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Brookfield Central Holds Special Graduation for Andrew Wernicke
Brookfield Central Holds Special Graduation for Andrew Wernicke
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Andrew receives his diplomaA special graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 25th for Brookfield Central Senior, Andrew Wernicke, who is battling cancer.

Andrew receives his diploma from Principal Gruetzmacher

A special graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 25th for Brookfield Central Senior, Andrew Wernicke, in the BCHS Cafeteria. Wernicke has been battling brain cancer since the age of 11 and has undergone multiple brain surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, and recently discovered that his cancer had spread to his spine and spinal cord. When students and staff learned that Andrew would be missing his June 11th graduation ceremony in order to receive treatment in Georgia, they organized an impromptu ceremony in less than 24 hours to honor his academic journey and allow him to receive his diploma amongst his classmates and teachers.

The ceremony was complete with a processional, singing, and speeches in a cafeteria that was packed full with students, staff, and Andrew's family.

"I've been working in education for 24 years and this was definitely the most meaningful event I've ever been a part of," said BCHS Principal, Brett Gruetzmacher. "I am so glad we were able to give Andrew his diploma and celebrate his accomplishment with the support of the whole school and BC community."

Congratulations on your graduation, Andrew and we wish you the best with your treatment!

Milwaukee TMJ4's coverage of the ceremony can be viewed here.


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Milwaukee Tool & WCTC Named 2024 Outstanding Community Partners

Milwaukee Tool and the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) have been named the recipients of the District’s 2024 Excellence in a Community Partnership award! This award will be presented as part of the Engaged in Excellence Awards celebration on Monday, May 6, at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center.

Milwaukee Tool is being recognized as an outstanding community partner for its support of the LAUNCH program and in-kind donations to technical education classrooms across the District. Since partnering with the company in 2017, Milwaukee Tool has contributed monetary donations of over $30,000, product donations of 800 tools totalling more than $174,000, and has served as project mentors for over 150 LAUNCH student projects. Milwaukee Tool annually hosts an Innovation Challenge with LAUNCH, tasking students to design and present innovative solutions to challenges the company presents and students to gain unparalleled learning opportunities through the process.

WCTC has become a key partner in support of the Elmbrook Promise, the District’s goal to provide access to 30 college credits to every high school student before graduation. At the heart of our partnership lies the Excelerate program, where Elmbrook will celebrate its first graduates to complete a high school diploma and an associate's degree while in high school. Additionally, the growing Dual Enrollment Academy has created opportunities for students to start on a career path, earn certifications, and gain industry experience in a supportive high school cohort. These career pathways include certificates in welding, Emergency Medical Technician, IT programming, Firefighting, nursing, dental assistant, and more. Innovative opportunities in the fields of advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence provide students with hands-on learning experiences for future-ready careers. New course offerings in business management and marketing also offer students deeper insights into the field of work.

Congratulations and thank you to Milwaukee Tool and WCTC for their tremendous partnerships and amazing service to our students, educators, and Elmbrook community.

milwaukee tool, wctc