10/20/10. The Messmer-Shorewood combined varsity football team--affectionately nicknamed "Messwood"--came out victorious in overtime today winning 21-14 on our home field. What a great game!
Live from TMJ4!
As News Director Chris Ford conducted the tour through the building, he showed the class how they get the news, decide what gets on the air, and how they edit the news and commercials. Ford also talked about the different stations around the country that are part of the Journal Broadcast Group.
A highlight of the tour was a visit with Meteorologist and Wisconsin native Brian Gotter. Ever since getting his job at Channel 4 he has done his best, and told the students: “It's not easy all the time, but if you try as hard as you can you’ll get a lot of work done....I have made mistakes almost everyday because the weather isn't scripted--it's just you up there saying what comes to mind without a teleprompters helping you.”
Gotter also said that one of the good things about the festivals in Milwaukee is that he gets a chance to reach out to the public there. He loves when people tell him how much they feel like he and the other newscasters are part of their families.
Reporter Melissa McCrady stopped to talk to the class on her way out--after a long day that started at 2am. She explained that she loved her job because every day is different, and she likes working under pressure.
Broadcast Media later went behind the scenes to watch the noon newscast produced live right in front of them. This gave the students a chance to meet the Anchors--Vince Vitrano and Diane Pathieu--and ask them questions. During the newscast the anchors are on Twitter and Facebook updating the community about what’s going on. The students saw firsthand how the green screen is used by the Meteorologist when on the air. It was surprising not to see any camera people--the cameras are controlled robotically and seemed to move by themselves.
At a commercial break the anchors invited the class onto the set to see what they see when facing the cameras. Gotter suggested that the class be put on the air, and before they knew it the surprised students were waving to the cameras as they made their local TV debuts.
Sophomore Jazzmin Boyd described the experience at TMJ4 as one she will remember forever, and said she gained a new appreciation for how hard it really is to produce the news. Senior Tiara Allen said: "Every time we watch the news now, we’ll be able to picture the extravagant background."
See the slide show at right for more images of the tour.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Both participants and the audience got the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the culture and customs of the Hispanic Heritage. Junior Michaela Sanders was surprised to learn "...that most of the drum beats are also used in R&B and Hip Hop music."
Stern Words Against Violence
Mummy's the Word
10/7/10. Science Teacher Ms. Elizabeth Pritchard took her Human Anatomy and Physiology classes to a new level yesterday with a video conference presentation of a Mummy Autopsy.
Presented by frequent Discovery Channel Archeologist Dr. Tiffani Young from Vanderbilt University, Messmer High's Distance Learning Lab was buzzing with the opportunity.
The Great Debaters
Brittney and Danielle tied for the first place in the varsity division at the 9/18 Milwaukee Debate League Tournament. Denzel, Ayanna, Jasmine and Edgar placed first in the novice division at the 10/1 Brookfield East Tournament. Denzel and Edgar won top speaker awards at that tournament.
This year’s policy debate topic is “Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should substantially decrease military and/or police presence in one or more of the following: Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea, or Turkey.”
The policy debate team competes in local, state, and nationally sanctioned tournaments from September though April. Additionally, congress debaters compete from January through April.
Resolved: Messmer Debate Rules!
Students of the Month-September
10/6/10. During prayer service today, Messmer Catholic Schools President and Messmer High Principal Brother Bob Smith announced the two students who were selected as September Students of the Month. Student of the Month is an award students can receive after being nominated by faculty and staff. Things like academic achievement, leadership, effort, improvement, character and their dedication to extracurricular activities are some of the qualities looked for in potential recipients. Sophomore Daniel Miller and Senior Shameka Moore received the honors today.
Some of the things that were said about Daniel today were that he is a member of the varsity football team and never misses a practice, that he has a quiet confidence and always applies himself and works very hard, and he doesn't let outside negative influences affect him.
Shameka was chosen because she works hard and always helps other students when needed, and is a great role model in her character and work ethic. She shares her talents and blessings with her infectious smile and authentic witness to her faith.
The award includes a $400 dollar check for each of them and a certificate to take home. The money is courtesy of the generous support of We Energies. The students names and pictures will be part of a permanent plaque displayed on the first floor of the high school. The Student of the Month Award can motivate other students to strive to do better so that they can become nominees as well.
See the entire September Student of the Month presentation in the video at right.
Messmer Communes w/Marquette
Ms. Eva Martinez, admissions counselor, gave tips on the college application process and financial aid. Martinez advised the students to build good relationships with their current teachers, and present an accurate, well-rounded picture of who they are on their college applications.
Journalism Professional in Residence, Mr. Herbert Lowe, imparted his wisdom on success, saying: “Don’t worry about being around other people, create an energy where people want to be around you.” He also said: “Be distinctive; find what you love to do so much that you would do it for free, and then be so good at it that someone pays you for it.”
The students were then split into groups and attended workshops on Broadcast, Theatre, and Print Communications. The students experienced firsthand what Marquette is like in daily Communications classes.
The visiting students also spoke with Messmer alums who now attend Marquette. These alums talked about what to look forward to in college and what the students can still do in high school to help ensure college success.
Alea Cross, MHS class of ’07, told the students that even if they will be “first generation” college students, “Whatever you think you can’t do, you can do.” Justine Shorter, MHS ’08, advised that when the students get to college they should: “Surround yourself with like-minded people and find an older mentor.”
The MHS students were then given a special showing of the MU Theater Department’s production of the musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. MHS Sophomore Tramaine Hardy was plucked from the audience to be one of the spellers in the show.
Throughout the play the audience laughed often and thoroughly enjoyed the production. After the show they were treated to a talkback with the cast and director.
Senior Anqunette Hendrix from Drama class said the day was “…an amazing experience." Chabeli Romero and Ashley Jones-Reed, also seniors from Broadcast Media, said the play was fun and they enjoyed the different sessions at Marquette. The students who attended the day are grateful to the MU College of Communications for giving them this great opportunity.
See slide show at right for more pictures from the day.
Well Run Team
Messmer High's coed Cross Country team has shown great growth over the last month. The team has thirteen committed members and each one has shown a marked improvement from the start of the season in early August.
Head Coach and Math Teacher Mr. William Gunderson says that “...this year is very exciting, we have many runners who are motivated to do their best and we all get along very well." According to Assistant Coach Ms. Julie Morrison, also a math teacher, “Cross Country is in full-swing and running strong."
So far the Bishops have not won any events, but have improved dramatically at every competition. Gunderson pointed out that “Ronald Shipman and Sylvia Washington have been leading by example through working hard and having great attitudes.” Gunderson and Morrison, along with Assistant Coach and English Teacher Ms. Kim Stein, want each student on the team to enjoy running and be able to continually improve.
Gunderson believes that the team will finish strong, and Morrison encourages the Messmer family to
See slide show at left for more of the team in action. Special thanks to our new Photography Teacher, Mr. John Balistreri, for the pictures!
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