The Tosa Compass

06/11/2025

TOSA COMPASS SENIOR APPRECIATION - ELLIE SCHOLTUS

For the senior’s final day, the Tosa Compass recognizes Ellie Scholtus for her contributions to our program. Scholtus was part of the program and leadership team for two years and earned six awards for her work. She has been a great leader since the beginning and is consistently hard-working and kind. In the fall, Scholtus will attend UW-Milwaukee for art education and minor in journalism.

Scholtus held a very diverse role during her time with the Tosa Compass, writing articles, taking photos, and training new journalists. Some of her more notable works consist of “Harris Holds Rally in Milwaukee: Day 2 of Chicago Democratic National Convention” and “Seniors Celebrate Final Days at Tosa West.” She also was one of few students to attend and speak at the New Voices Act Senate hearing in 2023.

Before she leaves the Tosa Compass, Scholtus leaves this advice to her fellow journalists and classmates. “Don’t be afraid to go up to people. It may seem scary, especially if you don’t know them, but in the end, talking to different people and getting all of the quotes will just make your story even better. The worst thing they can do is say no.”

You can learn more about her works on the Tosa Compass website.

We are beyond proud of you Ellie! Congratulations!

06/10/2025

https://thetosacompass.com/15844/featured/15844/

Wauwatosa West Seniors Sign Off | Class of 2025 Farewell Video
Celebrate the Wauwatosa West Class of 2025 as they sign off and reflect on their high school journey.

Celebrate the Wauwatosa West Class of 2025 as they sign off and reflect on their high school journey. In this heartfelt and creative senior video, graduating students personally “sign the camera” — a symbolic farewell to their time at Tosa West. Created by Media Communications students: Chalaj...

06/09/2025

TOSA COMPASS UNWRAPPED: THE STORIES THAT SHAPED THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

Over the past year the Tosa Compass has posted a wide variety of over 170 stories on the Tosa Compass website, ranging from the basketball team’s road to state, the school board elections, best pizza in the area, and a number of topics about the Tosa community.

Some of the articles have really stood out to the viewers, but why have some of them stood out more than others to readers? When looking at an article’s activity there are a number of different factors that can make it more popular, some of these include posting the article with a link in bio on our instagram page, or it can just be a topic that a lot of people are talking about in the community.

Some of our top articles are Meet the Candidates: Tosa West Students Interview 2025 School Board Hopefuls by Ellie Scholtus, Evelyn Davis, Emmersen Weber, and Devin Long, In Review: Best Pizza and Garlic Bread in Wauwatosa? Try Barbieres on Bluemound by Michael Reis, and IN REVIEW: NFL Retro Bowl 25 by Matthew Zuege.

Check out the link in bio to learn more about our top performing stories

Written by Ellie Scholtus and Felix Bucaro.

06/09/2025

Tosa’s Top 5: Our favorite stories from the 2024-2025 school year

Behind every published story, edited video, or social media post is a team of student journalists working to inform, represent, and reflect their school community. This year, our leadership team tackled tough topics, experimented with new formats, and amplified voices that needed to be heard.

The five pieces below represent not just some of our strongest work—but also moments where our team took risks, grew as storytellers, and made an impact. Each entry includes a look behind the scenes, quotes from the creators, and reflections on why the piece mattered.

We’re proud to share these stories—and even prouder of the students who made them.

Click the link in bio to read the full article

06/06/2025

https://thetosacompass.com/15817/media/video/twtoday-june-6-2025/

TWTODAY is produced by and for students and shown during 1st hour classes at Tosa West each Friday. This is the final show for the 2024-2025 school year.

This school year, students produced 63 individual segments, 23 TWTODAY episodes. Student videos had over 9,000 views and over 400 hours of watch time.

The weekly show includes the following segments:

ANNOUNCEMENTS: by Sam Gentil and Khalil Barki and Lachon Dixon
GARDENING IN WAUWATOSA: by Christian Wolfe, Johnathan Vang, Tory Gardner, Zai Green
URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER by Nick Enters, Sophia Sherry, Chloe Hetzel, Lia Fuerst
THE SPORTS: by Lilly Nelson, Brandon Collins
SENIOR SIGN OFF by Chalaja Sellers, Miracle Jones Connor and Caydan Fitch-Kirkpatrick

Join our hosts for the final episode of TWTODAY for the 2025 school year ANNOUNCEMENTS: by Sam Gentil and Khalil Barki and Lachon Dixon GARDENING IN WAUWATOSA: by Christian Wolfe, Johnathan Vang, Tory Gardner, Zai Green URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER by Nick Enters, Sophia Sherry, Chloe Hetzel, Lia Fuerst THE...

06/05/2025

TOSA EAST VARSITY BASEBALL GEARS UP FOR PLAYOFFS

Tosa East Baseball has had a lot of ups and downs throughout the season this year. However, over the last eight games, Tosa East has become red hot, winning 7 of those 8.

Junior Monty Obrien, a left handed pitcher for Tosa East, agrees that there is a special aspect to the team this year, saying, “I feel like this year we have more talent and drive compared to years past.”

So how does a baseball team prepare for a successful playoff run? Read the full story by clicking the link in our bio.

Story by Leo Brunmeier

06/03/2025

THE LAST ASCENT: A FAREWELL CLIMB FOR THE SENIORS WHO LED THE WAY

https://thetosacompass.com/15796/featured/the-last-ascent-a-farewell-climb-for-the-seniors-who-led-the-way/

For the Tosa Fireflies, it’s not just about reaching the top. It’s about how you get there, and who’s cheering for you along the way.

¨Being a part of this team was incredible, and I’m super sad knowing I’ll be graduating and leaving it soon. Everyone is so fun to talk to and climb with, and the environment is one of the most welcoming things I’ve been in or seen,” said Will Beyer, a Tosa East senior who has been on the team for the past two years.

Though their time on the team is coming to a close, the legacy these seniors leave behind, one of support, resilience, and community, will continue to shape the Fireflies for seasons to come. New climbers will take to the wall, learn to trust their grip, and lean on their teammates the way the seniors once did.

Click the link in our bio to read more.
Written by Lia Fuerst

05/30/2025

https://thetosacompass.com/15767/featured/twtoday-may-30-2025/

Join hosts Sam Gentil and Khalil Barki for this weeks TWTODAY

The weekly show includes the following segments:

ANNOUNCEMENTS: by Sam Gentil and Khalil Barki and Lachon Dixon
HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT WITH AFS: by Christian Wolfe, Johnathan Vang, Tory Gardner, Zai Green
THE KINDNESS AWARD by Kayley McDougal
THE 2025 ISSUE FAIR by Declan Freeborn and Cody Spriggs
DAMBO SCULPTURE IN FIREFLY GROVE PARK: by Aly Boers, Calista Alberts, Kat Leach, Ciara Johnson
TWTODAY is the weekly news magazine of Wauwatosa West High School. TWTODAY is shared with 1st hour teachers each Friday. TWTODAY is produced as part of the extra-curricular and Media Communications class. All student journalism is hosted at www.thetosacompass.com

Wauwatosa East and West Student News

05/30/2025

https://thetosacompass.com/15771/featured/meet-mama-rosa-wisconsins-first-thomas-dambo-troll-at-firefly-grove-park/

Video by Aly Boers, Calista Alberts, Kat Leach, Ciara Johnson

Join us as we explore Firefly Grove Park’s enchanting new addition—Mama Rosa, a 25-foot-tall troll sculpture crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Made entirely from recycled materials, including repurposed street trees and vintage light posts, Mama Rosa isn’t just a visual marvel; she embodies a powerful message of sustainability and community spirit.

In this student-produced short film, discover how an old landfill transformed into a magical park, featuring nature play areas, walking paths, and Wisconsin’s first Dambo troll. Experience the creativity and dedication that brought Mama Rosa to life, and see how art and environmental consciousness can come together to inspire and delight.

Location: Firefly Grove Park, 1900 N. 116th Street, Wauwatosa, WI

Join us as we explore Firefly Grove Park’s enchanting new addition—Mama Rosa, a 25-foot-tall troll sculpture crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Made entirely from recycled materials, including repurposed street trees and vintage light posts, Mama Rosa isn’t just a visual marvel; she embodi...

05/28/2025

Recently, the Tosa West girls soccer team played at Germantown highschool on Thursday, May 22nd. The final score of the varsity game was 5-1, and the warhawks came out with the win.

Despite the loss, the biggest highlight from the game was a classy assist in the second half from Sophomore midfielder Tatum Ostrenga to her twin sister and forward Teagan Ostregna, who got the perfect far post finish.

Many big moments came from Sophomore, junior varsity goalkeeper Maive McCarthy who stepped up to fill the shoes of senior goalkeeper Keira Fax, who was out sick for the game. McCarthy made several impressive saves throughout the varsity match, including a flying save from a breakaway shot during the first half.

“We didn’t show up playing our best against Germantown, but losses like this create motivation that we will use to fuel the last couple weeks of our season,” said Senior Midfielder Alanis Courseault.

The girls took the Germantown loss personally and responded with a 4-0 win at their following home game which took place last night on May 27th against Wisconsin Lutheran. Goals by Tatum Ostrenga, Teagan Ostrenga, Evelyn Davis, and Olivia Dupee gave the girls the confidence that they need for upcoming post-season games. Defenders Nora O’tool, Samantha Pelot, and Marcella Courseault held the back line strong along with keeper Keira Fax who had yet another shutout game.

Tonight, the Trojan girls soccer team takes on Whitnall at home. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm, and parents night will take place beforehand. This year, Whitnall beat West’s recent opponent Wisconsin Lutheran 2-0, so tonight’s game should be a great battle!

Show up and support your Tosa West Trojans!

Photos by Ben Wooster, caption by Evelyn Davis.

05/27/2025

https://thetosacompass.com/15742/featured/from-sketch-to-showcase-a-year-of-art-at-tosa-west/

The Tosa West Art Show is more than just an exhibition, it’s a celebration of creativity, growth, and the unique voices of each student artist. As seniors prepare to graduate and underclassmen reflect on their progress, the show offers a moment to pause, appreciate the journey, and share their passion with the community.

“I’m super excited to see everyone’s work because we’ve all just been working on our own stuff, and now I can see what everyone has put together!” Said senior Vivian Pham, who has been in the art program since her freshman year. “Also, I’m just excited to see my family and friends look at my work and see how I’ve incorporated them in it.”

Tosa West students from over a dozen art classes will be displaying and discussing their work at the annual Tosa West Art Show in the Wauwatosa West Library on Wednesday, May 28th, from 5:30 to 7:00. The show is free, open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

Click the link in our bio to learn more.
Written by Lia Fuerst

05/22/2025

Last Thursday Wauwatosa East students and community members were given the opportunity to view the artwork that East students have been working on throughout the year. Through classes ranging from AP Art Studio to Metals and Fibers, students created pieces using various mediums. The Tosa East students created many impressive pieces, including dozens that won Scholastic Art Awards. Make sure you come by next year to see more great works created by Tosa East art students!

Photos and caption by Keagan Young