WUSD Students Recognized in 2025 Southern Lakes Anthology

WHITEWATER, WI — Eleven Whitewater Unified School District students have been selected for publication in this year’s edition of “Southern Lakes Anthology.”

The annual competition showcases original art and writing from 3rd-8th grade students across more than 30 school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. The theme for this year’s anthology was “The Power Of,” with students encouraged to explore the concept through creating poetry, prose, expository writing, illustrated writing, art, and cartoons.

WUSD Advanced Learning Specialist, Caroline Nelson, described introducing the competition saying, “I love seeing students' enthusiasm as I reveal the annual SLA theme in classes each fall. They immediately begin brainstorming ideas and making connections to their lives. This year, students were able to apply the theme "The Power Of" to concepts such as self-worth, friendship, historical achievements of women, and chemistry. I look forward to celebrating our published authors and artists at the reception taking place this Spring.”

Over 90 WUSD students submitted their work for review, and after an initial round of district judging, 24 pieces advanced to the regional level. On January 29, WUSD educators Sara Brautigam, Caroline Nelson, and Kathy Retzke joined over 100 fellow judges to review more than 900 submissions and select the top entries for publication.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our incredible students whose work was chosen for publication in the 2024 Southern Lakes Anthology,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “These students demonstrated creativity, dedication, and perseverance in crafting their pieces, often seeking feedback from peers and teachers to refine their work.”

Below is the list of published authors from WUSD:

3rd Grade:

Josie Chaphalkar, Lincoln – “The Beauty of Nature” (Illustrated Writing)
Evelyn Brockwell, Lakeview – “The Galaxy’s Strength” (Art)
Charlie Pieper, Washington – “Molecules of Might” (Art)
Sofia Cerillo, Washington – “I am Sofia”

5th Grade:

Neema Kejo, Washington – “I Wish I…” (Poetry)
Jamie Hoffman, Lakeview – “The Forest Life” (Art)

6th Grade:

Eevee/Ink Bradley, WMS – “Remembering/Memories” (Art)
Mary Horner, WMS – “Empty Town” (Art)

7th Grade:

Paige Callahan, WMS – “Unity” (Illustrated Poetry)
Cassandra Gibbs, WMS – “Keeping Balance” (Art)
Karlee Luna, WMS – “Who Am I” (Cartoon)

These students will be honored at a recognition reception at UW-Whitewater in May, celebrating their achievements alongside other published young authors and artists from the region.

In addition to the published selections, the following students had their work submitted for regional judging and earned honorable mention:

3rd Grade: Abigail Baack, Sean Callahan, Kinsley Egnoski, Declan Timm
4th Grade: Daniella Rios
5th Grade: Lawren Fleming, Lyonel Hernandez, Elsie Wieland, Aubtree Wojtunski
6th Grade: Eleanor Wilt
7th Grade: Lucy Baldwin, Gabbriella Gibbs, Rafaela Los
8th Grade:
Bella Germundson