Campus Ministry Does Service Works

By Stephanie Thomson

This year’s Campus Ministry class is doing many more things than setting up the weekly Mass and doing everyday classroom activities.  They have the great opportunity to go out into the community and give back in different ways.

           

One way that Campus Ministry is giving back is by volunteering at the Salvation Army.  While there, they get to help sort and stock the pantry shelves.  These items are used in a program that gives food to family households.  It is important that the workers make sure that the item has not expired and that it is still good for people to eat.  The Salvation Army receives many donations that go to a good cause, but they are always in need of more non-perishable food items.  Another opportunity the students have while there is to serve the food and clean up afterward.  During this time they have the opportunity to help out in the kitchen and have one-on-one interaction with the people who come to eat the meals there.  After the students helped serve, Captain Brian Goodwill wanted the Campus Ministry team to see what the Salvation Army has to offer.  He gave them a tour and explained the history and current services that the Salvation Army helps with.  This really helped students see what they were doing to help, and other ways they could help in the future. 

           

Another opportunity they will have this semester is giving Communion to the elderly in nursing homes.  It is important for them as a class to get out into the community and share their faith with others.  Not only do they share their faith with other Catholics, but they bring a little joy and happiness to the lives of the people in the nursing homes by spending some time with them.  Campus Ministry is excited to have this opportunity and loves the fact that they can share their faith with others in the community in many different ways.

Newman Catholic Students Participate in 'Phantom'

By Erin Gassner

Central Wisconsin Educational Theatre Alliance has done it again! This biyearly theatre project, which incorporates students and staff from Wausau West, Northland Lutheran, Wausau East, D.C. Everest, Merrill, and Newman Catholic, is putting on Andrew Lloyd Weber's most famous musical, The Phantom of the Opera. This musical tells the story of a deformed musical genius, who lives in the cellars below the Paris Opera House, and who falls in love with a beautiful young soprano, Christine. He devotes himself to creating a new star for the Paris Opera, and meanwhile terrorizes all those who disagree or attempt to stop him. This show has been a smash musical hit since its London premiere in 1986.

In CWETA’s production, there are 57 members in the cast, 20 orchestra members, and countless others who work on set, props, costumes, lighting, and other elements.  The show includes five students from Newman Catholic: Maggie Ward plays Christine, the young soprano who is the subject of the Phantom's obsession, as well as Juta Pranulyte, Brogan Resch, Paige Gelling, and Erin Gassner, who all participate in the Opera Corp ensemble.

So what is it about The Phantom of the Opera that makes it so much more special than any other musical? Senior Maggie Ward says, "The Phantom of the Opera is such a beautiful and truly exceptional musical. Several different styles of music, from contemporary to opera, all intertwine to make a blend of sound that is delightful for the audience and challenging for the performer. The plot of this musical is incredibly suspenseful and the complexity of characters goes beyond what is found in many musicals. This is why The Phantom of the Opera has been performed for years in more than 20 countries and in 14 different languages. It is a true treasure."

The Phantom of the Opera will be performed at Wausau West High School from February 17 through February 20. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets, go to www.showtix4u.com or call 715-261-0899. Don't miss this incredible performance of the most popular musical of all time!

Womens' Winter Fashions

By Erin Gasser

Fashion lovers of Newman Catholic, listen up! Winter is well upon us, and there are lots of opportunities for looking good and staying warm.  There are quite a few odd trends amongst the girls at Newman that are not appropriate for school, such as leggings worn as pants, too-big graphics, and tiny miniskirts. Though the ladies who sported these trends look lovely, these articles of clothing are not dress code compliant.

The Newman Catholic Schools Parent-Student Handbook states many rules, and sadly, there are two and a half pages devoted to rules of the dress code. One rule states that skirts and dresses must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. So ladies – that means that those adorable yet incredibly miniature miniskirts you love to sport are not

allowed. I know – sad. Save them for weekend parties, where you are less likely to get reprimanded.

Another trend I have noticed in the halls of Newman Catholic is many girls wearing leggings as pants with a tunic style top. The Handbook says that this is a no-no. Why, you ask? First of all, leggings are not pants. They are mean to go under skirts to keep your legs warm.  Wearing them as pants is not appropriate. If you are absolutely addicted to leggings, pick up a pair of cute patterned ones (TJ Maxx and Rue 21!) to put under skirts, add a pair of pretty ballet flats, and you are good to go!

Yet another dress code rule states that any graphics have to be three inches by three inches. I know that this is a problem amongst Newman students – it seems that everywhere you turn in a store there are only t-shirts with big graphics. Do not despair totally: college and Newman Catholic spirit wear with larger graphics are okay to wear to school. However, if you are not sure whether or not your graphic is too big, just spare yourself a headache and wear it on the weekend.

Though we are one of the few schools in the area with a stricter dress code, do not fret: there are lots of stores in the Wausau area that have lots of school-appropriate clothing for girls. There are many located within our own mall such as Maurice's, Buckle, and Rue 21. There are also several in the Rib Mountain are like Kohl's, Old Navy, and Gordman's. There are plenty of school-appropriate clothing stores in the Wausau area. In short, ladies, just because we have a dress code does not mean that we cannot look great at school! Finding clothes that are school-appropriate, cute, and comfortable is easy in Wausau because of our great amount of clothing stores.

Key Club Elects New Officers

By Gaonou Lo

Every January, Key Club members elect new club officers that will carry on officer duties to continue to make Key Club a successful and fun club.  The Key Club officers include President Nicole Cornell, Vice President Maria Legenza, Secretary Maggie Ward, Treasurer Gaonou Lo, and Bulletin Editor Erin Gassner, and have currently done a splendid job throughout the year.  They now will hand over their duties as officers to the new club officers.  There are four positions that students could have run for: President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Bulletin Editor. 

Nominations were held on January 18, 2011, and the following students are running for office: for president, Maria Legenza and Erin Gassner; for vice president, Daley Rupar, Patrick Maves, and Anne Zieglmeier, for secretary/treasurer: Melissa Panetta and Emily Coates; and for bulletin editor there was only one nominee, Merriam Mistlebauer.  The elections were held on January 25^th and 26^th during lunch.  The new club officers will be announced at the next Key Club meeting, February 1^st.

Newman Catholic Schools Week: United Through the Spirit

By Bailey Dillon

Newman Catholic Schools will be having a dress-up spirit week next week, January 31 through February 4, 2011.  Days of the week include Newman Catholic Spirit day, Nerd day, Pajama/Comfy day, Church day and Favorite Team day.  All students must follow all Newman Catholic dress code rules.

Monday, January 31 will be Newman Catholic Spirit day or Patriotic day.  Students must wear red, white and/or blue spirit wear supporting our Newman Catholic schools.  Jeans are allowed only if you are wearing Newman spirit wear.  You may wear a team jersey, shooting shirt, or athletic style T-shirts from Newman Catholic.  All shirts must have sleeves.  No sweats are allowed.

Tuesday, February 1will be Nerd Day.  Students are allowed to dress nerdy.  Jeans are allowed if students are dressed as nerds and are following all the Newman Catholic dress codes. 

Junior varsity boys basketball will be playing at 5:45pm against Pittsville.  The varsity boys basketball will be playing at 7:30 against Pittsville.  The varsity boys hockey co-op team will play at 7:00pm in Antigo.  These games will all be played on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. 

Wednesday, February 2 will be Pajama/Comfy day.  Students may wear Bathrobes, slippers, pajamas and they may wear sweatpants if there is no wording on the back.

Thursday, February 3 will be Church day.   All students will be dressing up for church.  There will be no reserved parking spots in the Newman Catholic High School parking lot on this day.  About 30 parking spots will be for the Diocesan officials, the Bishop, clergy, grandparents, and religious.  Students will be allowed to park in the streets.  There will be no open lunch for the seniors.  The schedule has changed for Thursday, so students will be told where they must be throughout the day.  

On February 3, the junior varsity girl’s basketball team will be playing at 5:45pm at Northland Lutheran.    At 7:30pm, the varsity girl’s basketball team will be playing at Northland Lutheran. The varsity hockey team will be playing at 7:00pm against Northland Pines in Mosinee, WI.

On Friday, February 4 all students should dress for Favorite Sports Team day, which will include jerseys and sweatshirts.  Students are only allowed to wear gear from a professional, college or NCHS sports team.  No T-shirts will be allowed.  Jeans are allowed only if Newman students are wearing their favorite team. 

On the evening of February 4, the C-team boys basketball and junior varsity boys basketball teams will be playing at 5:45pm in Auburndale.  The varsity boy’s basketball team will be playing at 7:30pm also in Auburndale. 

A Quest for Perfection: The Story of Paul Michlig

By Adam Rutz

When Paul Michlig took a coaching job at his high school alma mater in 2003, he was faced with a very tough challenge. Michlig accepted an offer with a losing team that wasn’t going anywhere at the time, but he took that task and made the best of it. At the end of the Newman Catholic Cardinals’ 2009 season, Michlig had the program completely turned around. He had led his football team to their second consecutive playoff birth, something that Newman Catholic hadn’t done in a very long time. However, things in 2010 were even better; Newman not only got to the playoffs for a third consecutive time, but they also got the first WIAA playoff wins in school history. Football isn’t the only sport Michlig has had success coaching either, as his girl’s track team added another trophy to the case last year with a second place finish at state.

Paul Michlig graduated from Newman in 1996; he was a stellar three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. "I put in a lot of hours in working out when I was younger. We spent a lot of hours playing sports and the bond I created with my teammates was key because good teamwork brings success" says Michlig. He still holds the school record in track for his 100-meter dash time, and is number one in the record books in a lot of football statistics. Though he may have his accolades from the past, they don’t mean nearly as much to him as seeing young student-athletes develop as human beings.

After Michlig finished college, he ended up returning to Newman to coach and hasn’t ever thought of doing things differently. "Life works in strange ways. I am a strong believer in the Catholic religion and wanted to be a part of that. It worked out for me and I am really proud to be at Newman Catholic" Michlig says. In seeing firsthand how Michlig acts when coaching, he demands hard work from his athletes, but, importantly, also demands that they grow as Christians as well.

The 33-year old coaches varsity football, varsity track & field, and 8^th grade boys basketball. He enjoys being a part of how young men and women develop as people, and that is what he says is his favorite thing about coaching. All of his success in track really helps with making high-school athletes better because he has a lot of experience with what he is coaching. Michlig also enjoys being around his assistant coaches and friends, like Coach Thorpe, who helps with football and track & field.

While the hard work behind the scenes continues, Newman sports will continue to stay on the rise as well with all the talent and dedication the student athletes put in for their coaches.

Meet Mrs. Thoreson

By Bailey Dillon and Gaonou Lo

Newman Catholic started the year with teachers that have been here for years and teachers that are just starting here in 2010-11.  One of those new teachers is Mrs. Thoreson (high school level Spanish teacher). 

Before she came to Newman Catholic, Mrs. Thoreson taught at DeForest High School and Dodgeville High School, and was the department chairperson for all languages.  Mrs. Thoreson speaks fluent Spanish and has chosen it as a career because she enjoyed it in high school and she has also traveled to Spain and Mexico.  If she could teach a class other than Spanish, it would be interior decorating designing.  She also believes that there could be more technology equipment in the classrooms to help improve our school. 

So far, Mrs. Thoreson enjoys her students and the staff and she likes the atmosphere because it is a positive place to work.  Also, her husband, Mr. Thoreson, our guidance counselor, pays for her lunch everyday.

Jazz Bands Jam at Wausau East

By Paige Gelling

On Saturday, January 15^th, the halls of Wausau East High School were filled with music from local jazz ensembles. Many jazz bands from around the area were in attendance at this year’s Wausau East Jazz Festival. The local high school bands got to play their pieces for local professional jazz musicians, and they received critiques afterward.

Participating in the festivities was our very own Newman Catholic High School Jazz Band. Junior Erin Gassner plays the tenor saxophone in our band, and she said she really enjoyed the festival. “I feel as if getting help from the local professional jazz musicians really helped our jazz band improve on our piece, especially in regards to technique. It was nice to get that extra help because this is the piece we will be performing at Solo & Ensemble this coming February. It was a very fun and educational experience and I can’t wait until next year.”

Later that evening, there was a jazz concert held in the Wausau East auditorium. Performers on the program included jazz groups from nine local high schools and John Greiner's SwingShift Band.

Cooking with Kronberger

By Adam Rutz

In 1991, Mrs. Kronberger began her legacy as a foods teacher in Garland, Texas, at the same high school she had graduated from. After Newman Catholic's Mary Kurtzweil decided to retired last year, someone had to step up and take the former foods and sewing teacher's place. That person was indeed Mrs. Jennifer Kronberger, also our school's librarian.

"I enjoy interacting with the students and teaching them skills they can carry on with them for the rest of their lives," said Kronberger. "I really like working with others and it's a joy to be able to be around these students each day." Kronberger has displayed excellent talents in not only the kitchen but also the classroom portion of the teachings. Mrs. K really helps students learn both aspects of skills that are important as they continue their journey as young adults and begin to live on their own after high school. Her ability to relate to the students is very nice and helps the kids realize that cooking isn’t so hard after all.

When Kronberger isn’t in school teaching she spends a lot of time with her young children, Forrest, age 9, and Kit, age 8, as well as her husband Mike. The Kronberger family has moved quite a bit due to Mr. Kronberger’s job relocations, but now that they are settled here in Wausau, they’ll be here to stay. Mrs. Kronberger enjoys reading and teaching her children important things that they’ll need in the future, and watching them grow up.

"Even though my children are young, I really enjoy teaching them new skills that they can use at home in the kitchen to make things a lot more fun when cooking at home," Kronberger said. She plans to be at Newman Catholic for a while, but the one thing she wants do to in her lifetime is write a children’s book. To learn more about Mrs. Kronberger stop in Room 101 or the library to chat with her.

Newman Catholic Girls Basketball Continues to Dominate

By Adam Rutz

The Newman Catholic Lady Cardinals have not lost a game since December 29^th, 2009 when they dropped a non-conference game to Marshfield during a holiday tournament, but that game didn’t matter as Tom Weinkauf’s squad won another state title last spring. In their expectations for 2011, the Cardinals plan on getting back to the Kohl Center again as they remain undefeated and one of the top teams in the state, regardless of division. Led by UW-Green Bay recruit Taylor Thomas, she and her teammates are 11-0 as they take on the Edgar Wildcats tonight.

Projected to win another state title, Newman hasn’t had a team come even close to beating them besides the Holiday Tournament in Marshfield over Christmas break. They only lost one senior from last year’s team, but they returned the top player in the state, Taylor Thomas, who leads the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game. Besides Thomas, the Lady Cardinals start three other seniors: Erica Hartke, Lauren Tubbs, and Megan Connolly.

As Newman Catholic continues their pursuit of their second consecutive state title, cheer them on tonight at Edgar at 7:30 p.m.