News & Events

The Department of Art and Design in the College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater selected Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Ho-Chunk) as the 2024 Schuh Visiting Artist. Sainz is an artist, curator, and cultural arts educator, as well as the founder and executive director of the Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) in Wisconsin Dells, where she was raised. In her art practice, she works with various natural materials of the Great Lakes area, which she forages and processes herself. Sainz has exhibited her work at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC, the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art in Indianapolis, IN.

The exhibition at the Crossman Gallery, titled “Boundaries vs. Connections,” will explore the colonialist notion of land and maps that control and define people’s relationship with land through hard lines and divisions, in contrast to the Indigenous relationship to the land and its inhabitants characterized by connections and stewardship. Featuring a variety of arranged temporary installations juxtaposed with diverse cultural objects that reflect an objection to planned obsolescence, the exhibition will also include new work created by Sainz along with pieces made by UW-Whitewater Art and Design students in a studio workshop led by Sainz and Professor Teresa Faris. The exhibition will be on view in the Crossman Gallery from February 22 – March 21.

The Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium and the Crossman Gallery are located at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The Crossman Gallery is always free and all are welcome. Gallery hours during scheduled exhibitions are Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. There is a fee for parking on the campus between Sunday at 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday. Information is available here.

The Whitewater High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team #6574 Ferradermis traveled to Duluth for the Northern Lights Regional from February 28 – March 3, and came home as the Impact Award Winners, and as a result, qualified for FIRST Championships in Houston, Texas in April! The regional hosted 55 FRC teams from five states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. There are four championship qualifying spots from each regional – the captain of the winning playoff alliance, their first pick in alliance selections, the Impact Award winner, and the Engineering Inspiration Award winner.

The Impact Award, as stated by FIRST, is “the most prestigious award in FIRST Robotics. It honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. It was created to keep the central focus of FIRST Robotics Competition on the ultimate goal of transforming the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encouraging more of today’s youth to become science and technology leaders.”

The Impact Award is highly competitive and highly valued in the FIRST community. The submission requires that students respond to 13 questions in an executive summary, write a 10,000-character essay, produce a 3-minute video, prepare a 7-minute presentation, ready themselves for a Q & A session with the judges, and provide detailed documentation for everything that they write or speak about. The content may only reference activities from the team’s last three years.

The student Impact Team of Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Maddison LaHaie, and Belle Cohen dressed as tour guides and wowed the judges with their presentation which took them on a “tour” of the impact made by Ferradermis within the team membership, school, community, and state. Items the students highlighted included multiple demonstrations for younger students in the community, a day where the team helped local Girl Scouts earn their robotics badges, presentations given at state and regional conferences, and advocating for FIRST at the State Capitol.

When Ferradermis travels to an overnight event, the team always attempts to include an educational opportunity on its day one agenda. This year, the team was able to spend a couple of hours at the Great Lakes Aquarium before the pit setup crew had to go to work. At least one meal is set aside as a team meal, and in Duluth the tradition is to go to Sammy’s Pizza. Ferradermis has also started a tradition for the Saturday evening after the Duluth event ends – bowling and pizza at Superior Lanes.

The 2024 Ferradermis robot, named Chief Lee the Tangerine because of its many orange components, took the field in practice matches on Thursday, qualification matches on Friday and Saturday, and eventually as part of the #1 seeded alliance for the playoffs on Saturday afternoon. The drive team consisting of Driver Andrew O’Toole, Operator Kay Mikos, Human Player Erison Dreksler, and Technician Nina Heim led the team onto the field under the direction of Drive Coach Jacob Lee.

At a regional, each team is assigned a 10’ x 10’ x 10’ space to work on their robot, known as their pit. Safety Captain Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman kept the pit clean and safe while representing the team in a daily meeting and even taking a volunteer shift stopping pedestrian traffic on the robot travel path to the field. The Safety Team was honored to receive the Safety FIRST award given by another local team, Nicolet FEAR. Programming Subteam Lead Ace Hudec spent nearly the entire event in the pit enhancing the robot’s functionality in between matches by making changes to the code.

Gathering detailed scouting data is a huge part of developing match strategy and planning for playoff alliance selections. Ferradermis Game Strategy Subteam Lead Emerson Dunham worked in advance of the competition to organize a scouting alliance with MORE Robotics from St. Thomas More High School, CORE Robotics from the combined Waukesha high schools, and the Mechanical Mustaches from Chicago. Each team provided two scouts at a time for hour-long rotations, working under the supervision of Ferradermis Head Scouts Zoe Olson and Andrew Zimmermann. The students were each assigned a particular robot to watch in each match and used a system of Android tablets to record their data which then synced to a master tablet. The data was then analyzed through WarriorWatch, a system of spreadsheets developed by the WarriorBots from Muskego, a regular scouting partner for Ferradermis when the teams are at the same event. Students taking scouting shifts in the stands and sometimes rotating into the pit to work on the robot included Cyrus Hudec, Preston Miller, Carson Miller, Toby Kapfer, and Rae Breisath.

Students also worked to document every move the Ferradermis robot made on the field. Margaret Brown filmed each match and then quickly moved to meet the drive team back in the pit so they could analyze the footage. Meg Roselle used the team’s media badge to go with the drive team to matches to capture field-side photos and video that could be used in her social media posts on behalf of the team.

Chief Lee the Tangerine was expected to perform well on the field, and by the end of the competition, it was doing everything it could to contribute points to its three-robot alliances. However, due to poor overall performances by our randomly assigned alliances in the qualification round, combined with a qualification match schedule that was ranked the second most difficult at the event, Ferradermis found itself at the bottom of the rankings when qualifications ended. However, highlighting the importance of good scouting data, MORE Robotics was able to look beyond the rankings and appreciate the quality of the Ferradermis robot and drive team. As the #1 ranked team at the event, MORE selected Ferradermis to join them on their alliance for the playoffs. After winning their first two playoff matches, the alliance was eliminated by the eventual champion when the other two robots on the alliance, MORE and Sabre Robotics from Minnesota, experienced mechanical and electrical issues on the field. The Ferradermis alliance officially finished in third place.

The two 2024 Dean’s List nominees for Ferradermis are interviewed at one regional event of their choice to try to become Dean’s List Finalists. Dean’s List is the only individual award in FIRST and is intended to recognize the leadership and dedication of the most outstanding secondary school students from FIRST. Ferradermis was proud to submit Erison Dreksler, Electro-Mechanical Subteam Lead, and Andrew O’Toole, Technical Team Captain, as its nominees this year. The pair opted to complete their interviews in Duluth.

Thank you to the families, community members, and members of the Whitewater Fire Department who came out to welcome the team home on Sunday, March 3! The team spliced together video footage from the awards ceremony as well as photos from the welcome home celebration. Thank you also to Whitewater Girl Scout Troop #7639 for the two cases of celebratory Girl Scout cookies; we truly enjoyed helping you earn your robotics badges!

Ferradermis will compete in two additional regional events before heading for Houston. We invite community members to join us in Milwaukee at UWM Panther Arena for the Wisconsin Regional on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17. The event is free and open to the public. The team will also be in Chicago for the Midwest Regional over Spring Break. Ferradermis is truly excited for that opportunity as the event is hosting teams from six countries and ten states including Hawaii, Florida, California, and New York!

Although the team may not compete for the Impact Award at the next two regionals, our Impact Team will work with other teams to help them prepare during the Impact Exchange held at each regional, and they will continue to plan for their presentation and judge Q & A in Houston. The robot will continue to compete, and should our team earn another qualifying spot at the Wisconsin or Midwest Regional, we will generate a wildcard, allowing an alternate team to head to Houston.

Ferradermis is now in major fundraising mode, needing to raise as much as $50,000 for the trip to Houston in order to transport and house 30 people for five days. The team is hoping to host a series of restaurant nights at various locations in town and will be reaching out to local companies to request additional financial sponsorships. Individual donations of any amount are very welcome (and tax deductible). Donations can be made through the team website at https://www.ferradermis.org/ via credit card or checks can be sent to the school in care of Laura Masbruch. Checks should be made out to WHS with a notation that they are for Ferradermis. The school address is 534 South Elizabeth in Whitewater. The team is also selling Kwik Trip Cards and the new WUSD Robotics Booster Club is hosting an online plant sale.

The team could not do what it does without the tremendous community support that it receives. Thank you, Whitewater!

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Additional Photos Courtesy of Rich Grosse

On Saturday, March 9th, students from seven area schools will  perform at the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Whitewater High School. The festival lasts from 8 am-4 pm. Students will participate in both vocal and instrumental events. All events will be adjudicated. Students receiving a 1* rating will advance to the WSMA State Solo/Ensemble Festival held in April. Best of luck to all of our music students!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Karen Tordera.

Mark your Calendars for Bethel House & ButterBurgers!

Save yourself from a night of meal planning or cooking! Join our Bethel House team on Wednesday, March 6th, from 4-7 pm at the Whitewater Culver’s for a fundraiser night to support our mission to prevent homelessness for local children & families.

Whitewater’s Coolest Event of the Year—IS BACK!

Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters from across southern Wisconsin will Go Polar in Whitewater on Saturday, March 9 for the 2024 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and U.S. Venture.

The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at noon with an Opening Ceremony at Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S Elizabeth St., Whitewater) followed by nonstop plunging. This plunge—the first ever Inclusive Plunge—will take place inside and feature an optional ramp-entry pool, allowing for people of all abilities to participate. The day will include live music, a chili cook-off, photo moments with Chilly Bear, food and beverage options, souvenirs, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.

Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual fundraiser, this winter celebrating 25 years of the annual event. This year’s statewide goal is to raise $1 million.

More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.

Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning six Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chippewa Falls, and La Crosse.

This year’s Polar Plunge® features three ways to participate:

1. Plunge: Individuals and their teams can take a traditional dip in-person at eight statewide locations. Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
2. Pledge: Less daring individuals can still fundraise for the cause by registering as a “Polar Pledger.”
3. Support: Finally, the “Support a Plunger” campaign allows fans to support other Polar Plunge® participants—all in the spirit of inclusion.

All can fundraise—however, participants must raise the minimum $100 to physically plunge. Those who do will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.

Event partners for the Whitewater Polar Plunge® are U.S. Venture, Kriete Truck Centers, City of Whitewater, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Ring Tunes, Event Essentials, Avid, Fort Community Credit Union and Hexpol.

All funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, including helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).

For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.

Samuel Yamashita

Every August 6 without fail, articles and editorials appear in newspapers and magazines throughout the world that ask whether the war with Japan had to end with the dropping of atomic bombs. Dr. Samuel Yamashita (Henry E. Sheffield Professor of History, Pomona College) will describe Japan’s strategic position on the Asian mainland and in the Pacific at the war’s end, deteriorating home front conditions, the many missed opportunities to end the conflict and the military extremists’ final failed attempts to keep the surrender from taking place on August 15, 1945. Hamilton Room, University Center, March 5 @ 6:00 p.m. There is a charge for parking on campus during the week – see this link for information.

Editor’s note: The above event was posted to the UW-W Calendar.

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Madison Brass Band.

The Madison Brass Band is thrilled to present their Spring Concert – CELEBRATIONS! on March 10th, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Whitewater High School Auditorium under the baton of new Musical Director, John Lynch.

Join us for a festive concert featuring uplifting music from diverse compositional voices including Chuck Mangione, Nicole Piunno, Giovanni Santos, & Neil Hefti. We will include a wonderful medley of Disney favorites and present our thrilling and challenging repertoire for the North American Brass Band Association Championships in April.

This will be the first opportunity for Dr. Don Deal, Solo Euphonist with the Madison Brass Band, to perform with the ensemble in his home town. Dr. Deal was the band director at Whitewater High School from 1979 to 2012. He annually leads an Alumni Band that is a highlight of the 4th of July Parade in Whitewater. Don has been playing with the Madison Brass Band since its inception in 2002, winning the “Best Soloist” Award at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in 2014 and 1st place in the NABBA Low Brass competition in 2016 and 2023. Don will be featured as a soloist several times throughout this concert! The ensemble will also include WHS alumni Darren Powers and Griffin James.

Founded in 2002, this group of talented amateur musicians has earned recognition for their outstanding performances, including appearances at prestigious events like the Wisconsin State Convention of the National Band Association and the Wisconsin State Music Conference.

In 2012, they ventured into competitive Brass Band events and achieved Champion of the Second Section in their first NABBA Competition. The band’s dedication is further exemplified by their collaborations with renowned clinicians like Joe Parisi, Scott Teeple, Colin Holman, Mark Taylor and Phillip Harper. Under the direction of new Musical Director John Lynch, the band continues to thrive with outstanding performances and a commitment to musical innovation.

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted at the door and will be shared equally with the WHS Band.

For more information, please visit madisonbrass.com or contact: David Woolpert, (608)-206-5573, dwoolpert@me.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonbrassband/

On the web: madisonbrass.com