throughout the day winning a very exciting semi-final match 9-8 and then a championship match 8-4. Aaron Porras started his day with two pins and then a very tough match in the championship winning 6-5.
Coming in second for Whitewater were CJ Tomomitsu, Connor Friend, and Odair Porras. CJ and Connor each lost in the championship match against very tough competitors, putting up a good match but coming up short. Odair lost in the semi-finals, won his third-place match, and then had the opportunity to wrestle for true second. He wrestled very well in the 2nd place match to move up the podium.
Individual Sectional Qualifiers
Taking third place and also qualifying for sectionals were Jasen Porras, Victor Hernandez, and Payton Lyon. Jasen and Victor won their third-place match. Victor did not get a wrestle back as he had already wrestled the 2nd place person, and Jasen lost in the wrestle back so he held onto 3rd place. Payton had a very tough loss in the championship. He nearly pinned his opponent in the championship but ended up losing. It was tough to come back from the loss, and he ended in third place, yet still qualified for the sectional.
Aaron PorrasTraysen Thomason
The individual qualifiers will compete on Saturday, also in Evansville.
Article and Photos Courtesy of John Schimming Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach jschimming@wwusd.org Action Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Members of Ferradermis and representatives of the Lincoln FIRST Lego League Team hosted an open house on Saturday, February 11, at the high school. The team wishes to thank our community members, sponsors, and Senator Steve Nass for stopping by to check out the high school team’s progress on their 2023 robot and to learn about the robotics programs throughout the district.
Robotics Administrative subteam members gave tours which included hearing from members of the Competition Logistics, CAD, Programming, Electrical, and Mechanical subteams and a chance to hear about the team’s first ever Digital Animation submission.
Ferradermis will take the field with their newest robot at Sussex Hamilton High School on Sunday, February 19, for a scrimmage with teams from throughout southeast Wisconsin before heading to Duluth for the Northern Lights Regional on March 1.
Thank you to NBC’s Chicago Fire, the Wildermuth-Breitzman family, and the LaHaie family for donating prize baskets to the team. Congratulations to our basket winners Jeff and Peggy Lee, Linda Robinson, Tori Breisath, Susan Bellman, Amanda Genung, Mason Pautsch, and Nathan O’Shaughnessy!
2022-2023 Ferradermis Sponsors
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast – Monday @ 8:00 a.m. Agenda: Click on meetings in upper right corner Whitewater High School Library 534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin 8:00 a.m.
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Public hearing regarding consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed Auto Repair Service with Rental of Box Trucks and Trailers located at 1002 S Janesville Street, Parcel ID#/WUP 00341 for Big Deal LLC. (Lee Loveall) and Public hearing regarding a Site Plan Review for the Ferguson Building, Lot 2, Innovation Drive. This meeting is IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room 312 W. Whitewater St. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/998152653 You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 998-152-653 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Discussion And Possible Action Awarding The Southwest Water Main Extension, Contract 1-2023 To The Qualified Low Bidder and Discussion And Possible Action Regarding Changes To Downtown Business Employee Permit Parking. Cravath Conference Room Municipal Building – 2 Floor 312 W Whitewater St
Whitewater Unified School District Calendar Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m. Agenda: click on “meetings” in upper right corner Whitewater Unified School District Central Office William D. Kyle Board Room 419 South Elizabeth Street
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes sale of three properties and future of Friends of the Library Community Room 431 W. Center Street Whitewater, WI 53190 Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 06:30 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88261320467?pwd=Y1NicWhSRzdLbmpJc1dTUkE2dytvdz09 Meeting ID: 882 6132 0467 Passcode: hCqKjh0S Or Dial 1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 882 6132 0467 Passcode: 46883370
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. AGENDA includes Presentation on “Perspectives on (Re) Development”; Closed session items, to be followed by open session: (a) Deliberating acquisition of 126 North Jefferson Street (Tax Parcel /BIRW 00002) and Vacant Land at 104 East Main Street (Tax Parcel /BIRW 00002). (b) Letter of Intent regarding potential mixed‐use development on East Main Street/Jefferson Street. Location: Municipal Building – Community Room 1st Floor 312 W. Whitewater St. This will be an IN‐PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82620171822?pwd=MGMvanpWNXNwMGx1U0FXcFNPUWprUT09 Passcode: 389030 Or Telephone: Dial: 1‐312‐626‐6799 Passcode: 389030
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Milwaukee Police Department Officer Peter Jerving
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced Executive Order #185 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Feb. 13, 2023, in honor of Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving, who was killed in the line of duty on Tue., Feb. 7, 2022, at the age of 37.
“Officer Jerving was a devoted officer who proudly served his city, having spent most of his life wanting to become an officer. By all accounts, he was a dedicated and distinguished public servant who demonstrated exemplary courage, and his passing is an exceptional loss for the city of Milwaukee and our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I join Wisconsinites across our state in continuing to keep Officer Jerving’s parents, loved ones, and friends and colleagues, including the Milwaukee Police Department, as well as the entire city of Milwaukee, in our hearts and prayers as we mourn his tragic death.”
Officer Jerving was a lifelong Milwaukee resident with four years of experience with the Milwaukee Police Department. Recognized for his exceptional public service, Officer Jerving received a Milwaukee Police Department Merit Award in 2022 for his life-saving efforts in providing care to a gunshot victim in hazardous conditions.
Services for Officer Jerving will be held on Mon., Feb. 13, 2023, in Brookfield.
Step Afrika!’s Black History Month Tour brings African American culture to college students at more than 20 U.S. colleges and universities every February promoting stepping, the arts, and a commitment to higher education.
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 50 countries across the globe. Step Afrika! now ranks as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the United States.
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theatres and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador. Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education (2005); Innovation in the Arts (2008); and Excellence in an Artistic Discipline (2012); and performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and the First Lady.
Step Afrika! is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African-American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive. In 2017, Step Afrika! made its Off-Broadway debut with the critically-acclaimed production, The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.
On Wednesday, February 8, five members of Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team, were accompanied by mentors Dilpreet Randhawa, Brienne Brown, and Laura Masbruch as they travelled to the state capitol to raise awareness for FIRST with their state representatives during FIRST Wisconsin Advocacy Day.
Seniors Daniel (Peter) Portwine and Jazmin Cederberg, Junior Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Sophomore Maddison LaHaie, and Freshman Margaret Brown spent the morning at Monona Terrace, hearing from the leadership of FIRST Wisconsin and members of other FIRST teams from middle and high schools around the state about advocacy. They also learned about SASA, the Student Association for STEM Advocacy.
Maddi LaHaie, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Margaret Brown, Jazmin Cederberg, and Daniel (Peter) Portwine
Kevin Anderson from the Department of Public Instruction spoke with the students about the details of the Robotics League Participation Grant which was originally created by the state legislature in 2015 as part of Act 280. This grant is guaranteed to all Wisconsin robotics teams in grades 6-12 who apply and is meant to act as a $5000 matching grant to help offset the costs of competition. However, as the number of robotics teams in Wisconsin has grown, the pool of money allotted to the grant has not kept pace, despite an increase in a previous budget cycle. In the latest round of grant awards for the 2023 season, teams were awarded approximately $3800 each. A major goal of Advocacy Day was for students to ask their legislators to increase the pool of funds for this grant during the next budget cycle. Ferradermis has benefitted from this grant in each of their seven years of competition, so it is important to the team to see this funding continue and potentially increase.
Advocacy Day Attendees
In the Rotunda
Meeting
Preparations
Reflecting on a Meeting
Talking with Representative Schutt
Talking with Representative Shelton
Training at Monona Terrace
Walking to the Capitol
During the morning session, students also heard from Dan Rossmiller, who is currently the Director of Government Relations for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. Mr. Rossmiller helped the students understand the inner-workings of the state legislature and the budget process. The morning wrapped up with a mock meeting staged with Renee Becker-Blau, the new President of FIRST Wisconsin, and a group of students who had previously attended the National Advocacy Conference in Washington DC.
After lunch, the students headed to the State Capitol Building and held meetings with their various representatives. The crew from Ferradermis began with a joint meeting with Senator Steve Nass and Representative Ellen Schutt, who both represent the districts in which the students live. For this session, the students of Ferradermis led the nearly thirty-minute meeting but incorporated members of a FIRST LEGO League Team and a FIRST Tech Team from the Clinton and Beloit areas who are in the same districts.
With Senator Steve Nass and Representative Ellen SchuttWith Representative Francesca Hong
The team then also joined or led separate meetings with Senator Chris Larson of Madison, Representative Francesca Hong from Madison, and Representative Kristina Shelton from Green Bay. Representatives Hong and Shelton are both members of the Assembly Committee on Education, and Senator Larson sits on the Senate Committee on Education, so the team felt it was important to help them learn about FIRST and the need for increased funding for the robotics grant.
Student reaction to the day was highly positive. The students felt the meetings went well, and they left feeling like they had successfully shared their passion for FIRST Robotics. As one student said as the crew was leaving the capitol, “this experience really humanized politics.”
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Students at UW-Whitewater at Rock County will soon be able to participate in competitive athletics as they move along their educational journey. The National Junior College Athletic Association has accepted the campus as its newest member. Rock County intends to field teams starting in the 2024-25 academic year, and its student-athletes will be eligible for postseason play starting in 2025-26.
“We are thrilled to be bringing intercollegiate athletics back to UW-Whitewater at Rock County,” said Tricia Clasen, dean and assistant vice chancellor. “Participation in athletics is a valuable college experience for so many students and offers the whole community opportunities to get involved in college sports. We can’t wait to cheer on our student-athletes!”
Founded in 1938, the NJCAA is the governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed and achieve in their academic and athletic disciplines. It is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with more than 500 member schools in 44 states. UW-Whitewater at Rock county is assigned to Region 4, which includes schools in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
“We are excited to welcome UW-Whitewater at Rock County to the NJCAA family,” said Christopher J. Parker, NJCAA president and CEO. “NJCAA believes that college athletics are an important part of college experience, and we couldn’t be more pleased that URock students will now be able to take part in our competitions.”
Initially, the Rock County campus plans to join NJCAA in the following sports: men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s bowling. The campus is in the process of identifying coaches to lead the teams, and more information will be shared with students once the teams are ready to welcome players.
