Senior Issue 2012

ECHOES

The Independent Voice of Abraham Lincoln High School

Senior Section 2012

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Congratulations,

Class of 2012!

Photo by Haley Hochstetler

Photo by Hayley Hochstetler

Our class song: Don’t Blink by: Kenny Chesney Class flower: Snapdragon Class color: Crimson and Blue Class Motto: “As each of us follows our path in

Photo by Haley Hochstetler

life, we will remember these years. We will remember our friends, the laughter, and the pain. Our smiles reflect the memories locked deep within our hearts. Future dreams shine like bright stars against distant nights.We have grown so much, and yet, we will grow forever.”

Letter from our Class President To my fellow seniors, Living is about the people and the memories.

The people that we meet that help us achieve our dreams or even shape our dreams into a different reality. The memories we make with those people shape us.

Whether it was good or bad, we were molded by each other.

Mold has really defined our class. We’ve molded each other, our school had mold, and as the renovations were made, our school has even molded around us.

I can hardly remember what our school looked like freshmen year, but I can remember we were shorter, dumber, and way more scared of seniors. We were told we’d get book-checked all the time and even put in trash cans, but we survived and together we’ve faced a lot. We’ve grown closer because of the teachers and administrators who care about us and our future. They’ve pushed us, and we’ve pushed each other to step out of our comfort zones, try new things, and not regret our mistakes.

The mold itself was gross,

but we got to experience the temporary classrooms, the “Red Robin effect,” and different classrooms every quarter. It may have seemed annoying at the time, but few people can say they were apart of a school that was a new experience every day.

We’ve changed with this school. Now that we’re ready to move on, we feel we’re leaving part of ourselves behind at Abraham Lincoln, but there’s no doubt we are ready to be done with Council Bluffs Community School District. AL looked different and weird to us

when we first came. It seemed outdated and was ready to be improved. Now it looks like a whole different school and can hold almost any event. We too used to look funny and we needed some improvement. Now we can take on the world and do anything we want.

Photo by Scott Brown

Best Wishes, Caroline Seilstad Senior Class President

Photo by Haley Hochstetler Photo by Carley Fields

2

A

Senior

Danielle Peabody | Editor-in-Chief

Chelsea Acosta Post graduation: Accounting Accomplished in high school: I became best friends with Lauren Rommel.

Best high school memory: Urbandale tournament with Lauren Rommel, Taylor Anderson and Michaela Kennedy.

Advice to underclassmen: Take chances.

Broxton Anderson Post graduation: Business Management Accomplished in high school: Earned all my credits on time.

Best high school memory: Football 2010-2011 year.

Advice to underclassmen: When faced with a problem, think of what I would do, then do the exact opposite.

Taylor Anderson Post graduation: Nebraska Wesleyan to play softball and become a pharmacist.

Accomplished in high school: Five years of varsity softball.

Best high school memory: Boys’ basketball senior night.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t take everything so seriously.

B

Jordan Bahr Post graduation: Getting a doctorate in psychology.

Accomplished in high school: Completed many AP courses.

Staying alive and swagged out to the maximum.

Best high school memory: The many hours of doing ignorant stuff in the parking lot and having Mr. Moritz and Mr. DeMott.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be foolish and take showers regularly.

Adam Beck Post graduation: Electrical Engineering.

Accomplished in high school: Beat the purple cobras.

Best high school memory: Playing sports.

Advice to underclassmen: Do something with your life.

Elizabeth Beck Post graduation: Creative writing and on to be a famous author.

Accomplished in high school: Not much.

Best high school memory: Dreaming of leaving high school every day for the last four years. Time well spent.

Advice to underclassmen: Suck up to teachers and they will like you. Grow a pair, put your man panties on and suck it up!

Mariah Beckwith Post graduation: Veterinary assistant or veterinary technician.

Accomplished in high school: Good grades.

Best high school memory: Homecoming.

Advice to underclassmen: Go to class!

Alex Binkly Post graduation: IWCC for business.

Accomplished in high school: Passed all my classes.

Best high school memory: Dunking a basketball.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t bring drama to school.

Henry Black Post graduation: Psychology/Premed at University of Iowa.

Accomplished in high school: I participated in the inaugural class of UNMC High School Alliance.

Best high school memory: First time I went to state for mock trial.

Advice to underclassmen: Get a job. Having money makes high school more fun.

Mackenzie Bolton Post graduation: Undecided. Going to play soccer somewhere, just haven’t decided yet.

Accomplished in high school: Varsity soccer, basketball, and softball.

Best high school memory: The football games were the best!

Advice to underclassmen: Be yourself & don’t let what people say affect you because if they care enough what you do then obviously you are already better than them.

Katlyn Borns Post graduation: Going to college to be a nurse and specialize in NICU (Newborn intensive care unit).

Accomplished in high school: Getting through school and getting good grades.

Best high school memory: Meeting all the friends I met.

Advice to underclassmen: Go to school! Don’t skip too much or you will get way behind and it’s hard to catch up!

Taylor Bright Post graduation: Unsure of my major, but I am going into the medical field.

Accomplished in high school: Being one of the sweetest girls in school :) Best high school memory: All the crazy times I spent with Jamie Smith.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t change for anyone. Be yourself, be happy.

Stephanie Brockman Post graduation: Accounting/Business.

Accomplished in high school: I graduated a year early while raising a kid!

Advice to underclassmen: “Be cool, man.” -Cody Self Matthew Brooks Post graduation: Wyotech Trade School in Fremont, California to be a residential heating ventilation air conditioning (RHVAC) technician.

Accomplished in high school: Becoming a better person and

learning how to decide between lives.

Best high school memory: Hanging out with my friends and not caring about the teachers or the consequences.

Advice to underclassmen: Stay on track. High school is where you define who you are as a person.

Alexander Brown Post graduation: Biology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Accomplished in high school: Nothing.

Best high school memory: Everything.

Advice to underclassmen: It’s all tragic; it’s all beautiful.

Maria Brown Post graduation: Attending UNO and double majoring in communications and public relations.

Accomplished in high school: Becoming Miss Citizenship at the Westfair Queen Pageant!

Best high school memory: Waiting for two hours with my best friend to meet Jason Derulo.

Advice to underclassmen: Take chances and don’t be afraid to get involved. High school is a gateway to many wonderful opportunities, take advantage of them.

Echoes Lisa Chapman Post graduation: Teaching degree.

Accomplished in high school: Figuring out what I want to be.

Best high school memory: My junior prom, watching the seniors at that time making fools of themselves while being hypnotized.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t let others stand in the way of who you are.

Tuan Chau Post graduation: Computer Apps.

Accomplished in high school: High school.

Best high school memory: Friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Work hard.

Megan Cheney Post Graduation: Occupational Therapy Accomplished in high school: Varsity soccer for three years.

Best high school memory: Senior year if soccer and doing the best we can, Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be a slacker, keep up in all of your work.

Beau Brownlee Post graduation: College for criminal justice.

Accomplished in high school: Something.

Best high school memory: My friends and I wore paper bags over our heads at a basketball game.

Hannah Christensen Post graduation: Attend ISU and study biology.

Accomplished in high school: Everything.

Best high school memory: Attended three state volleyball tournaments.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be stupid.

Tayler Buck Post graduation: Iowa Western.

Accomplished in high school: Made new friends.

Best high school memory: Going to Los Angeles with the orchestra all four years.

Advice to underclassmen: Respect and listen to the teachers.

Keep your grades up.

Morgan Clark Post graduation: College/Undecided Accomplished in high school: Everything.

Best high school memory: Homecoming Olympics.

Advice to underclassmen: It goes by fast, so live it up.

Advice to underclassmen: Be yourself.

Trev Buehler Post graduation: Law Enforcement Accomplished in high school: Best High School Memory: Met my girlfriend.

Advice to underclassmen: Get involved in school activities.

Anthony Burk Post graduation : Culinary Arts.

Accomplished in high school: How to spell.

Best high school memory: Mr. Witte’s class.

Advice to underclassmen: Think before you say anything.

Connor Burris Post graduation: Undecided.

Accomplished in high school: Got good grades.

Best high school memory: Watching everyone go crazy on senior night.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your work and don’t argue with your teachers.

C

Janeth Cano Post graduation: Secondary Education. (Focus on Spanish and ESL endorsement.)

Accomplished in high school: N/A Best high school memory: When I fainted after donating blood.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Take advantage of every opportunity you get so when you leave, you leave with no regrets!

Laura Capel Post graduation: University of Omaha Nebraska to study special education & deaf education.

Accomplished in high school: Varsity cross country four years, varsity band four years, 10 division ones at state solo contest for band.

Best high school memory: Cross country sophomore year.

Advice to underclassmen: Get involved in as many activities as you can!

Kaitlin Carlon Post graduation: College Accomplished in high school: Gold honor roll, lettered in choir, NHS member, varsity show choir.

Best high school memory: Show choir induction and other activities. Just hanging out with my friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Make sure your time in high school is balanced between work and play. Don’t procrastinate on your homework and study for tests, but make sure you hang out with friends and try new things. High school may seem like it drags on, but it flies by fast!

Tim Cash Post graduation: Physical Therapy.

Accomplished in high school: Playing varsity soccer.

Best high school memory: Beating St. Albert in soccer in 2010.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t run your mouth or act tough.

Shay Chandler Post graduation: Undecided.

Accomplished in high school: Every grade.

Best high school memory: Meeting my best friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Be smart about choices you make, take it day by day.

Trevor Cohrs Post graduation: Iowa Western.

Accomplished in high school: High school.

Best high school memory: Football games.

Advice to underclassmen: Be yourself.

By Krystal Hopkins | Reporter With her schedule filled with multiple extracurricular activities and two jobs, senior Laura Capel has a busy final year of high school. She participates in Orchestra, Show Choir, National Honor Society, Future Educators of America, Link Crew, Cross Country, Band, and the school musical.

Cross country is one activity Capel enjoys with her friend Sarah Murray ‘12 literally by her side. They have been involved in cross country since their freshmen year but this year they decided to run for fun only. This year’s season the two ran every two and a half mile race together, then at the finish line they would flip back and forth between who would win.

One of Capel’s favorite activities, Band, she also has with Murray.

“We are co-leaders of the drum line section, but I consider Laura the leader. One of the only reasons I stay sane in band is Laura, Murray said. “I really couldn’t think of a better person to be voted most well-rounded senior than Laura. She is one of the most kind and compassionate people I know, and I am beyond grateful for her as a friend.”

Murray and Capel have been drumming together since the 5th grade. Capel is involved in Jazz Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Drumline as well because she likes the difference in the type of music and instruments she gets to play in each type of band. Capel will also be playing drums in the school musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” “I really like all the activities I’m in, so I make it an effort to make sure I can make it to everything, but I’ve actually have got very lucky this year that the majority of my things happen on different days,” Capel said.

With the distraction of keeping track of her clubs and sports Caple has managed a 3.9 overall GPA since her freshman year, along with taking many AP and CE courses for college credit.

This year she has been job shadowing Mrs. Waller’s class, which helped her to decide her career as a special education and deaf education teacher. To reach this goal, Capel is planning on attending UNO for four years or possibly six to get her master’s degree.

Kristina Cole Post graduation: Army ROTC at Creighton University.

Accomplished in high school: I discovered the value of a welllived life.

Best high school memory: Junior and senior year PE courses.

Advice to underclassmen: Do what you want, but accept the consequences.

Nathan Connelly Post graduation:Media/Video Production Accomplished in high school: Student of the month, November 2010.

Best high school memory: Times I had in Mr. Lau’s video production class.

Advice to underclassmen: Try hard and focus in class.

Senior

Echoes Elle Cooper Post graduation: Anthropology major/ medical school.

Accomplished in high school: Graduating high school.

Best high school memory: Winning homecoming Olympics as “Hot and Dangerous” senior year.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t ever slack off or think any year “doesn’t count,” you’ll wish you hadn’t.

Brittni Craven Post graduation: Undecided.

Accomplished in high school: Meeting people and experiencing new things.

Best high school memory: When I almost killed Lyndsey Dresen and I in my car.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t wear pj’s to school.

Alex Crowl Post graduation: Undecided.

Accomplished in high school: Nine varsity letters and four straight state appearances in tennis.

Best high school memory: Three rings in dodgeball, this upcoming baseball season.

Advice to underclassmen: Be active, take advantage of what you can do at AL. “He’s the best competitor I’ve ever coached. In Council Bluffs, players like Alex are kind of like a diamond that just stands out,” Boys Tennis coach Myron Wilder said.

Achieving in baseball, basketball and tennis, Senior Alex Crowl is a talented athlete around.

“My family is very oriented in athletics.

I’ve grown up playing all three sports (baseball, basketball and tennis) and I’ve continued playing them,” Crowl said.

In his four years of high school, Crowl has earned 9 varsity letters. He has been playing baseball for 13 years, and has been on varsity for 3. He enjoys playing because it’s ‘probably one of the most unique sports.’

“There’s a lot of freedom and individualism, but at the same time, a lot of team atmosphere,” Crowl said. He hopes to play baseball at Iowa Western when finished with school, but is not for sure.

Playing varsity ball for three years and basketball in general for 13 years, Crowl enjoys it because it’s one of the sports that always drew the most fans, which makes it more fun. Although one of his worst memories was this year’s basketball season, Crowl says he’s kind of past it.

“My 8th grade basketball coach, Coach Lubbe, was the most inspirational coach. He taught a lot of life lessons. I respect him a lot. My dad also has been a coach; indirectly more than directly. He has helped me through my success,” Crowl said.

Crowl has been playing tennis for about 12 years, and is currently undefeated for this season. He has been on varsity all four years of high school. Wilder, who has known Crowl for about 7 years says, “Alex is a team leader that sets good examples for the rest of my team. He puts a whole lot of work into tennis, and his school work. He’s someone who I have enjoyed watched growing and mature as the years go by. I like the fact that he’s so easy going on the court. I never have to worry about him mentally on the court; he knows what he’s doing. He’s worked hard and it shows. I’m proud to be his coach. “My advice for Alex is not to give up on his dreams. Pursue what he wants to pursue, and keep going after it.”

With his talent paying off, Crowl is respected by many. Outside of school, Crowl likes hanging out with friends, and playing sports a lot.

Crowl wants to thank all his coaches for all the work and effort they have done for providing talent to the teams. “I really appreciate what they all have done, and I want to say good luck to all the athletes. Success happens when no one is watching, and the only limitations a person has, are the ones they put on themselves.”

By Suzanne Peterson | Executive Reporter Emily Croson Post graduation: Pre-Elementary Education.

Accomplished in high school: Being able to sleep anywhere and everywhere.

Best high school memory: Winning homecoming Olympics.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t hold high expectations for your senior year.

Alex Crum Post graduation: Photography Accomplished in high school: The person I am today.

Best high school memory: Meeting all of my friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t mess around freshmen/ sophomore year. Everything counts.

Tyler Cumberland Post graduation: Engineering.

Accomplished in high school: Conference champ in the 100m freestyle.

Best high school memory: State swimming.

Advice to underclassmen: Just be yourself, do what you want and get your act together.

D

Kory Denton Post graduation: Criminal justice.

Accomplished in high school: Did well in sports.

Best high school memory: When Kyle got pulled over going 90 miles per hour because we were egging cars.

Advice to underclassmen: No drugs.

Lyndsey Dresen Post graduation: I will be attending the University of Iowa.

Accomplished in high school: Making it through all four years

of yearbook.

Best high school memory: Going to Washington D.C. with journalism.

Advice to underclassmen: Get involved.

Jaramiah Droescher Post graduation: Mechanic.

Accomplished in high school: I have done a lot of stuff.

Best high school memory: All of it.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your work on time.

Sara Duncan Post graduation: Nursing.

Accomplished in high school: Passing each grade.

Advice to underclassmen: Actually come to school!

Jenna Dunn Post graduation: IWCC then ISU for culinary and business.

LOVE FOOD! Accomplished in high school: What I wanted to.

Best high school memory: Met Cupertino Morales Ramos.

Advice to underclassmen: You look weird.

E F

Jordan Easton Post graduation: Diesel mechanic.

Accomplished in high school: Went to state for wrestling.

Best high school memory: Going to state.

Adriana Espinoza Post graduation: ATP Best high school memory: My teacher.

Advice to underclassmen: Try hard and study hard. Come every day.

Ryan Luke Fee Post graduation: Secondary Education or Political Science major.

Accomplished in high school: I shaped who I am and will be.

Best high school memory: Playing lacrosse and football, and meeting my future wife, Jenna Hyde :) Advice to underclassmen: Take care of the little things and have fun! It’s high school for goodness sake!

Jasmyn Flynn Post graduation: Buena Vista to play basketball. Biology then go to med. school.

Accomplished in high school: Finding myself and growing up.

Best high school memory: Drake! :) Advice to underclassmen: Don’t rush growing up. Live in the moment.

Karley Foote Post graduation: International Security Studies.

Accomplished in high school: Getting all caught up.

Best high school memory: Meeting my best friend Haley Tech and Chels, Sara.

Advice to underclassmen: STAY IN SCHOOL! Jenna Fry Post graduation: Library Sciences at University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Accomplished in high school: Became the president of iJAG. Best high school memory: Road trips with friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Give hugs, not drugs.

Michaela Fuller Post graduation: Undecided Accomplished in high school: Friendships that I hope will last for the rest of my life.

Best high school memory: My best high school memory was having lunch with Beck, Nyssa and Elizabeth. French class was also really fun!

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you hold yourself back, you could lose memories and opportunities. Live with no regrets.

G

Kyle Garner Post graduation: Firefighter.

Accomplished in high school: Got a hot girlfriend ;) Jackson Gibbs Post graduation: Engineering.

Accomplished in high school: I had a mohawk.

Best high school memory: Jamming out to “Everytime We Touch” on rides to Tucker Center.

Advice to underclassmen: Quit feeling each other up in front of everyone!

Jocelyn Gibler Post graduation: Liberal Arts (Undecided major) Accomplished in high school: Became more “out of my shell,” met lots of new friends, grew overall.

Best high school memory: Being in the musicals freshmen and senior year.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t limit your experiences by saying no to the things you love to do, you end up missing out.

Shelby Graham Post graduation: Graphic Design.

Accomplished in high school: I realized how much I heart art :) I also made a lot of friends.

Best high school memory: “The Group.”

Advice to underclassmen: Be respectful. Grow up. Do the best you can to focus on yourself and what’s good for you. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.

Danielle Peabody | Editor-in-Chief

3

Zach Green Post graduation: Attended Northwest Missouri State for Business/Broadcasting.

Accomplished in high school: Beating the Purple Cobras!

Best high school memory: Having senior night for basketball in the student section!

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t do homework or practice worksheets, you don’t need them.

Giovanna Guillen Post graduation: Biology and Pre-Med. Accomplished in high school: Playing sports and meeting new people.

Best high school memory: Football games, soccer games.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your homework and assignments and turn them in on time! Don’t sleep too late, you’ll end up falling asleep in class!

Jackie Gutierrez Post graduation: Graphic Design.

Accomplished in high school: Being able to draw people.

Best high school memory: Getting to know a lot of different people.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t act like you’re better than everyone else and respect teachers. They are here to teach you, not babysit you.

H

Austin Hadfield.

Post graduation: Architectural Engineering.

Accomplished in high school: Finding my future career.

Best high school memory: Too many.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t sleep in class.

Kyra Haines Post graduation: Cosmetology/hair design.

Accomplished in high school: I accomplished getting all my credits on time.

Best high school memory: I didn’t really have a best high school memory, I’m just glad I got through high school.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your work and turn it in on time so you don’t fall behind and don’t say things that you don’t want everyone to know.

Melaina Harold Post Graduation: Undecided Accomplished in high school: I explored my love for art.

Best High School Memory: Making friends, football games and prom(s) Advice to Underclassmen: Grow up. The rest of your life starts after high school, so set goals get your work done, and make memories along the way. Oh, and remember to be respectful.

Cleo Harris Post Graduation: I want to major in Criminal Justice Accomplished in high school: I think I accomplished many things. Friendships, passing all my classes, becoming a leader.

Best High School Memory: 11th football season Advice to Underclassmen: Focus on grades.

Jaylen Harrison Post Graduation: Talk show host Accomplished in high school: Making it through all four years and being on Lynx TV. Best High School Memory: Too many to count.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t rush it, enjoy it because it goes by way too fast.

John Harter Post Graduation: 5 year accounting degree Accomplished in high school: Graduating early/ winning both my motocross classes Best High School Memory: Hanging out with all my friends and the crazy times we had.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t fail classes! Just get your work done and then you can talk and have all the fun want after.

Conner Head Post Graduation: Trade school, or college.

Accomplished in high school: Having the time of my life.

Best High School Memory: Seeing Andrew Sunday run down the halls with a Yeti costume.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t Skip!

Nickel Hermanson Post Graduation: I plan to do something with animals.

Accomplished in high school: Being myself and making new friends.

Best High School Memory: Hanging with my friends.

Advice to Underclassmen: Try to get all your required classes done first so you can have fun later on.

Lauren Herrington Post Graduation: Communications- University of Iowa Accomplished in high school: I MADE IT!?

Best High School Memory: Hanging out with my friend every chance I got. #Katies house.

Advice to Underclassmen: Be yourself, stay in school, and live it up!

Caleb Honeke Post Graduation: Going to UNO to study. I don’t know what yet.

Accomplished in high school: Not much and still got a 3.65 GPA. Best High School Memory: Senior night for Basketball and “what a long strange trip it’s been in Crowl’s basement” Advice to Underclassmen: It won’t be funny with a coatless dummy.

4

Senior

Danielle Peabody | Editor-in-Chief

Shannon Holmes Post Graduation: Music Education at UNL Accomplished in high school: I survived.

Best High School Memory: Band trips or newspaper/yearbook work nights.

Advice to Underclassmen: Get involved. School’s no fun when all you do is go to classes and that’s all. Make sure to make your four years worth it.

Ryan Hrabik Post Graduation: Iowa Western What you Accomplished in high school: Best High School Memory: When we beat southeast Polk by kicking a field goal with 1.7 seconds left to win the game 2 years ago.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t wish away high school.

Kelcie Huebner Post Graduation: Going to Iowa (Hawkeyes) for Nursing.

Accomplished in high school: Soccer, Choir, UNMC, NHS, Dance, Swim team and managing.

Best High School Memory: Building up the courage to sing my heart out in front of the audience at the talent show.

Advice to Underclassmen: Be true to yourself, don’t follow the crowd.

Hondo Huerta Post Graduation: I don’t know Accomplished in high school: I’ve expanded my mind.

Best High School Memory: Hanging out at Fairmount Lodge.

Advice to Underclassmen: Just say no.

Katelynn Hunter Post Graduation: Going into Culinary Arts to open my own restaurant. “Chat n Chew” Accomplished in high school: Shhh...it’s a secret I can’t tell you.

Best High School Memory: Walking around with my friends and all the stupid things we thought of.

Advice to Underclassmen: Say what you mean, when you mean it and do the things the right way the first time.

Jenna Hyde Post Graduation: College: Probably Iowa Western/ Something in the Medical Field.

Accomplished in high school: Kept a good GPA. Kept a lot of the same friends and made many new ones.

Best High School Memory: Competing in DECA, Mr. Miller’s class my sophomore year and dating Ryan Fee. Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t change for anyone, they should like you for who you really are. Enjoy high school, it goes by fast.

J

Courtney Janz Post graduation: Air Force Reserves and College.

Accomplished in high school: A lot, but my biggest accomplishment is making it this far and on the verge of graduating.

Best high school memory: Senior year lunch table.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t screw around. Get stuff done and just worry about graduation.

Devon Jefferson Post graduation: Majoring in Communications.

Accomplished in high school: I became mature.

Best high school memory: Learning that things aren’t always what they seem.

Advice to underclassmen: Choose wisely, think twice and live life.

Brice Johnson Post Graduation: Study Computer Science at University Nebraska at Lincoln What you Accomplished in high school: Broke a team record on the swim team.

Best High School Memory: Trip to Orlando with LTV. Advice to Underclassmen: Join a team or group that is where you meet best friends.

Mindy Jo Johnson Post Graduation: Criminal Justice- Parole Officer Accomplished in high school: Graduation :) Best High School Memory: Dances, and doing the Homecoming Olympics.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t skip classes, you’ll fall too far behind.

Mike Jones Post Graduation: Plan on becoming a chef and opening a restaurant.

Accomplished in high school: Finally graduating. Making plenty of friends.

Best High School Memory: Coming back to AL to graduate with my friends.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t get lazy ‘cause it will get crazy.

Corey Jump Post Graduation: Automotive Technician.

Accomplished in high school: Self discipline, waking up early.

Best High School Memory: Advice to Underclassmen: Stay in school, push your limits, prepare for college.

K

Nick Kantor Post Graduation: Working after school.

Accomplished in high school: Getting my credits.

Best High School Memory: Too many Advice to Underclassmen: Do work, don’t skip.

Jake Kalstrup Post Graduation: Computer science/Computer programmer Accomplished in high school: Near 4.0; Several extracurricular involvements; six AP’s; 33 ACT Best High School Memory: Sneaking into senior pictures with @Evan_Giles Advice to Underclassmen: CARE about freshman/sophomore grades.

Cristina Annette Keller Post Graduation: Accomplished in high school: Too many, so to save everyone from hating themselves more, I won’t say.

Best High School Memory: When Cole Nice asked to borrow my Gorilla suit, which then went to Dillon Nice, then to Ryan Smothers, then was saved from the wreckage of Charles Knotek’s car crash.

Advice to Underclassmen: Watch out for girls who fake leg injuries and stop acting like it’s cool to be like everyone else, become unique.

Caleb Kelley Post graduation: Make mad duckets.

Accomplished in high school: Having fun, making friends, and learning a little bit.

Best high school memory: Shaking people’s hands everyday.

Advice to underclassmen: Stay on your teachers’ good sides so they don’t care as much when you skip.

Michaela Kennedy Post Graduation: Biology, Pre med.

Accomplished in high school: Three time state qualifier Volleyball. NHS, Softball record.

Best High School Memory: Beating East and Urbandale in Regional Finals.

Advice to Underclassmen: High school goes fast, enjoy it.

Bailey Kinney Post Graduation: Speech Communication Accomplished in high school: I’ve learned how to sleep anywhere.

Best High School Memory: Winning homecoming Olympics.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t take classes at TJ your senior year.

Alex Klement Post Graduation: Nursing Accomplished in high school: Going to state for football for three years, second team all conference this year.

Best High School Memory: Going 9-0 in football, and baseball tournament in Caroll.

Advice to Underclassmen: High school is actually short, cherish it you’ll miss it when it’s almost gone.

Natasha Konfrst Post Graduation: Pre Pharmacy at UNL, Oncology Pharmacy Accomplished in high school: UNMC High School Alliance member, All State Band/Orchestra Best High School Memory: Jazz Band coffee breaks.

Advice to Underclassmen: Take as many college/advanced classes that you can. It really helps.

Melanie Krohn Post Graduation: Marketing/Advertising at Loyola University Chicago Accomplished in high school: Being ranked number one in my class for Junior and Senior years, becoming an AP Scholar.

Best High School Memory: When Hot and Dangerous won Homecoming Olympics Senior year!

Advice to Underclassmen: Care about everything you do and take responsibility for your actions. It pays off.

Michael Kuder Post Graduation: First I will attend college and then I’m off to the marines.

Accomplished in high school: I accomplished plenty.

Best High School Memory: Running Cross Country and Track.

Advice to Underclassmen: Do work!

L

Octavio Lemus Accomplished in high school: Not much really.

Best High School Memory: Nothing.

Advice to Underclassmen: Finish high school.

Jessica Lewis Post graduation: Preschool teacher.

Accomplished in high school: Choir.

Best high school memory: Choir trips.

Advice to underclassmen: Stay in school and have fun.

Justin Lippert Post Graduation: Staying home.

Accomplished in high school: Work skills.

Best High School Memory: My girlfriend Michael Lippert Post Graduation: Advance ATP Accomplished in high school: P.E. Best High School Memory: The teachers.

Rikki Loye Post Graduation: Go to college and take general education first.

Accomplished in high school: Painted a wolf and it was hung in a showcase.

Best High School Memory: Hanging with Jackie G. Advice to Underclassmen: Be nice to teachers.

Echoes

By Brooke Criswell | Reporter As a member of the National Honor Society, Mathletes, After School Physics, Literature Club and a player on varsity Tennis, Jacob Kalstrup ‘12 has achieved a very high status for his high school career. Jordan Bahr ‘12 has known Kalstrup since seventh grade. “(I would describe him as) really profound.

He has intellectual prime but also he’s a bit maybe sarcastic but not overbearing,” Bahr said.

A lot of people in high school seem to judge by appearances, but that’s not always the case.

The old saying always goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover.

“Looking at me, I kind of look stereotypical as an emo kid even though I’m not, so people probably don’t know that I actually care a lot about academics,” Kalstrup said.

His friends, peers, and people who really have gotten to know Jacob Kalstrup know he’s a lot different than he may come off to be.

“I’ve hung out with him a few times and he can make any situation have a funnier perspective,” Ellie Krabbe ‘13 said.

Kalstrup’s lifelong goal is to write a piece of fiction that involves experimental literature. That would be the item he’d take off his bucket list, along with finishing college to major in computer science. The Java computer programming class influenced the path Kalstrup is about to go on.

“Being in that class and enjoying it as much as I did ultimately helped see what I’d be wanting to do in college,” Kalstrup said.

Living here in Council Bluffs his whole life and by scoring a 32 on the ACT is allowing him to go to the school he truly wants to go to, New York University. Amanda Jens, Math teacher, believes confidently in Jake.

“He’s a model student. During a lesson he’s always looking forward to the next step and preparing detailed and intriguing questions to help deepen his knowledge.” Jens said. “Jake always wants to learn as much as he can at the time.”

Kalstrup’s advice to all the underclassmen is to actually care about your grades because they do matter, especially in your cumulative GPA. If he could go back in time, that is what he would change.

“I really didn’t care back then, and now I think I could’ve learned a lot more than I know now.” Kalstrup said. “People also shouldn’t work under stress, take it easy and do the best you can.”

Being at the top of your class as a senior, many students may look forward to it, but sometimes that’s not how everybody feels.

“I probably thought I’d work a little bit harder and care more about it all but I kind of tapered off at the end.”

Even though he’s ready to move forward with his goals and dreams of majoring in computer science, and writing a fictional book, he’s going to miss the environment of high school the most. “( What I’ll miss most is) the flexible schedule, nice friends, and cool teachers because there’s more interactions with teachers unlike in college you’re going to be in a lecture hall.”

Moving across the country will be a huge step. Throughout his experiences from high school, they have prepared him for what opportunities are about to come. By being involved in many activities and by his concentration toward academics, Jacob Kalstrup is taking all of his knowledge and skills he’s been taught with him to NYU for the next chapter in his life. Everything he has done in high school has gotten him to where he is going off to now.

Chelsea Ludwick Post Graduation: Massage Therapy Accomplished in high school: Good grades.

Best High School Memory: Chillin with Karley Foote.

Advice to Underclassmen: Pay attention in school!

M

Alec Maher Post Graduation: Personal Training/ Marketing Accomplished in high school: Second team all conference.

Best High School Memory: Varsity Football.

Advice to Underclassmen: Stay caught up on homework/do activities.

Jason Martinez Accomplished in high school: The basic Best High School Memory: Nothing Advice to Underclassmen: Finish high school Abe McDowell Post Graduation: Mission work.

Accomplished in high school: Math Best High School Memory: Being in P.E. Raymond McSorley Post Graduation: Automotive Technician Accomplished in high school: I achieved my diploma.

Best High School Memory: Hanging with friends Advice to Underclassmen: Go to classes and have fun because high school doesn’t last for long.

Heather Marie Meyers Post Graduation: Iowa western Community College to study Art and basic business classes, and working full time at Credit Information Systems.

What you accomplished in high school: I managed to keep good grades, stay involved in activities, and enjoy myself.

Best high school Memory: I will miss the football games, cheering on the boys and hanging out with friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Enjoy yourself while you are here, it may seem scary at first or you may hate school, but high school will be the best four years of school you have. Pay attention to your school work

Echoes

Daniel Mohamed Post Graduation: College at Iowa Western to study after Bob Jones.

Accomplished in high school: Finished high school one year early Best High School Memory: Miss Adams’ Class Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t mess with work and the BBS (Bulletin Board System) Jarod Mohling Post Graduation: Computer Science Accomplished in high school: Learned a lot Best High School Memory: Not sure Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t be lazy Eric Mutchler Post Graduation: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Accomplished in high school: Gotten my classes back on track.

Best High School Memory: The Follies Talent Show, Sophomore year.

Advice to Underclassmen: Keep your head up, it may seem like a lot to do but I promise in the end it all will pay off.

Samantha Myers Post Graduation: Criminology at UNO Accomplished in high school: Varsity Dance team for four years and being successful.

Best High School Memory: Going to New York and dancing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Advice to Underclassmen: Be yourself, don’t change for anyone, always believe in yourself and don’t listen to what other people think.

N

Zach Narmi Post Graduation: College at Iowa Western.

Accomplished in high school: Graduation.

Best High School Memory: Summer parties in Beaver Lake.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t skip.

Jessica Nee Post Graduation: Special Education Teacher.

Accomplished in high school: State Track.

Best High School Memory: Drake Relays, State Track.

Advice to Underclassmen: Have fun, it’ll go fast.

Mia Neeson Post Graduation: Vodec or Goodwill.

Accomplished in high school: Art, Foods, Choir.

Advice to Underclassmen: Have fun during your senior year.

Chris Nelson Post Graduation: Auto Shop Mechanic Accomplished in high school: A lot Best High School Memory: Don’t have many Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t do drugs Cole Nice Post Graduation: Studying sports marketing at Morningside.

Accomplished in high school: Making it through high school with the reputation of a nice kid.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t date people from AL.

O

Donald Ohsner Post Graduation: Actor Accomplished in high school: The plays I was in.

Best High School Memory: Meeting Melissa Mathiesen and becoming friends.

Advice to Underclassmen: Stay in class and don’t give the teacher grief.

Jennifer Olinde Post Graduation: Major: Biology, Career: Veterinary Medicine Accomplished in high school: Successfully getting free money for college Best High School Memory: Lunch table conversations Advice to Underclassmen: “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and the punishment it that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”

Katilyn Olinde Post graduation: Education-Teacher-Elementary and Special Education.

Accomplished in high school: Everything, iJAG, graduation.

Best high school memory: iJAG seventh annual dodgeball tournament, senior year.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t wait until senior year to start looking for colleges.

Jose Olvera Post Graduation: Mechanic Accomplished in high school: To graduate on time.

Best High School Memory: Going to be graduating.

Advice to Underclassmen: Pass all your classes so you can graduate early.

P

Zach Parker Post Graduation: Auto School for Diesel.

Accomplished in high school: Not much but ticked teachers.

Best High School Memory: I can’t remember what I did.

Danielle Peabody Post graduation: Morningside College to play soccer and study Physical Therapy.

Accomplished in high school: Lettering in varsity soccer, editorin-chief of the newspaper, finding myself and who I want to be.

Best high school memory: Meeting the love of my life my sophomore year, (three years still going strong!) making memories with my best friend, Melaina Harold, and spending

Senior

time with people that mean the most to me.

Advice to underclassmen: Always know who your true friends are. After high school, everyone goes their separate ways and you don’t want to lose those friendships.

Daniel Pengra Post Graduation: Physical Therapist.

What you Accomplished in high school: I learned to play guitar.

Best High School Memory: Prom my Junior year.

Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t ever give up.

Olivia Petersen Post Graduation: Music Major.

Accomplished in high school: Survived AP Physics, dominated band.

Best High School Memory: First football game with Brittany.

Advice to Underclassmen: Whatever you do, you’ll probably regret it.

Lexi Raygor Post Graduation: Music Education at UNL Accomplished in high school: Full ride, 4 year All Stater.

Best High School Memory: Meh. Advice to Underclassmen: Enjoy high school while everything is still easy.

By Blake Willadsen | Sports Editor High school can be a time to find what you are passionate about. Senior Lexi Raygor has found just that with music and plans on sticking with it. Raygor has been involved throughout her high school career in a variety of clubs and groups. Nothing has proved quite as enjoyable as music. It has been enjoyable enough that she is going into music education for a career field. For the moment, she said it just feels good to be moving on.

“I am ready to be done. It (finishing school) has been pretty exhausting,” Raygor said.

Being involved in the world around her has been a big part of high school for Raygor. She’s been involved in a wide variety of activities ranging from newspaper to figure skating. One activity that has been unique in particular is her involvement at Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Raygor volunteered at the local hospital once a week for several years and she was the president of the hospital’s teen volunteer program. The volunteers go through the hospital asking patients if they need anything and refilling water mugs. Volunteer work also includes restocking towels, working the reception desk, delivering flowers, and escorting wheelchair patients.

“I like knowing I’m making a difference. The elderly that are usually there really enjoy that we do work with them,” Raygor said.

“We don’t get paid. They really enjoy when they have someone to talk to. It’s nice to help out even if it’s something small.”

Raygor’s passion for music is easy to see when looking at her success. With a collection of thirteen division ones and an IHSMA All-stater for all four years of her high school career.

“I have never had anyone more dedicated. She has a natural ability and she is always practicing,” Stephanie Krijan, AL orchestra director said. “She’s driven, she’s focused. She is just a wonderful player. She loves what she does and she is very good at it.”

She has done much more than just excel for AL’s orchestra.

Raygor’s practice has led to being invited in Omaha Area Youth Orchestras and been involved in the Omaha Youth Conservatory of Music. Raygor spoke very highly of these experiences.

“Being able to go to honor orchestra really assured me I wanted to go into music,” Raygor said. “I kind of knew but that made me realize I wanted to go into music education as opposed to performance. I really want to help kids out and give back the opportunities I’ve been given too.”

She said she’s seriously considering getting her degree in music education to do just that.

“I want to go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for music education,” Raygor said. “My goal is to be a high school orchestra director and then plan a local symphony.

When asked if she has any advice for her pupil, Krijan said, “keep the same work ethic and remain focused. Then it’ll all fall in place. Just stay focused and do what you love.”

R

Dana Reedy Post Graduation: Go into Mechanics, possibly motorcycles.

Accomplished in high school: I got a job and pay for the majority of my own things.

Best High School Memory: Any class at Tucker Center.

Advice to Underclassmen: High school isn’t that long or difficult so just stick through it.

Jordan Rehfeldt Post Graduation: UNO, Computer Graphics.

Accomplished in high school: Graduating by using the least energy possible.

Best High School Memory: Junior year football games, stealing chickens.

Advice to Underclassmen: Learn respect.

Heidi Renshaw Post Graduation: Nursing School.

Accomplished in high school: Being an officer in iJAG. Best High School Memory: All the football games.

Advice to Underclassmen: To grow up.

Danielle Rice Post Graduation: Health Science/Music Performance.

Accomplished in high school: HOSA Nationals, Varsity Soccer,

Danielle Peabody | Editor-in-Chief

5

being boss at playing bass guitar.

Best High School Memory: Winning Homecoming Olympics and Band.

Advice to Underclassmen: You might hate it now, but you’ll miss it when it’s over. Enjoy high school while it lasts.

Preston Robb Post Graduation: Major: Culinary Arts Career: Hy-vee?

Accomplished in high school: Finding out who I am and what I want to do with my life.

Best High School Memory: All the days with my friends, when we had no worries.

Advice to Underclassmen: Be who you are. Don’t people judge you for who you are.

Janeva Rodgers Post Graduation: Northwest Missouri State for Veterinary studies.

Accomplished in high school: Uhm, I guess I accomplished making friends in every new school I transferred to because of moving around Best High School Memory: Sophomore year Soccer. We were all a big family.

Advice to Underclassmen: Always walk with your head up, follow your dreams.

Juan Rodriguez Post Graduation: Going to job corps.

Accomplished in high school: Being here and getting all my credits.

Best High School Memory: All the friends I know and the girls.

Advice to Underclassmen: Just go to school and get it done it, will all work out and the end.

Rachel Roehr Post Graduation: IWCC, Special Ed Teacher Accomplished in high school: Made lots of friends, got good grades.

Best High School Memory: All my good friends.

Advice to Underclassmen: Do your work, do not procrastinate.

Lauren Rommel Post Graduation: Elementary Education at Briar Cliff University Accomplished in high school: Became best friends with Chelsea Acosta.

Best High School Memory: Softball in Urbandale with Chelsea Acosta, Michaela Kennedy and Taylor Anderson Advice to Underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to be who you really are.

Sarah Root Post Graduation: Forensic Science.

Accomplished in high school: Meeting new people, taking my time on projects and loving art!

Best High School Memory: Hanging out with my partner in crime, Kari McDermott.

Advice to Underclassmen: Take your classes seriously because they will benefit you in the long run.

Brittany Rupp Post Graduation: Major in Nursing, Double Minor in Journalism and Psychology at Morningside.

Accomplished in high school: I survived and made it to graduation...somehow.

Best High School Memory: Waukee Marching contest, Newspaper, and HOSA Advice to Underclassmen: Do something everyday that scares you, something that pushes your comfort zone. That’s the only way you grow and become a better person.

Danielle Russell Post Graduation: Undecided, but interested in Early Education, Dental Hygiene.

Accomplished in high school: Passing and making many memories and building great friendships.

Best High School Memory: N/A Advice to Underclassmen: Go to all activities, stay active ,make the most memories and cherish all of it, it goes by very fast.

S

Amanda Santon Post Graduation: Sign Language, Spanish and Medicine Accomplished in high school: Making Varsity Soccer all four years of high school.

Best High School Memory: Meeting my best friend.

Advice to Underclassmen: By your senior year keep your friends close and keep your stuff organized.

Christian Schlater Post Graduation: Criminology at UNO. Accomplished in high school: Not nearly enough.

Best High School Memory: Making it to state my sophomore year for track and the Drake Relays.

Caroline Seilstad Post Graduation: Physician’s Assistant at a small clinic.

Accomplished in high school: 4-H Club president, Senior Class President, All-State Choir Best High School Memory: Show Choir Advice to Underclassmen: Modest is Hottest.

Best high school memory: Senior prom..hasn’t happened yet, with it only being March, but I already know. ;) Advice to underclassmen: Don’t get into drama.

6

Danielle Peabody | Editor-in-Chief

Ashley Sharp Post Graduation: Dental hygienist Accomplished in High School: Graduating is a huge accomplishment, considering about only one out of four people get to experience it.

Best high school memory: Senior prom..hasn’t happened yet, with it only being March, but I already know. ;) Advice to underclassmen: Don’t get into drama.

Rudy Sherman Post Graduation: I plan to become the dictator of America and hopefully one day rule the world.

Accomplished in high school: Stuff I wouldn’t even tell my Grandma.

Best high school memory: When I tripped the time /space continuum and went back in the past to have a steak dinner with Jack the Ripper.

Advice to underclassmen: Get Pitted, so pitted.

Sean Schenter Post graduation: Automotive.

Best high school memory: Playing hacky sack during lunch my freshman year in the courtyard.

Advice to underclassmen: Have a good time, but don’t be a slacker.

Courtney Shinn Post Graduation: EQ School of Hair Design.

Accomplished in high school: Singing in front of a huge crowd.

Best high school memory: Show Choir with my best friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Live your life! It goes fast!

Chad Slobodnik Post Graduation: Marine Corps.

Advice to underclassmen: Just be yourself.

Blaine Smith Post graduation: Work then school.

Accomplished in high school: Friends and strong study/work ethic.

Best high School memory: Doing track and field and completely biffing in front of your friends.

Advice to Underclassmen: Respect the upperclassmen.

Jamie Smith Post graduation: Engineering at University of Iowa Accomplished in high school: Stepping outside my comfort zone.

Best high school memory: My adventures with Taylor Bright.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

Jordan Smith Accomplished in high school: I accomplished so much.

Best high school memory: There are way too many.

Advice to underclassmen: Try your best, never give up. You all have a great future ahead of you.

Ryan Smothers Post graduation: Fire Fighting Accomplished in high school: Got a hot girlfriend.

Payton Snipes Post Graduation: Social work, youth services Accomplished in high school: Being in soccer, yearbook and DECA, and working at Buffalo Wild Wings Best high school memory: Becoming friends with everyone here.

Thanks to those people who changed my life.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t worry about who’s cool, you don’t need boyfriends or one specific best friend. Be friends with everyone! Or you’ll regret it later.

Jordan Soch Post graduation: Paranormal Researcher/Engineer Accomplished in high school: I bowled a 208 on the Wii. Best high school memory: Hanging out with Colton and Alex.

Advice to underclassmen: Be drug free.

Billie Sprinkel Post graduation: Social Worker.

Accomplished in high school: Coming to the end to actually graduate.

Best high school memory: Freshman year of soccer, we had a huge water balloon/mud fight.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t let anybody let you down cause if you set your mind to do something you can do it!

Alysha Straka Post graduation: Major in Biology at UNO Accomplished in high school: I have learned I don’t need to do homework to pass classes.

Best high school memory: When all the classrooms had windows.

Advice to underclassmen: Have the most fun that you can.

Erin Suiter Post graduation: Veterinary Technician Accomplished in high school: My improvement of my attendance and not getting in trouble with drugs and what not.

Best high school memory: Junior year because no drama and it was just full of fun.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t skip. Go to school, get an education because if you don’t go it’s going to be tough.

Loie Swanger Post graduation: I was thinking I would go to college for singing since I was in choir for four years and also modeling.

Accomplished in high school: I got through my classes I needed and made my family proud.

T

Senior

Best high school memory: Meeting all my great friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Even though I didn’t, you should go to school mostly everyday. It’ll help a lot in your future.

Shyenne Tack Post graduation: Air Force.

Accomplished in high school: Good grades and everything I’ve done.

Best high school memory: All my good friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your stuff and be what you want to be.

Kyle Thompsen Post graduation: Computer Technician.

Accomplished in high school: Did good work.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t do drugs.

Austin Tracy Post graduation: Firefighter.

Accomplished in high school: Finishing high school.

Best high school memory: Playing football.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t fall behind on your school work.

Eric Thurber Post graduation: Criminal Justice.

Accomplished in high school: I made myself the person I am.

Best high school memory: I enjoyed all the time in track and my other activities.

Advice to underclassmen: Stay on track, make goals, follow through.

Katrina Tippery Post graduation: Cosmetology.

Accomplished in high school: Made friends.

Best high school memory: Twin day, March 20, 2012.

Advice to underclassmen: Just be yourself and do the best that you can.

Sarah Trant Post Graduation: Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Accomplished in high school: Learned to tolerate others.

Best high school memory: Playing video games after AP tests.

Advice to underclassmen: Stand out among the crowd.

Advice to the Class of 2012 “Character, good integrity, honesty, positive attitude, be kind, support those in need. I don’t know what more I can say, that’s pretty much been the way we do it. Pass it on.”

-Fred Maher, Assistant Principal Nick Turner Post graduation: Sports Physical Therapy.

Accomplished in high school: Varsity Lacrosse.

Best high school memory: Being able to see friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Stay in class and don’t skip, it’s not worth it.

V

Echoes

Accomplished in high school: I got good grades and had a lot of good times my friends in and out of school.

Best high school memory: Car rides up to Des Moines with Mrs. Courter for DECA and my friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t hold grudges and start fights because high school is way more fun when your whole class hangs out together.

Elizabeth Welch Post Graduation: UNO-Undecided Accomplished in high school: Best light techie ever.

Best high school memory: Hanging out on the catwalk.

Advice to underclassmen: Do your work, stop being immature.

Tanea White Post Graduation: Cosmetology Accomplished in high school: Passing all my classes.

Best high school memory: Our school dances.

Advice to underclassmen: Love all, trust few, do wrong to no one.

Brian Williams Post Graduation: Music Education at UNL Accomplished in high school: A bunch of okay things. Made some All States.

Best high school memory: Going to NYC with Journalism my freshman year.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t rush things. It’s only four years.

Allison Wilson Post graduation: ATP Best high school memory: My friends.

Advice to underclassmen: Listen to your teachers and come everyday.

Dena Wilwerding Post graduation: Respiratory Therapy/ Medical Administration at Methodist Accomplished in high school: Graduating on time with the least amount of effort possible.

Best high school memory: Late, crazy nights with my friends and meeting my boyfriend.

Advice to underclassmen: Get some self respect.

Taylor Winey Post graduation: Undecided.

Accomplished in high school: Passing Chemistry.

Best high school memory: Homecoming olympics both junior and senior year.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t show a bunch of PDA at school.

Trust me no wants to see it. But just enjoy high school while it lasts.

Torie Wolfe Post Graduation: OB Nurse Accomplished in high school: Having fun and still managing to graduate with good grades Best high school memory: Running around the halls freshmen year with Kaylena Mcconkey and scaring the crap out of Preston Robb.

Advice to underclassmen: Always have fun and enjoy life. Don’t let anyone hold you back . Because you will regret it.

Y

Ben Young Post graduation: Automotive.

Accomplished in high school: Learned from mistakes.

Best high school memory: Freshmen year.

Advice to underclassmen: Show some level of respect.

Jose Valdes Post graduation: Business or Accounting.

Accomplished in high school: Better grades every year.

Best high school memory: Pep rallies with my friends in Florida.

Advice to underclassmen: Have fun in high school.

Cody Young Post graduation: Sports analyst for ESPN Accomplished in high school: Made many new friends. Made sports teams, finished in the top 20 of my class, and had the time of my life.

Best high school memory: My friends and just being along for the ride of the undefeated season.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t blink because these are the best years of your life and they go fast.

Ashley Vanderpool Post graduation: Enlisted in the guard and enrolled in IWCC. Accomplished in high school: Became closer with my friends.

Best high school memory: The hand game on the bus ride home from Drill meets.

Advice to underclassmen: Due dates are closer than you think.

Alfredo Zarate Post Graduation: Radio.

Accomplished in high school: Getting my credit.

Best high school memory: Meet new people in the classroom.

Advice to underclassmen: You need to keep track of goals.

Martin Vidales Post graduation: An evil dictator.

Accomplished in high school: Used the force.

Best high school memory: Always having fun.

Advice to underclassmen: Grow up.

Z

W

Shiloh Wade Post graduation: Entrepreneur/ Business owner Accomplished in high school: Varsity Soccer Freshman year Advice to Underclassmen: Get r done! Don’t stoop down to other levels! Stay away from other people’s bf/gfs!

Paige Wambold Post graduation: Go to college and become a teacher.

Photos by Hayley Hochstetler

Echoes

Senior

Brittany Rupp | Editor in Chief

Echoes Class of 2012

Devon Jefferson

This is my ode to my high school experience. This is my letter to all the moments spent laughing endlessly with friends. These are the words that are dedicated to all those times we were loud in the hallways shouting inappropriate things. This is for all the nights I stayed out too late and came home to angry parents. This is for the four years that I spent earning my diploma at Abraham Lincoln High School.

If there is one thing that I have learned throughout this journey, that one thing is to love yourself and be real with yourself. I remember when I was a freshman. I wanted so much to be like the upperclassmen. I wanted to hang with them, do the same stuff as they did, be cool like them. It was only until I realized that when they graduate I would no longer have anyone to look up to. Then I realized that I should just say “screw the status quo” and be myself and pursue the things I hold to be my dreams and hopes.

Your emotions and thoughts are yours to keep, don’t give anyone the satisfaction

of knowing that they altered either of these feelings of yours. It truly is easier said than done, but to have an understanding of this state of mind embodies self control which is a virtue all young people at this, in my opinion should hold to be dear. You might be reading this, thinking, “How do these values pertain to anything that has to do with high school?”

Well, in reality, these values are much bigger than high school. I didn’t realize until midway through my junior year that high school doesn’t last forever. That this is just a time of preparation for forthcoming life. It was then I realized that I should leave the child’s play alone, and prepare myself for manhood.

Last but not least, I feel that culturing one’s self, especially in a time like this when one is very open, is a must. Everyday, try to experience something new. Live through these experiences and gain knowledge through them because a person that is culturally cultivated as well as highly intellectual will be able to rely on many of their talents and knowledge to be successful in many situations. After all, once you walk across that stage and they hand you your diploma, it’s sink or swim from that point on.

I’m probably not supposed to tell you this, but I was told my senior column would be my last touch to the newspaper and it could only be 500 words. So I sat and wondered how I could use 500 different words that could coherently describe my experience . Then realized that wasn’t realistic so I decided to think up a phrase that would be worth 500 words of advice and memories, and came up with this: live your life according to the agenda of your heart, care for one another, and reach for success and happiness in every aspect of your life.

Shannon Holmes

I put this column off until the last possible minute. I wasn’t looking forward to writing this, because I wasn’t ready to face the fact that I’m done. Yes, I will admit, I am overly excited and way too ready for college and graduation, but at the same time I’m scared, worried, and just plain lost. “High school is such an experience, don’t waste it.” I don’t know how many times I had someone, whether it was a recent graduate or a long-time graduate, mention that to me in just everyday conversation. I’ve never really thought about it until these last couple of weeks or so. I can say that, yes, just like every huge step in your life, high school is an experience. For some it’s good, and for some it doesn’t play out as well, but either way it teaches you lessons that will be used for the rest of your life.

Reflecting on the past four years of my life, I can say wholeheartedly that I was blessed, still am blessed for that matter. I had/ have so many people in my life that have supported me and helped me along the way as I grew, learned, and progressed. Firstly, I want to thank my parents. Thank you Mom, and Dad, for dealing with my constant nagging, and busy schedule. Especially this year, when I’d leave the house at 6:30, to come home even

as late as 11:15. Through high school you’ve taught me that I needed to be my own person, take ownership for my responsibilities and that I am a strong, beautiful woman, no matter what any silly boy, or snotty girl, says. I love you both, and take you for granted, because you two make my world. I wouldn’t and couldn’t ask for any better parents than you two.

Next, Russell. My best friend and my brother, you keep me sane. All those times I would walk out of my room, ready for work or school, or anything else, and you would simply say, “Shannon, you’re pretty.” We could get pretty crazy sometimes, from the time we decided to make our whole downstairs a huge fort, to just to the time we decided to sit outside in the snow and eat the snow with spoons. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do without you next year. I guess, you’ll just have to move into my dorm with me. I plan on skyping you every night next year, so don’t you stand me up.

Lastly, I want to thank my friends. My best friends, Brittany, Payton and Joi, past and current boyfriends, and the rest of my classmates that have gotten me to where I am today. I’ve fallen out, and fallen into friendships, but I’ve still held ties to people I never thought I would’ve known. With two current jobs, two past, yearbook, band, jazz band, church, Sheltered Reality, and yes, even girl scouts, I’ve come into contacts with so many amazing people, and gone so many different places, which give me some wonderful experiences. With the next leg of my life surfacing, and this one coming to the end, I’m glad I was lucky to have so many people to lean on throughout my high school years. Thank you.

In the past three weeks, I have handed my yearbook staff over to the new editor-inchief, and started training new kids for drum major. I’m basically done in my mind, I know I have a week left but I’ve handed my two most important activities off to the next students in line. I do though have a bit of advice. Underclassmen, don’t doubt yourself and make it count.

7

Elizabeth Beck

Brittany Rupp

My. Last. One. Good grief. Where has the time gone? I’ve written this column in my head so many times, it’s crazy. I haven’t been able to land on one thing that means enough to be my last column ever written for the Echoes.

I thought about writing about how angry the district makes me, but decided I didn’t want to waste it on that. I thought about all the lessons learned, but I could easily fill a book with that.

Or my memories, however those are pretty explanatory. After some serious thought, I want to thank the people who got me here, starting with my family.

Dad. I know this has been painful watching your oldest grow right before your eyes. Even now my eyes are watering just thinking about the journey we have taken as father and daughter. You’ve literally built me into the person I am today, and I will owe you for the rest of my life because of it. From teaching me how to throw a punch, to those grueling moments when you were teaching me how to drive a stick. Thank you for teaching me and being the best dad that could possibly walk this Earth.

Mom. I know we don’t always get along.

However I hope one day I can be half the mother you were to me. Not many kids can recite the dictionary definition of “respect”

and I owe you for that abnormality and blessing. Thank you for drying my tears when a guy broke my heart, and making me into the strong woman who I am still becoming.

Cody. My dear brother who is a Trombone God. Thank you for being a pain in the butt.

If you had never been a pain in the butt, I can honestly say I would not have known how to deal with half the situations I’ve been thrown into and for giving me a challenge.

Kaitlin. You are so frustrating! Only because you are my carbon copy, and I see my child self in you so much. Patience is the virtue you have taught me and is something I will carry with me forever.

Baby Jade. What have you taught me?

Miracles and to expect the unexpected always.

You’ve only be around for two weeks but from what I’m told these lessons are lost, however everytime I look at you I think of these things.

After all... you stole my thunder and kicked me out of my room.

My teachers. Dr. Hanzlik. You scared the living daylights out of me, however, you taught me so many lessons that I still use to this day. I will teach these lessons to my kids because they struck me that much. My Math teachers. Bless their patient hearts (Miss Talbott). Finally, my Newspaper advisers. To Graham, who was tough, but taught me what I needed to succeed, no matter how much I whined. To Mr. Appel. Who made me into the leader I am. Who gave me the honor of leading the newspaper staff of 2011-2012 with Danielle Peabody. To the staff I am now giving my child away to.

To my friends. Shannon, Jennifer,and Katie. Some I have leaned on heavier than others, and some have leaned on me. However you are the people who dealt with me on both good and bad days, and I have made the most memories, laughed the most, and recently cried the most with. Thank you. For everything.

To the classes behind me. Do something everyday that scares you. Something that pushes your limits because that is the only way you grow. Don’t roll your eyes at me. Just do it.

8

Brittany Rupp | Editor in Chief

Danielle Peabody

I remember sitting at freshman orientation fearful for my first day in high school. All I knew is that I wasn’t ready to go, I wished that summer would last forever. Mr. Novotny looked at our class sitting on the bleachers for the first time and said, “I know you’re back down at the bottom of the totem pole, but you’ll work your way up quickly. High school flies by and it will be over before you know it.”

Everyone says that, I thought. People always say those cliche things such as,“enjoy it while you can,” “don’t take anything for granted,” and “It will be over before you know it.” Up until now, until I’ve finally sat down to write this column, I shrugged those statements off and now that the school year is coming to a close, I’m trying to savor every last bit of high school that I can. Everyone is saying that

Senior

these last few weeks are dragging on, and I admit that in previous years, the months of May and June brought a wave of excitement and impending freedom, but this year, I’m patiently waiting for the “real world” to slap me in the face.

Making the transition from high school to college is something I’ve been waiting for and something that excites me, but I’m not exactly ready for it. Leaving the “nest” where it’s safe and my mommy takes care of me, feeds me yummy food, and kisses me and tells me she loves me before bedtime is something that thoroughly frightens me. I don’t want to leave my friends that have always been there or, most importantly, my best friend that has stuck by me through everything and has helped me make the best memories I’ll ever have. I’ll have to start over in college with all new, unfamiliar faces, teachers that don’t know my name or necessarily care what is is, but if I’ve learned anything in high school, it’s that I shouldn’t be afraid to do everything and do it with all of my heart to reach my greatest potential.

I’m honestly going to miss high school and all of the little things about it: squeezing through crowds in the hallways to make it to class on time, stressing over deadlines in the journalism room, and even being fearful of my life due to the asbestos in the “construction era,” but I can’t wait for my graduation day when I walk across that stage and collect that diploma that sets me free of the restraints of the small world I’ve been living in. I guess that’s why these ceremonies are called commencement exercises--graduation may be the end of high school, but it will be the beginning of the rest of my life.

Brian Williams

I’m sick. This disease, it’s killing me. I’m being eaten alive. I can’t be certain when it was contracted, but my guess is sometime around the first of the year, although I’ve been seeing symptoms of it since I was a sophomore. No one can be sure. But what is for certain is that this illness, this debilitating ailment has only one cure: graduation.

There are many theories behind the cause of senioritis. In a recent field study conducted by a graduating senior on this staff whose name rhymes with Ryan Villyums, it was deduced that senioritis begins to set in when students become “fed up” with school and genuinely display a lack of concern for the negative consequences for poorly completed assignments and tests. The students afflicted with the most severe cases of senioritis tend to

be already accepted into the colleges of their choice, and with that, the studious attitude they once held as a freshman couldn’t be further in the past. The motivation has moved out, but yet the student hasn’t.

Because of the parasitic nature of senioritis, the effects can exponentially worsen over time. Once the root cause for the condition is identified, the effects are multiplied subconsciously. Hypothetically, an individual identifies the root cause of his/ her senioritis and embraces it. This individual is then assigned a paper to write or a test to take. The thought of already being accepted to college creeps into the back of his/her mind every time the time to work or study comes up.

It then becomes easier to justify reasons not to do the work, ergo less work gets accomplished.

Then this individual communicates these thoughts to a fellow student facing similar obstacles. This second student identifies well with the first and is then plagued with the idea.

Senioritis has successfully been spread. Rinse, wash and repeat.

As a result of senioritis, this column was not turned in on time. There was no rough draft created, nor a rewrite. It was barely copy edited. But, amidst this entire struggle, the fact that it was eventually written should be a shimmer of hope. Though I was unsuccessful in finding an antidote to this poisonous contagion, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t one! I strongly urge you to keep searching for a cure. Host a charity event to raise awareness, write your congressman. Do what it takes! In the meantime I would recommend preventative treatment. The effects of senioritis creep up over time, so the sooner you act the better. I wish you the best of luck!

Sidenote: Senioritis should not be confused with laziness and procrastination, though they are closely related. Consult a doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever or vomiting, painful swallowing.

Echoes

Kevin Dickey •

• • •

•

Creativity, a crucial necessity to humanity. The ability to create, to challenge, to grow, and express, is what drives life.

That is what I learned in 4 years of high school, not from a teacher, or a book, but from experience. Not from the mouth of my peers, but the mouth of a wide nozzle spray can. My fear is that by trying to turn what I have learned into pearls of wisdom; it will fall upon deaf ears. My words, I fear, may not sit well with some of those among us who are eager to brandish words of morality and ethics, but those among us who see themselves as the mischievous Puck or mad as a hatter, take note.

• Don’t ask permission to leave an impact.

• No amount of Kony posters or Obey stickers will make you progressive.

• Stencils and stickers save time. (most of the time) • A plan can never be too foolproof,

• • • • •

•

nor too over thought Learn to Photoshop. Explore art, literature, and science. Create something that is special to you, and something that may be special to others.

Rasterbation. It makes small photos into large scale photos.

The library offers to print paper for only 10 cents Boil flower with water to make glue, useful for binding books, paper to paper, paper to wood, or even paper to concrete and metal.

A decent amount of stores don’t card for spray paint.

Never look into the cameras.

When you’re looking for an audience, bigger is always better.

Never expect or take credit for your work. It belongs to the public.

Always try to be original, even if you’re copying.

The best places are where you can see but don’t notice; a dull wall, on the skyline, along a sidewalk. An ambush.

You don’t need to make a name, let your actions speak for themselves.

A teacher asked me if I found the freedom of others important. I told him no, the enlightenment of others is what is important.

To give others the tools, the knowledge, and the ability to create their own freedom. To inspire creativity and new ways of thinking.

That is what I find important in life, and that is why I offer up this advice, so that anyone reading will be better equipped to create, inspire, and explore.

Melanie Krohn

I’ve been anticipating graduation since my freshman year. I’ve been making plans for my graduation party since the beginning of my junior year (Hello? bagels are the perfect thing to serve), and I started searching for the perfect senior picture photographer as a sophomore.

Having looked forward to the end for so long, I now find myself reflecting back on the last four years of my life, not only on the memories and my own personal growth, but what I have learned along the way. Winning Homecoming Olympics dressed like Ke$ha was fun, and the good times we had in AP Biology were irreplaceable. Memories like those will fade over time, but the lessons I have learned will be with me for the rest of my life. One of the most important lessons I have learned from my high school experience is that your reaction to events and circumstances and their impact on you is determined by your own choices.

The Class of 2012 knows well that change happens. We started high school with construction rattling our classrooms and disrupting lessons, leaving the school

unrecognizable when it was finished. We’ve had three different principals greeting us throughout those hallowed halls at different points, and we’ve encountered almost every type of grading system known to man (well maybe not quite, but it’s close.) Switching from an 8-period day to a partial block system to a trimester schedule weren’t the easiest adjustments to tolerate either. It was fun to complain and whine about so many changes that completely altered our high school experiences, but the extensive evolution of AL seems like it will be beneficial in the long run.

It is like the real world, which is, after all, what all of us seniors are heading into very soon.

After reflecting on these changes which may or may not have left us at a disadvantage, they have shown me that no matter how much something might affect you, it only affects if you allow it to. While some might blame the school district or the administration or even Council Bluffs for inconveniencing their education, I actually blame them for that one.

Because no matter how hard the world will get and how often important things in your life change, it will be up to you to make a difference. It will be up to you to call your own shots. It will be up to you to change where you end up.

Whether high school has prepared me for the real world or not is unknown until I’m actually faced with it. Until then, I am determined to succeed. I believe the changes hurled at me throughout my high school experience have made me stronger. They have taught me to look upon challenges with a can-do attitude and to endure the hardships I encounter in a positive way because I have learned to control my own mindset. Benjamin Disraeli, a British prime minister, once said, “There is no education like adversity,” and from my time spent at AL, I can absolutely agree with that.