MMSD Leads the State in National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) holds the distinction of having more semifinalists for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program than any other Wisconsin district.

West High School has 28 semifinalists, the most of any school in the state. Along with East (four semifinalists) and Vel Phillips Memorial (11), MMSD’s high schools are collectively home to 43 semifinalists, determined based on their performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which tested participants in the areas of evidence-based reading, writing, language and mathematics. 

The registration deadline for this year’s PSAT is Thursday, Sept. 24. In addition to eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program, students are encouraged to take the PSAT to get feedback on their college readiness and give themselves an idea of what to expect when they take the SAT as juniors. 

“These results highlight the incredible talent, perseverance and dedication of our students, as well those who support them,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “Achievements like this remind us of the potential within every student and reinforce our commitment to providing rigorous, high-quality learning opportunities for them.”

Each year, National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists comprise approximately 16,000 seniors, out of an eligible pool of approximately 1.3 million. Of those 16,000 students, about 15,000 go on to receive the title of National Merit Scholar finalist, 6,390 of whom are selected as Merit Scholarship winners. The combined value of all scholarships issued by the program is over $33 million.

MMSD’s full list of semifinalists is as follows:

Lauren Alibali (West)	Noah Estrella (West)	Mable Miller (Memorial)
August Andersen (West)	Raena Grainger (Memorial)	Enzo Ng (West)
Seth Banks (West)	Silas Grant (West)	Josh Pierotti (Memorial)
Josemaria Barut (East)	Zijun He (West)	Gabriela Retana (West)
Joseph Beal (West)	Isaac Hessman (West)	Brandon Royalty (West)
Theodore Beilfuss (East)	Oliver Hoeksema (East)	Simon Sellwood (Memorial)
Madeleine Bohn (West)	Anya Isaac (Memorial)	Hunter Shadman (West)
Edward Bradbury (West)	Naomi Jovaag (East)	Kayla Shelton (Memorial)
Alex Byrnes (Memorial)	Tavish Kennedy (West)	Ravi Suryan-Beilin (West)
Michelle Cai (Memorial)	Steven Kuemmel (West)	Beatrice Vaughan (West)
Timon Cantley (West)	Thanish Lankella (Memorial)	Rosemary Walsh (West)
Samuel Carlsson (West)	Eleanor Lawler (West)	Clara Warrick (West)
Angelina Chang (West)	Jason Li (Memorial)	Chase Xia (West)
Christabel Engel (West)	Mae Loewen (West)	Nina Zhu (Memorial)
	Benjamin Mayeshiba (West)

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Madison Physician Leader Helps Set National Standards for Obesity Care

Madison, WI — [9/18/2026] — Madison physician Dr. Leslie Golden, MD, MPH, FOMA, founder and CEO of Weight In Gold Wellness, is earning national recognition for her leadership in shaping the future of obesity care.

Dr. Golden, who serves on the Board of Trustees of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), is first author on newly published national standards for safe, evidence-based use of obesity medications through digital and online platforms. She was also recently honored as a Fellow of the OMA (FOMA) and received the Vernon Astler Award, one of the OMA’s highest recognitions for contributions to the field.

Obesity affects nearly two out of three adults in Wisconsin and is a leading driver of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. With the Madison area now served by Weight In Gold Wellness, Dr. Golden brings national expertise directly into the local community.

“As clinicians, we have a responsibility to make sure patients receive care that is integrated, coordinated, and rooted in long-term health,” said Dr. Golden. “It’s exciting to bring that level of comprehensive, evidence-based care to Madison.”

Weight In Gold Wellness is a physician-led, multi-disciplinary practice providing obesity and weight health services to patients across Wisconsin. By expanding in Madison, the practice is not only improving access to care for individuals and families, but also helping to support a healthier workforce and community.

For more information, visit www.weightingoldwellness.com.

Orthopedic & Spine Centers of Wisconsin Launch Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic

Madison, WI, September 2025 — Orthopedic & Spine Centers of Wisconsin (OSCW) is making it easier for athletes and families to access timely orthopedic care during the busy fall sports season. Beginning this month, OSCW is offering a Saturday Morning Sports Injury Clinic designed specifically for acute sports-related injuries.

OSCW is committed to supporting local athletes and active families. The clinic was created to give athletes and families access to timely orthopedic care on weekends, when injuries are most likely to happen. Instead of waiting until Monday, patients can be seen right away by OSCW’s specialists who focus on keeping kids and adults active, healthy, and supported in the moments they need it most.

Key Details

• When: Every Saturday morning through November 22, 2025
• Where: Arbor Gate Complex, 2501 W. Beltline Hwy #601, Madison 53713
• Time: 9:00–11:30 AM (no appointment needed)
• Who: Open to athletes of all ages, as well as non-athletes with acute injuries
• Cost: Most insurance plans accepted, with affordable self-pay options available

The clinic is not intended for chronic orthopedic issues but focuses on sudden injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and other acute conditions that may benefit from immediate evaluation. With fellowship trained orthopedic physicians on-site, the clinic provides an alternative to urgent care or ER visits—offering specialized expertise in sports injuries without long wait times or unnecessary costs.

A direct phone line is available exclusively for the Saturday clinic: (608) 247-5808. Patients may call ahead with questions, though walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.

Drive for a Cure Comes to Madison on September 26, 2025

Support Breast Cancer Research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

Madison, WI (September 25, 2025) – Bergstrom Automotive is proud to bring its signature Drive for a Cure event to the Madison market. On Friday, September 26, community members are invited to join the fight against breast cancer by test driving vehicles at Bergstrom Lexus of Madison, 8001 Airport Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event is hosted at Lexus of Madison, with strong support from Bergstrom Chevrolet of Madison, Bergstrom Chevrolet of Middleton, and Bergstrom Cadillac of Madison, who will provide a diverse fleet of vehicles. Guests will have the opportunity to drive from a special lineup of 50 Bergstrom vehicles, including electric vehicles, SUVs, trucks, cars, and luxury models.

For every mile driven, Bergstrom Automotive will donate $1 to breast cancer research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. No advance registration is required. Drivers must be 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.

Guests will enjoy free food and refreshments, a commemorative t-shirt, and have the chance to win raffle prizes, including autographed Packers merchandise.

Since its inception, Drive for a Cure has raised more than $660,000 to support breast cancer research across Wisconsin.

Additional event details are available at bergstrommadison.com.

About Bergstrom Automotive

Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,300 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

About the Carbone Cancer Center

The Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a leader in advancing breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Through innovative clinical trials and laboratory studies, Carbone is developing new therapies and personalized approaches to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Facts (2025)

• Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in the U.S. (excluding skin cancers).
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• An estimated 311,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and around 3,000 in men this year.
• Nearly 43,000 women and men are expected to die from breast cancer in 2025.

*Source: American Cancer Society, 2025

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Madison Ballet Presents Rock the Ballet: A High-Energy Fusion of Dance and Pop Culture

Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is proud to present Rock the Ballet, an electrifying new performance that blends the athleticism of classical ballet with the power and pulse of rock, electronic, jazz and pop music. With only 4 performances this bold and energetic program will premiere at MYARTS Starlight Theater on October 10th 2025 and run through October 12th, inviting audiences to experience ballet like never before.

Featuring World Premier choreography by guest artist Yury Yanowsky and Meredith Rainey along with new productions of “Parallax” by Rehearsal Director Richard Walters and “Rhapsody In Blue” by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik, set to iconic tracks by English rock band RadioHead, Belgian composer Lotic, and other genre-defining artists, Rock the Ballet breaks down traditional boundaries and redefines what ballet can be. With dynamic lighting, contemporary costuming, and a cast of world-class dancers, the performance is a celebration of redefinition, rhythm, rebellion, and artistic innovation.

“Rock the Ballet is about freedom, expression, and connecting with audiences in a fresh and powerful way,” says Artistic Director Ja’ Malik. “It’s dance that moves you, iterally and emotionally, by bringing classical technique to the music that shaped generations.”

In addition to its main-stage performances, Rock the Ballet will feature local innovative piano trio Mr. Chair performing their recomposed George Gershwin classic “Rhapsody in Blue” to the outstanding choreography of Ja’ Malik. Post performance audience Q & A will take place following our opening night performance. 

More than ever, our stage is a space for reflection, representation, and renewal. And our community, you are an essential part of this redefining process. Your curiosity, your support, and your willingness to grow with us are what make this season not just possible, but powerful. We invite you to take your seat, open your heart, and experience the power, passion and precision of ballet, Madison Ballet! – Ja’ Malik, Executive Artistic Director 

RE:IMAGINE ~ Rock The Ballet October 10-12, 2025 Starlight Theater, MYARTS 

This season-opening program invites audiences to reimagine their perceptions of ballet. Too often, ballet is seen as elitist or inaccessible, however at Madison Ballet, we believe ballet is for everyone. Re: Imagine Rock The Ballet breaks down those barriers, blending classical technique with contemporary flair and music not traditionally associated with ballet. The program features world premieres by acclaimed choreographers Meredith Rainey and Yury Yanowsky, a reimagined version of Richard Walters’ Parallax, and the return of audience favorite Rhapsody in Blue by Ja’ Malik, set to the recomposed George Gershwin classic performed live by local piano trio Mr. Chair. 

Join us on opening night for a Post Performance discussion with the creatives behind this rocking program. Join us after every performance for a post show dance party in the lobby of the Starlight Theater.

Ticket & Performance Information 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at MadisonBallet.org or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office 205 State Street or by calling the box office at 608.258.4141

Location: MYARTS Starlight Theater 1055  E Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703.

Show runtime: 1 hour 45minutes with one intermission. Appropriate for ages 8 and up

Ticket Prices: $55-$73 for standard/child and senior tickets. $25 student rush tickets available day of show.

Madison Ballet is proud to be a resident company of the Overture Center for the Performing Arts. 

Madison’s Ballet is committed to evolving ballet into an inclusive art form that reflects the diversity of our world, ensuring representation both on stage and behind the scenes. We are particularly dedicated to fostering new voices in ballet, especially from marginalized communities, and are committed to creating new works that reflect these diverse perspectives. Through this, we aim to broaden the horizons of ballet and ensure it remains a vibrant and relevant art form for future generations. 

Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for ballet and make this beautiful art form accessible to all. We are dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of dancers, artists, and professionals. This is achieved through the dynamic performances of the Madison Ballet Company, the comprehensive education provided by the School of Madison Ballet, and extensive outreach efforts in partnership with community groups.