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From April 15 – 20, 24 student members of Ferradermis and 9 adults traveled to Houston, Texas for the FIRST Championships featuring 600 top FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Teams from around the world. The 600 teams were divided into 8 fields, each named after a famous scientist, and each field played to determine a champion. The champion alliances from each field came together in a new playoff bracket to determine the world champion. The world champion alliance included perennial powerhouses MadTown Robotics from Madera, California and Jack-in-the-Bot from Mill Creek, Washington, as well as Maverick Robotics from Lafayette, Indiana and Iron Panthers from Burlingame, California. Playoff alliances were made up of 4 teams each, instead of the traditional 3, allowing the alliance captain to present a line-up card before each match, designating which 3 robots would play in that match.
Ferradermis played on the Galileo Field with 75 high school robotics teams representing 27 states and 6 other countries. The team went 7-3 in their 10 qualification matches, ending qualifications ranked #23 out of the 75 teams. This was the highest ranking that the Whitewater High School team has ever achieved at worlds, having also qualified for the event in Detroit in 2018 and 2019 and Houston in 2024. Ferradermis members had made a major change to their robot design and match strategy going into Houston, changing their bot from one that focused mainly on the coral game piece to one that focused on scoring the algae game piece, hoping that this would allow them to complement the strategies of the elite bots they would encounter. Although the bot performed very well, Ferradermis was not selected as part of a playoff alliance.
One highlight of the trip was a new autonomous routine for the robot, developed over many trips to the practice field in Houston. This routine allowed the robot to score two game pieces in the autonomous period for the first time this season, placing a coral on the top level of the reef, removing an algae from the reef, and placing the algae in the barge. Another highlight was a newly formed scouting alliance with IronClad, a team from Bradley, Illinois that Ferradermis had worked closely with at last year’s Midwest Regional.
Students traveling to Houston were Team Captains Andrew O’Toole, Maddi LaHaie, and Emerson Dunham, Subteam Leads Chacha Binagi, Erison Dreskler, Rae Breisath, Ace Hudec, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, and Andrew Zimmermann, and team members Asher Downs, Emilie Bruns, Letty Trautman, Virginia Nelson, Nina Heim, Jayden Kehrer, Georgia Esch, Preston Miller, Carson Miller, Colby Long, Vivian Harris, Margaret Brown, Cooper Housel, Cyrus Hudec, and Sam Raupp. Team members assumed many of the same roles that they had at previous competitions including drive team, scout, ambassador, and media.
In addition to four full 12-hour days at the George R Brown Convention Center for the competition, the travelers were able to add in a little fun on the travel days at the beginning and end of the trip. Upon arriving in Texas, the team’s first stop was Space Center Houston where they were able to visit historic mission control and experience the moon landing as mission control experienced it in 1969. Before heading home, the team made a stop at the Downtown Houston Aquarium.
The spring and summer will continue to be busy for the team. On Saturday, May 10, the public is invited to attend the second annual STEAM Faire at Whitewater High School from 10:00 – 2:00. The WUSD Robotics Booster Club has arranged for a large variety of interactive exhibitors for young and old to enjoy. The event is great free family entertainment. There will also be a LEGO Build Competition for students sponsored by Lake Home Info. (Students must register and prepare their entries in advance.)
Ferradermis has two upcoming competitions. The team is one of 32 Wisconsin teams invited to compete in the inaugural State Championship event on June 13 – 14 in Sheboygan. Ferradermis currently ranks #6 out of the 70 teams in the state based on season points earned. They will then participate in the MROC Off-Season Competition at Mukwonago High School on July 26 – 27.
The team will be open to new members starting this summer. Please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org with questions.
Thank you to our season and worlds sponsors for making all of this possible!
- Rick Halverson
- Whitewater Unified School District
- LaGrange International Airport
- Regal Rexnord
- Borglin Family Foundation
- Anonymous
- TDS Telecom
- In Memory of Howard P Nelson
- Intuitive Foundation
- Gene Haas Foundation
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Applied Material Solutions
- Provisur
- Lavelle
- 3M and FIRST
- Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club
- Whitewater Generating Station (NAES)
- McCullough’s LTC Pharmacy
- D.L.K. Enterprises, Inc.
- Generac
- Coperion
- Pentair
- The Heim Family
- I90 Enterprises
- HSI Rentals – Bob & Jill Freiermuth
- First Citizens State Bank
- Emil and Deb Weber
- J.B. Miller LLC
- The Coburn Company
- Weber Family
- Mary Beth Byrne
- Mark and Terrie Parenteau
- HEXPOL
- Doug Jones
- Wisconsin Oven Corporation
- Walmart
- MSOE
- Lori Heidenreich
- David and Alison Viemeister
- Jane Masbruch
- JP Cullen
- Brian Culver (Powermation)
- Stephanie Pfeil
- Anne & Lane Kuske
- Anonymous
- Naomi MacDonald
- Alex Geyer
- Sue Hilliger
- Gates Foundation
- Jim and Ellen Streib
- Inger Miles
- Becky Fry
- Melissa Jones
- Douglas Jones
- Conalee Laabs
- Pamela O’Neal
- Kikkoman Foods
- Dawn & Lyle Hunter
- Dalee Water Conditioning
- Cabinets & Design by Cozette
- Fort Community Credit Union
- Kristen Fletcher
- Ketterhagen Motors
- In Memory of Mary Jo Eakle
- Steve Sayhun
- PremierBank
- Janet Muzatko
- Charles & Renee Barr
- Anna Vo
- Suzanne Chenoweth
- Mark Masbruch
- Wentao Guo
- Jan Berezowitz
- Janet Olson
- Marjorie Stoneman
- Kathleen Dunham
- Elizabeth Mayer
- Gina Foucault
- Richard & Dianne Dunham
- Deidre Simon
- Kristine Zaballos
- Jenni Jacobs
- Reynolds Heating and Cooling
- Reflections of the Past
- La Piazza Pizzeria
- Jessica’s Family Restaurant
- Jerry Thalmann
- Paula Babb
- Emily Roe
- Sharon McCullough
- Jean Bruns
- Amanda Mazzaferro
- Justin Duffy
- Sheila Meehan Gailloreto
- Virginia Coburn
- American Legion Post No. 173
- Rodney & Tammie Lohff
- Mary Peiffer
- Whitewater Family Dentistry
- Jacqueline and Dean Fischer
- Matt Aschenbrener
- Rich & Josie Grosse
- Kevin Housel
- Kristin Fletcher
- Denise Mount
- Kate McNulty
- Toppers
- Rocky Rococos
- The Real MacCoys
- Dan Trieloff
- Gary & Naomi MacDonald
- Corey & Kelly Davis
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Jack Hefty added another accolade to his already remarkable resume as he was named one of just four male athletes statewide to receive the prestigious WIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in Division 2. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), in partnership with the WE Energies Foundation and the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, annually honors 32 seniors—16 boys and 16 girls—who exemplify excellence both in the classroom and in athletics.
This year, 806 seniors were nominated by 415 high schools across Wisconsin. From that impressive pool, four boys and four girls were selected from each of the four divisions based on a combination of athletic performance and academic achievement. WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser highlighted the caliber of the honorees: “Each of these outstanding student-athletes has excelled in academics and athletics. Twenty-one of this year’s 32 Scholar-Athlete finalists have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.”
Jack Hefty, a senior at Whitewater High School, boasts a flawless 4.0 GPA and an exceptional track and cross country resume. He is a back-to-back state champion in the 1600-meter run, having broken the school record in each of his victories as a sophomore and junior. In his final cross country season, he capped off his high school career with an individual state title and another school record, leading the Whippets to consecutive sectional championships.
In his award essay, Jack reflected on the impact of running on his personal growth: “The dedication and perseverance I’ve developed through running have shaped who I am. The challenges, setbacks, and victories have all taught me that success comes from consistent effort and a belief in pushing past limits.”
Jack becomes just the sixth student-athlete in Whitewater High School history to earn this distinction. Previous winners include Amy Cooper (1997), Carissa Converse (1997), Amber Converse (2000), Brett Harms (2014), and Sarah Schumacher (2015).
He plans to study chemistry and continue his athletic career in cross country and track and field at the United States Naval Academy.
Jack and the other recipients will be honored during an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 4, at SentryWorld in Stevens Point.
For more information on the WIAA Scholar-Athlete program and to read biographies of the 2025 winners, visit the Scholar-Athlete homepage.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
| The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces the last show of this year’s Theatre/Dance season, “NO EXIT” by Jean Paul Sartre, adapted from the French by Paul Bowles. This production, directed by Robyn Accetta will run in the Hicklin Studio Theatre from April 25 – May 3. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. In Sartre’s existential play, Cradeau, Inez, and Estelle are sent to Hell but it is not what they expect. Instead of torture devices and punishment, they find themselves stuck together in a plain room, none of them wanting to admit their reason for damnation. You won’t want to miss this captivating adventure of three souls as they discover each other’s crimes and their eternal destiny in hell. When asked about the production, Accetta stated, “In our production of No Exit, we’ve reimagined Sartre’s existential purgatory through the lens of our modern digital culture—an always-on, never-quite-private space of curated identities and the desperate need to be seen, liked, and approved. ”Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a French philosopher, author, and playwright. He is best known for spearheading the existentialist movement. Sartre published a number of books and plays, as well as taking an interest in French politics. In 1967 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, but refused it stating, “a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution.” Showtimes for “NO EXIT” are April 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., April 27 at 2 p.m., May 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m. Act now to take advantage of half-price tickets for Saturday, April 26. The April 26 performance will also include a special talkback session featuring an interdisciplinary panel of faculty experts. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance online at tickets.uww.edu, by calling (262) 472-2222 or at the Ticket Services office, 800 W. Main Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.. Adults are $18, those age 65+ are $16, and under age 18 are $13. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. The Hicklin Studio Theatre is located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. |
Updated 4/23/25 @ 10:25 a.m. to add Board President Jen Kienbaum’s comments regarding superintendent search.
As was announced on The Whitewater Banner on March 21, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty is resigning effective June 30 to accept the superintendency of a district in Pennsylvania. The school board has scheduled three focus groups in order to receive input that will help to inform their search for the new superintendent. Unfortunately, the Banner was not aware of the meeting on the 22nd. Remaining sessions are on Thursday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. and Friday, April 25, 12:00 p.m. The Zoom access is as follows: Here is the link to the Zoom meetings:
https://zoom.us/j/91902953403…
Passcode: 908035
The board has also announced a Meet & Greet session for the “Superintendent Candidate.” It is unclear whether this means that a single candidate has been identified. Update: Board President Jen Kienbaum told The Whitewater Banner “The board has not discussed and/or narrowed down names of candidates as of yet. Applications can be received up until April 30th. The board will narrow the candidates at the May 5th board meeting and conduct first round of interviews May 12th and 13th.”
Whitewater Arts Alliance Hosts 2025 Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP)
Exhibition and Workshop
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to announce the 2025
Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) Exhibition, running from May 1-31, 2025, at
the Cultural Arts Center, located at 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. This exhibition
provides artists from across Wisconsin with a platform to showcase their creativity,
enhance their skills and connect with others in the arts community.
WRAP offers a welcoming environment where artists can learn, share ideas, and find
inspiration. Regional winners will advance to a statewide exhibit, giving them an even
greater opportunity to showcase their talent. The exhibition will feature a variety of
artwork, including 3D sculptures, acrylics, oils, and collages. Supporting local artists
through programs like WRAP is central to WAA’s mission to foster a thriving arts
community.
Submissions Still Accepted
The final date for online entries for the WRAP exhibit is Sunday, April 20, 2025. Entries
can also be submitted in person during the artwork drop-off on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
For more details about submitting art, visit WRAP 2025 (May) — Whitewater Arts Alliance.
Special Watercolor Workshop
Artist and WRAP juror Tom Jewell will host a watercolor workshop titled “How to
Develop Composition in Your Paintings” on Saturday, May 3, from 9 am-12 pm. The
workshop will take place prior to the Awards Reception in the afternoon, providing an
excellent opportunity to develop new skills before the celebration.
During the workshop, Tom will share examples of composition techniques from his own
artwork and guide participants in creating cohesive compositions. Jewell says, “Good
composition is the backbone of any successful painting. In this workshop, I’ll not only
share techniques to create balanced and engaging compositions, but also help
participants bring their own ideas to life. Together, we’ll lay the groundwork for paintings
that truly resonate.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring ideas or photos to work from, as Tom will provide
personalized feedback to each participant. Refreshments will be provided. The cost for
those who do not have work in the WRAP Exhibit is $10 per person, which includes all
supplies and refreshments. The cost is free for those exhibiting work in the WRAP
exhibit as their entry fee includes workshop admission. Space is limited, so early
registration is encouraged. Visit whitewaterarts.org/wrap-2025 to reserve your spot.
Awards Reception
Later that day, join us from 12 pm-4 pm for the Awards Reception, where we’ll celebrate
the accomplishments of participating artists and bring the arts community together.
Exhibit Hours
The WRAP exhibit will be open to the public Thursdays through Sundays, from
12 pm-4 pm throughout May. Admission is free, and for those unable to attend in person,
the exhibit will also be available to view online.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites the entire community to experience the 2025
WRAP Exhibition and support the talented artists of Wisconsin. For more details about
the exhibition or workshop, visit whitewaterarts.org.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Adams, Gallery Director, Whitewater Arts Alliance
Phone: 608-201-2151
Email: wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Website: whitewaterarts.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wwartsalliance
“Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”
Register today for our hands on course covering Stop the Bleed and First Aid! Registration links [open until May 5] are listed below.
Individual Registration: https://secure.rec1.com/WI/whitewater-wi/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2Mzc1MTQ=
Group Registration: https://secure.rec1.com/WI/whitewater-wi/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2Mzc1NDc=
Greetings from UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre/Dance!
The last theatre production of the 2024/25 season is right around the corner, and we are pleased to offer volunteer opportunities! UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance is holding a production of NO EXIT in the Hicklin Studio Theatre on April 25, 26, 27 and May 1, 2, 3. We have volunteer spots open for ushers at the event. Ushers play a crucial role in creating a positive experience for our guests. This opportunity is open to all.
Ushering is a great way to support UW-Whitewater students and the future of theatre and dance. Plus, you can see the show for free!
Duties of an usher include: greeting guests and guiding them to their seats, scanning tickets, and helping monitor in-house distractions.
Ushers are expected to arrive one hour prior to the event in professional attire. View the link for more details or to sign up now.
Where to report: Ushers will come to the Hicklin Studio Theatre (down the ramp next to the Crossman Gallery) and report to the Audience Services Director (House Manager) once they arrive.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Turner, Director of Events and Marketing, at turnerj@uww.edu.
We hope to see you there!
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis |
| Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #257 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Mon., April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The president of the United States has directed that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in honor of Pope Francis until sunset on the day of his interment. “Pope Francis was not only an inspirational spiritual leader, but a champion for the environment, peace, the pursuit of unity through common ground, treating people with dignity, reducing poverty and greed, and shared responsibility through community,” said Gov. Evers. “His passing is a loss for followers of the Catholic faith and many people around the world. Consistent with the president’s order, Wisconsin will join in lowering the flags in honor of Pope Francis’ legacy and memory.” |
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
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