(L-R) Henry Gardner, George Gardner, [father Gardner], Mrs. Gardner and Jake Gardner all pose in front of a waterfall.

Hello Vikings, this is the Norse Code’s second edition of Feature Friday. Every Friday, we shine the spotlight on a New Berlin West student, faculty member, or club.

This week, we interviewed the Gardner Family: consisting of NBW business teacher and DECA advisor, Meg Gardner, NBW Senior Jake Gardner, NBW Junior Henry Gardner, and NBW 7th Grader George Gardner. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Gardner family made the move from Toronto, Canada, to New Berlin, Wisconsin. Jake, Henry, and George participated in online classes during the 2020-2021 school year. 

Mrs. Gardner graduated from NBW in 1993 where she was a cheerleader and a member of DECA. After moving back to New Berlin, she started substitute teaching for the School District of New Berlin in April of 2022. Mr. Fesenmaier observed how well she handled the position and Mrs. Gardner was offered a full-time job at NBW for the 2022-2023 school year as a business teacher. Currently, she teaches Employability 1, Principles of Marketing, Retail Operations Management, and Entrepreneurship, along with running Verns Village Cafe. Her favorite class to teach is Principles of Marketing because that was her career focus in Toronto after graduating from Marquette. Since her graduation in 1993, NBW has changed a lot. She used to complain about New Berlin Eisenhower having a better school and facilities, but that has since changed. Her favorite addition to the school is the Library since when she attended NBW the current room 200 operated as the Library. The Gardner’s favorite family activity is traveling together. With relatives in Toronto, Indiana, and Illinois, they have gotten really good at road trips. When there’s no football or track & field, she enjoys traveling with her family to see their kin.

Jake Gardner started his NBW tenure as a freshman. After being the quarterback for his flag football team in Toronto, he continued playing football at NBW where he became a Tight End and an Offensive Lineman. Additionally, he continued participating in shot put at NBW after doing shot put, running, long jump, and javelin in Toronto. He hopes to continue competing shot put in college and study business at UW-Whitewater or Marquette. In regards to his brothers, he does not have a favorite because he loves them both. 

If Jake: 

Had to choose between living with no arms or no legs, he would rather live without legs.

Had a superpower, it would be super strength.

Won the lottery, he would buy some food.

Henry Gardner says his spirit animal is a wolf because wolves are close to their family, loyal, and intelligent. His favorite musician is Drake and his favorite song by the artist is Girls Want Girls. He also does not have a favorite brother and his favorite restaurant is Macs.

George Gardner attended Poplar Creek Elementary School prior to this school year. So far at NBW, he has taken a liking to his Spanish class and he is playing football in the New Berlin West Jr. Vikings football program with the 7th grade team. His favorite brother is Jake and his favorite food is pasta.