THE CLIPPER CONNECTION
Volume 1 Issue 3
Sturgeon Bay Newsletter
STURGEON BAY HIGH SCHOOL
Staff Spotlight: Congratulations to Ms. Heidi Hintz! KEITH NERBY
Journalism Day at Fiserv Forum: Behind the Scenes with the Bucks JENNA AUGUSTSON On April 1st, 32 students attended the first-ever Journalism Day at Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. The day provided a behind-the-scenes look at careers in journalism, public relations, social media, and communications. Students toured the stadium, sat courtside during the Bucks’ warm-up, and heard from a panel of Bucks employees who shared their experiences working in the fast-paced world of professional sports media. Many students had never attended an NBA game before, making the experience even more memorable. Students were surprised by just how much happens off the court. “I was shocked at how much the journalists do behind the scenes. I was listening to one of the speakers, and he said how he had to write 100 pages for his job,” said Siri Fittshur. Niushka Garcia Santiago added, “One thing of the many things that I learned and found surprising by going on this
field trip is that, in the NBA, there are many jobs that can be done, even theater!” Regan Kasten said, “I was surprised on how much communication and approval the Bucks social media goes through,” and Darya Yeltysheva shared, “I was surprised by how many roles and positions there are at the Fiserv Forum.” Beyond the learning, students made lasting memories. “My favorite part of the trip was honestly everything. I loved the tour that they gave us and how engaged the tour guide was with us. He loved having us there. The game was my favorite part because it was my first ever basketball game, and it was really nice seeing it right in front of me. I also loved it when they were throwing t-shirts and everyone would go absolutely crazy about it. Overall, the trip was amazing,” said Lakayla Wolfe. The day ended with dinner and games at Third Street Market Hall and a Bucks win to cap off an unforgettable trip.
We are proud to announce that Ms. Heidi Hintz, Band Teacher and Director at Sturgeon Bay High School, has been named one of only 100 educators statewide to receive the distinguished 2025 Herb Kohl Fellowship Award! This honor recognizes teachers who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, leadership in their schools, and a lasting impact on student achievement and engagement. Ms. Hintz’s passion for music education, her commitment to student success, and her vibrant presence in the Sturgeon Bay music community make her incredibly deserving of this award. Whether it’s leading the marching band, organizing concerts, or inspiring students to reach their full potential, Ms. Hintz brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does. Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement—congratulations, Ms. Hintz! Your dedication makes all of Sturgeon Bay proud.
Finding My Future in the Classroom: How Youth Apprenticeship Shaped My Path ANNIKA SCHOENEMAN and teaching. This led me to the Youth Apprenticeship program, where I could split my day between hands-on work in the field and completing my schoolwork. I have now been working at Sunrise Elementary for the past school year and could not be any more grateful for the experience. Working alongside teachers and staff as a teaching assistant, recess and lunch monitor, and one-on-one helper has been a great experience, helping me gain a clearer understanding of my future career. One of the best parts of this apprenticeship was connecting with the students. It was so rewarding to see their faces light up when they understood something new or achieved a small success. These moments have taught me the value of patience, compassion, and how positive guidance can help a young person grow. The teachers I worked with demonstrated these qualities every day, showing me what it truly means to be dedicated to helping students succeed. Hi, my name is Annika Schoeneman, and I’m a senior at Sturgeon Bay High School. Over the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to explore my future career every day through my school’s Youth Apprenticeship program. My journey began my sophomore year when I completed my service learning hours at Sunrise Elementary School. It was there that I discovered my passion for helping younger students. As I was preparing my schedule for senior year, I realized I wanted to further explore my interest in education
Winter Sports Recap JONATHAN DUPUIS The dedication of our student-athletes, support from our families, coaches and community members shows that the Clipper Nation is alive and well! Wrestling: There were 7 wrestlers who advanced to sectionals. Tiana Lemieux, Lanie Brauer, and Izzy Andreae on the girls side. Spencer Madsen, Zak Wrobel, Ethan Denamur, and Harry Schartner on the boys side. Two qualified for State: Tiani LeMieux (145 lbs) and Spencer Madson (157). Spencer Madsen took home 3rd place at the WIAA State Tournament. We secured a conference championship (first since 2009) by going undefeated in conference dual meets. The wrestling team increased their numbers this year which helped them fill weight classes and allowed them to compete at a high level all year. This year two wrestlers (Zak Wrobel - Senior and Spencer Madsen - Junior) reached the 100 win milestone. Nate Hasenjager, Patrick Shefchik, and Spencer Madsen earned 1st team all conference honors. Spencer was also selected as the Packerland Conference Player of the year. Girls Basketball: Girls basketball was competitive throughout the season securing some victories and having some hard fought competitive battles throughout the season. The Girls team was led by Seniors Cady Carlson, Gabi Tjernagal, and Dasha Yeltysheva. The Sturgeon Bay team secured the 11th seed and traveled to Tomahawk for the WIAA regional contest where they ultimately fell a bit short. Dasha Yeltysheva earned 2nd team all conference honors and Regan Kasten earned Honorable Mention all conference honors. 3 individuals (Regan Kasten, Kadence Patza, and Dasha Yeltysheva) earned Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association academic all state honors. The team was also awarded academic all state honors from the WBCA.
The hands-on experience I gained in the classroom has strengthened my interest in elementary education and helped me decide to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at UWLa Crosse next year. I’m truly grateful for the relationships I made and the lessons I learned. I highly recommend Youth Apprenticeship to other students. It has not only equipped me with valuable skills but has also given me the opportunity to give back to my community in a meaningful way while earning money for college!
Tracy, Ian Fruzyna, Caleb Plzak, and Bryce Hansen. The Boys team secured a 9th seed and traveled to Peshtigo where they lost a heartbreaker to end their season. Jackson Starr earned 1st team all conference honors, while Hayden Tracy earned Honorable Mention all conference honors. Dance Team: The dance team had a successful season qualifying for state tournament in the D6 Pom Category and finishing in 11th place. Sophomore Kaitlyn Kraemer also advanced as a soloist where she earned all state honors for her performance. Bowling: Dominic Blish secured a spot at State for the second time as he finished 4th in the conference. Dominic bowled an impressive 252 frames, 116 strikes, 90 spares, and 46 opens over the season.. Ski and Snowboard team: The ski and snowboard club battled the elements all year and had 2 individuals qualify for the state tournament in Snowboarding. Jordis Brilla and Makensie Mclain competed in the snowboard state championships in LaCrosse. Signing Day: On March 11th the athletic department celebrated 7 student athletes that committed to play at the next level. They were Cady Carlson (Track and Field Carroll University), Dasha Yeltysheva (Basketball - Marion University), Caleb Plzak (Baseball - Viterbo University), Ethan DeNamur (Soccer - UW River Falls), Zak Wrobel (Wrestling - UW Stevens Point), Patrick Haese (Football - UW Oshkosh), and Bryce Plzak (Football - Carthage College)
SPRING SPORTS HAVE STARTED Baseball: March 17th Boys Golf: March 31st Girls Soccer: March 24th Boys Basketball: The boys team was led by a strong senior Softball: March 17th class that included Braden Evers, Jackson Starr, Hayden Track and Field: March 10th
INSIDE:
SAWYER ELEMENTARY PAGE 2 SUNRISE ELEMENTARY PAGE 3 TJ WALKER MIDDLE SCHOOL PAGE 4
Pottery with a Purpose NICOLE HERBST Members of the SBHS Art Club worked with volunteer guest pottery artist, Eric Gencheff, to create bowls to raise funds for our local food pantry. These bowls were available for purchase at an after-school event on April 11 where homemade soups and breads were served; the event was a great success! Email nherbst@sbsdmail.net if you would like to make a goodwill donation to this local fundraising cause.
Art Awards NICOLE HERBST
WAEA Wisconsin Art Education Association State Awardees, Senior Izzy Jimenez-Seyfer, and Juniors Malia Rothrock and Ryan Felhofer had their pieces picked to go to the state art show in Madison. Malia Rothrock earned the prestigious Governor’s Award and her piece will be on display in our state capital building for a year and Ryan Felhofer was honored the state pick from WAEA for high school! Scholastic Arts Awards is a competitive program that recognizes students at a national level. Gold Key winners included Anika Steinbach, Mack Teska, and Malia Rothrock and Silver Key winners were Ryan Felhofer, Axel Howard, Malaya Martinez, Mack Teska, and Malia Rothrock. Honorable Mention students were Hayden Luders, Eli Klug, Anika Steinbach and Malaya Martinez, and Mack Teska. Gold and Silver Key award winners were invited to have their art displayed at the Milwaukee Art Museum and were recognized at their art award ceremony. Gold Key winners were automatically placed in the national competition. WASB Wisconsin Association for School Boards cash art award winners this year earned $125 each for their art entries. Juniors Jordis Brilla, Axel Howard, and Ryan Felhofer all placed in the top ten and had their pieces displayed downtown at the Baird Center during the state conference. The theme this year was on growth. Art School Merit Scholarship offers have been coming in for senior AP Artist, Mack Teska. He is still deciding what school he will be committing to go to this fall. Each merit scholarship is based mainly on the student’s portfolio as well as their academic record. MIAD, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design MCAD, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and the SVA, School of Visual Arts in New York, each have offered their top scholarship awards to Mack for his outstanding work and potential. We wish him the best of luck for his bright future!
Upcoming Calendar Dates PIPPIN APRIL 24-26
Shows are Thursday, April 24 at 7 pm, Friday, April 25 at 7 pm, and Saturday, April 26 at 2 pm and again at 7 pm.
4K/5K CONCERT MAY 2 5TH/6TH GRADE SPRING CONCERT MAY 12 KINDERGARTEN ART SHOW MAY 27 GRADUATION MAY 31 SUMMER SCHOOL JUNE 16-JULY 10 ROCK THE DOCK JUNE 7