Page 50 – Wisconsin Life

As a kid, Luke Traver whittled wood. Little did he know that wood carving was his future. Traver explains, in college, “I’d met a guy named Bob Siegel who was a master wooden shoe carver, who taught me how to carve.”

Conquering Hip Breaker Hill
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Conquering Hip Breaker Hill

Sports

Conquering Hip Breaker Hill

The morning was already hot and humid as we pedaled out of Perrot State Park. The mercury had passed 80 on its way into the mid 90s, but my thoughts were focused on one thing: what do they mean by “Hip Breaker Hill?”

What Do All The Symbols On The Wisconsin State Flag Mean?
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What Do All The Symbols On The Wisconsin State Flag Mean?

Culture & History

What Do All The Symbols On The Wisconsin State Flag Mean?

Here’s a classic joke: A miner, a sailor and a badger walk into a busy bar. Actually, it’s not a bar…it’s the Wisconsin state flag. Dive in to find out what all the symbols mean on this state symbol.

First Bikes: Quality Time For A Dad And His Daughter
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First Bikes: Quality Time For A Dad And His Daughter

The Arts

First Bikes: Quality Time For A Dad And His Daughter

There’s a band that I’ve followed on and off since college called Pedro The Lion, and they released a new song awhile back called Yellow Bike. It’s about getting your first bike, and how the world opens up when you learn to ride it.

Classroom Frequency: Student Voices From Wisconsin
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Classroom Frequency: Student Voices From Wisconsin

Wisconsin Originals

Classroom Frequency: Student Voices From Wisconsin

When I took on the role as host and producer of “Wisconsin Life” on Wisconsin Public Radio, I wanted to incorporate more young voices on the program. So at the beginning of the school year, I teamed up with teachers and students at Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School, or MG21.

For The Love Of Military History
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For The Love Of Military History

Culture & History

For The Love Of Military History

When you walk into a classroom at Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School, there’s one desk that stands out. It’s lined with vintage military helmets, all purchased by MG21 student Harrison Farnam.

The Poetry And Music Of Coyote Johnson
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The Poetry And Music Of Coyote Johnson

The Arts

The Poetry And Music Of Coyote Johnson

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School sophomore Coyote Johnson does everything. She sings, plays guitar, draws intricate sketches, and she writes poetry in a notebook she carries everywhere. For this radio project, Coyote wanted to share some of her poems and music.

Why Do We Need Charter Schools?
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Why Do We Need Charter Schools?

Culture & History

Why Do We Need Charter Schools?

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School junior Dante Murray really wants to talk about school. Before he came to MG21 his sophomore year, he struggled at the traditional public school. “I didn’t really find point in doing a lot of the stuff that they were assigning,” said Dante.

A Political Awakening: Jasnen Valencia On Immigration
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A Political Awakening: Jasnen Valencia On Immigration

Culture & History

A Political Awakening: Jasnen Valencia On Immigration

The following story is about a high school student experiencing a political awakening. Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School senior Jasnen Valencia, also known as Jaz, wrote the following letter to Senator Tammy Baldwin for one of her classes: Dear Senator Baldwin, The government should allow immigrants a path to citizenship.

The Music Of Circe Johnson
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The Music Of Circe Johnson

The Arts

The Music Of Circe Johnson

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School freshman Circe Johnson expresses herself through poetry and music. She wanted to share a couple of songs she’s recently written on guitar about overcoming some tough times in her life.

A Day In The Life Of Calvin Renard
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A Day In The Life Of Calvin Renard

The Arts

A Day In The Life Of Calvin Renard

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School junior Calvin Renard is a talented artist and likes to work with his hands. MG21 teacher Ian Lowe recorded Calvin doing the things he loves to do at school — play basketball, create metal work, draw, and spray-paint.

Living With Childhood Grief
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Living With Childhood Grief

Wisconsin Originals

Living With Childhood Grief

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School student Abbie Pochel reflects on her journey of finding out her father had pancreatic cancer, his treatment, and the spread of his cancer. In this heart wrenching essay, she talks about going to Camp Kesem, where she made new friends who could relate her experience.

‘No Matter What, We’ll Always Be Friends’
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‘No Matter What, We’ll Always Be Friends’

Wisconsin Originals

‘No Matter What, We’ll Always Be Friends’

Best friends and Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School classmates Luke Hennings and Noah Ebert talk about the beginning of their friendship and why they’ll always be friends. The seniors talk about adventures at water parks and skate parks, loyalty, and watching a “mutating” fly.

This I Believe: Simon Schlosser
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This I Believe: Simon Schlosser

Wisconsin Originals

This I Believe: Simon Schlosser

Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School student Simon Schlosser has a lot of opinions. He also really enjoyed learning about the This I Believe segments on NPR and NPR Illinois. So he created his own “This I Believe” essay based on opinions, conflict, and politics.

‘Like It Or Not, This Is Me’
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‘Like It Or Not, This Is Me’

Wisconsin Originals

‘Like It Or Not, This Is Me’

Want to get to know Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School student Asias Johnson better? She’s prepared this elevator speech to help cut to the chase. She talks about her struggles, family, and her outlets, like art and writing poetry in her journals.