News & Events

Each year, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Teams are given the opportunity to nominate up to two sophomore or junior students for the FIRST Dean’s List. Dean’s List recognizes the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding secondary school students and is presented by the Kamen Family in honor of FIRST’s founder, Dean Kamen. Team nominees are considered Dean’s List Semi-Finalists and will interview with a panel of judges at a regional event for the opportunity to become one of two Dean’s List Finalists from that event. Finalists then go on to compete at the FIRST Championships in Houston, Texas.

This year, the Ferradermis coaches were presented with a plethora of deserving candidates from the sophomore and junior class. After much deliberation, two candidates rose to the top based on their technical expertise and their heavy involvement in STEM outreach in the community and across the state. Juniors Erison Dreksler and Chacha Binagi will represent Whitewater as semi-finalists at the Phantom Lakes Regional to be held in Mukwonago over Spring Break. This event will feature 38 total teams from across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri, and internationally from Mexico, Turkey, and India.

Coaches must submit a series of six short 800-character essays for each student based on specific prompts. Below are the submissions for each.

Chacha Binagi

Chacha spent time with us in middle-school for boot camp and an off-season event where within an hour, this little seventh grader was confidently headed off to other pits to talk match strategy. His passion for FIRST hasn’t slowed down since. Chacha is all about the team, making sure everyone is included, and their ideas are heard. His Project Preserve initiative to recycle 3D printed waste from other teams is positively impacting our environment. Elementary students flock to Chacha when he referees their unofficial tournaments because they have so much fun engaging with him. Emceeing for the first time at our FLL Regional, Chacha’s personality (and matching hat and bow tie) simply shined. Chacha encourages team bonding and knowledge-sharing, creating a more cohesive, well-prepared team.

Chacha is the face of many presentations within our local community, the FIRST community, and the statewide educational community. As a spokesperson for the team at local events, a workshop presenter at kickoff, and a recruiter convincing other school districts to start FIRST teams, Chacha is always promoting FIRST and its values. Chacha has been engaged in a start-up meeting with one Wisconsin rookie team this year and did a presentation for potential coaches for another. He has been helping with FLL locally for the last two years, but this year he got a taste of the volunteer bug at regionals and sectionals, volunteering as a referee, emcee, and field resetter. Volunteering at events, as well as mentoring, are ways Chacha sees himself continuing to engage with FIRST in the future.

Chacha’s individual contributions foster collaboration, growth, and innovation. Chacha not only uses his CAD and 3D printing skills for the robot but also to complete projects for our schools and to retrofit virtual reality equipment for a quadriplegic’s prosthetics. He provides valuable guidance to new members, ensuring they feel supported and engaged, creating fun Kahoots! to help them learn. Chacha’s leadership in organizing workshops and volunteering at events like the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast has strengthened the team’s community presence. At competitions, you will most likely find him doing both qualitative and quantitative scouting to help prepare our pick lists. This year, he will be part of the Impact presentation team, having served as an understudy in the past.

A computer is Chacha’s go to multi-purpose tool. Some days, CAD and 3D printing are on the menu, designing both practical and fun items. Other days it’s analysis of data in a scouting spreadsheet that takes center stage. A talent for programming can’t be overlooked either. When not in front of the computer, Chacha can be found in the shop, stepping up to operate the lathe or the milling machine when the team needs an extra pair of hands. Last summer, Chacha spent a week at MSOE learning about all of the engineering careers available to him; with such diverse interests and skills, narrowing down his choices will be his only issue. His passions for design, figuring out how things work, and helping people will all come together through his chosen career in engineering.

As Outreach Subteam Lead, Chacha demonstrates leadership through his active mentorship and dedication to fostering a collaborative environment. He leads by example, whether through his work on the robot, volunteering, or organizing outreach events such as a summer workshop for migrant students, motivating others to step up as well. His leadership style is inclusive and supportive; he ensures every team member feels valued and equipped to succeed. Chacha encourages others by offering guidance, drive coaching the drive team, and by taking initiative, as seen in his leadership roles at Advocacy Day and representing FIRST Wisconsin at SLATE. His ability to connect with people, whether new members or the community, inspires those around him to contribute and take on leadership roles themselves.

Chacha carries a 3.75 GPA with a wide variety of course choices ranging from honors English and AP social sciences coursework to exploratory tech classes and engineering design coursework. Music is a huge part of his life as a performer in both high-powered vocal and instrumental ensembles (as well as national anthem choirs at FRC regionals). Chacha’s leading role as the Phil Davis character in White Christmas this past fall truly let his dynamic personality shine through.

Erison Dreksler

Erison is a kind soul who supports everyone, guiding each student to discover their passion. They are the first to welcome new members and get them hands-on with the robot, no matter their skill level. They often gather the team at the end of a meeting for a wrap-up so that each member has an opportunity to celebrate their individual contributions to the team. Erison fully embraces opportunities for fun team bonding, attending every activity. They presented specifically to our school’s multilingual learners to help them feel welcome and see team membership as a possibility. By offering presentations for other teams at FRC Training Day and kickoff and connecting our team members to fill in open spots on other teams’ all-girls drive teams at TWIST, they are making an impact on other teams.

Erison plans to study electrical engineering and will make an incredible mentor for any FIRST level, already mentoring FLL and FTC. This fall, after doing field reset for one FLL regional, they volunteered as an FLL referee for 1 regional and 2 sectionals, something they see themselves continuing long into the future. When a presentation or workshop is to be done for a sponsor or community group, Erison is the first to step up. Erison represented FIRST Wisconsin at the SLATE and WTEA conferences the last two years, making connections with other school districts and encouraging them to start FIRST teams. They have also represented our team eloquently on Behind the Bumpers, did a site visit with the Sun Prairie rookie team, and participated in robotics Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Erison joined robotics to work solely on business. When the electrical subteam lead unexpectedly moved before the 2023 season, Erison, a freshman, stepped up without hesitation. They quickly learned the skills necessary to ensure the robot’s electrical systems were ready for competition, demonstrating resilience, determination, and strong problem-solving abilities. Erison also took initiative in expanding the team’s community outreach by securing a booth at the City Market, creating a fundraising opportunity that contributes to the team’s sustainability. This allowed the team to build local connections, raise awareness, and engage with the community. Their efforts in outreach, fundraising, and team operations have been vital to the team’s growth, success, and long-term viability.

As a result of their freshman experience on the team, Erison enrolled in the Project Lead the Way Introduction to Engineering course as a sophomore and attended a week-long program at Milwaukee School of Engineering last summer to learn about the school’s various areas of study. Erison stepped into the role of Electro-Mechanical Subteam Lead as a sophomore, stretching out of their comfort zone to learn to operate the CNC milling machine and other shop equipment. Erison stepped up to learn to both drive and operate the 2023 and 2024 robots in the offseason so that they could do community demonstrations and operate the robot during competitions. Now, they are excelling in their study of Digital Electronics. They’ve also learned to use AutoCAD to document the electrical system on the robot.

Erison is a dedicated and reliable leader, always present, engaged, and determined. They take on any task, big or small, setting a high standard for fellow team members. Whether it’s designing and wiring the robot, replacing carpet, or representing the team in presentations, Erison is always in the middle of it. As Electrical Subteam Lead, they provide guidance and help foster skill development no matter the task. Erison oversees packing for every event, ensuring everything is ready and mentors don’t have to worry. They offer unwavering support to teammates without judgment and quietly arrange help when needed. Erison also includes younger members in presentations, helping them grow their speaking skills and empowering them to take on leadership roles.

Erison’s role in the school’s Diversity Alliance shows their commitment to making all feel welcome. Their 3.9 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, while carrying a heavy load of honors, AP, and dual credit courses, shows their dedication to academics. Erison was inducted into the National Honor Society and has been honored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology as well. Youngsters in the community have come to know and love Erison and are excited to engage with them at events.

Essays and Photos Submitted by Mark Zimmermann and Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisors
lmasbruch@wwusd.org

Growing older is a journey we all undertake. Storyteller, Jim Winship is one of our guides, using personal reflections and folktales as stepping stones, sharing the wisdom he has gathered along the way. Jim is a social worker, retired college professor, and documentary filmmaker. As a professional storyteller, he has performed in libraries, bookstores, schools, professional conferences, and community events.

Jim will be performing at The Wright House in Whitewater on January 31 at 7 pm. Register to attend through Eventbrite: https://growingolder.eventbrite.com

The stories will be best appreciated by adults and young people 10 and older.

Community members are invited to a free Nature Writing workshop series led by Jim Nies and sponsored by the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Join a small group of like-minded individuals to read and/or reconnect with, and then discuss, the best environmental literature of all time: representative excerpts from the likes of Thoreau, Burroughs, Muir, Leopold, Beston, Krutch, Eiseley, Carson, Abbey, Lopez, Kimmerer, and others. If participants have interest, we will also do a little nature writing, each of us creating a short personal narrative for group discussion.

Discussion Leader: Jim Nies—retired educator, author of several children’s nature books, editor of an environmental lit anthology, and founding member of the Arboretum at Starin Park.

The workshop will take place every Thursday evening during the month of February starting at 5:30 p.m. Due to library construction, the workshop will be held at the Seniors in the Park building located at 504 W. Starin Road in Whitewater.

This program is for adults and high school students. Registration is required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and register in advance on the library’s event calendar (link: https://irvinlyoung.librarycalendar.com/event/nature-writing-workshop-110). You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register, or with any questions. 

Tuesday, January 28th the Culver’s of Whitewater will have a fundraiser from 4-8 pm to donate to the Lopez Chun Family in the wake of their devastating house fire.

Updated 1/25/25 @ 11:58 p.m. to add WUSD Policy Review Committee

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action regarding 2025 Tree Sale: Amount to spend on trees, Making sure order contains more of what people are requesting and Discussion and revision of current Landscaping Guidelines policy.
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.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86768255089?pwd=8vA9L8CaBLakbMnrbB3NBf7RWI3SZd.1
Meeting ID: 867 6825 5089
Passcode: 695681
Dial +1 312 626 6799 US

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 6:15 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
435 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda includes A. 458, School Wellness, B. 760, Food Services Management; 761, Free and Reduced-Price Benefits in School Food Service Programs; 763, School Meal Account Charges and Collections, C. Neola, D. Review Job Descriptions in the Job Description Handbook

Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes Establish 2025-26 Regular and Special Education Open Enrollment Space Limitations and Park Board Budget Presentation – per WAC agreement 
Whitewater High School Library, 534 S. Elizabeth St.
———————————————–
7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– 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 Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Sewer Backup Reimbursement Policy Review, and Costs to Maintain Municipal Parking Lots & Parking Permit Fees
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Virtual access information has not yet been provided as of 1/25/25.

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of posting for Call for Artists.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Pe rson 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 the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/509745133
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 509-745-133
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Portraits of dignity, diversity, and human experience showcased at Roberta’s Art Gallery

 Celebrate diversity and personal connections through powerful portraits and still-life imagery with “Neighbors: Near and Far,” by three long-time friends Craig Ede, Dan Gamble, and Charlie Steinbrecher. This exhibit, honoring individual human dignity, is open from January 27 to March 3, with a reception on February 18, free and open to the public.

“Neighbors: Near and Far” showcases neighbors of all backgrounds and walks of life to highlight their uniqueness and strength. This exhibit includes digital and traditional drawings, including sketched portraits of neighbors arrested during one of the largest immigration raids in United States history at a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, in 2008. It will also include abstract charcoal sketches capturing the curious perspective of human culture and conditions and graphite renderings honoring the friendship between artist Dan Gamble and his elderly, physically challenged neighbor.

“Generalizations are made in political discourse where people are defined as contagion because of their place of origin,” says Ede. “This limited metaphor inhibits our ability to see people as they really are. People are not germs; they contribute to the richness of our society; they are our neighbors, the people we experience life with. These works aim to highlight that.”

Craig Ede, Dan Gamble, and Charlie Steinbrecher are all spiritual neighbors. Ede, a local Whitewater resident, is an accomplished painter, writer, and visual design consultant. Throughout his career, Ede has joined his love for drawing with his respect for human dignity.  Ede earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and has taught at UW-River Falls, UW-Whitewater, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After earning his MFA from the University of New Mexico, Dan Gamble lived in Chicago where he compiled an extensive exhibition record, showing work in numerous galleries and art venues. He has also worked as an art conservator and has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago. Gamble is currently rehabbing a bungalow in Mason City with the help of tools generously gifted by his neighbor, a Military Veteran, former farmer, and railroad mechanic. Charlie Steinbrecher, a painter, earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and taught for 14 years at the Russell Sage College in Albany, NY. Steinbrecher is passionate about education and teaches English at a homeless shelter and to immigrants from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

The exhibit reception will be held on Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. and include an artist talk with Craig Ede and an audience Q&A from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by an open house with refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.

Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists to coordinate and sponsor exhibits. Our hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit www.uww.edu/rag for any questions or inquiries and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. To learn more about Craig Ede’s work, follow him on Instagram @craig_ede. Follow Dan Gamble’s work at http://gambledan.com/ and connect with him on Instagram @gambledan0.

THE WIZARD OF OZ AUDITIONS

Auditions for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Wizard of Oz will be held on Monday, February 3rd at 4:00 pm at The Young Performing Arts Center, 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater. There are roles for those students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. Up to four students will be cast as Assistant Directors. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-minutes after the audition.

This is a group audition–no advance preparation is necessary. Students should just be ready to come and have a good time!

Rehearsals will be conducted every day Monday, February 3rd through Friday, February 7th from 4:00 pm to 8:15 pm on the main stage at The Young Performing Arts Center. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a cleared schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role and be available for the performance. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the auditions. Cast members scheduled for the full 4 hours and 15 minutes will be asked to bring a sack lunch, dinner or snack to be eaten during the 15-minute break between sessions.

The performance will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 pm and will be presented at The Young Performing Arts Center.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers!  This residency is made possible by The Young Performing Arts Center.

An audition packet is available to download from our website at: https://www.theyoungwhitewater.com/event/missoula-childrens-theatre—production-of-the-wizard-of-oz

For more information, please visit TheYoungWhitewater.com or contact the main office at 262-472-4444.

“January is Presidential: the month of the Inauguration (January 20) features biographical dramatizations of two American Presidents.”

“Reagan”

Tuesday, January 28, 1 PM

(Period Drama/Biography)

Rated PG-13; 2 hours, 21 minutes (2024).

Based on the life of Ronald Reagan, from his childhood, through his Hollywood career, to his time in the Oval Office. Starring Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Pat Boone. 

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/