ETHS Newsletter: The 2026-2027 School Year is right around the corner!

Brady Katterhagen is excited to join the East Troy community as a Social Studies teacher. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he studied Social Studies Education and played baseball for the Pioneers.

Outside of the classroom, he enjoys coaching football and baseball, and helping athletes grow both on and off the field. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. He is looking forward to becoming a part of the East Troy community and working with students throughout the school year.

Melissa Van Dyke is excited to join the East Troy High School music department after more than 20 years of teaching instrumental and general music in Hustisford, Madison, Lake Country and Waukesha. She holds a Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. 

Throughout her career, Melissa has taught students from beginning band through high school, including marching band, color guard,  jazz ensemble, guitar, film music, music theory, and music history. She is passionate about creating an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow—not only as musicians, but as confident, collaborative, and thoughtful leaders. She believes the strongest music programs are built through a partnership between teachers and students, where student leadership is encouraged, student voices are valued, and every member of the ensemble has the opportunity to help shape the program. Melissa also believes exceptional band programs are strengthened by meaningful partnerships with families and the broader community. She looks forward to working alongside students, parents, alumni, local organizations, and community members to honor traditions, celebrate accomplishments, and create musical experiences that the entire East Troy community can take pride in. 

Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Jared, their daughter, Evey, and their energetic Dutch Shepherd, Strider. She also loves vegetable gardening, cooking, reading, exploring Wisconsin and seeing live music. She is looking forward to becoming part of the East Troy community and sharing her love of music with students and families.

Two members of East Troy's music program recently had the opportunity to participate in NextDirection, an international choral leadership conference held at UW-Parkside in Kenosha.

Arrolyn and Lillian Brechbiel spent three days exploring what it means to lead with purpose, confidence, empathy, and vision.

Working alongside nationally recognized choral educators and leadership experts, students examined the qualities that make effective leaders in music and beyond. Through interactive workshops and collaborative learning experiences, participants developed skills in communication, teamwork, facilitation, and servant leadership while learning how to inspire and support others.

This ongoing involvement reflects one of the greatest strengths of the East Troy music programs: students continue to grow as leaders, educators, and advocates for music long after they leave the classroom. Their commitment to serving others and giving back to the musical community exemplifies the values fostered through music education.

Students who rank in the top 5% and 10% of their graduating class at the end of 11th grade receive guaranteed admission to UW-System schools participating in Act 95 Direct Admission Guarantee. Communication has gone out to those individuals in the Class of 2027. If you did not receive a letter, still apply! If you need assistance, contact the ETHS counseling office!

To the Classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030: Colleges evaluate applicants holistically. Things you can focus on to improve your acceptance rate are: Overall GPA, taking rigorous coursework, being involved in extracurriculars, and having high character!