HLA
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy’s Bi-weekly News
Today
March 2, 2012 Volume 18, Issue 3
Visit the HLA Website ffhillcrest.org HLA Today is produced bi-weekly by the Journalism class. HLAToday Staff
March Madness Begins
Clayton Bothun Heidi Christofferson Brooke Ferenczy The girls basketball team wins its first playoff game on Monday night. Shawnie Hestenes by Brooke Ferenczy Morgan Jennen The Hillcrest Comets led by one point at the buzzer signals the end of the game, the Ronnie Johnson Grant Malmstrom halftime, and the tired girls run off the court girls smile and embrace each other, knowing Nisius McAllister-Powell and disappear into the locker room. Ten that they have accomplished what they had Zach Nersten Katie Thorkildsen minutes later, they reappear with renewed hoped. Gene Twedt “We know now how each of us plays,” enthusiasm as they prepare to play hard and If you are interested in having the HLA Today mailed to your house, contact the front office, 218-739-3371. The cost is $30 per year.
give the last half of the game everything they have. Dribbling, shooting, passing, and blocking, the girls sprint up and down the court, working together to score as many points as possible. It is their first playoff game, and Rothsay’s crowd is cheering loudly. But the Comets are determined, and they fight to make their hard work pay off—and it does. As
said senior Gracia Larson. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and that helps us to help each other. Now that we are in playoffs, we’re doing the best together as a team that we have yet. That’s just what we hoped for: that this point in our season would be our peak.” As the basketball season comes to a close, the girls team expresses a sense of unity. “I continued on page 2
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feel like we’re playing like a team and not just as individuals now,” said sophomore Kelsey Nersten. “We play smarter and our defense has improved a bunch!” The girls have a deep respect for their coach, Allen Aase, too. “He encourages us a lot,” said senior Tayler Leach. “He doesn’t yell and is always very relaxed, and we have fun playing for him.” The girls also feel that they have
made an impact on other teams. “We’ve gotten to pray with every team,” said Gracia Larson. “We always hear comments about our positive attitudes, and I feel that we’ve made a difference because people notice that we’re different from other teams.” As the girls continue into playoffs, they are praying that they will continue being a testimony of Christ, both on and off the court.
Keep The Beat! HLA band heads to the Big Apple! by Morgan Jennen
Starting three days before Spring Break, the Hillcrest Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble is heading off on an eighteen-day trip across the United States to the East Coast for tour. They will stop everyday to play Lord of the Dance, Disney at the Movies and Crown Him with Many Crowns, along with many others, at Lutheran Brethren Churches all throughout the East Coast making their way to New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. Every other year the Hillcrest Band and Choir switch off on who gets to go on tour; last year the Choir headed into Canada and the West Coast and two years ago the Band went to Seattle, WA. The trip takes up all of Spring Break but the students get to see many amazing and awe-inspiring sights around America. “I am very excited
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about this year,” said junior and percussionist Dalton Tostenson. “And I have never been to the East Coast.” On Tuesday, March 27, the band will load all the instruments and cargo onto the bus and head off to Eau Claire, WI where they will get off, unload, set up and play for Bethesda LBC. Afterwards the students will be assigned to their host homes. Every night, except for two hotel nights, adults in the congregation take two students into their home and give them a place to sleep, eat and do laundry. If it were not for the generosity of these people, the trip would be too expensive. “God has really been showing us His grace this year,” says Band Director Steve Doering. “All of our days are booked at churches already!”
Tidbits
Complied by Nisius McAllister-Powell
Trevor Leach dunked on a fast break in game with some Hillcrest Alumni. Mrs. Undseth was a Super-fan at the varsity basketball game in Hancock. Jason Frustol and Josh Tonnesen made a dinosaur out of snow in front of Hillcrest. Brook Ferenczy, Ronnie Johnson,Tayler Leach and Taylor Filippini made a seven and a half foot snowman named Frosty. The Boys dorm and the Girls dorm had a music video contest to “Call Me Maybe” The Girls dorm started over One Tree Hill from season one. There were so many Norwegians in Heidi Christoffeson’s room, that she started speaking Norwegian. She does not know Norwegian. Jee Hoon is the new Korean at Hillcrest.
God’s Love Shown Through Tragedy Haiti mission team and Sadie Ouse learn how to endure a loss for greater purpose. by Zach Nersten
The Haiti mission team, a group of twenty-two people from churches around Fergus Falls, definitely left Haiti changed. Sadie Ouse, a junior at Hillcrest who attends the Nazarene church in Fergus, was one of the members of the Haiti team and wanted to know more about Haiti. “Before arriving in Haiti, I didn’t understand the poverty and hardships within the culture,” said Sadie. “A few times I saw kids carrying five gallon buckets of water for their family.” Through this mission trip, Sadie wanted to see if it could help her
future decisions. “I would like to do long-term mission work someday,” Sadie said, “so this trip was a great opportunity to learn about a different culture.” While the team was there, they were working on a roof when tragedy struck. Paul Dennis, one of the men working, fell off a ladder and died. “As most people know, our group endured the passing away of Paul Dennis,” said Sadie. “His death was in a way a low and high point because after we got to do VBS for about four hundred kids and also, we
showed the Jesus movie. The pastor there said the only reason the people came was because we stayed.” Many Haitians were brought to Christ because of Paul Dennis’ death and the love of God shown by the mission team. It gives everyone a great picture of how Jesus died for us, and even through our sins, He still fights for us and stays with us. “Life-changing” can sometimes be an understatement when referring to mission trips. Not only does lifechanging associate with the people who were on a trip, but also the people who are being shown Christ.
Martyrs for Christ by Zach Nersten
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4 Two hundred eighty-seven Christians become martyrs every day. Two hundred million Christians are currently being persecuted for their faith. While other believers in Christ are suffering and dying, what are you doing to help them, and ultimately, God’s kingdom? Nothing. Most Christians would give this response, whether verbally or not. What are we doing, then? We are pleasing ourselves through materials. Christians spend 99% of income on themselves, 0.09% on the Evangelized Non-Christian world, and 0.01% on the Unevangelized world. For instance, in money terms, if each Christian has a hundred dollars, they are giving one penny to the mission world. 2.1 billion people in the world are Christians. Christianity has grown from 20.7% in 1985 to about 33% in 2011. We can definitely rejoice in this progress, but we still must consider Christians under persecution and death. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” In the 20th century, 45.4 million Christians were martyred, which is more than in all previous centuries combined. Furthermore, martyrdoms are increasing yearly, from 35,000 in 1990 to 171,000 in 2005 and roughly 260,000 in 2008. Martyrs for Christ have followed Jesus’ command well. In Matthew 28:19a, which is a part of the Great Commission Jesus gave, He says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” By being a Christian, we are to sacrifice our lives, but not necessarily through death. Our spiritual sacrifice is essential for spreading our faith in a significant way. Most followers of Jesus will not die for their faith, but every person can influence the world in their own unique way!
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A Break From Routine Hillcrest students go to camp over the Presidents’ Day Weekend. by Heidi Christofferson
Snow, ice, overcast days, homework, tests, routine; sometimes this seems to be all there is in these long, winter months. It’s the time of year when students begin to get a little antsy and bored. This year, as well as other years in the past, students were offered the chance to break from normal routine and go to Winter Weekend, both at Inspiration Point Bible Camp in Minnesota, and Tuscarora in Pennsylvania. Hillcrest students had a break from school from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 20. Thursday night, five students from out east went back to their ‘home camp’ for winter weekend at Tuscarora. The main speaker, Matt Furby, spoke about ‘Peter the Chosen.’ The theme for the weekend was the idea that Peter was ordinary, but yet Jesus chose Peter to be his disciple and the rock on which to build the church. Senior Brooke Ferenczy recalls some of the most important things that she learned while at Tuscarora. “Sometimes when we do the right thing, we stand out,” she said. “But Jesus stood out, and that’s what God is calling us to do.” Along with sessions with Matt Furby, there were many other activities and games. Volleyball, basketball, and dodge ball tournaments took place as well as Karaoke and even Sumo-Wrestling! Page 4
Much of the time was spent socially with one’s youth group. “It was so nice to see my friends from my youth group!” said Brooke. “Some of them I hadn’t been able to reconnect with since last year, so we stayed up pretty late every night.” Meanwhile, back in Minnesota, there were a number of Hillcrest students that left Friday evening to go out to Inspiration Point. Inspiration Point had a completely different theme for the weekend; Bob Tissot, who had recently spoken at Hillcrest for Spiritual Formations day, spoke on the topic, ‘Purity and Holiness.’ Bob Tissot mainly spoke to both guys and girls about God’s plan for relationships, dating and friendship. He also led some ‘guys only’ and ‘girls only’ sessions that addressed issues that were meaningful and fitting to each group. “I learned that I need to put
all relationships in God’s hands,’ said senior Allison Battillo. “Also, relationships are meant to be spiritually strengthening, not a distraction from God.” Inspiration Point also had some activities and games for students to participate in. There were volleyball and dodge ball tournaments, as well as broom hockey, carpet ball, and minute-to-win-it competitions between each session.
Schedule
February: Sunday, 4 HLA Concert Choir Sunday Worship Experiences Monday, 5 NHS Induction Ceremony.........................10:00am Tuesday, 13 Junior High: Stanford Testing......................... 8:30am – Stanford Achievement Test grades 9-11........... 8:00am – Thursday, 15 Junior High: Stanford Testing......................... 8:30am – Stanford Achievement Test grades 9-11........... 8:00am – Sunday, 18 HLA Talent Show
10:30am 10:42am 11:30am 10:42am 11:30am
Winter At HLA by Grant Malmstrom
Winter Preference:
Colder w/more snow Warmer w/less snow
45% 60 50
December
Favorite Winter Activity
55% January
25%
47%
2%
24%
February
40 30 20 10 0
Favorite Part of Winter
Holidays Winter Activities Being Indoors Other
Winter Temperature 2012 2011 This winter has been incredibly mild with the average temperature only dropping to 26.2 degrees, making it the 4th warmest on record. Despite the warmth, on Feb. 28-29, Fergus Falls got more snow than all the previous snow of this winter combined. Page 5
Hillcrest Comets
boy’s Basketball 2012 little 8 Conference Standings 1. Battle lake 2. Ashby 3. Hillcrest by Katie Thorkildsen 4. Brandon/Evansville 5. Underwood 6. Parkers Prairie 7.Rothsay
Park Christian
Concordia Mar 10
Hillcrest HLA - Mar 8 - 7:00 pm
Waubun
10%
14%
PLAYOFFS
Ulen-Hitterdal
Rothsay
Ada-Borup
3% 2%
New York Mills
9%
10%
LP-Audubon
Concordia Mar 10
NCE
11% 40%
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by Katie Thorkildsen
Hillcrest Comets 2012 Nisius PowellMcAllister
Senior 5’11”F
What is the best thing about playing basketball for Hillcrest? “Hanging out with the team and also listening to some good bus stories” Page 6
Gene Twedt Senior 6’ G
Mark Undseth Senior 5’9” F
What is the best thing about playing Favorite memory from playing basketbasketball for Hillcrest? ball at Hillcrest: “Having the opportunity to play with “Going to state my sophomore year” my brother”
What is the best thing about playing basketball for Hillcrest? “Having awesome guys to look up to as role models”
Favorite memory from playing basketball at Hillcrest: “Last year, getting the ball down from the Battle Lake backboard”
Dalton Tostenson
Trevor Leach Junior 6’5” C
Sam Martens Junior 6’1” (Injured)-F
What is the best thing about playing basketball for Hillcrest? “Playing with the great group of guys on our team”
Favorite memory from playing basket- Favorite memory from playing basket- What is the best thing about playing basketball for Hillcrest? ball at Hillcrest: ball at Hillcrest: “Watching us grow together as a team” “Watching the guys beat Oak Grove “Winning our game against Oak Grove” this year”
Zach Nersten Senior 5’10” G
Junior 6’ G
Taylor Isaac Senior 6’2” F
Daniel Nersten Sophomore 6’2” F
Matt Fox Senior 6’1” F What is the best thing about playing basketball for Hillcrest? “Improving my skills and hanging out with the guys”
Jake Isaac Freshman 6’ G Favorite memory from playing basketball at Hillcrest: “Our game against Oak Grove this year, and beating them!”
Two Is Better Than One Hillcrest hosts Park Christian High School for a ‘Christian Education Night’ of basketball. by Katie Thorkildsen
Walking into the gym of any high school basketball game, silence is to be the least expected sound heard by any spectator. On Saturday night, Hillcrest’s gym fell silent as the crowd bowed their heads in respect for the Lord as Principal Isaac gave the boys’s game opening prayer. Hillcrest hosted a special gathering on Saturday, February 25 for a basketball double header versus Park Christian High School. It was revered as a special night of Christian education coming together to share more than just a night of basketball games, expecting that the value of the time together would be significant. The games were also live streamed for parents of players and students to watch at home and across the country. Saturday’s game was also senior night for the Lady Comets. Seniors Brittany Christenson, Gracia Larson, and Tayler Leach were recognized for their participation in basketball as well as seniors Brooke Ferenczy and Elizabeth Harris for their contribution in cheerleading. The Norwegian students who participated in girls basketball and cheerleading this year were also recognized. The girls started the night with tipoff at 6:15. “Both teams were pretty evenly matched,” said sophomore guard Kelsey Nersten. The Comets held a sizeable lead going into halftime, heading into the locker room red-faced and catching their breath for a moment away from the fastpaced game. The second half proved more diffi-
cult for the Comets as the game went back and forth, basket for basket. “Towards the end it got really intense, we all knew the pressure was on,” said Nersten. In the end, the girls pulled off a 5754 victory for their last regular season game. “It was really cool and fun to pray with the Park Christian girls after the game,” said senior forward Gracia Larson. “They actually prayed for us too, and after we were joking and talking with each other; they were really nice.” Next up, the boys were ready to play as they headed out onto the court. Mr. Isaac said a few words of welcome to open up the game. He also invited the senior basketball boys to come up and pray over the senior girls to celebrate their senior night. The Comet guys started out on top, playing a good game through the half and walking into the locker room with a considerable lead. The halftimes of both games featured short Cometcamp games, followed by three-point shoot-off competitions for two liter bottles of soda. An offering was also collected throughout the stands. The money raised went towards funds for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Fergus Falls. There was also a surprise visit from Inspiration Point’s “Jimmy Greased Lightning” who participated in a cheer with the Comet cheerleaders before the second half began. During the second half of play, the game shifted into the Falcons hands as they gained small leads over the
Comets. The game turned to a similar situation as the girls had, with the lead switching back and forth between the teams. In the final seconds, Gene Twedt scored a crucial three to put the Comets in the lead by two points. However, with less than ten seconds to go in the game, the Falcons answered with a buzzer-beater three to end the game. Taking home a win and a loss, Park Christian departed from Hillcrest af-
ter a satisfying night of basketball and fellowship.
Sports Boys Basketball Tue, Feb 14
Hillcrest.................................. 59 Underwood............................. 47
Fri, Feb 17 Hillcrest.................................. 48 Brandon/Evansville.................. 34
Thu, Feb 23 Hillcrest.................................. 62 FAIR School............................ 64
Sat, Feb 25 Hillcrest.................................. 62 Park Christian......................... 63
Mon, Feb 27 Hillcrest.................................. 59 Hancock................................. 52
Girls Basketball Thu, Feb 16
Hillcrest.................................. 54 Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley..... 61
Sat, Feb 25 Hillcrest.................................. 57 Park Christian......................... 54
Mon, Feb 27 Hillcrest.................................. 50 Rothsay.................................. 34
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Basketball Fever Hillcrest hosts the 46th annual H.I.T’s basketball tournament. by Ronnie Johnson alumni and their families to play. Taking part of the annual Hillcrest The tournament is taking place Invitational Tournament has become on March 23 and March 24. It will a tradition for many people like fel- be held in several areas: the Hillcrest low senior at Hillcrest Zach Nersten, old and new gym, the Fergus Falls who has been taking part in the tour- high school, the Cleveland elemennament since seventh grade. tary school, and the YMCA. “My first few years I was a part of The tournament is divided into a team that consisted of fathers and four divisions: Division I (college sons,” said Zach Nersten. age/ability), Classic (older players – The tournament began back in traditional Lutheran Brethren church 1966. Bill Colbeck and a couple of teams), Division II (high school age/ churches really got the ball bounc- ability), Division III (just for fun/ ing for what has come to be such girls/45+ men/junior high). a remembered weekend. Up until The registration date for the about the mid-80s the tournament tournament is March 2. It costs two was played at the community college hundred dollars per team, and all here in town, M-State. the money goes to the referees, gym The tournament invites Lutheran rental, student books at Hillcrest, Brethren churches, and Hillcrest and other various funds. “I think
H.I .T’s is super,” said senior Taylor Isaac. “It’s fun to play basketball with friends, who you don’t get to play with during the basketball season.” Approximately six-hundred people participate every year in the tournament. With a maximum of sixty-four teams, and over one hundred games going to be played throughout the weekend, action during the H.I.T’s weekend is never too be missed. “We get more alumni back for this tournament than homecoming and graduation,” said Tournament Director Charlie Brue. “Many of the same teams come back year after year, because it’s such a fun event. It builds unity for the churches.”
Lights, Camera, Action! Hillcrest 2012 Talent show is almost here! by Gene Twedt
It is getting to be THAT time of the school year again. The long winter is draining the excitement, so it seems, out of the students. The Hillcrest students are getting tired of being snowed in their homes or dorms and want to express themselves and do something. What better way to solve this problem than by having a whole night to strut their stuff. To raise money for next year’s Dominican Republic Trip, the Page 8
junior class is putting together a night of awe and laughter filled with anything from videos made by the students to live performances by school bands or solo students. One of last year’s acts was an interpretive dance to the wellknown song “Africa” by Toto. “It was a mess,” said Katie Thorkildsen, one of the dancers in the act. “But I guess it was one of the funniest acts of the night.”
The Talent Show will be held on Sunday, March 18 in the Old Gym. It starts at 7:00 pm, ends whenever all the acts conclude. Registration for a live act will be $5, and each video $3. Everyone is encouraged to participate because the more acts, the more fun the night will be. The door fee to get in is only $3, so please encourage your friends to come for a night of Hillcrest talent!