A trio of Whitewater High School students, Chacha Binagi, Erison Dreksler, and Rae Breisath spent the week from July 21-26 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) for the MSOE Explore Summit for Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Students.
Chacha Binagi, Erison Dreksler, Rae Breisath
Each day, the students attended two class sessions on different areas of engineering that can be studied at MSOE, participating in lectures and projects. Areas covered included chemical/biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science/software engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, architectural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. During one of the workshops, students built their own miniature robots.
In the evenings, students participated in fun activities including a comedy show and bingo. They also participated in a field trip to learn about cybersecurity.
Each student received a $1000 scholarship from MSOE renewable for four years should they choose to attend that university. All three will be juniors at Whitewater High School this fall and are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Team. They qualified to attend the free summit as students enrolled in the PLTW Introduction to Engineering course at WHS last year.
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School PLTW Teacher and Robotics Advisor lmasbruch@wwusd.org Photo Courtesy of Tori Breisath
Thirty-three robots from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, including Ferradermis from Whitewater High School, took to the field at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois on Saturday, July 27, for R2OC, the Rockford Robotics Offseason Competition.
Each offseason event typically connects a community service project with their competition, and this week it was donations of canned food and toiletries for the Rockford Rescue Mission. Maddi LaHaie and Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman were happy to drop off Ferradermis’ contribution with the event organizers.
Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman and Maddi LaHaie drop off the team’s collection of canned food and toiletries for the Rockford Rescue Mission with one of the event organizers.
Chief Lee the Tangerine, the Ferradermis 2024 robot, has now played over 80 competitive matches since it was completed in February, and the wear and tear is starting to take a toll on the bot. This showed on Saturday as structural portions of the robot needed to be replaced or repaired between many of the matches, but the pit crew was up to the challenge and came prepared with spare parts. Chief Lee the Tangerine will see two or three more competitions this summer and fall before it becomes a demo-only bot, but Ferradermis is also building a second robot that should be ready for competition in August.
Students working in the pit throughout the day included Andrew O’Toole, Erison Dreksler, Ace Hudec, Kay Mikos, Cooper O’Neal, Vivian Harris, and Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman alongside mentors Mark Zimmermann and Paul Kriegel. Kriegel is one of the team’s newest mentors and works as an engineer for Bobcat in Johnson Creek. He also brings a great deal of FIRST Robotics experience to the team as he was a team captain for RoboRiot out of Sheboygan when he was in high school. The team is always open to new mentors who can share their knowledge and experience with students when it comes to CAD, machining, mechanical work, programming, electrical work, business, writing, video editing, graphics, public relations, community outreach, and much more. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please reach out to advisor Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Each team is designated a 10′ x 10′ area known as their pit where they can work on their robot throughout the day.
Ferradermis was led onto the field on Saturday by Driver Andrew O’Toole, Operator Kay Mikos, Human Player Erison Dreksler, Technician Vivian Harris, and Drive Coach Mark Zimmermann. They were often joined on the field by Team Media Representative Isabella Cohen to get some up close photography. The team went 4-1 in their morning matches, ranking 6th at the end of qualification matches.
Planning a solid match strategy with alliance partners is key to success on the field as all matches are played 3 on 3.
The top 8 ranking placed Ferradermis in a position to select their own alliance for the elimination round. Andrew Zimmermann, Chacha Binagi, and Margaret Brown had been working in the stands all morning to gather qualitative data on other robots and video matches for reference. Andrew Zimmermann then took the field as our Alliance Selection Representative and moved into the Captain’s spot for the #4 Alliance when two different pairs of teams ranked ahead of us agreed to join forces for the playoffs. Zimmermann invited Team 4655 Stateline Robotics from Honenegah Community High School in Illinois to join the Ferradermis alliance, and then together they selected Team 2039 Rockford Robotics, a community team from Rockford, to join the alliance as well. In a unique twist to alliance selections, the 8 highest ranked unselected teams drew numbers from a hat to become the 4th member of each alliance. All 4 robots on each alliance were required to play in at least one playoff match. Our 4th alliance member was Team 3352 Flaming Monkeys 4-H Robotics Club from Boone County, Illinois.
Alliance selections are always followed by a captain’s meeting during which a team must be represented by a member of their drive team. R2OC provided an event hat to each captain so officials knew which individual could speak on behalf of each alliance.
Ferradermis’ strategy was to play their 4th alliance partner immediately in their first match of the double elimination playoffs, and they fell to the #5 seeded alliance 87-52. Moving into the lower portion of the playoff bracket, the Ferradermis alliance next defeated the #8 seed 64-54 followed by the #2 seed 90-65. This led to a rematch with the #5 seed, which the Ferradermis alliance won 72-65. The day for Ferradermis came to an end in the third-place match when they fell to the eventual champions, the #3 seeded alliance captained by Team 2338 Gear it Forward from Oswego, Illinois, 95-74. Ferradermis finished the day with a 7-3 record.
Ferradermis appreciates all those who traveled to cheer us on, including recent grad Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman and multiple parents, as well as those who follow the team online. The team will next take to the field in Eau Claire on August 17, but you can find them at the Whitewater City Market on August 6 as well. New members continue to be welcome; the team is open to any Whitewater High School student as well as home-schooled students residing within the physical boundaries of the school district.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The editor was on vacation for over two weeks recently, and the Banner is most appreciative of longtime volunteer staffers Laura Masbruch and Dee Hoglund for keeping the “presses” running so capably during this time. Thank you, Laura and Dee, for your dedicated work throughout the years, and especially for taking on this additional responsibility.
High school seniors will begin receiving admissions offers from the Universities of Wisconsin the week of July 28 under the new Direct Admit Wisconsin program, UWs President Jay Rothman announced on July 24.
Wisconsin seniors who have met Direct Admit Wisconsin requirements will be notified of their Direct Admit offers beginning next week and continuing into September. Participating students should check their high school email accounts for these notices, Rothman said.
“Direct Admit Wisconsin makes it easy to enroll in and pursue a UW education,” Rothman said. “We want students and their families to know there is a place for them at the Universities of Wisconsin.”
Rothman said some students don’t see themselves as succeeding at the college level. Direct Admit Wisconsin tells them otherwise and makes enrollment as easy as possible.
Rothman is urging members of the Class of 2025 to be vigilant in checking their high school email accounts and to follow the instructions for next steps to learn more about the Universities of Wisconsin that have admitted them. Students will need to complete a Direct Admit form to connect with UWs they are interested in and accept their admission offers. There is no fee to complete the Direct Admit form.
Under Direct Admit Wisconsin, qualified high school students from participating schools are automatically admitted to up to 10 UWs without ever having to submit an application. Students must choose to participate in the program and are admitted based upon their grades and coursework after completion of their junior year. They must meet all admissions requirements, enroll for their senior year of high school, and stay on track to graduate.
Students must have been enrolled in one of the nearly 350 participating public and private high schools across Wisconsin. [Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty told the Banner that, “It is a parental choice for our families to opt in or not (of this program). We give them the option.”] All UWs are participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin except UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-La Crosse. Students, including those receiving Direct Admit offers, may still submit an application to those universities.
In addition to the notifications via high school email accounts, students will also receive Direct Admit offer letters through the U.S. mail in the coming weeks. Rothman urged parents and students to be on the lookout.
“It’s summer, and we know students are busy with work, vacation, sports, and other activities so we want to call attention to these important communications,” Rothman said. “It could be life changing.”
Students interested in any of the Universities of Wisconsin can also go to Wisconsin.edu any time to learn more about the constellation of 13 public universities.
The Universities of Wisconsin look forward to expanding the number of participating high schools and students in the coming year. Juniors at currently participating high schools will be asked to sign up for Direct Admit Wisconsin later this fall.
Rothman also thanked Infinite Campus, Skyward, and PowerSchool, which operate student information systems at the participating high schools, for their partnership with Direct Admit Wisconsin.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Universities of Wisconsin.
Whitewater Chamber of Commerce Presents One Sweet Summer Weekend: A Citywide Celebration of Local with Sales, Specials, and Fun!
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce their Annual One Sweet Summer Weekend, a citywide celebration of local, featuring a variety of irresistible in-store and sidewalk sales. This event, set to take place from August 2-4, 2024, will bring together local businesses offering fantastic deals and special promotions for all to enjoy.
During the weekend, participating businesses will offer an array of discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, drink specials, and freebies, making it the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore and support our vibrant local community. From fashion boutiques to specialty shops, cafes to restaurants, One Sweet Summer Weekend has something for everyone.
“We are excited to host this citywide event, again, to showcase Whitewater’s wonderful local businesses,” said Katy Daixon Wimer, Director of Content and Communications at the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce. “One Sweet Summer Weekend is a perfect opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy great deals, and celebrate the summer season. It’s also a wonderful way for our local businesses to connect with new and returning customers.”
Participants can look forward to:
Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy special savings on a wide range of products and services from participating retailers.
BOGO Deals: Take advantage of buy-one-get-one offers on select items.
Drink/Food Specials: Refresh yourself with unique drink specials available at various cafes and restaurants.
Freebies: Don’t miss out on complimentary goodies and surprises from some of your favorite local shops.
Special Events: Be sure to pop by The Vinery’s Glass Vendor Fair 9-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Cars & Coffee featuring Sweet Spot Bakehouse, BicycleWise, Nordskov Coffee, and Whitewater Grocery Co. at Lake Home Info/NextHome Success 9-12 p.m. Sunday!
The event will run during regular business hours throughout the weekend, with some businesses offering extended hours to accommodate shoppers. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a delicious meal, or just a fun day out, One Sweet Summer Weekend promises to be an enjoyable experience for all ages.
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to join in the fun and support our local economy by shopping small and local. For more information on participating businesses and their special offers, please visit the Chamber’s One Sweet Summer Weekend event on Facebook.
Come get your shopping fix at One Sweet Summer Weekend—where great deals and community spirit meet!
The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce serves the area’s local businesses through business education, referrals, advocacy, and networking opportunities. The Chamber also strives to bring business owners and the community together through events and promotions. Our membership of businesses and individuals is dedicated to showcasing Whitewater as the perfect place to live, learn, work, play, and dream.
Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce 150 W Main St. Whitewater, WI 262-473-4005 info@whitewaterchamber.com
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce.
GRINNELL, Iowa — The Midwest Conference (MWC) recognized 1,570 student-athletes as Academic All-Conference honorees for the 2023-24 academic year, announced Monday, July 15.
The list of honorees represents nine core member institutions and two affiliates across eighteen league-sponsored sports, including 881 student-athletes participating in men’s sports and 689 student-athletes participating in women’s sports.
To be recognized as a MWC Academic All-Conference honoree, a student-athlete must have satisfied a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.33 for the awarded academic year, letter in any of the league’s fall, winter, or spring sports as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, and compete on a team that completed a minimum 50% of its scheduled contests.
Grinnell College led all institutions with 286 student-athletes receiving Academic All-conference honors, followed by Lawrence University with 177 and Lake Forest College with 166, highlighting the top three.
More than 200 Lawrence University student-athletes have earned Academic All-Midwest Conference honors. Lawrence had a total of 242 student-athletes encompassing 18 teams, nine women’s squads and nine men’s teams. Lawrence football led the way with 23 honorees, and women’s indoor track and field and outdoor track and field had 21 selections apiece to pace the women. Lawrence had 15 female athletes to be honored on three teams, and 11 men picked up the honor for three different teams. Lawrence had a total of 39 multi-sport athletes included in its group.
To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.33 cumulative grade point average and letter in their sport.
Volleyball Cora Linos, Jr., Janesville, Wis., Government
The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce the development of 19 new single-family homes in collaboration with Neumann Developments, Inc. This significant project marks an essential step toward achieving the city’s strategic goal of building 100 new homes within the next five years, enhancing the local community’s growth and vitality.
The development will be located in on Tower Hill Pass and Stonefield Lane. The original development project began in 1999, aiming to create a vibrant residential community in Whitewater. Although progress was made, 19 homes remained unfinished due to unforeseen challenges faced by the original developer. The City of Whitewater’s collaboration with Neumann Developments, Inc. signifies a commitment to completing this vision and fulfilling the promise of a thriving neighborhood.
“The partnership with Neumann Developments, Inc. represents our commitment to expanding our housing options and fostering community growth,” said Taylor Zeinert, the Economic Development Director for the City of Whitewater. “This project not only addresses the increasing demand for housing but also aligns with our strategic plan to develop affordable housing options for all, from young professionals to families and retirees. We are dedicated to ensuring that our community can provide high-quality, affordable living spaces for every stage of life.”
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater. This project is being facilitated through the use of Tax Increment Financing on a “pay go structure.” Further information about the agreement, which the Common Council approved at its July 16, 2024 meeting, may be found here (see “closed session.”)
Natureland Park will be closed to the public beginning Monday, July 29, 2024. The park will reopen on Friday, September 6, 2024. Natureland Park is located at W8338 Territorial Road in Whitewater.
During this time, Walworth County Public Works will replace the two parking lots, add concrete walkways at the log cabin, and install a concrete patio for a new ADA-accessible picnic table on the north side of the cabin.
Throughout the project, the park and parking lots will be closed to ensure public safety. The public is asked to drive with caution and be mindful of contractor vehicles and equipment staging by the park entrance on Territorial Road.
During the closure of Natureland Park, the County’s two remaining parks, Price Park Conservancy and White River County Park, will be open for use and scheduling of events. Learn more about our parks at https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/306/Parks
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Walworth County.
