2021 December - Fairbury High School BLAZER

Volume 67 • Issue 2 December 22, 2021

m Co m

R

it y S

vi c e er

un

Jobs

WWW. FHSXRAY. COM

Mr. Molloy’s Ethan Smith Transition and his music PAGE 10 PAGE 12

e

Chi

C ld

ar

Fairbury High School 1501 9th Street Fairbury, NE 68352 Non-Profit Organization Permit #64

e

o S ch o

s

i s Ou i i l i ns o p s e

ol

u J

g n i l R g gib t e ts de f ol

Basketball Court Naming PAGE 14

2 Opinion/Editorial

12.22.21

Layout by: Aloe Richie

What’s more important: passion or money?

W

hile in h i g h school, there is one common question that needs to be answered, “What do I want to do with my life?”

While sometimes this question may not be answered until college, or even later, it is still one important question that will result in a life changing decision.

Whatever you decide, one certain variable that affects your results will be money and passion. If it makes you a lot

of money then of course people will sign up, because we need money to live. But another thing that makes people sign up for a job is passion, do they care about it and does it interest them.

Passion, in my opinion, is going to be a big factor when I am deciding on what I want to pursue as I want to care and be interested in whatever I choose. Money on the other hand is also just as important because I need money in order to live and to get the loan sharks off my back for all the college loans that I took out.

But, what do you try to pursue when what you’re passionate about doesn’t pay as well? This starts to cause stress because you don’t know what to do. Of course, you could always say a simple answer like a

doctor or a lawyer, but will you even put any effort into trying to get there if you don’t care?

For some people, money is a big motivator for what to get as a job, because money is nice to have and you need it to have a stable life. But how long will it take them to start to get bored with their job and to want something more interesting, something they care about? What’s the point?

I believe that you should go into what you want to do; not because of money, but because it is something that you legitimately want to do. Because no matter how much you are going to get paid, something that is boring and uninteresting to you will always remain that way.

Tips for going through high school H igh school can be tough with taking new, more challenging classes and courses you thought would be easy, but turned out to be more difficult than you expected.

Eventually, you will get through it and learn a thing or two, at least that is what happened to me, and I want to share those tips with you.

First, get your homework done.

It can be tedious, I know, but it will help you out a lot, on the tests and for your grade. It may not look like it is worth

a lot of points, but having so many assignments in the grade book adds up to either getting an A or being just under.

Second, join a club. Clubs are a great way to spend time with your friends or help out the community.

Whether it be FCCLA or Esports, both are a great way to get involved with the school. Besides, saying you were in FBLA on your college application will look good and help choose you over someone else.

Third, get a job but don’t spend what you make. I know that sounds weird but keep reading. Get a job somewhere; Rays, Walmart, or with someone local in their own business, and when you get your first paycheck, don’t spend it all. Save some of it and put

it into a savings account, or keep it and don’t spend it. It will be tempting to spend it online, but saving it will be useful for when you get to college.

Finally, be respectful and have fun. I know that’s corny, but it’s true. Say thank you to the lunch ladies and janitors.

In class, don’t talk over the teacher. They notice it, even if you think they don’t.

When you do have free time, have fun with your friends. Get your work done and joke around with them, if the teacher allows you to talk. It will make class more bearable.

There are so many more tips that I could go on, but I chose what I think is the best. Follow these, or don’t, and it will hopefully make high school more enjoyable.

12.22.21

Layout by: Kaden Swartz

Opinion/Editorial 3

Student section forced to ‘take a step back’ •The Blazer Editorial Many former students look back on their years in high school and remember the cheers from the student section.

When looking through pictures of other schools, there are students laughing, yelling and cheering on their team.

Student sections are a way for students to get connected in their school and show their support for the team.

Throughout this school year the administration has been making the student section squeeze into a small section and not allowing them to stand on the floor.

The Blazer staff believes the students should be given a chance to stand on the floor and cheer on their team.

When looking at the other student sections, they are allowed to stand on the floor and cheer on their team.

Why should this be different for our students who are simply there to cheer on their friends and classmates?

The Blazer staff believes if students abuse their ability to be on the floor,

Student Section

Ugh! I don’t know!?

How are we getting out of here?

AHHHH! No Standing

they should be dealt with individually.

Too often the actions of a few restrict the actions of many. Students simply want the chance to prove themselves and be treated appropriately.

This is especially true for Seniors who have been waiting for their turn to stand in the front. Looking over at the student section and seeing them confined to a small space does not feel right.

As the winter sports season goes into full swing, The Blazer staff hopes to see the rules of the student section eased up.

Hopefully the administration takes into consideration what is being said and gives students the chance to root for their team and prove themselves. In the end, all students want is to cheer on their team without being confined to the bleachers.

The dangers of the school lunch lines

I

have been eating school lunch since I entered the high school building in 7th grade, and I have noticed that the lines to get lunch have gotten progressively

worse over time.

I expected the high school lunch line to be more disorganized than the junior high lunch line because junior high lunch lines are more closely supervised by a teacher and high school lunch lines are not, but I did not expect them to get this bad.

When the bell rings for lunch, many students run to get a good spot in line.

However, if they do not get a spot right in the door, it does not really matter where anyone stands because they will be pushed back.

A majority of students are shoved further back in line to make room for the less patient students.

On top of students pushing in order to get a better spot in line, students shove their friends as a joke. Since I am shorter than the average high schooler, I have had many instances where I have almost been injured.

I have been able to doge the backpacks as they get close to hitting my face and avoid the students that almost trample me.

However, I have to keep my guard up and pay attention because spacing off for two seconds could mean the difference between dodging a backpack and a trip to the nurses office.

Along with the shoving, there is vulgar language, racist jokes, and discussion of other topics that are definitely not school appropriate.

Once they finally get in the door to the lunch room, the battle is not over. The

students who were shoving people back are now shoving forward in order to get in the lunchroom.

Also, since everyone is shoving each other, the line inside the door is crowded which makes it difficult to get around the lunch room once they have gotten their food.

I have seen many people drop their trays while trying to get to the cart that has vegetables, fruits, and condiments on it because there is not enough room to get through the crowd.

This causes a waste of food, a mess that has to be cleaned up, and embarrassment for the student who drops their tray--all of which could have been avoided if the line was better organized.

I do not know if there is a solution to this issue, but I do know that it is getting worse every year and, with class sizes getting bigger, it will continue getting worse unless something is done.

4 News

12.22.21

Layout by: Elizabeth Kerwood

National Debt contains potential to cause a disturbance Trenton Ruhnke Editor-in-Chief

The United States has been having continuous problems with national debt, and the debt ceiling may have the possibility of rising yet again.

The national debt, which is currently $28.9 trillion, is rising continuously with

Colleges require, strongly suggest COVID vaccine

Jorjia ShellHase Reporter

Being amidst COVID, many colleges or universities either require or strongly suggest getting any of the COVID vaccines. It has gotten stricter with the Delta variant.

As of now, only three universities require you to have the vaccine. These are; Doane University, Wesleyan University, and Creighton University.

“I attend Creighton University and the vaccine is required for all students and staff with the exception of medical exemption,” Keely Schramm, a 2021 high school graduate said. “The rule was implemented to create a safer community around the campus and the community itself.”

A lot of colleges and universities will only suggest students and staff to get the vaccine and have a strict mask mandate.

“The vaccine is not required since we are required to wear masks but the vaccine is strongly recommended,” Tayler Shellhase, 2019 high school graduate said.

Shellhase is now a junior at Peru State College. “They began suggesting getting the vaccine as soon as the vaccines were released to the public.”

People may have gotten the vaccine because of a job such as working in healthcare or just because they wanted to be safe. Some don’t get it because of religion, beliefs, not enough information, or just basing it as bad by seeing some of the side effects people get from it.

“They don’t require the vaccine but they suggest it,” Mallonee Biehl, University of Kearney student and 2021 high school graduate said. “I think it was implemented to keep us all safe and healthy so we can go back to normal.”

no signs of stopping anytime soon “It’s kind of a perfect storm of everything,” social science teacher Amy Engle-Evans said. “The increase of social programs and the lack of tax increase causes the national debt to increase.”

The national debt influences the debt ceiling, with national debt being the total amount of borrowings that the United States has, and the debt ceiling is the artificial line of how much we think we should borrow.

“There are multiple ways to look at it,” social science teacher Aaron Leibel said when asked how he feels about the debt ceiling rising. “One part is revenue tax and the second is the price of spending. No one wants to raise taxes and no one wants to cut any government programs since they are too popular to cut, but in order to keep the programs then there needs to be taxes.”

The ceiling is currently rising due to the United States running deficits that causes it to raise the ceiling.

“It’s a bill that has to be paid at some point,” Mrs. Engle-Evans said. “But it is unfortunate it is going to be passed down to younger generations. Eventually it will have to be solved.”

If the United States is unable to make a payment of interest, then there is a possibility for a default. If the default does happen then financial and economic turmoil would occur causing many problems to come.

“I think it’s important to raise the ceiling so we don’t default,” social science teacher Aaron Leibel said. “But what is silly is that we have no plans on how to reduce our deficit, we as a society need to know what is important for us to pay for it.”

Roca rules change experience Aloe Richie Reporter

This year at Roca Berry Farm in Lancaster County, Nebraska new rules were added. After a few incidents earlier this year, they had to switch up some rules.

They have more security so they could prevent people from stealing and so kids could prevent harming each other. They also check people’s bags before they go in to be safe.

“It would have been more fun if they gave you something to do when you are waiting in line because you’re waiting in those lines for at least 30-45 minutes,” Aspen Swanda ‘24 said.

They also added a new system where they put bracelets on kid’s

wrists, so if the child gets lost they can show someone the bracelet and then they can call the phone number on the bracelet to help locate children.

“It was really fun this year and the long lines are so worth it and it’s actually really fun when you get scared which sounds crazy,” Swanda said.

The lighting and security were also increased because if someone were to go at night, people would get frightened easily and it’s just more convenient in case someone got lost or possibly hurt.

“Something that could have made it more fun is having more attractions so the lines weren’t so long,” Madi Ohlde ‘24 said.

5 News

Layout by: Eliza Kroeker

12.22.21

Gas prices fuel distress at the pumps Trenton Ruhnke Editor-in-Chief

Gas Prices Throughout The Year $3.80 $3.60 $3.40 $3.20 $3.00 $2.80 $2.60 $2.40 $2.20 $2.00 N -

1 9 .4 3

$

$

-

4 8 .3 3 2 7 .2 3

$

er

er

b

er

b

o

5 5 .2 3

$

b

-

m

m ve

o

ct

st

te ep

O

S

u g

1 3 .2 3

7 5 .1 3

$

6 7 .0 3

$

$

-

-

e

ly

u A

Ju

n

-

7 8 .5 2

$

8 9 .8 2

$

-

0 2 .4 2

$

8 4 .9 2

$

-

y

-

no one can agree on what to do.”

Students without jobs will run into money problems as they do not have a source of income. This may result with students needing to ask for money from their parents or guardians in order to obtain gas.

“I wouldn’t say I do anything drastically different,” Runge said. “But I wouldn’t say that I would blow half a tank of gas any day since living out in the country I go through gas faster than kids who live in town.”

Ju

l-

ay

M

ri p A

ch

ar

M

y

ar

ar

ru

u

b

n

Fe

Ja

Gas prices have been increasing across the United States and have been affecting everyone and has reached its highest price than what it has been in years.

The gas prices were low during quarantine and the pandemic of COVID-19, due to a majority of people staying at home, but have now increased to over three dollars in recent months.

“It stinks,” social science teacher Amy Engle-Evans said. “I usually don’t pay much attention (to the gas prices) since we don’t have a choice, but recently we have been carpooling more.”

With staff and a majority of students driving from home, to school and back, the increase of gas prices has been a costly investment.

“Obviously no one likes the increase,” Brendon Runge ‘23 said. “It’s just more money you have to put into gas with all the miles you drive.”

Purchasing gas can be especially expensive for students since students involved with school activities may need to drive to various locations.

“Drilling more oil and opening up new places is one way to combat the gas prices,” Mrs. Engle-Evans said. “Others will think that we should be drilling while others believe we shouldn’t offset nature.

There are a lot of different options and

Information by The Energy Information Administration

In order to help combat the high gas prices, President Joe Biden announced on November 23, that he would release oil reserves with 50 million barrels of oil being released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“We haven’t really had to change our habits so much other than carpooling,” Mrs. Engle-Evans said. “But we are traveling up to Minden at Christmas and we will try to have a full tank of gas before we go because the gas prices are more expensive there.”

New parking lot to help alleviate parking issues

Eliza Kroeker REporter

With the installation of another parking lot at the ‘47 it provides solutions for problems that have been present since the school was built.

The school has been wanting to build an addition to the parking lot that is already existing so with the opening of the two lots the school took the opportunity to build the parking lot.

“We have been trying to purchase the two lots for a while,”Superintendent Stephen Grizzle said. “We were fortunate that both became available earlier this fall.”

Since the ‘47 gym was built, parking has always been difficult there, not just due to lack of spots but also because

it is along the highway which can be dangerous when backing out.

“Having this additional parking will make attending events at the ‘47 more convenient and hopefully safer,” Grizzle said. “Backing out of a stall, along the highway, has always been risky.

Hopefully, having this option for people will be helpful.”

Last year especially with more events being held at the ‘47 building it would use up all the parking spots and line the streets taking up residential parking spots.

“With any type of event, parking would and still does overflow into the residential streets for several blocks,” Chris Goeking said.“The addition of the

Workers put the finishing touches on the sidewalk of the new parking lot across from the ‘47 building. The new lot will alleviate some of the parking issues at the gym. Photo

by: Gavin Schramm

new parking area will relieve parking around the ‘23 apartment complex and will open up the side streets for safer driving conditions.”

Layout by: Morgan Stewart

12.22.21

School 6

Band director starts a new tradition makenzie Mills reporter

Alumni band night took place on October 22. This is something new started this year by the band and choir director, Mr. Ryan Dusso. He is hoping to continue this as a new tradition at the last home football game of each year.

“I wanted to do something for our students.” Mr. Dusso said. “I wanted an opportunity for the Alumni to come back and play with the band and to experience the band and the culture that has been created.”

Mr. Dusso’s good intentions were appreciated by many members of the band. While The return of band alumni. While marching, the current band members and alumni there were obstacles such Hallie Nicholson ‘21 played the star spangled to signify the start of the game. Photo by Eliza as cold weather and band Kroeker members having conflicts most of the participants still changes that have been made used to.” Adaline Linscott ‘22 participants.

“We had a small group thus far. There have been many said. enjoyed their time.

While these changes have of Alumni of a variety of “I really enjoyed getting to changes made to the band a wide array of opinions, graduating class years come see everyone after graduating.” and some mixed opinions to Hailie Nicholson, 2021 go with them. While some they are happening with the and participate.” Mr. Dusso graduate, said. “ I got to see my do not care for the changes improvement of the band in said. “We were missing some old classmates and teachers being made, there are also mind. One of these changes students due to other activities quite a few who like them and that have been made is adding so we were not at full strength and I absolutely loved it!”

A majority of the alumni some who have yet to decide the alumni band night, which and it was extremely cold that enjoyed it. They found that it on their opinion about the has had an overall positive night. There are a few things reaction. While it was not to change for next year for was a great way to reconnect changes. perfect, it did turn out to be a sure, but what a great chance “I feel that the changes are with their classmates and teachers, as well as see the going to take some time to get positive experience for many to start something great.”

Bus Driver shortage causes travel problems Eliza Kroeker

“There have been a few activities that we were close This year with a shortage of bus drivers many people have to adapt to that we were close to canceling to canceling because we didn’t have bussing and we didn’t the changes that it creates.

Causing more work for the drivbecause we didn’t have bussing.” know it until the day before or the day of the event,” Athletic ers this problem continues without Director David Davis said,“It a solution. This is not only affecting would become a big scramble Fairbury, but it is a nationwide probthen to find enough vans and lem that is increasing the workload drivers to be able to take groups. ” on the bus drivers.

Though this dilemma has been a hassle for many people, “This is an all over nationwide deal,” Mid States Bus Manthe football team has been fortunate enough to not have to ager Roger Bailey said,“Although it is tougher in Nebraska due to the low employment rates along with Covid. For us this take vans to their varsity events.

“We never had an issue for varsity events,” Coach Matt creates more stress and work for everyone.”

Edson said,“however our JV was set to take vans to multiple Not only causing stress levels to increase with the bus drivers, it is also having an affect on the ones in charge of schedul- away games. Having low numbers on our JV team, it worked out for us to take vans. “ ing the athletic activities with creating scheduling problems.

reporter

“There have been a few activities

- Mr. davis

Layout by: Brant Gillham

12.22.21

School 7

Popularity of Esports increases participation Brant Gillham Reporter

Esports has become quite the popular club/sport to be a part of in our current era. Many schools, including Fairbury High School, have made an effort to establish a proper Esports club, and it has been a success. Students that love to play video games now have that chance to play games more often, and the opportunity to get better at a certain style of gameplay.

Each member has a great roster of games to compete in throughout the season.

“In the fall, we play Rocket League, Overwatch and Hearthstone,” Mr. Singleton, the sponsor and coach for the Fairbury Esports team, said.

“In the colder months, we usually play Mario Kart, Smash Brothers, Starcraft and SMITE,” he added. “My favorite games to play are probably Smash Brothers and Rocket League,”

Westen Graham ‘26 practices at Esports Club by playing Super Smash Brothers UltimateTM. Members like Graham practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 4:00 p.m. with practices ending around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Photo by: MaiLee Garner

Westen Graham ‘26, Jossan Pineda-Deras ‘27 and Jacob Torkelson ‘23 play games and practice at Esports Club. Esports Club last year did not compete in any competition due to deadlines but have been competing this year.

Photo by: Trenton Ruhnke

said Quintin Vculek ‘24. “Mine is definitely Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, since I used to play it on my DSi as a little kid!” Schuylar Malone ‘24 said.

The Esports team has been pushing to be the greatest it can be when it comes to gaming, and so far, they have been doing pretty well for themselves.

“We are in the middle of the pack of things at the moment. We are doing well, but we are not at the top yet,” Mr. Singleton said. The members are improving on their skills and are proving to be confident in what they do. “I have so much fun with my team!” Schuylar Malone ‘24 said.

“Our team has come very far from the beginning of the year. We started off not knowing what to do but now we do what we have to do,” Quintin Vculek ‘24, said. He added, “I plan to do Esports till my last day at this school!”

Industrial technology Shane Haley leaves Trenton Ruhnke Editor-in-Chief

Industrial technology teacher Shane Haley made the decision to leave at the end of this school year after his two years here.

The decision resulted from miscommunications revolving around the shop construction. The miscommunication occurred when the input that Mr. Haley gave for the shop was not focused on, instead the input that was focused on was that of the past industrial technology teacher Thomas Scott.

“I’m upset about it (Mr. Haley leaving),” Skills president Seth

Engelman said. “I wish Mr. Haley good luck and I hope the new person is good.”

Mr. Haley originally planned on staying, but the new shop was missing things that he wanted. The various inputs that Mr. Haley gave that were not regarded include the locations of various electrical outlets, and the various cords being static.

“One of the lifts is brand new and the other is refurbished,” Mr. Haley said.

But for the cost they could have just put in two brand new lifts.”

Along with finishing up all of his classes, Mr. Haley plans on doing everything he can with Skills, such as

completing community service projects and going on the trip as well. At the end Mr. Haley will be working at Hitchcock County High School in Trenton Nebraska and has already signed a contract.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the staff and the administration and the students I am going to miss big time,” Mr. Haley said. “But I’m excited about going to a place that really needs a shop teacher as well and they really need to have their program turned around as well so I’m kind of excited about building a new program somewhere else.”

In-Depth 8

12.22.21

Layout by: Tre

Students learn to balance school and work

Elizabeth Kerwood Assistant Editor

A lot happens in life. Many students juggle school, work, sports, and just life in general. Finding a balance between these obstacles can be challenging.

There are many reasons to get a job.

From preparing for college to learning work ethic, it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra cash or a stable job.

“I got a job because I like to save money for my future with college expenses and such,” Ellie Livingston ‘23 said. “Another reason was to teach

me work ethic and what it’s like to have responsibilities.”

Some students even have multiple jobs. Senior Nylah Moody says that the biggest benefit to having a job is adulting. Moody currently has three jobs and there can be a lot of stress that comes with that much workload.

Time management can be a huge challenge.“With having three jobs and also dealing with school and cheer, I just make sure I get all my work done in class so I don’t have homework,” Moody

said. “That way when I’m out of school I don’t have to worry about remembering to study or do homework at home.”

Students like Connor Heidemann ‘23 work in a family owned business.

He said it was his only option at the time since he couldn’t drive yet and had to work somewhere. There are some perks though to working in a family business.

“I get free oil changes for my car and I get some useful skills for the future,” Heidemann said.

Responsibilities with children

Students and admin takes care of the younger generation Trenton Ruhnke Editor-in-Chief

Outside of the classroom, students may have to take care of younger siblings and school admins that are parents have to take care of their children.

These responsibilities are sometimes left unrecognized or underappreciated with the time and watermelon sugar that they put into it.

“I usually just babysat them (her brothers),” Elizabeth Rogers ‘23 said. “Now I just watch over my youngest brother Jackson making sure he is eating and not doing anything he isn’t supposed to.”

With older siblings, some of the responsibilities that they may have to do include driving their siblings to and from school, feeding them, and helping with homework.

“I think that taking care of my younger brother is fun,” Lily Davis said. “When I take care of him we play games, jump on the trampoline, and eat lots of snacks.”

School admins that are parents need to attempt to balance their work inside of school and their life outside of school. They have to support their children by coming to their sporting events and other school activities.

“I don’t have to watch them so much now since they’re growing

up and they can take care of themselves and make their own food,” Rogers said. “But sometimes I’ll stay home with my youngest brother who’s ten.”

For babies and toddlers, school admins have to make sure that they are well kept for and have to teach them life skills, like talking, reading, tying shoes and potty training.

“I think that the biggest difficulty is teaching because teaching is the hardest lesson,” parent and science teacher Doctor Emily Winter said. “But the good news is that you can use parenting teachings at school and school teachings at home.”

Like many other roles, skills are necessary for taking care of children, which include patience, having a positive attitude and responsibility.

“One skill that I think that you need is to be able to handle little kids and their temper tantrums,” Davis said. “I think it is pretty easy because all we do is play and that’s not very hard.”

The skills learned can be used for a lifetime even after the siblings or children that they were taking care of are all grown up.

“You just have to care about them and be patient,” Dr. Winter said.

“There are a 1,000 to be a good parent and the great parents actively care.”

enton Ruhnke

12.22.21

In-Depth 9

Students devote time to community service Gavin Schramm Reporter

Community service is all about helping the community grow, and usually means that there is no reward for working.

A very popular place to volunteer is at The Bonham Theatre, but that is not the only place. The cat shelter run by Diane Schutt is another place to volunteer. These places are always accepting volunteers of any age, and students need volunteer hours. More specifically, National Honor Society (NHS) members and all 11th graders.

NHS members need ten hours of community service, but it is split apart a little differently. They need five hours of community service at the end of each semester. One thing that helps them is that a lot of the students in NHS are also members of other clubs, and those clubs volunteer for their cause.

“For Spanish Club we recycle the paper in school a lot,” Senior Mariel Ramos said.

This allows the students to count their club’s volunteering hours for NHS which does make it easier for them.

A class that is required to graduate is School to Career, or STC, and every junior has to take it and pass. One requirement is to get at least ten hours of community service by the end of the year.

“Over the summer I volunteered at concession stands as well as at my church and other places throughout the community.” Junior Beckett Chappell said.

Community service for these programs could be just to get it done, but it is supposed to be more for the community.

The Bonham Theatre is mainly run by volunteers, so without them they would go out of business. There is always something around town that needs volunteers, whether it is the food bank or the cat shelter.

“If there is a community service opportunity I’ll do it.”

Ramos said.

Two major community service opportunities in Fairbury include the Bonham Theatre and the community food market.

30% of high school students help take care of younger siblings.

FAST FACTS

30% of high school students have jobs in the United States.

10 Feature

12.22.21

Layout by: Jorjia Shellhase

I took plant science class at that time and spent a lot of time in the greenhouse with Mr. Dux,” Beckett said. “I think it is really nice to be able to go into the greenhouse in the winter and see all of the green plants when it is cold and grey outside.”

The greenhouse has a variety of different types of plants throughout the year, some being permanent and some being temporary.

“Right now in the greenhouse we have poinsettias to sell for a FFA fundraiser during Christmas, and in the spring we have a huge plant sale of annual flowers,” Beckett said. “A lot of the plants we have permanently in the green house are

succulents and cacti. Most of these plants have been donated to the greenhouse by the community members so that the school can have them for experiments and teaching students how to care for them.”

Beckett’s family also appreciates his work with plants.

“Beckett helped his grandparents at a very young age in the garden and arranging their flower pots. He has always enjoyed being creative with his designs and layouts,” said Mrs. Anne Chappell.

“Although Beckett did not get his ‘green thumb’ from me, I do appreciate all of the hard work that Beckett puts into his landscaping projects.”

Dedication out in the greenhouse Brant gillham Reporter

Chappell’s green thumb provides opportunity to showcase passion for plants One of Fairbury High School’s students, Beckett Chappell, 23’, has been planting a variety of different types of plants in the school’s greenhouse. He has been planting within the greenhouse since his seventh grade year.

“I first had the opportunity to grow some plants for an experiment in the greenhouse when I was in seventh grade.

Molloy makes transition from Jefferson Morgan stewart reporter

Transitioning from one principal to another is hard for the students, staff, and the principal.

Principal Sean Molloy was the principal at Jefferson Intermediate for two years before transferring to the high school.

“It helped that I spent the last two years at Jefferson,” said Molloy. “While at Jefferson, I was able to somewhat familiarize myself with the high school.

It also helped that I knew current 7th and 8th graders from their time at Jefferson as well as some high school teachers.

There is always a steep learning curve in any type of transition. To ease the transition, I tried to identify priorities that I would focus on this year. I've really enjoyed my time at the high school and look forward to the years ahead.”

Molloy has made several changes this year to benefit our school. His goal is to make minimal changes and to gain a perspective on how things work. Students are also adjusting to his new rules. “ I like that you can retake up to 100% on a test,” said Riley Arner ‘24. “ I don’t like how you can’t roam the hallways in the morning.”

One thing that comes with being a new principal at a new school is getting to know new faces. Molloy makes an effort to get to know everybody he meets.

“I like him so far,” said Arner. “He's a really nice guy.”

Get to know your Principal If you could live anywhere you wanted, where would it be? The Caronlinas.

What is your favorite ice cream topping? Hot fudge

What is your biggest fear? Heights.

What is your favorite food? Italian.

What is your favorite color?

I don’t exactly have a favorite color, but if I had to pick, red.

What would your go to song be at Karaoke night?

I’m a country music fan. It’s hard to pick one song, but probably something by Garth Brooks.

What sports did you play in high school?

Basketball and golf.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

The Office is probably my all-time favorite show. I’ve watched it a number of times.

What is your favorite animal?

Otters.

If you could meet anybody in the world (dead or alive) who would you meet?

History is one of my favorite subjects. I would like to have met Abraham Lincoln.

He was president during the Civil War and ended slavery.

As a basketball fan, I would also have liked to meet Kobe Bryant. He was a tireless worker and always strived for perfection in everything he did.

What is your favorite condiment?

Ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Layout by: AnnaMarie Bryan

12.22.21

Feature 11

Midterm grads finish off their school career Kaden Swartz Reporter

Seven seniors graduate in December; hard work helps the process

2022 Midterm Grads

Students are required to have 250 credits in order to graduate which includes both required courses as well as electives. Two Zach Anastasia Karma Furrow ASP students have already graduated at the end of first quarter.

Aldrich Kuntz Two ASP students worked very hard to finish their school year at the end of the first quarter.

“Nick Kramer and Angelina Williams worked incredibly hard to finish school at the end of first quarter,” principal Sean Molloy said. “I’m very proud of their efforts.”

Angelina Nicholaus The additional 5 students that may graduate early are Robbie Riley Williams Kramer Vculek Lambert, Karma Kuntz, Riley Vculek, Anastasia Aldrich and Zack Furrow.

Staff members also played a huge role in helping Kuntz Karma Kuntz 21’ says she is graduating as early as December with her graduation.

22, 2021. She met her graduation requirements on top of work “Mrs. Hamel, Mrs. Lofing, and Mrs. Biehl have been very credits as well, and plans to attend cosmetology school. helpful to me,” Kuntz said. “It’s definitely exciting being able to “I have always wanted to be a cosmetologist,” Kuntz said. graduate earlier than most.”

Layout by: Gavin Schramm

12.22.21

Feature 12

Love of music leads Smith to create his own Makenzie Mills Reporter

Ethan Smith ‘22 has started producing music over the past 2 years. He has always enjoyed making things and started his passion for art when he was young. However, he did not start making music until he collaborated with a close friend who was making some music of his own.

“First of all, I’ve always loved music whether I would make it or not.” Ethan Smith said. “I’ve loved, especially, music videos. I’ve loved how they can tell stories and I’d watch them all the time. Like, I’d watch Michael Jackson videos with my grandma all the time. I always loved to create stuff and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. The biggest thing that brought me into realizing that I could make music was Connor Hasslebring because I started helping him with his music and it really inspired me that he would do that and not care what anybody else thinks because he wanted to do it. I am 99% sure that if I would not have been as close to Connor Hasslebring, or Drew Bring, as I was the last few years of my high school career that I would not be making music today.”

His favorite song that he has released thus far is called When Forever ends. This is his favorite song because it was the second song that he had ever made his own beat for and he still likes how it sounds. He also said that it was one of the most honest songs he has made.

Some of his fans have also picked their favorite songs from the music he has released, but they choose a little bit differently.

“I would say my favorite song would be Satern because he gave me a sneak peak of it.”

Brendon Runke ‘23 said.

While students love his music, they are not the only ones who are proud of his success.

There are teachers that have also seen his

musical career grow. Some teachers have even helped him learn how to use some of the editing software that he uses to create his album covers and edit his music videos.

“I enjoy seeing him use what he has learned in class to create his album covers. He has even used Adobe Premiere Pro to create a music video for one of his original songs,” Ethan’s media production instructor, Mrs. Tammi Mans said.

Ethan’s music is classified in the genre of melodic rap. He chose this genre of music for many different reasons.

“Well, I listen to a lot of rap, mostly rap.

People like Juice World and The Kid Leroy are two big ones, but there’s a bunch more out there because that’s by far the most popular genre right now. It’s what I listen to, so it’s what I want to make, so I try to make stuff like that.

Also, in melodic rap a lot of the song has to do with the beat itself. I’m an okay singer, but I’m not Taylor Swift or like somebody who’s just a really good singer. Melodic rap is a stylistic choice to have autotune of it. Not a lot, but enough that you get that autotune sound and I just always really liked that sound. Like I said about the beat, I love having hard hitting bass and 808s in my songs. 808 is like any base that you hear in songs now-a-days. I just really like songs with bass. I guess I just like melodic songs with bass, so that’s why I chose that genre.”

Ethan has a purpose for his music. While others enjoy this music, he also enjoys making it. In fact, while his music started out as something he made just for fun, it has now become therapeutic for him.

“When I started I wanted to tell stories through my music, but now it’s been therapeutic for me. Just in these past few months I’ve had a lot of personal stuff happen

to me and it just really physically and mentally helps me to just get what I’m trying to say to someone out because I’m not really good at saying what I think, so I can sit down and write in the studio in my room and just think about what I’m trying to say and say it in a way that sounds good and, honestly, it is how I feel and it just feels really good to get it all out. Which makes it harder to release because it’s much more honest, but I guess that’s where I’m at with that.”

Ethan has set goals for himself for his musical career. He does not know if his true goal is to rise to fame, but he does have hopes and dreams when it comes to what people think of the songs he is producing.

“Well, of course, everybody who’s ever made a song ever is like ‘man, I hope this goes number one on billboard and I become famous’, but I don’t even know if that’s what I want. I’m at the point right now where I just want to make something that, however many people listen to it, they listen to it and are like ‘yeah this is good,’ or they can relate to it. It seems like every artist says this, but if it helps me to get it out emotionally, I would hope that it can help somebody who’s going through something similar and they can be like ‘yeah, I can relate to that. It’s nice to know somebody else is going through what I’m feeling.’ I guess goal wise, like if I were to set a numbers goal, I’d say that numbers aren’t everything. Now, obviously it’s super nice to have numbers, but they aren’t everything. I am totally okay with making a ton of money, but the stuff that comes with being famous, some of it seems really cool , but now all of it would be, like not being able to get groceries or every relationship you ever have being public. So, I personally don’t know if that would happen, but if it did I don’t know if I’d like it that much.”

Riley Vculek goes to basic training Gavin Schramm Reporter

Serving your country is a very difficult job, and is not meant for everybody, but some people can overcome the struggles for our country, and Riley Vculek is one of them.

Riley, who was a senior in highschool, graduated halfway through the year so he can get to basic training. He flew out of Nebraska on December 13 to go to San Diego to start his training for the Marine Corps. He will finish his training and come back home around the middle of March. The reason he is going to the military is because of family, as many members of his family are either active duty or discharged.

Basic training for the Marine Corps is considered to be the toughest out of all of the branches, as it goes on for 13 weeks. They test the recruit on their physical, mental, and

ethical fitness. Some of the drills they go through include food rationating, sleep deprivation, low- and no-light infiltration movements, and leadership screening maneuvers.

After Basic Training is over, he plans on being in active duty for five years. “My role right now is an aircraft mechanic.”

Vculek said. While in active duty, he wants to find a good career and skills that he can take to a job outside of the military.

When he is discharged, he hopes to work for a big airplane company.

For Riley to go to train through one of the toughest militaries is not something everybody wants to do. While he does it to protect his country, he also has many new opportunities. “I’m excited for my career mainly. And the friends, new places I’ll get to go.” Vculek said.

13 Entertainment

12.22.21

Layout by: Brant Gillham

‘Dune’ is the most ambitious film of 2021!

Brant Gillham Entertainment Writer

Dune, a 2021 book adaptation of the book of the same name, is the newest film by director Denis Villeneuve. This film could also be considered as a remake, as David Lynch made his adaptation of the story in 1984, which many remember for a lot of reasons. Some remember the absurd execution of the story, some only remember the large space worms in the desert. Does this new adaptation of Dune hold up to the standards of the original novel by Frank Herbert? My answer, absolutely.

Let’s get the flaws out of the way. Dune is not friendly to newcomers. The reason you would be watching this movie is because you have heard about it from the Internet, or you have read the books or you watched the movie. The movie starts fast, diving straight into the story.

For some, they may be put off by the story or the character designs, but to like it a bit more, you have to turn your brain off for a bit and just enjoy the movie. Also, some of the characters feel a bit off.

The acting also feels like Star Wars in the prequel era, which is weird and makes no sense sometimes. Now that the flaws are said, let’s jump into the story.

Dune has an all-star cast, starring Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Issac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Stellen Skarsgard, Dave Bautista and many more. Each actor fits into their role extremely well, with them bringing emotion not seen in other versions of the story.

For instance, Timothee Chalamet’s performance is kind of flat, no strong emotions, but this is intentional, as his character is cold and calculated.

The best character in my opinion is Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho. He is easily the most likeable person in the movie, Momoa brings a lot of pride and humor to the character, and played off of the cold performance by Chalamet.

The story is probably the most daunting task for anyone to truly understand. The main plot revolves around the Atreides family, with Duke Leto (Oscar Issac), and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) taking ownership over the desert planet Arrakis, which is covered in a rich mineral called “spice,” which enhances mental abilities.

Their son, Paul (Timothee Chalamet), embarks on a journey to this planet with his family and watches over it as warring factions consume the planet.

The reason Paul wants to go is because of strange dreams he has been having of a certain Arrakis woman named Chani (Zendaya), which tells him that he must go, or terrible events will ensue.

The visuals are simply spectacular. All of the planets, costumes, effects, lighting and effects are on point. Almost every shot of this film feels rich with meaning. Some shots are very simple, for say, Timothee Chalamet standing in a dark room, but can convey such deep meaning. Then there are shots that show the absolute sense of scale of the world. There are spaceships the size of planets, worms the size of cities, and so much more. Some of my favorite shots include the planet of Arrakis.

They are dusty, filled with perfect sand dunes, flowing with grace as an unseen narrator tells the story of its origin.

Now, before I go further into the story, soundtrack and characters, I want to go over the original story and the 1984 version of Dune.

The book written by Frank Herbert in 1965 is a great read so far, as I have brought the first few books from Amazon. Although the read has been long, I now further understand the full scope of the story. For those who want either a great sci-fi story or just a well written epic, Dune is up that alley.

The 1984 movie by David Lynch however is interesting to say the least. It stars Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Leonardo Cimino and Brad Dourif. The film response was mixed among audiences, some say Lynch botched his rendition of the story, some say he perfected it. My stance on the film is that it feels goofy at times, but I think that is what Lynch was going for, so it gets a C+.

Another thing, Dune (2021), has been said to be literally, “unfilmable,” by a lot of filmmakers and film critics. Just the idea alone could be too ambitious for some, but that wasn’t the case for Denis Villeneuve. This director has made success after success, movies like, “Blade Runner: 2049,” an amazing sequel to a movie from the 80’s that was also very intellectual for its time.

He did something that nobody could ever think of, he made an unfilmable film, and that is one of the reasons I want to make films. I like how studios like Warner Media give movies like, “The Suicide Squad,” a film that James Gunn had full control of and executed perfectly. These movies and Dune will always have my respect, due to their ambition, and they should all be watched by everyone.

Sorry for going off-course. Dune (2021), is a must see for anyone who likes Sci-Fi, or if they like beautiful-looking scenes of pure stature. So far, this movie has been a success, making $300 million worldwide on a budget of $165 million.

I can’t wait to watch the sequel, whenever it’s actually going to come out. With stellar acting, beautiful cinematography, amazing effects and a rich story, I recommend everyone to watch this movie, even if you think it’s confusing.

Cast & Crew

Timothee Chalamet............Paul Atreides Rebecca Ferguson.......Jessica Atreides Oscar Issac.............................Leto Atreides Jason Momoa.......................Duncan Idaho Zendeya....................................................Chani Stellan Skarsgard...........Baron Vladimir Harkonnen Stephen McKinley Henderson.....Thufir Hawat Josh Brolin..........................Gurney Halleck Javier Bardem.....................................Stilgar David Dastmalchian...........Piter de Vries Charlette Rampling........Mother Mohian Sharon Duncan-Brewster......Liet Kynes Chang Chen.....................Wellington Yueh Dave Bautista.......................Beast Rabban Harkonnen Babs Olusanmokun............................Jamis Benjamin Clementine...............Herald of Change Souad Faress.........Bene Gesserit Sister Golda Roshevuel.............Shadout Mapes Roger Yuan....................................Lt. Lanville Neil Bell..........................Sardaukar Bashar Seun Shote....................Arrakeen Gardner Oliver Ryan......................Hawat Specialist Elmi Rashid Elmi................................Shamir Tachia Newell.........................................Tanat Jimmy Walker..........Atreides Lieutenant Joelle.......................................Baron Servant Paul Bullion.................Sardaukar Soldier

IMDb rating: 8.2/10 Metacritic: 74% Rotten tomatos: 82%

Gilly’s Grade

Layout by: Eliza Kroeker

12.22.21

Sports 14

‘71 basketball team honors Coach Moore Jackson Martin Sports Columnist

State championships are hard to come by. For the 1971 basketball team the journey to the state title is forever linked the seniors to their head coach.

In 1971 Chuck Moore was in his second year as the head boys basketball coach after previously serving as the head wrestling coach.The talent-laden Jeffs captured the school’s first state championship since the 1959 tennis team.

In October the seniors on the 1971 championship team honored their coach by naming the court after Moore. The idea came to the group of seniors who were looking for a way to honor Moore.

Seniors on the ‘71 team Gary Rose and Garth Gibson started working on naming the court in July 2020 after their team was named the Golden Anniversary Team by Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

“Garth first suggested we name the court after Coach Moore,” Rose said. “He had been involved in the naming of his daughters’ high school basketball court in Montrose, Colorado, after a successful coach there and thought we should do the same for Coach Moore in Fairbury.”

Rose and Gibson were not the only people who worked on naming the court after Chuck Moore. Rose and Gibson received help from the rest of the ‘71 seniors and even some student managers on the still close-knit group.

“The ’71 Seniors were instrumental in making this happen as they proposed the naming of the court after Coach Moore, created the design and paid for the graphic to be applied to the court,” Rose said.

Gary Rose, Garth Gibson, Gene Parks, Tom Gunlicks, Gary Milius and Corky Summers stand behind Coach Chuck at the naming of the court in his honor. The 1971 team was honored by the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame as its Golden Anniversary Team in 2020. Photo by: AnnaMarie Bryan

The ‘71 class was close with Coach Moore and Gibson believes this is a big reason they were so good. They were always practicing even during the off season and Coach Moore was always there as well.

For Rose and Gibson, the ability of Moore to bring the team together played a major role in them wanting to get better.

“What is unique to the 1971 Team is our bond which includes Coach Moore,” Gibson said. “That bond was formed because we were with each other a big part of the time. We practiced together in the summer, at Christmas break, trained and practiced throughout the school year and it was mostly done under the eye of Coach.”

York, Ramos make run to State CC Eliza Kroeker Reporter

On Friday October 22 Alissa York ‘22 and Mariel Ramos ‘22 participated in State Cross Country at the University of Kearney.

Competing at state is the main goal when joining a sport. Though it takes hard work and dedication, having achieved that is a great accomplishment and one work for their entire sports lives.

“They are very hard working athletes that understand how much hard work can pay off,” Coach Drew Stone said. “They knew that every practice was an opportunity for themselves to get better and they pushed

Alissa York ‘22 and Mariel Ramos ‘22 partake in state cross country for the first time in their running career. Alissa placed 42th along with Mariel placing 94th. Photo by: Gavin Schramm

themselves every day.”

Going in to a race can strike up many nerves but knowing its your last can motavate you to do your best no matter how

nervous you are.

“I felt nervous before the race,” York said, “but also motivated to run my best and leave it all on the course.”

Even though they worked hard to get to state they learned to cherise the moments they had together before the season ended.

“I really appreciated it when I finished the race and saw how many people went to support me and Alissa,” Ramos said. “It felt really nice having all of that support.”

If you put in the hard work you can achieve almost anything. Keep motivating yourself to do the things that aren’t always exciting and you will see results.

“Hard work pays off,” Stone said. “Tough practices and long distance runs are not always most fun, but athletes that put in the work get results.”

Layout by: Elizabeth Kerwood

12.2 .21

Sports 15

NSAA sanctions girls wrestling Elizabeth kerwood Assistant Editor

This winter season marks the first year that girls wrestling is an official NSAA sanctioned sport. The NSAA Board of Directors voted 8-0 back in May to sanction Girls Wrestling starting the 2021-2022 school year. Nebraska was the 33rd state to do so.

Being sanctioned means that girls can now wrestle for an official NSAA state title. They have never had the chance to do this before. This year’s Lady Jeffs Wrestling team has a total of 7 girls competing.

“The thing I’m most excited for this year coaching is seeing the girls make history in the sport, and also grow each and every practice and meet,” Assistant Coach MaKayla Fletcher said.

Now that girls wrestling is officially sanctioned, it could encourage more girls to try out for wrestling. Girls wrestling has been given the opportunity to evolve into something great in Nebraska.

“Women’s wrestling in general has grown tremendously especially in Nebraska,” Makena Schramm ‘23 said. “In Nebraska the numbers of women wrestlers have gone up so much.”

Every person has a role to fill on a team or else the team can not run smoothly. They work together to make sure the team is successful. Coaching a team is a major responsibility. The coaches have to keep the team organized, cheer the wrestlers on, and make sure they get to meets on time.

“Coaching in general is a stressful job, you experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,” Head Girls Coach Dom Cherry said, “but I have an amazing support system and an amazing assistant coach that helps me and the girls reach an even higher caliber of wrestling.”

The Fairbury Girls Wrestling team stands together to celebrate a well fought meet.

This was the first official girls wrestling meet at Fairbury. Juniors Makena Schramm and Arielle Perez finished 1st and 4th and Freshman Heidi Ramos finished 4th for the invite. Photo by Trenton Ruhnke Makena Schramm ‘23 focuses while getting ready to take down a wrestler from Weeping Water, Nebraska. Makena wrestled the same girl twice as she was the only other one in her weight bracket. Photo by Trenton Ruhnke

Junior Alea Broschkowski wrestles hard against a girl from Louisville. This was Alea’s first year of wrestling ever.

She achieved her first win on December 3 at the Nebraska City Girls Invite. Photo by Trenton Ruhnke

YMCA construction displaces swimmers

locker rooms are still open as of now, but after Christmas break they will be under construction.

Every year this is a busy time for “Before and after practices are the YMCA in Beatrice. Four schools different,” Mikya Lierman said. “because gather their swimmers here everyday we have to walk in and out of the back for practice. Around 30-40 students door of the Y and walk all the way participate in swimming and diving. around to the locker rooms instead of Which means there are 30-40 people just walking straight to the pool.” using the locker rooms at the same time.

As the construction continues they The YMCA is under construction will run into many more difficulties. In currently. Which affects their everyday January they will start the construction practice routine in different ways.The of the locker rooms.

Morgan stewart Reporter

“Right now we are allowed to use the locker rooms,” Lierman said.”halfway through the season they will start working on them so we will have to get changes at our schools locker rooms before practice” This construction not only affects their practices, it also affects their ability to have meets. The YMCA is not able to host any meets this year.

“Because of the construction,” Lierman said “We aren’t allowed to have any home meets.”

Volume 67 • Issue 2 December 22, 2021 Layout BY: Jackson Martin

Jerseys provide many benefits for athletes

[1]What’s your favorite memory?

[2]What is your favorite move, play, or stroke?

[1]My favorite memory is

“beating” coach Jay Gerths in a wrestling match

Ashton McCown ‘23

N

ew jerseys are always something that players look forward to when their current ones are getting old. This year the boys basketball team got new jerseys and they are way better than the previous ones.

Over time old jerseys lose their looks and they get less comfortable to wear.

Each year they are used by new people and they just keep getting worse and worse.

They eventually get to the point where the lettering is coming off and they just don’t look good anymore.

Newer jerseys usually fit a lot better like the new basketball jerseys. The old ones were really big for their size and most of the time players had to roll their shorts up a lot and their jerseys were really baggy.

The new jerseys and shorts fit a lot better now. The shorts are all about the right size and the jerseys actually fit and they won’t bounce around as you are playing.

New jerseys are just an overall good thing to have in sports. They make playing the games much more comfortable and you don’t have to worry so much about fixing your jersey every other play. Not only that but they also just look a lot better.

[2]My favorite wrestling move is a “High C “ to a double leg

[1]First year at girls state wrestling

Baylee Tracy ‘23

[2]My favorite move is a power half [1]My favorite memory is breaking my nose twice freshman year

Hannah Robertson ‘23

[2]My favorite play is Wildcat because I like to shoot 3’s from the corner

[1]My favorite memory is Beating Wilber in sub-districts

Jax Biehl ‘23

[2]In Out- Cross- Behind the back

[1]Making it to state

Mikya Lierman ‘23

[2]My favorite stroke is freestyle