Sasha Haynes (née Williams) ’04 serves as Principal at Milwaukee College Prep’s 36th Street campus, where she works every day to inspire students to see their own potential. She leads with encouragement, high expectations, and genuine care, the same ingredients that helped shape her own educational journey. “I share my story with my kids,” she says. “I want them to see what’s possible.”

But Haynes’s path to becoming an educator and leader was not always certain. Before attending Messmer, she had transitioned from a small elementary school to a much larger middle school, an experience she describes as “a complete culture shock.” The middle school environment was overwhelming. “It was a challenge, and I did not thrive.” 

That changed when she came to Messmer.

“In hindsight, attending Messmer was probably one of the best things that happened to me educationally,” Haynes says. “At Messmer, I excelled academically. I excelled socially. I excelled in extracurriculars.”

Messmer’s close-knit community made the difference. “I was able to have that personal relationship with my teachers. If I needed extra support, I felt like I could talk to them.” When she was placed in Honors-level courses, that support and belief in her potential only deepened.

“The teachers at Messmer really saw my potential and they opened doors for me.”

Haynes graduated with honors and went on to attend UW–Madison, later pursuing advanced degrees. At each step, she leaned on what she learned at Messmer: Seek support, build community, speak up when you need help.

“Messmer was a turning point in my education,” she reflects. 

Her message to current Messmer students? “Utilize your resources. Your education will unlock so many doors. Take advantage of anything and everything at your fingertips. It’s going to pay off in the end.”