Josie spent the month of July in Rome, Italy, through the CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange). This experience allowed her to be immersed in Italian culture and language. Some of her favorite experiences included exploring the Colosseum, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and traveling to Florence.

She explored authentic Italian markets, participated in Italian cooking classes, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Josie and her roommates navigated Rome’s public transportation system to get to and from school and manage their daily schedules, building confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills while experiencing another culture firsthand.

This summer Jadyn studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain through the CIEE Spanish Language & Culture program. She stayed in Barcelona for four weeks in July and had the opportunity to improve her Spanish and visit beautiful sites.

She stayed with a host family and two roommates who were also a part of the CIEE program. Jadyn’s favorite part about studying abroad was being immersed in Spanish culture and living with a host family because it made her feel like she was a local.  

Bryce also studied in Barcelona, Spain this summer. Some of the highlights for him were visiting the F1 Circuit, visiting the Tibidabo and experiencing their heritage and enjoying the attractions, and watching Spain win the World Cup on a big screen while on the beach. Bryce greatly enjoyed all of his experience while studying abroad.

My name is Noah Nielsen and I am excited to join the team at East Troy High School as a Special Education teacher! I graduated from UW-Whitewater in May of 2024, and this will be my first position in education. I enjoy reading, camping, and spending time with friends. I am already impressed with how kind and welcoming everybody has been in my onboarding and I look forward to getting started!

I am Stacy Dennis, the new Art Teacher at East Troy High School. I am very excited to get to know the students and have fun getting creative together. I hold a Masters degree in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee. As well, I earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Women Studies from UW-Madison. I am experienced in teaching 4K-12th, but my love is to teach at the high school level. I am an advocate for building an artistic program that provides a positive environment and makes an impact on mental well-being. My motto is “busy hands, happy hearts”. 

I have spent the last 11 years teaching in both public and private school. I consider myself someone who dabbles in all kinds of art making and most recently, I have enjoyed ceramics using the potter’s wheel, making stained glass pieces and all things mixed media. 

In my personal time, I enjoy getting outdoors with my family to explore new places, gardening and cooking, long distance running, and taking care of our elder pup and a handful of chickens. Can’t wait to meet you all!

My name is Sarah Leuwerke. I am thrilled to be joining the East Troy School District as your Middle and High School choral music teacher! I have a Master’s degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. My professional singing experience ranges from opera, chamber music and concert solo to touring with a rock band in Australia. I have taught and directed kids aged 4k to adult in public school, private lessons, community theatre and college.

I can’t wait for the musical, sporting events (you WILL see me playing trumpet in pep band) and I will be bold enough to say that if you are not in choir yet, you will want to be! Developing young singers’ voices is a skill and passion for me- I look forward to being part of the powerhouse music team coming to you this fall. Go Trojans!

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.

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!

ETHS juniors and seniors have two options to earn high school credit while working at a job. Youth Apprenticeship is a program run by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development while Work Experience is a program operated here at school. For more information about the two programs, please view this slide deck. Reach out to Mrs. Pluess with questions! plujin@easttroy.k12.wi.us