Messmer High School

Juneteenth is history, resilience, beauty, sacrifice, Black joy, and excellence."

Principal Shenora Staten-Jordan joins a powerful lineup of community leaders in the Shepherd Express sharing what Juneteenth means to them.

Read all of their insightful reflections 👇

What Juneteenth Means to Milwaukee’s African Americans In 1972, organizers at Northcott Neighborhood House blocked off a handful of neighborhood streets and threw a celebration on June 19. What began as a neighborhood gathering grew into something far more profound.

From Classmates to a Lifetime!

For Dr. Yvette Musial (née Rodgers) ’84 and her husband TJ Musial ’84, Messmer High School is more than a shared alma mater. Messmer is the place where their individual paths took shape, and where their lifelong partnership began.

For both Yvette and TJ, student life experiences were foundational. During her time at Messmer, Yvette immersed herself fully in co-curriculars, joining the drill team, performing in musicals, serving on student council, and ultimately becoming captain of a state championship cheerleading squad. Those experiences, she says, built confidence, discipline, and leadership, while creating bonds that have lasted decades. TJ, who transferred to Messmer his senior year, found a similar sense of belonging through basketball and his work behind the scenes in theater productions.

His decision to transfer was shaped by friendship. “Paul Groshek ’84 and I became friends in grade school and was one of the primary reasons I transferred to Messmer in my senior year,” TJ recalls. After his family moved, he wanted to spend his final year somewhere he felt connected. That choice quickly proved meaningful. “The Messmer group was tight knit… it felt like home.”

That sense of connection defined their time at Messmer and continues to shape their lives today. Yvette credits influential relationships, including her friendship with classmate Julie Lemberger (née Turriff) ’84 and her inspiring English teacher, Kay Wifler, for leaving a lasting mark. For TJ, friendships formed early on reinforced the importance of community and shared experience.

After graduation, their journeys took different but complementary paths. Yvette initially pursued dance before ultimately earning her nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, later advancing to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in neurology and neurosurgery. TJ continued his basketball career in college before building a successful career in financial services, eventually leading operations for Community Financial Service Centers in New York and New Jersey where he serves today. Along the way, they built a life together. After marrying in 1987, they raised six children while balancing family life with their growing careers. Today, they are the proud grandparents of four.

Both Yvette and TJ point to Messmer’s emphasis on dedication, community, and relationships as lessons that have endured. Whether through early morning practices, shared traditions, or lifelong friendships, the values instilled during those years continue to guide them.

“Looking back, my involvement at Messmer didn’t just fill my schedule,” recalls Yvette. “It built my confidence, taught me leadership, and created relationships and memories that have stayed with me for a lifetime.”

As the Musials’ story shows, the connections formed at Messmer don’t just shape four years. They can shape a life.

Whether you joined us on the course or supported Messmer from afar, thank you for being part of the 25th Annual Nancy Bonesho Memorial Golf Classic.

Together, we celebrated 25 years of golf, fellowship, and support for Messmer students. We raised more than $87,000 for Messmer student-athletes!

On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and golf committee, thanks to our golfers, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for helping make this milestone year such a tremendous success.

More event-day photos and sponsor highlights: http://www.messmerhigh.org

Good food, great company, and plenty of laughs. The Class of 1975 got together recently for an informal gathering and proved they've still got it! Once a Bishop, always a Bishop.

Our Steins & Stories all-years alumni gathering was unforgettable!

We loved catching up, sharing laughs, and reminiscing with over 100 alumni and friends who raised a glass with us. Thank you to everyone who came out to share their stories and make the night so special. Once a Bishop, always a Bishop! 💙

🍻 Steins & Stories all-years alumni gathering is THIS SATURDAY! Missed the online registration deadline for Steins & Stories? Walk-ups are welcome!

Dust off your old yearbooks, grab your favorite classmates, and get ready to raise a glass. Here is everything you need to know:

🍻 Steins & Stories: Saturday, June 6, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
📍 Where: The Bavarian Bierhaus (700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale)
🎟️ Cost: $20 at the door. Your ticket gets you a 'wurst on a bun' (brat, sausage, or hot dog), fries, sauerkraut, and one drink ticket! (Cash bar & full menu also available).

Tag your favorite Messmer alumni below and make sure they're coming! See you Saturday!