Although the applause and cheers for the Whitewater High School Players Nov. 21-24, 2019, production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” has long since subsided, applause arouse again with the announcement on Apr. 20 of WHS students receiving 2019-2020 Jerry Awards for their contributions to the staging of this Disney classic.
Cast and Crew – Photo by Tom Ganser
WHS seniors Lauren Harkness and Carter Waelchli were honored with a Jerry Award for their Lead Performance portrayals of Ariel, the mermaid, and Ursula, the villainous sea witch, respectively.
Also recognized with a Jerry Award for their stage management expertise were Josie Hintz, Hailey Long, and Emma VanDaele.
VanDaele was selected by the cast and crew of the production to receive the Spirit Award.
The Jerry Awards encourage, recognize, and honor excellence in Wisconsin high school musical theater.
The program began in the 2009-2010 school year as the Tommy Awards, and was renamed in 2017-2018 season to The Jerry Awards after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi.
Musicals of participating schools are reviewed by a panel of educators, theater experts, and industry professionals who provide valuable feedback and advice, and honor the achievement of schools and individuals with category-based awards.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 80 of the 130 participating schools statewide were able to complete their productions and compete for Jerry Awards.
The much-anticipated culminating show of Madison Overture Center’s Jerry Awards 2019/20 program will go on as planned on Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live. The 90-minute show, featuring video clips of musical theater performances (including performances by Harkness, VanDaele, and Waelchli), student and school awards, and special guests can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/JerryAwards/.
Regarding Harkness’s performance, one reviewer wrote “Harkness is a phenomenal performer. She is a dynamic and spunky Ariel. Harkness sings with clarity, control, and a strong emotional connection to the music. Harkness is also able to blend beautifully with the chorus and to belt out above the entire ensemble like she did at the finale.”
Lauren Harkness – photo by Tom Ganser
Harkness mused, “Over the past 4 years the WHS Drama Department and The Jerry Awards have given me countless opportunities that have shaped me into the person and performer that I am today. I wouldn’t be committing to go to school for music stage theatre if I didn’t learn and grow with these programs. The WHS theatre program has given me so much to be thankful for. Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliott have taught me hard work and how to be a leader and I take those skills with me everywhere I go.”
One of the reviewers described Waelchli as “a force of nature as Ursula and the ultimate evil diva. Kudos to Waelchli and the six ensemble members that were Ursula’s tentacles. Waelchli’s bold and fierce acting choices were out of this world. He thrived on the energy of the audience” and a second reviewer pointed out, “Carter’s voice was deep and gritty, adding to the feel of Ursula being an evil witch, even when Ursula is trying to seem innocent.”
Carter Waelchli – photo by Tom Ganser
“I’m really happy that I won a Jerry Award,” Waelchli shared. “The theatre has always been a big passion of mine, and getting acknowledged for a performance feels really good. This award was a nice taste of normalcy given the COVID-9 pandemic, (and) it was nice to connect people again through congratulatory messages. I’m really appreciative of the WHS theatre program. I would not have gotten anywhere without the help of Mr. McCulloch or Ms. Elliott or anybody else who’s involved. I’m grateful that they’ve let me be a part of so many great shows.”
In considering the contribution of the stage managers, a reviewer wrote, “Josie Hintz, Emma Van Daele, Hailey Long did a nice job of managing this production. Cues were clean, timely, and fluid. They had numerous moving set pieces and a kaleidoscope of light cues. There were no technical aspects that took me out of the theatrical moment. This can be attributed to a well-organized and efficient stage management team. They made stage management look ‘easy,’ with their care and conscientiousness.”
Josie Hintz – photo by Tom Ganser
I’m incredibly grateful for the Jerry Awards program, Hintz reported, “and the opportunities and recognition they give to high school theater programs like ours. Winning a Jerry Award is exciting, and it feels great to have all of my hard work and dedication recognized. Everyone works extremely hard to make these shows a success, so I’m also very grateful for how the Jerry Awards promote the WHS theater program and all of its participants.”
Additional nominations for Jerry Awards for the WHS Players’ production of “Disney’s Little Mermaid” included for Outstanding Lead Performance–Henry Bresser, Ella Willman, and Chris Porcaro; Outstanding Supporting Performance–Anderson Waelchli and Sophie Mayer; Outstanding Direction–Jim McCulloch; Outstanding Overall Design; Outstanding Set Design–Jim McCulloch and Kat Dunham; Outstanding Costume Design–Karen McCulloch and Deborah Blackwell; Outstanding Lighting Design–Jim McCulloch; and Outstanding Sound Design–Tony Hansen.
Gov. Tony Evers announced last week that one thousand ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive grants of $2,000 each under a new state program.
The $2 million initiative is focused on supporting ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have not received SBA Paycheck Protection Program or state disaster relief.
“Small businesses in our minority communities face special challenges,” Gov. Evers said. “Many have not received federal or state assistance yet because they are unbanked or don’t have the relationships to financial institutions that other businesses do. Yet these micro-businesses are often the heart and soul of their communities and an important pathway for minority entrepreneurs.”
Businesses may apply if they:
Are for-profit, Wisconsin-based and at least 51% minority-owned;
Started operating prior to Jan. 1, and were operating as of Feb. 29 this year;
Have no more than five (5) full-time equivalent employees, including the owner. Sole proprietorships are also eligible;
Operate in the retail, service or hospitality industries; and
Have not received any federal assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, or state aid through the Small Business 20/20 program.
The Ethnic Minority Emergency Grants will be marketed and administered in collaboration with Wisconsin’s 19 ethnic and diverse chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations and other partners across the state.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will provide funding for the initiative.
“WEDC is committed to assisting all businesses – of every size and type — throughout Wisconsin,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “Our work with minority chambers of commerce and businesses is an opportunity to reach a critical sector of our business community.”
“The support from WEDC is a huge win for ethnic businesses in the State of Wisconsin,” said Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, Inc. “Formulating partnerships with entities such as WEDC to provide grants to small ethnic businesses in the service, hospitality and retail industry during this crisis shows a real understanding and true leadership of our partners and our state leaders.”
More information about the program is available from the organizations listed in the FAQ, available here.
The J-Hawk Aquatic Club is offering a FREE Virtual Race May 15th-17th. Anyone can complete it at any time between Friday and Sunday evening.
Events: Child Duathlon: 1 mile run, 5 mile bike, 1 mile run Sprint Duathlon: 1 mile run, 13 mile bike, 3.1 mile run Olympic Duathlon: 2 mile run, 27.5 mile bike, 6.3 mile run 5K Run – 5K Walk 10K Run – 10K Walk 9-10 yr old 2 Mile Run/Walk 8&Under 1 Mile Run/Walk
There is something for everyone!
Challenge your friends and family, near and far, to get outside and be active. Pick your race, mark your course, complete it, then submit your time. Easy! Age group results will be sent out and posted.
Take a picture before, during, or after your race! We plan to share on Facebook & Instagram.
Eric Paul Zipp, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI.
Eric was born on July 24, 1923 in West Allis, WI to Paul and Wanda (Miller) Zipp. He graduated from West Allis High School. Eric served his country in the United States Army from 1943-1945 during World War II including landing on Omaha Beach a few days after the invasion. He also was called up and served during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1951. Eric married Lois Scharfenberg in Hartland, WI on October 3, 1959. He worked for the State of Wisconsin as an assistant superintendent for the state parks and forestry department. Eric enjoyed archery, bowling, gardening, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 173 and the Whitewater Seniors in the Park. He was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Lois, Whitewater; children Kurt (Barbara) Zipp, Darien, WI, Alan (Mary) Zipp, Waukesha, WI; Grandchildren Erik (Erica) Zipp, Alex (Jodi) Zipp, Aaron Zipp, Benjamin Schultz, Nancy Schultz; Great Grandchildren Malory, Gunner, Bode Zipp, Logan Zipp, Ruby Zipp, Lucas Zipp, Brittany Schultz. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Walda O’Hara.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 116 Church St, Whitewater, WI 53190
The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family, to add a condolence to the family visit our website at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
The Whitewater High School Local Scholarship Night Program has taken place annually for many years thanks to the generosity of local individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. Scholarship Night 2020 is quickly approaching.
This year, we have 67 recipients of local scholarships for over $167,000. Please join us in honoring and celebrating the hard work of the Class of 2020.
On May 13, 2020, at 6 p.m., a link will be posted on the Whitewater Banner, the Whitewater High School Facebook page, and on the Whitewater High School website for you to use in order to view the virtual evening. The program will also air at that same time on Charter Cable Channel 990 in the City of Whitewater.
Students were notified in advance if they would be receiving a scholarship at some point during the program.
Our Readers Share – James Mann: UW-W Student Reflects on the Changes in the Last Semester of His College Career
Amidst the largest pandemic in recent history, you get to observe how many different facets of life are impacted. These changes can come in the form of closures, supply demands, or other adjustments to regular life. This pandemic also impacts different groups of people separately in ways of resources and opportunities. One institution that I have seen take action personally is our local University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. Being a fourth year student ready to graduate in the Spring, my semester has changed drastically from what was expected at the beginning of the year.
Our 2020 Spring Commencement Ceremony, it has been announced, will take place online instead of in person, the rest of the semester has been changed to alternative learning, the internship I was on track to complete during the Summer for my major is still in the air whether students will be placed in field or not, and there are many aspects of college that I wasn’t affected by. There were many more students on campus who were living in dorms and had to move out prematurely as they closed the halls. Even more students were working on campus with jobs throughout the University that had to leave their jobs. I was among the lucky few who was living off campus and had access to working online for my job on campus.
Despite all that is getting canceled and changed, I am not upset. I feel as though I may be in the minority in my opinion among my peers, but I fully believe that the University’s actions are for the best in the grand scheme of things. Their decision to close dorm halls, move as many students and staff off campus as possible, and move commencement online are just a few of the choices they have made to try and lessen the impact of the Coronavirus. In uncertain times like these, I believe that it is best to err on the side of caution and not take any unnecessary risks. That ideal extends to the greater area of the county, the state, the country and even the world. With what we do and do not know about this virus, every arrow is pointing towards self-isolation if possible, and limited contact and personal protective equipment if not possible. At the time of writing this, according to the CDC, the current infection count in the United States is 1,092,815 and the death total reaching 64,283. It isn’t the responsibility of just large businesses or governments to try and limit the spread of this virus; it is the responsibility of every person in the world. This issue isn’t going to disappear overnight and even when we have a vaccine, it will still take time for the world to recover from it. The best thing that small, medium and large entities can do is try to help stop the spread any way they can. Our University has done just that. They have made the difficult choices and they are trying to make this situation as manageable as they can and for that, I give them the credit they deserve. This is a global effort and we are all in this together.
— Our thanks to James Mann for sharing his perspective on the major changes to UW-W during these final months of his undergraduate studies. Mr. Mann is double majoring in social work and psychology. His hometown is Benton, WI, in Lafayette County in the far southwestern corner of the state. He plans to attend UW-Madison next year in pursuit of a Masters of Social Work.
— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
Girl Scouts to Offer Virtual Activities, Summer Camp
Girl Scouts are Unstoppable!
There’s no doubt things look a lot different than they did before COVID-19, but Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council has embraced the “new normal” by providing virtual formats of its iconic programming – including summer camp.
Badgerland Council, which comprises the greater Madison area, now offers opportunities for all girls (not only its Girl Scout members) to explore issues they care about, connect with experts on topics that interest them, and take action in their communities. Even its summer camp opportunities will be virtual, a decision Badgerland’s CEO says was difficult to make yet will lead to something new and exciting for its members.
“At Girl Scouts, we build leaders through experiences,” said Marci Henderson. “We encourage girls to learn how to do hard things; how to get back up when she gets knocked down. At Girl Scouts, we transform disappointment into opportunity. And that’s exactly what we are planning for the upcoming months.”
Rather than holding its regular overnight sessions at Camp Ehawee (Mindoro, Wis.) or Camp Brandenburg (Dane, Wis.) girls will have access to an abundance of opportunities to get a taste of camp life with its “Happily Ever Outdoors ‘Sneak Peek’ Camps.” These one-day virtual sessions will have girls completing activities and participating in camp traditions based on the same themes originally scheduled for this summer – Mess Makers, Area 51, Area 51, Sea Goddesses and Be YOUnique to name just a few.
Already, girls can choose from a spectrum of online webinars, Zoom meetings and live Facebook viewing parties almost daily that cover a spectrum of topics (i.e. All About Worms, Movie-Making Workshops, Scavenger Hunts, Knot-Tying, Card-Making). Adults, both volunteers and parents, can join enriching conversations related to Girl Scout activities and staying emotionally well during this stay-at-home period. Early this month, Badgerland released a ‘Stay-At-Home’ patch program, which encourages girls to get outdoors, get creative, learn about new things, and help others. To date, girls have reported completing more than 1,000 activities from the program.
Troop meetings, a more traditional method of Girl Scout gatherings, have gone virtual too. Badgerland provides access to online resources and Zoom accounts for its troops to continue meeting and provide girls more stability and opportunities to socialize with their friends.
“During these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to meet our members where they are and give girls the opportunity to stay connected to their troop and leaders while having fun, learning and making the world a better place,” Henderson said.
Additionally, Badgerland Girl Scouts are participating in a nationwide Girl Scouts community service project with millions of Girl Scouts participating in a campaign to write letters of appreciation to front-line works fighting COVID-19.
During a time of uncertainty, Girl Scouts is steady and doing what it does best…making a difference in the lives of girls and the community.
To learn more about Girl Scouts and participating in any of the virtual programs available to the community, visit gsbadgerland.org or call 800.236.2710.
<em>Our Readers Share</em> – Mary E. Nevicosi: One Hundred Hats
Mary writes, “Lots of families are in need, especially now. And, although it seems a long time away, cold winter will return. So I started my isolation project- make 100 hats for children who will need them this winter.”
She adds, “It was a fun project and I hope the children will love them.”
— Our thanks to Ms. Nevicosi for sharing her beautiful and generous isolation project.
— 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 or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage. Thanks for thinking about this!
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has attained a 6-year graduation rate of 62.5%, a record for the institution and a critical measure of student success. The university’s 4-year graduation also set a record, at 39%.
“I am very proud of these benchmarks,” said Greg Cook, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We’ve put great effort into supporting student success and encouraging on-time graduation. Our 6-year rate is very strong compared to national averages, especially when adjusted for the profile of our students. A commitment to timely graduation also underscores our exceptional value at a time when students and their families want to know they are making a good educational investment.”
Cook emphasized that the university achieved this success while still staying fully committed to being an institution of access.
“Our access mission means that we admit students with a broader range of academic profiles than many of our fellow UW System universities; for example, more than 40 percent of our students continue to be the first in their families to attain a college degree,” said Cook.
In fall 2019, UW-Whitewater enrolled 12,448 undergraduate and graduate students on its Whitewater and Rock County campuses.
Explaining the record rates, Matt Aschenbrener, associate vice chancellor for enrollment and retention, emphasized the collaborative nature of the campus-wide effort to encourage retention and continued progress toward graduation.
“A big factor in student success is the relationships they form with their faculty and instructors,” adds Cook. “One of the benefits of our smaller class sizes is that professors are able to provide the attention and care the students in their classrooms need, whether it’s helping them through a rough spot academically or pointing them to scholarship or internship opportunities.”
