Alumni Spotlights

Alum: North Division High School | Class of 1996 

Juan Baez, EdD, proudly serves as the principal of the Milwaukee School of Languages. 

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Baez began his career in education teaching bilingual Social Studies and English Language Arts at Kosciuszko Middle School. He developed a passion for supporting students and communities, and he has since served in a variety of leadership roles for MPS, including co-founder of Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA).  

A defining moment for Dr. Baez in high school was the support he received from his teachers, who recognized his potential and pushed him to reach it. He loves when his own former students now share the impact he has had on them. Dr. Baez encourages alumni to stay connected to their school to strengthen the sense of community and shared identity across graduating classes. He says, “When alumni remain engaged, they serve as role models, mentors, and sources of inspiration for current students, showing them what is possible beyond graduation." 

Alum: West Division High School (now Milwaukee High School of the Arts) | Class of 1962

John Schissler is a retired MPS teacher and an author.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with degrees in Latin, German, and English, John taught all three subjects at John Marshall High School (now Milwaukee Marshall) for more than 30 years. During this time, he also served as head coach in soccer, gymnastics, and track. After John retired, he became president of the Marshall Alumni Association from 2000 to 2010. In 2026, he was involved in promoting the film Immigrants: The Making of an American Family, a documentary based on his autobiography. 

When John looks back at his high school experience, he remembers the impact his teachers had on him. John believes that alumni associations benefit schools both socially and economically. He notes that many associations get the community involved as well, and that makes for a viable partnership. 

Alum: John Marshall High School (now Milwaukee Marshall) | Class of 1987 

James Causey has written for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for more than 30 years.

After graduating with a degree in journalism and theater from Marquette University, James worked for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a position he still holds today. In addition to his journalism work, James was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University during the 2007–08 academic year, studying hip-hop and its effects on young people. He currently serves as an on-air personality for PBS’s Black Nouveau, an award-winning program that promotes positive images, interviews, and profiles of African Americans. 

James fondly remembers the strong bonds he formed with several lifelong friends at Marshall, including George Tillman Jr., and he has stayed connected to the school. He notes that teachers who believe in students during their teenage years still want them to succeed as adults. Keeping in touch continues those relationships and provides a source of support—even after graduation. 

Alum: Rufus King International High School | Class of 2002 

Tyrone Miller is a professional DJ known as DJ Bizzon. 

After graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Tyrone became a computer engineer for several years before deciding to pursue his dream of being a DJ. He believes this was one of the best decisions he ever made because he gets to do what he loves every day and doesn’t take it for granted. Tyrone has taught DJing and music production across the country, worked for various radio stations, and produced his own music. He also wrote an introductory DJing book for Hal Leonard, the world’s largest sheet music provider, and had the chance to take part in DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat. He says, “Jazzy Jeff has been my biggest influence when it comes to music and creativity, so being invited to that was a dream come true.” 

Tyrone believes that staying connected to your high school after graduation is an opportunity to guide the next generation of students. He explains, “Sometimes young people need to see and hear real-life examples of careers they might be interested in to get them to try it out. And it especially helps when you're from the same neighborhood or went to the same school." 

Alum: West Division High School (now Milwaukee High School of the Arts) | Class of 1962

John Schissler is a retired MPS teacher and an author.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with degrees in Latin, German, and English, John taught all three subjects at John Marshall High School (now Milwaukee Marshall) for more than 30 years. During this time, he also served as head coach in soccer, gymnastics, and track. After John retired, he became president of the Marshall Alumni Association from 2000 to 2010. In 2026, he was involved in promoting the film Immigrants: The Making of an American Family, a documentary based on his autobiography. 

When John looks back at his high school experience, he remembers the impact his teachers had on him. John believes that alumni associations benefit schools both socially and economically. He notes that many associations get the community involved as well, and that makes for a viable partnership.