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Students with awards

Juniors Eli Devorkin and Jasmine Xu are recipients of the Jay Miley “Service Above Self” award. This award is given to students who have gone above and beyond in service and commitment to others. 

Homestead High School is proud to announce that juniors Eli Devorkin and Jasmine Xu are recipients of the Jay Miley “Service Above Self” award. This award is given to students who have gone above and beyond in service and commitment to others. Devorkin and Xu were honored in April during a luncheon sponsored by the Milwaukee North Shore Rotary Club.

Both award recipients have been inspired by their parents and mentors to jump into action to make a difference in the lives of others through service. Jasmine and Eli are honor students at Homestead High School and actively participate in numerous clubs and activities both in school and in their community.

“Eli and Jasmine have answered a calling to enrich the lives of others through their kindness, compassion and service to others,” said Homestead High School counselor, Sarah Robinson. “I’m inspired by their service to others - our world certainly needs them.”

Devorkin is passionate about working with and supporting children with physical and mental disabilities. He dedicates his time at All-Star Health Center in Mequon, training and exercising with children and young adults who need extra support. Devorkin plays for the Homestead baseball team, works a part-time job at Les Moise sporting goods store, and is considering a career in physical therapy.

Xu is involved with a non-profit organization called ENGin that connect volunteers with students in Ukraine to teach them English via Zoom. In her teaching role, she meets individually with her students once a week to monitor their English progress and teach new topics. In addition, Xu creates
individualized lesson plans for each student based on their progress and she shares supplemental resources and websites with her students to promote their learning. She also takes time during the week to maintain informal communication with her Ukrainian learners to build a positive relationship with them and support them socially. Additionally, Xu plays the cello with Homestead’s chamber orchestra, is a member of Homestead’s programming club, math team, and golf team. She has recently been selected to attend The Summer Science Program, a highly competitive and academically enriching summer program offering students research opportunities in the STEM fields.

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Latin students with their awards outside the school

The NLE is a test given annually to Latin students across the United States and around the world. The NLE is not meant to be a competition but rather an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement and recognition for their accomplishments in the classroom. Depending upon their score, students may earn certificates, medals, and may even qualify for scholarships.

Congratulations to these outstanding Latin scholars:

Homestead is excited to announce the winners of the HHS 2023 National Latin Exam!

Pictured in front, left to right:

  • Magistra Marianne Wallach
  • Emily T. (Gold Medal)
  • Anya M. (Magna cum Laude)
  • William H. (Gold Medal)
  • Luke L. (Gold Medal)

Pictured in the back row, left to right:

  • Michelle I. (cum Laude)
  • Anna P. (Silver Medal),
  • Addison D. (Silver Medal)
  • Charlotte K. (Gold Medal)

Other National Latin Exam winners not pictured are:

  • Will S. (Gold)
  • Rosalie K. (Gold)
  • Aleksey M. (Silver)
  • Peter C. (Silver)
  • Lucas M. (Magna cum Laude)
  • William G. (Magna cum Laude)
  • Eliana P. (Magna cum Laude)
  • Sara W. (cum Laude)
  • Wolf S. (Silver)
  • Matthew S. (Silver)
  • Hanna M. (Silver)
  • Lauren S. (Silver)
  • London B. (Magna cum Laude)
  • Joseph E. (Magna cum Laude)
  • Emersyn S. (cum Laude)
  • George Z. (Gold)
  • Olivia R. (Silver)
  • Mary G. (cum Laude)
  • Drew T. (Magna cum Laude)
  • Brian F. (cum Laude)

 

The NLE is a test given annually to Latin students across the United States and around the world. The NLE is not meant to be a competition but rather an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement and recognition for their accomplishments in the classroom. Depending upon their score, students may earn certificates, medals, and may even qualify for scholarships.

Congratulations to these outstanding Latin scholars!

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Homestead Senior's Art Displayed at Milwaukee Art Museum

Click here to check out the full story and Julia's interview from CBS58

A Mequon student was hesitant but took a risk entering an art contest. But after winning, one of Julia Gaskin's pieces was on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

"I was honestly really surprised," Gaskin, a Homestead High School senior, says. "Even when I won at the regional level, I was like wow -- I won that?"

Gaskin submitted pieces to the Scholastic Art Competition; won a gold and silver medal regionally, and then she won a national silver medal for "Airplane Sketches." She says her creativity took off while on a flight to Florida.

"It was a just a line experiment, a color experiment. I ended up really liking how it turned out, so I made it into a full piece," Gaskin says.

The 17-year-old says she often uses her iPad to draw and create collages, and she often finds inspiration from photos on the social media app Pinterest. But Gaskin says one of her favorite canvasses is actually cardboard.

"I can't draw on just a blank white piece of paper," she says. "But with cardboard it's already been used. It's got all of the spots on it and everything, and you can imagine there's been a story. Then you can tell the story through the art that you're making.

Gaskin is an Advanced Placement 2D Art & Design student finalizing her portfolio to be critiqued later this spring. She says her emotions have influenced how her art has developed this year, and her national recognition has given her a boost.

"It's really helped me to be more confident in my art and be prouder of what I make," Gaskin says.

After graduation, Gaskin says she will study video game design in college. Before high school ends though, she will have a new piece on display at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend. The MOWA Teen Council's exhibition, "Breaking the Cycle," will be on view April 22 to July 9, 2023.

computing award

Homestead High School is proud to announce that students Michelle Dubrovsky (grade 12) Madeline Frank (grade 11), Julia Gaskin (grade 12), and Alison Kellner (grade 12) have been recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Awards.

Homestead High School is proud to announce that students Michelle Dubrovsky (grade 12) Madeline Frank (grade 11), Julia Gaskin (grade 12), and Alison Kellner (grade 12) have been recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Awards.

NCWIT helps organizations recruit, retain, and advance women from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers by providing community, evidence, and action. The AiC awards honor women in grades 9-12 for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions.

Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in
the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.

Dubrovsky has participated in girls tennis for all four years of high school and has been on the varsity tennis team for the last two years. She is vice president of the Homestead chapter of She’s the First, a club with the goal to make sure girls everywhere are educated, respected, and heard. Additionally, Dubrovsky is a member of the National Honors Society and has completed four years of Merit Awards at Homestead. “After high school, I hope to attend a four-year university,” said Dubrovksy. “I am still hearing back from my top schools, so I have not made a decision yet as to where I will be attending in the fall.” Noting a passion for computer science that began during her freshman year, Dubrovsky has taken as many computer science courses at Homestead as she can in order to further her knowledge of the subject. She also plans to major in computer science in college.

Alison Kellner is part of the National Arts Honor Society (NAHS), National Honor Society, and the Programming Club. Upon graduation, Kellner plans to attend Northeastern University to major in Cybersecurity. “My interest in computer science started after my freshman year and it never fizzled out,” said Kellner. “I took as many computer classes as I could fit into my schedule. I hope to go far in the computer science community and help people along the way.”

Each of the girls has demonstrated an exceptional drive to furthering their knowledge in computer science, according to Homestead High School computer science teacher, Harrison Palzewicz. “Michelle has a deep passion and curiosity for the world of Cybersecurity,” Palzewicz said. “Her growth in Computer Science classes here at Homestead prove that she will make a big impact in the field. Julia is an artist with computing. Her work continues to stand out because of her creative touch and mind for details. Madeline is always thinking about growing the Computer Science community. She has always been interested in helping others and continues to grow stronger in her advanced programming skills. And Alison's ability to break down complex problems is very impressive.”

To celebrate this achievement, these students are invited to attend the NCWIT-WI Affiliate Aspirations Award Ceremony on Sunday, May 7 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) campus.

To find out more about NCWIT and AiC, visit: https://www.aspirations.org/

Herb Kohl award post

Bremmer is one of 190 high school seniors across the state of Wisconsin who was selected to receive the award and $10,000 scholarship. Award recipients demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and school and community involvement.

Homestead High School is proud to announce that senior Alexa Bremmer is a recipient of a
Herb Kohl Education Foundation Scholarship for Student Excellence and Initiative. Bremmer is one of 190 high
school seniors across the state of Wisconsin who was selected to receive the award and $10,000 scholarship.
Award recipients demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and school and
community involvement.


Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives of
education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association
Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational Service
Agencies (CESA), the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, and the Wisconsin Homeschooling
Parents Association.


“I speak for all who know her when I say that Alexa is a true Mighty Highlander,” said Homestead Principal Eric
Ebert. “We are so proud of her and all that she has achieved in and out of the classroom. This award is a
testament to Alexa's dedication to excellence and service to her community. She could not be more deserving
of such an impressive honor.”


During her time at Homestead, Alexa has been involved in HOSA-Future Health Professionals Chapter and
currently serves as the president. She is also involved in Best Buddies and Homestead’s REACH mental
health club, and is working on a Crohn's disease and Probiotic research project that she hopes to publish soon.
Outside of school, Alexa volunteers at Ascension/Columbia St. Mary’s hospital in the outpatient and day
surgery department, runs her own successful online resale business, enjoys tutoring her peers and younger
students, bolsters her learning by taking additional online courses via Northwestern, and enjoys shopping for
her business, reading, and traveling.


“I plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and after hope to attend medical
school with a career aspiration of becoming a surgeon with a focus in robotic assisted surgeries,” said
Bremmer. “I am currently deciding between Georgia Tech, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and UW
Madison for my undergraduate education.”


The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, established by the well-known Wisconsin philanthropist and
businessman, has been recognizing educational excellence since 1990 by annually awarding scholarships to
nearly 200 graduating high school students throughout Wisconsin.

Scholastic Art Awards image

The art departments of Homestead High School and Steffen Middle School are proud to announce that twelve students received accolades for their visual artwork through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Under the direction of teachers Melinda Plamann (Steffen Middle School), Kat Hustedde, Katie Nowak, and Gina Ruchalski (Homestead High School), these young artists received Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mentions across the mediums of digital art, drawing, painting, photography, and art metals. 

The art departments of Homestead High School and Steffen Middle School are proud to announce that twelve students received accolades for their visual artwork through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Under the direction of teachers Melinda Plamann (Steffen Middle School), Kat Hustedde, Katie Nowak, and Gina Ruchalski (Homestead High School), these young artists received Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mentions across the mediums of digital art, drawing, painting, photography, and art metals. 

The Scholastic Art Awards are given annually to students whose work breaks from convention, blurs the boundaries between genres, and challenges notions of how a particular concept or emotion can be expressed. Entries must demonstrate use of techniques to advance an original perspective or a personal vision or voice, and show skills being utilized to create something unique, powerful, and innovative. Other award criteria include working with an authentic and unique point of view and style.

"We are proud to have our district represented with the largest number of Key recipients in well over a decade!” said Homestead art teacher Kat Hustedde, “We have an incredible group of talented students in the program and are excited to help them achieve well-deserved recognition for their gifts." 

Gold Key Winners include:

  • Addison Drumm, Grade 9
  • Julia Gaskin, Grade 12
  • Clare Pepke, Grade 12
  • Emma Rader, Grade 12
  • Angela Vang, Grade 11

Silver Key Winners include: 

  • Addison Drumm, Grade 9
  • Meghan Eckl, Grade 10
  • Julia Gaskin, Grade 12
  • Delaney Melgaard, Grade 9
  • Meredith Niedfeldt, Grade 10
  • Olive Ramsey, Grade 11

Honorable Mentions include:

  • Elsa Heinrich, Grade 10
  • Kalina Longworth, Grade 11
  • Delaney Melgaard, Grade 9
  • Sylvia Moser, Grade 8

Gold and Silver Key recipients' work will be on display for free to the public in the Calatrava Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum from February 4 through March 19. Gold Key works will continue to the National Scholastic contest in New York City. To see the work of MTSD Scholastic Art Winners, please click here.

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Homestead Theatre Department Sweeps State Awards

The department won 8 top awards, including Critics Choice.

Congratulations to the Homestead Theatre department. They swept the State One-Act Play contest as part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Theatre Festival at UW-Whitewater.

The play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” received 8 awards, including the highest honor of Critics Choice Award.

  • Outstanding Technical Theatre Award
  • Outstanding Ensemble Acting Award
  • Outstanding Directing Award
  • Critics Choice Award

Four students also received Individual acting awards:

  • Matthew Seiberlich as Rosencrantz
  • Ryan Bennett as Guildenstern
  • Alexandra Berryman as The Player
  • Amelia Eichmeier as Hamlet

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

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Homestead Senior Wins Heisman High School Scholarship Award

Homestead High School (HHS) is proud to announce that senior Ilia Mikhailenko has received the 2022 Heisman High School Scholarship Award. The Heisman High School Scholarship program honors the nation’s most accomplished, community-minded high school senior athletes. In addition to excellent academic achievement, scholarship recipients must participate in at least one of the sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the National Federation of State High School Associations. 

Homestead High School (HHS) is proud to announce that senior Ilia Mikhailenko has received the 2022 Heisman High School Scholarship Award. The Heisman High School Scholarship program honors the nation’s most accomplished, community-minded high school senior athletes. In addition to excellent academic achievement, scholarship recipients must participate in at least one of the sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the National Federation of State High School Associations.

In October 2021, Ilia earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam, a national college entrance exam that tests in the areas of English, reading, math, and science. In addition to maintaining outstanding academic achievements, Ilia plays both volleyball and tennis for Homestead at the varsity level and was named the varsity tennis co-Captain as a junior. Additionally, he serves as president of Homestead's National Honor Society and, until recently, was the president of the Wisconsin Junior Classical League, a statewide student organization involved in promoting the classics. He is a member of HOSA, a club for students interested in a career in healthcare, and also tutors his fellow peers while volunteering as a coach for youth volleyball and tennis programs. Ilia is interested in neuroscience and healthcare and plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

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Adam photo

Adam Yesufu was one of 10 students statewide to receive this honor.

Homestead High School is proud to announce that senior Adam Yesufu is a recipient of the Princeton Club of Wisconsin Book Award. Yesufu was nominated for this award by Homestead school counselor, Mrs. Sarah Robinson, during his junior year and received the honor during a special dinner held this past June.

The Princeton Book Award is awarded to a high school junior who displays a concern for the opinion of others while demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent, and competence in both academic and nonacademic pursuits. Yesufu was one of 10 students statewide to receive this honor.

Yesufu is an alumnus of Steffen Middle School and currently participates in MTSD’s TAG (Talented, Advanced, and Gifted) programming, with an impressive array of academic achievements across a range of content areas. He received a 34 (out of 36) on the ACT and a 1480 out of a possible 1520 on the PSAT - including a perfect 760 on the math section. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction award-winner, and recently received an African-American Recognition Award from the College Board for excellence in academics.

“Adam is one of Homestead’s best and brightest,” wrote Robinson in Yesufu’s nomination letter. “Adam’s drive to do his best in all aspects of his life is one of his strengths. His curious mind, ambitious spirit, and persistent work ethic support his academic achievement and strong engagement in all learning activities.”

In addition to excelling in academics, Yesufu is a member of the National Honors Society, Homestead Neuroscience Club, Students Exploring Medicine Club, International Youth

Neuroscience Association, Homestead’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Chapter, and is active in Homestead’s Math and Robotics teams. He was also recently recognized as a 2023 National Merit Semifinalist.

During his time at Steffen, Yesufu received a Certificate of Merit for successfully representing Steffen in the Mathcounts Milwaukee Chapter competition, earned a Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, and a Milwaukee Brewer’s Student Achiever Award for being in the top 6% of student academic performance.

“In furtherance of my desire to give back to the community,” said Yesufu, “I volunteered during Lionsfest, a three-day fundraising festival held by the Thiensville-Mequon, Wisconsin Lions

Club. As for my post-secondary plans, I intend to go into pre-med, and eventually medicine, with an emphasis on neuroscience."

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Homestead seniors

This is the second consecutive year that Homestead High School has announced eight students as Semifinalists.

The National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC) recently announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Homestead High School is excited to announce that eight of our senior students have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists.

Those students include: Isaac Bloomgarden, Abigail Horwitz, Henry Kroft, Jonathan Lim, Ilia Mikhailenko, Nathan Moldavsky, Maura Whitaker, and Adam Yesufu. This is the second consecutive year that Homestead High School has announced eight students as Semifinalists.

These academically talented seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“It is truly exciting to see this many outstanding National Merit Semifinalists announced at Homestead once again,” said Homestead High School Principal Eric Ebert. “These students have gone above and beyond not only in their commitment to academic achievement, but in their pursuits outside of the classroom as well. I look forward to seeing the success they will continue to achieve this year, and into the future.”

High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

Students who qualify as Semifinalists based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT are the only program participants who have an opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and compete for National Merit Scholarships. From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to Finalist level, and in February will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Finalists will be announced beginning in April 2023.

Find more information about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation at www.nationalmerit.org

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