October 2017 Issue

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C H O O L

SIOUX FALLS, SD

THIS IS HOW WE DO SPORTS.™

Ordinary sports coverage?

Not in this house.

On the field or on the air, it’s all about teamwork. Midco Sports Network® commits to the game – bringing you dedicated local and regional sports action on TV, online and on your smartphone. That means you always get the best seat in the house ... and this year we’re upping our game with even more live sports coverage.

Check live game schedules and more at MidcoSN.com.

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O CTOBER 2017

V OL . 52, N O . 1

Meet the Varsity

27

SOFTBALL Peyton Senger, 12

Katie Murphy, 11

Emma Osmundson, 10

Good luck charm: Wearing my camo crocs on the wrong feet What is your biggest secret? I’m a hardcore Jake Pauler #team10forlyfe.

I shave my arms sometimes too Who would play you in a

Good luck charm: Emma Osmundson What is your biggest secret? I lowkey play out field Who would play you in a movie? Jennifer Lawrence

Good luck charm: Peyton Senger What is your biggest secret? I throw a really good risedrop-curve Who would play you in a movie? Sandra Bullock

movie? Gage Gramlick

Adam Schrader, 11

BOYS GOLF Max Honner, 11

Good luck charm: One look at Andy Malaterre’s glow in the dark ankles What is your biggest secret? At golf I’m known as “shraydog” but at archery they call me “muffin” Who would play you in

Ryan Neff, 11 Good luck charm: I don’t need luck What is your biggest secret? I’m a better fisher than Nash Who would play you in a movie? Robert Downey Jr.

Good luck charm: Dawn Stenberg What is your biggest secret? I golf Who would play you in a movie? Donald Trump

a movie? I wouldn’t be played in a movie.

CROSS COUNTRY

Courtney Klatt, 12 Good luck charm: Michael Schmidtman What is your biggest secret? Sometimes instead of running I pet the horses at Leif Erickson Who would play you in a movie? Caroline Sudbeck

Sam Elliott, 11 Good luck charm: Max Martin’s calves, pure diamonds What is your biggest secret? I’m actually adopted Who would play you in a movie? Efren Ramirez.

My mustache game is too good

Ike Mendel, 12 Good luck charm: A moment of silence What is your biggest secret? If I told you. it wouldn’t be a secret…

Who would play you in a movie? Conor McGregor

Analise Levesque, 11 Good luck charm: Team handshakes What is your biggest secret? I hate tacos Who would play you in a movie? Liz Bindert of course

Emily Rotert, 12

Good luck charm: Coach Pooley’s hat What is your biggest secret? In second grade, I choked on water from a drinking fountain and passed out. A classmate pronounced me dead.

Who would play you in a movie? Ariel, because I have no legs after a

race

Jack Elliott, 11 Good luck charm: Grant Graber’s granola bars before my races What is your biggest secret? My pre-race ritual Who would play you in a movie? Arnold Schwarzenegger, because I am swoll

Featured in next issue: Chorus, Band, Orchestra and Student Council

26

Meet the Varsity

GIRLS SOCCER Ryley Heier, 12 Good luck charm: Red shorts What is your biggest secret? I quit freshman year Who would play you in a movie? Fiona Gallagher

Mollie Kersten, 12 Good luck charm: Big bird What is your biggest secret? 09/02/17 Who would play you in a movie? Regina George

Britten Blount, 12 Good luck charm: My horsey What is your biggest secret? I’m a cowgirl Who would play you in a movie? The coconut from “Castaway”

Mollie Kelly, 12 Good luck charm: Jail break sports bra What is your biggest secret? 09/02/17 Who would play you in a movie? The crackhead from “Orange is the New Black”

Tianna Neuharth, 12 Good luck charm: My chickens What is your biggest secret? I’ve been abducted by aliens like four times Who would play you in a movie? Me, who would be better?

Michaela Mohr, 12 Good luck charm: BRAIDS!!!

What is your biggest secret? Sydney Siegel is not actually my cousin Who would play you in a movie? My fave cheerleader Hallie Carlson

BOYS SOCCER Mike Schmidtman, 12 Good luck charm: Courtney Klatt What is your biggest secret? I would say, but you can just ask Liam.

(Love you Liam) Who would play you in a movie? Will Smith

David Bizimana, 12 Good luck charm: God What is your biggest secret? I pray before game time or kick off Who would play you in a movie? Chris Tucker from “Rush Hour”

Nick Leach, 12 Good luck charm: Beef jerky chew What is your biggest secret? I think Caitlyn Jenner is fineeee Who would play you in a movie? Eddie Murphy

Ben Monson, 11 Good luck charm: Parker Hibbard’s calves What is your biggest secret? I have a third nipple Who would play you in a movie? Austin Powers

Isaac Woods, 12 Good luck charm: Nick’s large toes What is your biggest secret? I’m a secret agent Who would play you in a movie? A secret agent that is always getting caught or giving up his identity

Ayanle Ibrahim, 11 Good luck charm: My necklace What is your biggest secret? It’s fine to fail in life, but what matters is how you get back up. I always try to get back up stronger and better.

Who would play you in a movie? Deadpool

LH S H omeco mi ng: “AE VARSITY Beach Day

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Jenn Dubois’ sophomore adroom joins in on the week’s festivities with their beach gear. Back row: Jennifer Fitz, Emily Eirinberg, Carli Florey, Taylor Ericson, Reagan Elrod, Sam Fawcett Front row: Makenna Essig, Ramsey Folkerts, Mitchal Eichacker, Shelby Fauset

Career Day

BY HUNTER LHS homecoming kicked off on Sept. 25 and the LHS hallways were filled with a week of excitement and festivities. “A trip down Cliff Ave,” was the theme for the week, which is fitting since LHS has called the street home since it opened its doors in 1965. Along with the activities and excitement, was the anticipation for the LHS homecoming football game against the Yankton Bucks.

Monday brought fun in the sun as the student body showed up beached out in their swimsuits and sunscreen.

The fun carried over into the evening with an LHS first, a movie night in the gym. Students filled the gym with their lawn chairs and blankets, ready to take in the film, “Grown Ups.” Everyone enjoyed a night of relaxation and laughs.

Although there were no motorcycles roaring through the halls on Tuesday, they were filled with lots of leather and fake tattoos for Biker Day. New LHS principal, Robert Grimm, felt right at home pulling up to school on his Harley Davidson. The LHS volleyball team capped off an

already great day with a three set victory over crosstown rival OGHS. Wednesday’s Career Day theme transformed the halls of LHS into an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Blue scrubs filled the halls. Doctors McDreamy and McSteamy were nowhere to be found, but Dr. McOppold and McBurchill were scrubbed in and ready to operate. Along with a plethora of medical professionals, there were also judges, referees and construction workers. Career Day gave the LHS student body a chance to gaze into what future jobs they one day might have.

The week’s costumes peaked on Thursday with the Movie Day theme. Costume highlights included the sophomore crew of Alex Oppold, Johnathan Smith, Mitch Eichacker and Tyler Hiatt decked out in their best “Anchorman” gear. Sophomore, Ayden Sand came back to the future as the perfect Marty McFly. Everyone had a great time coming up with creative costume ideas for Movie Day. Homecoming would not

Spirit

PHOTO BY ANNA DEKKENGA

Emily Palmer’s senior adroom students Molly Nelson, Caitlin Nelson, Abby Mollison, Jonah Morgan, Ethan Moore, Paul Monson and Nate Nielsen show off their career-oriented outfits.

LHS

25

FOOTBALL Xavier Kolb, 12

Jaden Julius, 12 Good luck charm: Grant’s big ego What is your biggest secret? Fixing the deck with my dad Who would play you in a movie? Max Fanning, because we are twins

Good luck charm: Meatheads “creatine” What is your biggest secret? It isn’t creatine Who would play you in a movie? Joe Arndt

Tiegen Salava, 12

Collin Brison, 12 Good luck charm: Bryan’s wrap What is your biggest secret? I can’t catch Who would play you in a movie? An old Jack Grazer

Zach Hanson, 11

Good luck charm: Dewski and babe What is your biggest secret? Jaden takes creatine…

Who would play you in a movie? A dippy

Hunter Merkley, 10

Good luck charm: My bracelet that says Philippians 4:13 What is your biggest secret? I secretly love “Gossip Girl” Who would play you in a movie? Definitely Channing Tatum

Good luck charm: Morgan Hansen What is your biggest secret? I know where Elliott’s secret freckle is Who would play you in a movie? Tom Cruise

Jack Meyers, 12 Good luck charm: Haha...

What is your biggest secret? Yeah...

Who would play you in a movie? Maybe...

Malik Redd, 12 Good luck charm: Get lit What is your biggest secret? My hair is fake Who would play you in a movie? That black guy who dies first

Elliott Hackett, 10 Good luck charm: My secret freckle What is your biggest secret? My secret freckle Who would play you in a movie? Morgan Freeman

GIRLS TENNIS Emily Whitney, 12

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Cornation MC Lily Becker, Homcoming queen Anna Robinson and Cornation MC Savannah Heeran gather for the annual LHS pep rally.

Good luck charm: Natalie Benson What is your biggest secret? I throw my racquet when I’m mad Who would play you in a movie? Blake Lively

Ellie Lamberty, 12 Good luck charm: Sarah Einsel #yeahbaby What is your biggest secret? Sarah and Emily did get kicked out of OG Who would play you in a movie? Betsy Einsel

Meredith Benson, 12 Good luck charm: Emily Einsel’s double braids What is your biggest secret? I am obsessed with Ansel Elgort Who would play you in a movie? Sharpay Evans

24

SIDELINE CHEER Cassidy Anderegg, 12 Good luck charm: My ankle brace What is your biggest secret? I use my ankle injury to get out of gym class Who would play you in a movie? Dwayne Johnson

Payton Berry, 11 Good luck charm: Skyla Rumpza What is your biggest secret? I’m actually good at track Who would play you in a movie? Val Fox because she is a fox

VOLLEYBALL Allison Engel, 12 Good luck charm: My foreign belly button ring from Germany What is your biggest secret? I have to use a prescription deodorant for my sweating problem Who would play you in a movie? Emily Palmer

Sydnaya Dunn, 11 Good luck charm: J.J.B.L.T and a pickle What is your biggest secret? I’m Irish on my dad’s side Who would play you in a movie? Zendaya, cause we’re basically the same

Shannon Nelson, 11 Good luck charm: Not washing my knee brace What is your biggest secret? I wear stilts, I’m actually 5’0” Who would play you in a movie? Jennifer Lawrence

Sydney Siegel, 12 Good luck charm: Eating way too much before every game What is your biggest secret? Michaela Mohr isn’t actually my cousin Who would play you in a movie? Lexi Herr

Ally Jamison, 11 Good luck charm: A nice long hug from coach Palmer What is your biggest secret? I dig QBs lol Who would play you in a movie? Jennifer Lawrence

Annika Joyce, 10 Good Luck charm: I wear the same socks every game What is your biggest secret? I don’t like my food to touch Who would play you in a movie? Lauren Jaton

MEET THE A

Keaira Pepper, 10 Good luck charm: I tie my laces around my shoes What is your biggest secret? On Patriot Power day I ripped my jeans and had to go home and change Who would play you in a movie? Lauren Jaton

Emily Anderson, 12 Good luck charm: My “I feel like Tommy” hoodie What is your biggest secret? That’s for me to know and you to find out…

Who would play you in a movie? Sue Bull

Somer Lutjens, 11 Good Luck charm: Eatin sketti with Chloe Crissman What is your biggest secret? The entire LHS volleyball team has lice (kidding) Who would play you in a movie? Amanda Seyfried

R

t ri p dow n C li ff Av e”

MERKLEY be complete without a Homecoming court. The impressive court consisted of five pairs of seniors: Sam Mendel and Lucy Dekkenga, Tim White and Anna Robinson, Oliver Lockwood-Powell and Meredith Benson, Isaac Woods and Britten Blount and Tommy Anderson and Sydney Siegel.

At Thursday night’s coronation, Tim White and Anna Robinson were crowned king and queen of LHS. Friday brought shortened class periods and allowed students to enjoy inflatables on the football field, the LHS variety show and Pizza Ranch pizza for lunch. The gym was electrified with school spirit at the LHS homecoming pep rally, coordinated by Student Council.

Murphy made an appearance and helped the cheerleaders fire the crowd up. The students loved the LHS merchandise and gear being tossed into the stands. The sophomore class won a highly competitive cheer competition, winning the Homecoming spirit stick. Fun games and pie tossing closed out the successful pep rally.

After school, students head-

ed out to Howard Wood Field to tailgate and cheer on the Patriot football team as they took on the Yankton Bucks. The stands were packed with LHS fans and covered in red, white and blue. The Patriots started off slow until sophomore, Hunter Merkley’s 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

This gave the Pats a 6-3 lead and changed the momentum of the game. The Patriots finished the game with a 16-10 victory, their first win of the season.

The fans were thrilled!

The positive energy of the win carried on to the Homecoming after party. It was filled with late night dancing, bean bags, mario-kart and basketball games. It was another successful event hosted by the LHS Student Council, a great way to wrap up Homecoming.

LHS is just one of many locations as you take a trip down Cliff Ave, but for 52 years it has held countless memories and experiences for the thousands of students that pass through its doors and this homecoming was one for the books!

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Day two brought leather jackets to the forefront of LHS. Juniors Jerome Shaw, Makenzie Murray, Kuna Mohamed, Alexia Miller and Logan Mohr pose in front of their adroom door.

Movie Day

t Day

PHOTO BY LAUREN TELLER

LHS sophomores Kate Sargent and Ellie O’Connor display their movie-themed attire, dressing up as Minnie Mouse and Popcorn.

Lexi Herr, 10 Good Luck charm: Hugging Allison Engel What is your biggest secret? My real name is Alexis Who would play you in a movie? Moana

Biker Day

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Juniors Alexia Miller, Kristen VanVeen and Chasity Morris pose on the LHS pracitice field as students end the day with inflatables.

PATS

6

FEATURE

Fresh Hombres: LHS welcomes Spanish Immersion students L ILLIAN D. Living in the Midwest, schools are all taught the same way: All in English and giving little to no language exposure until high school. The Sioux Falls School District stood up to the challenge to create something extraordinary for its students.

The Spanish Immersion program is aimed at teaching students a second language as they go through elementary and middle school. Students typically spend the majority of elementary school immersed in Spanish, then the teachers integrate English, until finally in high school they drop to one Spanish class.

LHS has a Spanish Language and Culture class taught by Mónica Conover.

Programs around the country have seen success and the Sioux Falls School District was one to implement it.

“In 2005, the Sioux Falls School District convened a committee to explore the most common specialized schools across the country and study the academic benefits of these schools,” said Ann Smith, Director of Federal Programs. “To help inform the committee as they studied different specialized schools, the District surveyed parents to see what programs they were interested in.”

What started as a small program is now an extensive and profoundly successful program, with a large portion of students completely bilingual.

BY

“We currently have 644 students at the elementary level and by the time they’re in fourth or fifth grade, they’re fluent in Spanish,” said Principal Tracy Vik. “They can read Spanish, write in Spanish, speak and understand Spanish as well.”

Research shows that bilingualism has a lot of neural advantages, especially when taught at a young age.

“The research suggests that speaking a second language helps increase attention span and can also improve your ability to multi-task,” said Smith. “Research also suggests that people who are multilingual are better problem solvers and are more open-minded and better able to adjust to change.”

At LHS, the Spanish Immersion students are continuing to perfect their skills now through the new Spanish Language and Culture class.

“We are working more on their skills with writing because they are super good at listening, reading and speaking,” said Monica Conover, Spanish teacher at LHS. “So, we are working only on the writing, and I like it. I chose books with the department, and friends in Mexico sent me some of their suggestions.”

The idea of offering a bilingual education has been around for years around the world.

“I think the world is so big,” said Conover. “When I was living in Spain,

I remember I was looking for my son’s school and I opened the yellow book and I started to check the schools there. At least a few schools had bilingual programs.”

Most of the LHS students have taken at least one language class during their high school career. These classes differ from what the immersion students are taking.

“We are reading more, speaking more and we have [little] grammar for them,” said Conover. “In my regular classes, [we practice] grammar and then they need to practice listening more and speaking more because when you’re learning a new language, you are shy.”

The Spanish Immersion students this year are freshman at LHS and are continuing their education while strengthening with their language studies.

“The Spanish Immersion Program has provided me with many opportunities,” said Elizabeth Jerstad, LHS freshman. “[The program] allows you to learn about different cultures outside of your own.”

The bond between the students has gotten really strong over the years as they grew up together throughout their school career.

“I’ve been in it for a decade and it’s been really fun,” said Anika Nelson, LHS freshman. “You meet people and you never change classes, so I’ve always stuck with the same people. So, we are all really close.”

Photo by Lillian D.

Elizabeth Jerstad, 9 Spanish Immersion Student

Monica Conover, LHS Spanish Teacher

Anika Nelson, 9 Spanish Immersion Student PHOTOS BY LILLIAN D.

22

Coin tumbles through 25 years of coaching

by Taylor Ericson From vault to floor to bars to beam, Les Coin has experienced the ins and outs of gymnastics through his years of coaching.

Coin has spent the last 25 years of his life devoting his time to gymnasts, with over half of those years at LHS. When it comes to challenging parents, superstitions and victories, Coin has had his fair share.

Coin’s love for gymnastics started when he was very young, which has developed into an even bigger passion over the years because of the great role models that he has had.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BECCA MAGER

Les Coin, receiving an award for his work as a gymnastics coach.

“My role model in coaching is the first coach I worked with at Rapid City Stevens,¨ said Coin. ¨Her name is Sheri Keck and she made me want to be a better coach and taught me that the last thing we are really in the gym for is to teach the kids gymnastics. We are there to teach them teamwork, dedication, discipline, being on time, consequences and to make them be the role models in the school. We want them to lead by example.¨ Throughout Coin’s years of coaching, he has encountered some obstacles along the way, but like any good gymnast, Coin balanced his way through them. ¨The most challenging thing in coaching used to be parents, but now the most challenging things are the cell phones,¨ said Coin.

Although physical ability is very important in gymnastics, Coin believes that character is a vital part of an athlete. ¨Every day that I coach I have a chance to help mold great young women that will be great role models/leaders at Lincoln

SPORTS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

and where they live,¨ said Coin. ¨The most important lesson I try to pass onto the gymnasts is to be themselves, think for themselves and be a good role model out in the community.¨ Coin enjoys gymnastics very much, but that does not stop him from enjoying other sports as well. ¨If I was not coaching gymnastics I would probably be coaching basketball,¨ said Coin. ¨My family if huge in basketball, and I have an uncle and three

cousins that coach high school basketball in South Dakota.¨ Despite his many years of coaching, Coin does not plan on ´flipping´ out of the gymnastics world or LHS in the near future. ¨I plan to coach at Lincoln for the rest of my coaching career,¨ said Coin. ¨Not sure when that will end, but as soon as I don’t like to go to the gym and coach kids will be the day that I don’t return to coaching.”

Standing Pat

Minnesota Timberwolves entering a new era OLIVER LOCKWOOD-POWELL, SPORTS EDITOR For the first time in a long time, about 14 years, I am able to confidently say that the Minnesota Timberwolves look like a playoff team. With huge additions in Jimmy “Buckets” Butler, Taj Gibson and Jeff Teague, they are looking like a team that is ready to compete with the best of them for a spot in the NBA finals.

Under the ruling of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Wolves have completely blown up their roster, going from an absolute lock for a top 10 pick, to a team that will not have to even think about that draft pick.

The transformation is just amazing for all Wolves fans, including me, around the world.

For starters, the Wolves are BY

capable of a complete lock for the playoffs starting on October 18 because of one simple reason: They added one of the most dynamic two-way players in the game who just so happens to also be the most statistically clutch player in the league, Jimmy Butler. Both defense and fourth quarter scoring were weak spots for the Wolves in recent years. This is what so heavily dragged them down to the hole that they were in for the last 14 lottery pick seasons.

Although they will all be working as a team, I think Butler will eventually take over and become the go-to man with Karl-Anthony Towns as his right hand man. With a tough schedule, those two will have to help each other out along the way. Also, they have third

Out from the Underground: Statesman The LHS marching band’s new show emerges

BY LAUREN TELLER

LHS gymnasts Michaela Mohr (12), Cassidy Anderegg (12), Ali Long (10), Tanja Todorovic (10), Kaylie Sorensen (10), Elizabeth Boysum (9) and Amber Tebbe (12) are all under the coaching of Les Coin.

and fourth options in shooting guard Andrew Wiggins and the former all-star point guard Jeff Teague. Not only have the starters majorly improved this year, but so has the bench.

With signings like Jamal Crawford, former sixth man of the year, and the re-signing of high flying swingman Shabazz Muhammad should be huge sparks off of the bench, supporting their starters when they need rest. Mohammed and Crawford were both top 10 in bench scoring and also defensive efficiency which will help the Wolves tremendously in categories they lack in.

On top of it all, the Wolves have a completely new look.

They have recently introduced their new era jerseys for the NBA’s sponsorship with Nike,

and also a brand new logo and facilities. New facilities and a brand new court show the new beginning of the hungry Wolves squad ready to win. With everything set into place, my hopes for the Wolves stand high, expecting nothing less than great.

Not only am I expecting the playoffs, but I am also expecting a deep run. No less than conference finals for the Wolves this year is my ultimate prediction. Nothing less than dominance overall, starting with the San Antonio Spurs on opening day.

The Timberwolves’ next game will be on Oct. 18 at 8:30 p.m. against the Spurs.

7

FEATURE

A place where new ideas come to life, where edgy thoughts form before they are mainstream. These are the ideas that the LHS marching band’s new show, “The Underground,” are based on.

The band and its directors, Dan Carlson and Sam Anderson, have taken a different approach to their 2017 show. “The Underground” has no storyline, but rather a collection of fun ideas and features. Dance routines, bass drops, graffiti and a whole slew of solos are sure to make the band’s show stand out from their competitors this season.

The show features more than 20 students with solos, but some students perform more than once during the show. LHS student Nathan Ganter has a solo during the show, but not just on one instrument.

Ganter plays three solos on three different instruments: Trumpet, trombone and tuba.

“We have a lot of soloists,” said Anderson. “A lot of really just show-off solos that are really impressive. We try to feature each different section during a part of the show.”

The music includes “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima, “Impossible Year” by the group Panic at the Disco, Symphony #11 Movement No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich and “Children’s Hour of Dreams” by Charles Mingus.

“Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Impossible Year” are the favorites among band members. The visual during these two songs includes some flashy dance routines, something that the hornline does not get to do often.

“In this year’s show, students get to let loose quite a bit more,” said Anderson. “They get to express themselves and show a little bit more creativity than in some past years.”

This year the band is making quite the effort to change up their usual routine. A show without a theme stirs up some passion and excitement within the audience and leaves them to be the ones to interpret the performance.

“This show is a new era for Lincoln in the way that we are going with our

shows and how we are going to be competing,” said drum major Jenna Christensen.

The band has been anxiously waiting to perform their show for an audience. Countless hours of hard work have been put in, not only by band students but also the staff members that write, direct and tech. The band has been rehearsing the music since they received it just before school got out and continued to practice it during the summer in sectionals.

“So much of what we do is behind the scenes, so we want to represent ourselves well at every competition,” said Anderson.

As for their competition season, the band’s goals are to be the best that they can be. In years past, the band has competed at its biggest competition of the season, Bands of America in St. Louis, MO, and has made finals, which includes the top 14 performances out of the 60 bands competing. This year the band will be competing Oct. 21.

“In this activity, and so many other things, we can’t control what other people do,” said Anderson. “We can just do our absolute best every day.

Of course, it would be great to make finals down in St. Louis, but more than that, we want to entertain the crowd and make it a positive experience for the students.”

The Statesman’s purpose is to inform and entertain with an honest and accurate approach. The opinions of students, staff members and faculty are expressed in a tasteful manner.

The Statesman is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is a winner of the George H. Gallup award for “…distinctive achievements in scholastic journalism.” The Statesman was awarded a Pacemaker in 2007 and was nominated for the 20122013 year. The editors and adviser take responsibility for the content of the Statesman.

Follow the Statesman on Twitter, Instagram SnapChat- @lhsstatesman.

Editors- in-Chief: Lucy Dekkenga and Gage Gramlick Photographers: Anna Dekkenga and Riley Rasmussen News Editors: Ellie Lamberty and Emily Whitney Feature Editor: Jack Fehrs OP/ED Editor: Summer Ericson Entertainment Editor: Abbie Griffin Sports Editor: Oliver Lockwood-Powell Meet the Varsity: Ellie Lamberty and Emily Whitney Staff Writers: Lily Becker, Jenna Becker, Caiden Capaldo, Chloe Crissman, Lillian D., Landon DeBoer, Taylor Ericson, Molly Faris, Kate Fehrs, Hannah Hansen, Somer Luitjens, Hunter Merkley, Katie Osmundson, Brita Quello, Timothy Stolp, Lauren Teller, Cathleen Weng Adviser: Katie Kroeze

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LHS Marching Band

Members of the LHS marching band perform at the Big Sioux Review competition in Brandon, SD on Sept. 30.

For the October issue of the Statesman, notice the pink theme in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

8

FEATURE

LHS senior Rossing: The king of fashion and design ABBIE GRIFFIN High school is the time to try new things. For most students, that means participating in sports or joining clubs with their friends. For others, like Erik Rossing, finding yourself can mean experimenting outside the box.

Rossing, now a senior, started his own business designing and tailoring clothes to sell to his classmates. ‘Worksclothing’ is the name of the Instagram account where he posts pictures of all his items up for sale or items that he has recently designed. After starting the account his junior year, Rossing has made custom jeans and crop tops for high school girls of all grades.

“To make the clothes, I go and thrift Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger Tops,” said Rossing. “Then I put elastic in BY

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ERIK ROSSING

Senior, Anna Gette poses for senior, Erik Rossing’s Instagram account ‘Worksclothing.’

the waist and crop them or I tighten the waist and put an underwear band on them from brands like Calvin Klein or Tommy Hilfiger.”

Once his pieces are created, he posts pictures on his Instagram account and advertises them for students all around LHS.

“I think I have made $1,200 so far when my company was its biggest my junior year,” said Rossing. “It has started to shrink a little and I am now just starting to do smaller projects.”

What made Rossing start his mini business was not only his passion for fashion and clothing design but also his need for cash.

“I did not have a job that was paying well, and I thought I could make some money on the side and then I kind of just turned that into my full time job my junior year,” said Rossing.

For whatever reason Rossing has made his clothes, his creations will continue to impress and awe not only his classmates but also teenagers throughout the city.

Propaganda against basic Halloween costumes shirt with tall socks and claim that they are Risky Business, I will lose it.

Here are some better, last minute costume ideas: Boo from “Monsters Inc.:” Grab a pink XL short-sleeved shirt and some blue leggings and throw your hair up in high pigtails. Voilà, a clean, classic costume.

Any sports player: Throw on a jersey and you are ready to party.

Cher from “Clueless:” All you need is a yellow plaid skirt and a blazer.

Cop: This one goes for girls and guys. There is NOTHING more attractive than a cop.

This story is in no way meant to be judgemental. It is more of a helpful guide on what people want to see vs. the overused and frankly, basic costumes. This Halloween, be smart, have fun and enjoy a ‘boo’tiful’ night.

If you can find a new or old sports jersey, throw it on with leggings or shorts and have the perfect Halloween costume.

PHOTOS BY CHLOE CRISSMAN

CHLOE CRISSMAN Every year the Halloween costumes become more interesting and often, more predictable. These are the types of teens you will find on Halloween: The-One-Who-Tries-TooHard: We get it Stacey, you paired bunny ears with a tight pink outfit. You are Playboy Bunny. It was not cute last year, and it still is not.

The Ridiculously Inappropriate One: Since when did lingerie become an adequate Halloween costume? Where is your mother?

The Refs: Self-explanatory but still so cliché and outdated.

The Scary One: Try and pop out at me one more time in that Pennywise costume and see what happens.

The Political One: Be prepared, that Donald Trump mask with a blue suit could cost you a trip to the hospital.

The Basic One: If I see one more person wear a long work BY

Try a more cute and fun costume this Halloween, and be Boo from “Monsters Inc.“

For a classic costume, just put a sheet over your head to be a spooky ghost.

SPORTS

21

Two state champions, one day Boys Soccer:

BY LUCY DEKKENGA

Six yellow cards. 100 minutes of play. Three goals. One red card.

11 players on the field. What do all of these numbers add up to?

One State Championship title for the boys’ soccer team.

Saturday night, Oct. 7, the boys’ soccer team traveled up to Aberdeen to take on the Aberdeen Eagles for the 2017 State Championship.

The first half of the match remained scoreless, with both teams having unfinished chances.

It did not stay like that for long.

When the second half rolled around, the game got heated.

There were one-sided calls by the referee who did not seem to care how many cards he gave to the Patriots; he gave out seven.

But after a header goal by Isaac Woods, a senior forward, and assist by Michael Schmidtman,

a senior midfielder, the game seemed to calm down again. The boys could now focus on defending and just try to stay up.

“Watching Isaac get a head on my free kick [was the best part of the game]. You can call us the bash bros,” said Schmidtman with a laugh.

However, Aberdeen quickly scored a goal and then the Patriots just could not recover. Time ran out and the game headed into two 10 minute halves of overtime. “[The worst part of the game] was the feeling in my gut when they tied it,” said Liam Downey, a senior goalkeeper.

Within the first two minutes of the first part of overtime, Anwar Ibrahim, a junior midfielder scored. This got the crowd fired up and the team kept feeding off of their momentum and energy.

The Patriot’s high level of fitness was seen as Woods, with great technical skill, beat three defenders and sealed the deal on the Pats win.

“Isaac’s second goal [was the best part of the game],” said Nick Leach, a senior forward.

“Booyah!”

Woods expressed his excitement for their win and his overall thoughts on the game and his goals in three simple words- “I love soccer.”

After the game, outstanding offensive and defensive players of the game were chosen as Woods and Downey, respectively.

“Winning the championship with not only teammates but with brothers [was the best part of the game],” said Downey.

“I’ve imagined this moment since I was a little kid after I saw my older brother winning the

ship,” said Schmidtman.

For the first time in two years and 29 games, the Aberdeen Eagles boys soccer team has been defeated- and by our very own LHS team. Did I mention on their home turf too?

“We burned the boats and we knew there was no going back!” said Doug Townsend, LHS boys soccer coach.

It is always a great day to be a Pat, especially when we get the job “Aberdone.”

Girls Tennis: LANDON DEBOER After a second straight undefeated, regular season with 53 straight dual match wins in the past two seasons, the LHS girls tennis team has won back-toback State Championships.

This is the first time that the team has won consecutive State Championships since they won five State Championships in a row from 1997-2001.

The LHS girls’ tennis team backed up their strong regular season performance at the state tournament, finishing in the top three in each of the six singles flights and in the three doubles flights.

Led by senior Meredith Benson, the LHS girls tennis team dominated the state tournament. With finals victories in flight two singles by Ava Leonard (9), flight three singles by Johana Brower (9), flight four singles by Emily Whitney (12) and with a victory in flight two doubles by Brower and

BY

Whitney, the LHS girls team finished the state tournament with a total of 650 points and a commanding victory. They were followed up by OGHS who finished with a total of 508 points. With the team only losing two seniors on varsity (Benson and Whitney), the LHS girls tennis team will turn to their young core and look to “three-peat” next season.

PHOTO BY LANDON DEBOER

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SDPB

Sports

FEATURE

BY JENNA

OCT. 18, 2017

LHS STATESMAN

New head LHS football coach By the Numbers Bringing new ideas, work ethic and enthusiasm

BY J ACK

1

11 15 55

Homecoming win by the LHS football team

Rounds of penalty kicks in the last game of the girls soccer season

Goals by David Bizimana this soccer season

Straight match wins by the LHS girls tennis team

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, Oct. 20 Rapid City Central and Stevens @Home 5:15p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 State Tournament @Robbinsdale Park

Saturday, Oct. 21 State Tournament @Rapid City Stevens

F EHRS Football teams are always a big part of high school sports, and the coach is a big part of that team. This year, LHS hired a new coach, Jared Fredenburg, to lead the team.

LHS’ new football coach has experience as an assistant coach for the RHS Rough Riders and as a defensive coordinator for the Sioux Falls Storm. He coached for the Rough Riders for 14 years, from 2002 to 2016, and is going into his third year for the storm. However, Coach Fredenburg does not feel different coaching Lincoln.

“There’s not a lot of difference. I mean, teenagers are teenagers,” said Fredenburg. “It’s just the kind of facilities are different and where we practice. The weight room here is phenomenal.”

However, the transition has not come without difficulties. Those challenges are regarding moving, not so much coaching on the field.

“To go to a rival school, [my kids] are pretty young, so they didn’t quite understand it,” said Fredenburg. “They didn’t quite understand the opportunity that I was offered to come here. That’s the one downfall that I feel bad about, having to face that prospect of moving.”

Fredenburg sees a very bright future at LHS. Although the current season may not be going as planned, Fredenburg finds the future of LHS football to be one of its most appealing qualities.

9

Hidden gems of Netflix: What not to skip

BECKER “Atypical” is a Netflix original TV show with the perfect mix of laughter and drama. It surrounds Sam Gardner, a teenager with autism, who is on a mission to find a girlfriend. This worries his mother, Elsa, who must find a new independence as her children grow. The whole family, including the brave sister, Casey, and lovable father, Doug, must adjust to their changing lives.

The show develops twists in Sam’s endearing story, introducing lovable characters on the way. “Atypical” provides a look into a world on the spectrum of autism and will encourage viewers to embrace their own versions of normal.

“Sing Street” is a musical based in the 80s. It follows Conor ‘Cosmo’ Lawlor, a 15-year-old starting at a new school, Sing Street CBS. He meets Raphina, an aspiring model, and instantly falls in love. Trying to impress her, he invites her to be in his band’s music video, even though he is not apart of one, yet. She agrees, and Conor rushes to form a rock band with the outsiders of school, naming themselves ‘Sing Street.’

Sing Street must overcome bullies, angry teachers and more to become famous rock stars. “Sing Street” is a feel-good movie with charm and passion, full of catchy original songs.

“OA” is a Netflix original with a much different theme than “Atypical.” This drama mystery has sci-fi elements and action. It follows the story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns after being missing for seven years. If that is not strange enough, she returns with full vision, having been blind before leaving, and calling herself ‘The OA.’ From being kidnapped by a mad scientist to crossing dimensions, her story is intense and complex, though she will only share it with a select few. This show, gripping and heavy, and is perfect for those who want a thrilling experience.

Disclaimer: “The OA” contains content that may be uncomforable for some viewers.

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Coach Fredenburg addresses pep rally crowd, prior to Homecoming victory vs Yankton.

“Well, the future is, I think, the best aspect of what we have,” said Fredenburg. “I’m bringing in some different ideas than what coach Beavers had from my past experience.

Change is sometimes hard for people, but the future is awesome. Our freshman and sophomore teams this year and last year were outstanding.”

“Well, the future is, I think, the best aspect of what we have,” said Fredenburg. “I’m bringing in some different ideas than what coach Beavers had from my past experience.

Change is sometimes hard for people, but the future is awesome. Our freshman and sophomore teams this year and last year were outstanding.”

Lastly, Fredenburg is impressed that LHS students do not just support one sport, unlike other schools that he has coached for in the past. He expressed that LHS always has high levels of energy.

“I have always admired the LHS Crazies,” said Fredenburg. “That is the other thing I really admired about LHS. They always support whatever activity it is. Although we haven’t won our first game yet (the following week LHS defeated Yankton) they have been out supporting us and yelling and screaming and getting loud. I hope that it continues and hopefully we can put a football team out there that can get some W’s and something that they are proud of.”

LHS’ new coach will continue to try and lead LHS to success for the rest of the season and it is evident that he is qualified to do so.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GOOGLE PUBLIC USE

Hello GeneFolio: How Avera is revolutionizing human genetics

BY HANNAH HANSEN

We are living in a world of innovation.

From the creation of self-driving automobiles to the development of facial recognition, change is the prevailing principle that progressively overwhelms our day-to-day lives. The Avera Institute for Human Genetics (AIHG) is no exception in this evolutionary breakthrough, and GeneFolio is already changing the way DNA influences modern medicine.

Where pharmacogenomics meets personalized medicine, GeneFolio is born. A simple yet comprehensive test, GeneFolio utilizes DNA to determine what medication will ensure the best results for a patient. Avera is the first in its region to offer this form of testing, bringing cutting edge technology to the forefront of the genetic field.

“Our goals with pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine are to increase treatment success and reduce adverse events,” said Krista Bohlen, Director of Personalized Pharmaceutical Medicine at AIHG. “GeneFolio is now at a point where an average healthcare consumer can access this technology and innovation to

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AVERA.ORG

Avera introduces a new technique, GeneFolio.

provide additional guidance in medication decisions by their prescriber.”

As unique individuals, our bodies metabolize medications differently. A medication that works for one person may not be as effective on the next, making the process of finding the right treatment that much more time consuming.

“Patients can reach treatment success sooner and avoid the ‘wait and see’ method of trialing new medications,” said Bohlen. “Those who are facing surgery or chronic pain should consider GeneFolio, especially if they do not feel they are responding well to their medication.”

Because metabolism is the key factor in determining how your body reacts to different medications, GeneFolio examines enzymes in the liver to determine what medication will benefit you the most.

“90 percent of medication metabolism takes place in the liver and kidneys, and a large proportion of genes we evaluate are in the liver,” said Bohlen. “Some patients who are poor metabolizers might not get the expected pain relief from some of the most common pain medications.”

Priced at $179, GeneFolio is easily accessible to the common patient. Although GeneFolio is not exclusively targeting high schoolers, this new technology opens doors to remarkable advancements in medicine and our everyday lives.

“Pharmacogenomics is on the leading edge of genomic medicine and something Avera has been advancing for almost a decade,” said Bohlen. “We are excited to offer this test to patients that will serve as a guide for their care in the decades to come.”

10

FEATURE

ENTERTAINMENT

Students look up to their parents

You are not pooping correctly

LHS teachers and their freshmen children C AIDEN C APALDO A new school year at LHS always brings new excitement to the student body. From multiple state championships across the board, to being rated the number one school in the state, there is much to be noticed. However, what some might not be aware of is the astounding number of teachers who have children attending LHS this year.

There are at least 13 pairs of teachers and students who are family at LHS. Although most of these students are freshmen, there are also many sophomores, juniors and one senior whose parents work at LHS. Freshman Taeya Freeman enjoys seeing her mother, English teacher Meghan Anderson-Finch, in the halls of LHS. BY

“Sometimes it’s weird because I have [my mom] for ad room, and then she kind of talks to me like I’m her child and not one of her students, which makes me feel a little bit uncomfortable,” said Freeman.

“If it’s in a casual class like I’d say ad room is, then I’d say it’s not that awkward. But [my favorite quality of her’s is that] she always offers to help her students.”

Many know the AP Environmental Science teacher, Joshua Smith, for his kind-hearted attitude and love of the sciences.

However, not nearly as many people know about his freshman son Luke Smith. Besides church sponsored activities, the Smiths enjoy being a father-son duo on the football field. So far, the team has 6-1, which

goes to speak of the efficiency of the Smith family.

“I think it’s great [having my dad teach] because he can always help me with anything, and he’s always around if I need help with something,” said Luke Smith. “He’s always willing to help people and he’s a very energetic teacher.”

Counselor Becky Thomas has a reputation for bearing a chipper and eager-to-help personality. She tends to go above and beyond when it comes to caring for her students, and generally can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Her son, Trey Thomas, who is a sophomore at LHS, believes the same.

“Every day I see my mom in the hallways looking for me all the time just to say hi, so that’s pretty awesome [...] plus my

19

BY LILY

mom is a counselor so most of my teachers [already] knew me,” said Trey Thomas. “She is funny, she’s kind [and] she shows respect to me.”

Popular culture tends to dictate that family is not as important as most make it out to be. Even with this saddening truth, it is encouraging to see so many positive words about other family members within the classrooms of LHS. A lot of students say destructive things about their parents, yet every one of these students had uplifting statements to say. Perhaps everyone can learn that speaking truth into others’ lives truly does make the world a brighter and better place.

Match the teachers with their kids!

BECKER Since birth, each one of us was raised to sit on the pot when we need to go number one or two. However, we rarely think about how we poop, but maybe we should. Normally, people sit on the toilet with their feet touching the ground, but what they do not know is that they are doing it all wrong.

When it comes to pooping, four to 10 million Americans have chronic constipation because our bodies were not made to plainly sit on a toilet. Rather, we are designed to squat. It is understandable that squatting on a toilet does not sound safe or necessarily enjoyable.

Thankfully, a company named “Squatty Potty” solved that problem by providing a more beneficial, safe and loving experience while everyone poops.

“Squatty Potty” is a toilet stool that allows the knees to come towards your chest for a healthier and more comfortable way of disposing of build-up.

Another reason why “Squatty Potty” is so effective: it decreases the chance of receiving colon disease and often helps maintain good colon health by pooping

at a diagonal- which also helps women urinate more efficiently and also prevents infections.

The “Squatty Potty” is not perfect.

First of all, the “Squatty Potty” is almost $25 bucks for their original stool. If the original version of “Squatty Potty” is too bland, there is a even more expensive and exciting version called “SquattyPottymus,” which is a plastic hippopotamus made into a stool. In this day and age it is important to save money. Luckily, with bad there comes good. A plus is that it does not have to be just from the company “Squatty Potty.” Anyone can use a garbage can, laundry basket or even a stack of magazines.

As long as you use the technique of squatting while pooping, your health, experience and time will not be wasted.

Everyone must relearn one of the first things they learned. Do not be alarmed to lift the knees and feet up because as long as everyone learns to sit, elevate and eliminate, our school, country and world will learn how to poop correctly one stool at a time.

You know you live in Sioux Falls if...

• YOU

ALWAYS SAY

“OPE”

IF

YOU ARE IN AN AWKWARD SITUATION.

• YOU

ARE AWARE OF THE BI-

KINI LADY THAT WALKS DOWN

CLIFF AVE. • YOU

KNOW NOT TO GET

PULLED OVER BY THE BALD MOTORCYCLE COP.

• YOU ONLY KNOW TWO SEASONS, WINTER AND CONSTRUCTION. • YOU GO TO THE FALLS WHEN YOU CANNOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE TO DO.

Think you solved it? Check your answers at lhsstatesman.com!

• YOU

CLIFF AVE. SHOULD NOT BE 30 MPH.

• YOU

THINK

SEE

DRIVING.

• IT

SNOWS

14

YEAR OLDS

7 IN.

AND YOU

HOPE TO, AT LEAST, GET A LATE START.

• JAZZ FEST AND THE FAIR ARE YOUR COACHELLAS. PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Any household item can be used in place of a “Squatty Potty,” including a box. The “Squatty Potty” has been shipped to customers in all 50 states and many other countries. It can be purchased on Amazon for $18.74.

PHOTOS BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

• YOU HAVE BEEN TO A PARTY IN A SHED.

18

ENTERTAINMENT

LHS theater department unravels mystery in ‘Buried Child’

BY TIMOTHY

STOLP Annually at LHS, the theater department puts on a sinister production, and this year’s show is no exception.

This fall’s play “Buried Child” is sure to leave every audience member in shock with its wicked twists and turns made by a quirky ensemble of characters. Written

by Sam Shepard, who is considered to be one of the greatest American playwrights, the script is renowned and Pulitzer prize winning. The LHS staff and tech crew members are going to work hard to put every last detail in place as actors join forces to put on a performance that is certain to stick in viewers’ minds. LHS will shine as it takes on this challenging drama.

“It’s Stephen King meets the Walton’s,” said director Lance DeRoos. “It’s delightfully creepy, and I think that audiences will especially appreciate that aspect.”

PHOTO BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

Tristan Hier (11), Noah Kutter (12) and Makhiya Highstrom (10) prepare for their fall production, “Buried Child.”

DeRoos is confident that LHS is ready to tackle this elite theatrical presentation.

“I’ve wanted to do this production for quite some time,” said DeRoos. “With our current personnel and group of kids, I feel like we can put together a performance that is a lot of fun for audiences and looks outstanding

on college resumes for students.”

The story is about an interesting family from a small town in the middle of nowhere. The grandson of the patriarch, Vince, makes his way back home for a visit and for some reason, the entire family acts like they do not recognize him. Dodge, the grandfather, is a stoic man with a

clear underlying sense of mystery surrounding him. As the play goes on, viewers will start to wonder who is telling the truth and whose words they can trust.

LHS junior Ella Olsen will be a part of the team pulling it all off and she has some more insight into the details of the characters in the show.

“Shelly, Vince’s girlfriend meets his family,” said Olsen. “As soon as they arrive, she gets wrapped up in the mystery and acts as an audience proxy.”

Olsen shares similar feelings with DeRoos about how audiences will react to “Buried Child.”

“The show, for the most, part is dark and gritty,” said Olsen. “But it can have its moments of great humor because the characters are so quirky and intriguing.”

As the curtains rise on another season of LHS theater, spectators will not want to miss out on another fantastic debut.

Netflix adds commercials: Is this the end of the world?

G AGE G RAMLICK , EDITOR - IN - CHIEF We are all doomed; Netflix will be implementing three twominute commercials in each program under 30 minutes and doubling that number for hour long programs.

Many do not know if life is worth living anymore. One LHS student feels that this is the end of student life as we know it.

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Marcus Johnson. “I mean Netflix was my life, and now what? I’ll study? Yeah right.”

Others at LHS feel that Netflix’s choice is a sign that we, as a society, are backsliding.

“If we look at history, these commercials are indicative of societal collapse,” said Martha Caringser, LHS self-proclaimed history buff. “No, I haven’t ever taken a history class, but I have grandparents. Gratend [I think she meant granted], they’re dead, but still, history tells us that when the entertainment sector falls, polio makes a comeback. That’s a fact.”

Of course, this decision affects more than just students. Adults and children alike fear for the future.

“I made the choice to birth children knowing that I would have Netflix uninterrupted,” said BY

Steffanie Stockelberg, mother of three. “Without Netflix, I don’t want my children. I really just don’t, and I don’t see why anyone would. Honestly, they’re little sh*ts.”

Stockelberg is not alone.

According to a recent survey by Gallup Poll, 87 percent of parents no longer want their children.

of course, wouldn’t know.”

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, unfortunately, was unavailable for comment, as her contract only allows her to speak once per presidential term.

The Statesman recently had the opportunity to chat with Wilmot Hastings, owner of Netflix.

“I really don’t care what people think about anything,” said Hastings. “I like money, not people.

I can buy people’s love with enough money, so do the math. No- but seriously, I think people will tolerate these commercials because most people’s lives are empty, and Netflix fills the time while they wait for death to come.”

Many are curious as to what type of commercials will be airing on Netflix, and whether or not there will be an option to pay for the ability to skip the advertisements.

“As you know, our decision to add commercials is causing World War Three,” said Hastings. “So, a lot of our ads will likely be funded by Russian propagandists and the U.S. government.

Interestingly, the checks for both have been coming from the same place. And no, you can’t skip the commercials. Don’t even ask.”

EnGage In response to a significant increase in “Netflicked” children (children who have been abandoned by their parents due to the Netflix crisis), the U.S. government is setting up an institution to foster these displaced youth.

“Even the dust bowl wasn’t this bad,” said Sean Spicer in an interview with CNN. “Sure, the dust bowl was bad, but this is really bad. Like bad bad. When I was fired, I felt sick. This makes me feel terminally ill. Like I have dust in my lungs or something.

It’s just really… bad. As far as the children, I think POTUS is buying tents or something, but I,

Welcome to the first installment of EnGage, a column. The goal of EnGage is to entertain, inspire and educate: To engage. Often, the stories will be satirical, as the above is. However, they will occasionally be serious. Pay attention to the disclaimers, and, as always, please do not sue the Statesman. Thank you.

12

OP/ED

Once apon a time, there was a baby named... Get off your phones and actually talk to each other BY

BRITA QUELLO, STAFF WRITER

Celebrities are getting creative as they name their very well-known children. Rumi, Sir, Blue Ivy, North and Saint are just some of the unique celebrity baby names that are being debated. Twitter polls and various opinions cannot solve this extremely important issue, so we took it upon ourselves to straighten out this crisis.

“The names are very different and somewhat majestic,” said expert sophomore, Easton Plourde.

“Although, as the years go on, they are getting more creative, but it seems as though they may be running out of ideas. For example, Kim Kardashian’s kid is named North, and has no middle name. Like what? But I can somewhat relate to North’s pain because my name is Easton, and East is in my name. But overall, all the names have a unique aura.”

After listening to Plourde’s wise words, one may have a better grasp on this life or death situation. For example, Beyoncé named her three children Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir; she can pull off anything she desires. This angel sent from heaven has 106.7 million follow-

ers on Instagram, is the queen of this age: every young lad looks up to her and her music and passion speaks to mankind. With this social hierarchy where you can pull off anything, who are we to talk? She could name another kid Mickey Mouse and people would do the same.

“For sure the most beautiful queen, herself, can pull it off,” said Plourde. “She can pull anything off, who am I to judge Queen Bey? And obviously when you are as successful as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, you might as well go all out on the kid’s names.”

We can all agree with Plourde on this one. We may not vibe with the names, but it is Queen Bey; she can do whatever she wants.

Not to mention, her kids are already succeeding in the fashion and fame; Blue Ivy is hitting the 5 year old mark, and the twins are just three months old. The first three months of my life I was for sure not one of the top Google searches. I was sleeping all day and did not even know my own name.

Hopefully, this helps direct one’s constant debating and now, you may end each day in peace and not in constant stress due to this topic. #LiveLoveQueenBey’sKids “If I were a celebrity,” said Plourde, “my kids name would be Gastavo Meirdo the 27th.”

DEKKENGA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

iGen, the generation we’re all a part of, seems to be overloaded by technology. For goodness sakes, we are called iGen, a play on Apple’s iProducts: iPhone, iPad, iPod. But being overloaded with technology is just the cause of our problem. Our real problem is having relationships centered around and started by technology.

Take a look at a typical high school relationship from the ‘60s: Guy meets girl.

Guy asks girl out on date.

Girl and guy get to know each other.

Guy asks girl to go steady.

Guy and girl are now dating.

Now let’s look at a typical high school relationship from today: Guy adds girl on Snapchat.

Guy and girl become mutual

River Rocket Audio Science Jagger Snow Rainbow Aurora North West Rocket Zot CREATED BY TIM STOLP

best friends on Snapchat and get the yellow heart emoji.

Guy asks for girl’s number.

Guy asks girl on date.

Guy and girl go on date and sit on their phones the whole time to avoid awkwardness.

Guy and girl are now dating.

Dating has changed so much and it doesn’t seem for the better.

Because of our handy dandy smartphones and the ease of using Snapchat, it is too easy to hide behind a screen and get to know someone. There is no longer a need to meet face to face and the “awkward” stages of getting to know your special someone are bypassed.

However, today, if a guy were to ask a girl he doesn’t know on a date just to get to know her, she would easily say no- it seems kind of creepy.

So how do we find the middle ground?

We should start off with the technology route and texting to get to know each other slightly. It would be nice to get past the awkward stages.

Then go out on a date and talk face to face with *gasp* no phones.

Get off your phone and actually get to know someone’s real personality instead of the person they want you to think they are.

Bathroom passes: A death sentence to your health BY

HANNAH HANSEN, STAFF WRITER

Disclaimer: This story is just for kicks and giggles.

Please do not sue; it’s just a little humor.

Examples of crazy celeb baby names: • • • • • •

BY LUCY

It is fifth period, and you just cannot bear to hold it in any longer - even if it means you are creating your own death sentence.

The inconvenient passes teachers have that allow you to use the restroom are overlooked. As a self-proclaimed germaphobe, the idea of sharing a pass with the entire student body is revolting in itself.

Hauling a pass to the bathroom is awkward and cumbersome. Where am I supposed to

put the pass? On the ground?

Hold it the entire time? Madness, I tell you. Madness.

A study performed at Michigan State University said only five percent of people routinely wash their hands after using the restroom. The germs that cumulate over the school have now marked their territory on you.

Oh, the joys of high school.

I understand these passes are easily identified by LHS staff as bathroom passes, but is the ability to single out what a pass is for worth the distribution of germs from student to student?

Maybe my opinion is an aberration from what a typical LHS bathroom user believes, but either way, you will not find me in the bathroom fifth period.

ENTERTAINMENT

17

Katie Osmundson, 11

Tim Stolp, 10

Landon DeBoer, 10

“For the price and quality, I believe that Cluckin’ Good is the top choice of the three. Slim Chickens was a close second because of the atmosphere, but it lacked in flavor. My third choice would be Hy-Vee. Unfortunately, while the eating space is convenient and friendly, the chicken was less than great. Hy-Vee is a quick place to head for open lunch, but I don’t think I’d be getting the chicken there again.”

“Cluckin’ Good is definitely the most worth it. The service was fast, friendly and the chicken was amazing. I loved the breading and how tender the chicken was.

My second choice is Slim Chickens because of the price and the sides - I really liked the toast- which puts Hy-Vee’s chicken last. It was not necessarily bad. I just felt that the breading was overwhelming compared to the amount of chicken. It also costs more than the other two, so I don’t think Hy-Vee is worth it.”

“The most worth it place that we stopped at for the quality and value was Cluckin’ Good Chicken. It had a friendly atmosphere and didn’t rush you to order.

My second favorite was Slim Chickens because it’s fast and easy. Hy-Vee came last because it seemed like the chicken had been sitting for a while, but I still enjoyed the breading.”

Most worth it fried chicken: Cluckin’ Good

Congrats Boys Soccer State AA Champs!

16

Statesbuds: BY

OP/ED

ENTERTAINMENT

Chicken Edition

13

Twitter: A platform for love, a platform for hate

BY

SUMMER ERICSON, OP-ED EDITOR

KATIE OSMUNDSON

You cannot go wrong with fried chicken, but some chicken is much better than others. To save you all some time and money, Landon, Tim and I spent a Saturday afternoon trying three of the different chicken places around Sioux Falls. We focused on restaurants close to LHS and tried to stay within a high schooler’s price range, though they were all at different price levels. We then rated the chicken and decided what was the most worth it.

Rating:

Slim Chickens- $6.99 Three chicken tenders, fries Slim Chickens is located on Minnesota Ave. and it was the least expensive of the three restaurants that we went to. The restaurant has a hipster vibe to it, with loud music playing and guitars lining the walls. We first noticed how loud it was, which is why we opted to sit outside on their patio. The service was fast and friendly and the chicken was good. Compared to the other chicken that we tried Slim Chickens does not have as much seasoning, but there is a large array of dipping sauces to choose from.

Rating:

Cluckin’ Good-$9.25 Leg, Wing, Thigh, a roll, two sides When Bob’s Chicken moved, it not only changed owners, but it also changed its name. Cluckin’ Good Chicken and BBQ is located on East 10th street and has the same chicken that Sioux Falls residents grew to love at Bob’s Chicken. The service there was friendly and helpful, not rushing us to order as we perused the menu. The restaurant was smaller than Slim Chickens but had a much more relaxed atmosphere.

One of our favorite parts of it was that they had clear dividers on the counter between you and the kitchen so you can see your chicken being made. Our chicken came out fast and was the perfect temperature. The breading was light and flakey and the chicken fell off the bone. The location is one of the main downfalls of Cluckin’ Good; as it is closer to WHS than it is to LHS.

Rating:

Hy-Vee-$9.99 Three pieces of chicken, two sides Hy-Vee was our last stop and the most expensive. It is difficult to rate the atmosphere of a grocery store, but the dining area was clean and comfortable. It is a great place to people watch and is in a good location for students dining out for open lunch. The chicken, unfortunately, was not as great. It was clear the chicken had been sitting out for a while, which would explain why it did not have the satisfying crunch that fried chicken is known for. The seasoning was the best part of the chicken, as you could see the pepper flakes in the breading. The service was friendly and prompt, but next time we eat at Hy-Vee we might choose a different type of food.

PHOTOS BY KATIE OSMUNDSON

I first created a Twitter account when I was in middle school. At the time, I used it for very few reasons: To watch funny videos of puppies or to favorite stupid memes. Although my motive for using Twitter hasn’t changed (I still like watching videos of puppies and finding memes), Twitter has developed into a platform for acceptance and hate.

Geography of Hate, a project

by Humboldt State University students, analyzed tweets that had any “negative” or “derogatory” demeanor to them and automatically categorized them as

“hate tweets.” Every one of these tweets was then checked by students to determine if they would truly classify as “hate tweets.”

Students then further investigated these tweets by creating a map that geotagged where each one of the “hate tweets” originated from. The results were astonishing. According to the project, over 150,000 tweets were considered “negative hate tweets.”

Certain hate words had a spatial distribution, like a derogatory slur for Latinx people that was mainly located in the Southern Texas area. Sadly, many of the hate words were not just confined to a certain area; they were scattered across the country, meaning that many different areas of the U.S. had a high percentage of tweets involving the words.

To me, this geotag project does not say much about who are tweeting hateful comments and where these people are.

It is the overall fact that there are 150,000 tweets and count-

ing that are intentionally racist, homophobic or sexist. Social media is not merely a place to share how your day was or what activities were involved in it. It has become a place where people have normalized the behavior of bullying, hate and violence. “[Social media] has become a place where people have normalized the behavior of bullying, hate and violence.”

In fact, the President of the U.S. has weighed in on some of the violent, hateful tweets.

He recently tweeted a meme of him playing golf. The golf ball proceeded to a video of a figure that looks like Hillary Clinton falling over from the golf ball hitting her head. Although this was meant to be a joke, it is a perfect example of a violent tweet where the violence is ignored because it is just a “funny tweet.” Also, likely because it was

tweeted by the President himself.

Other well-known figures have also contributed to hate on Twitter. 50 cent tweeted saying he “does not want any special need children following him,” on his timeline.

But Twitter can be home to some very positive, heartwarming ideas and opinions.

Michelle Obama has made her mark on the Twitter world with many encouraging comments.

"I want to hear about your lives.

I want to hear about your hopes and dreams. #LetGirlsLearn,” a tweet by Obama to girls in Cuba.

The difference between the two tweets is substantial. Jokes are perfectly acceptable on Twitter, but when violence and hate are involved, the whole objective changes. The place where people of all ages could go to enjoy and express themselves turns into a place where hate and violence are constantly normalized.

Apps: Useful or mind-numbing; the choice is yours

BY

CATHLEEN WENG, STAFF WRITER

Apps: they keep us updated on what our friends are doing, give us directions and store a lot of information in one tiny, compacted place.

With apps, the entire world is at our fingertips.

Apps are certainly useful.

With smartphones, we have calculators, clocks, the weather, calendars and the news all in our back pockets. They help us keep in contact with far away friends and family members, entertain us, make organization easier and even enhance the learning process.

In fact, there are entire sections of the iTunes app store dedicated to education, business, productivity, health and fitness and even for medical purposes. In the education category, there are apps like Duolingo, to help people learn languages, or Pixel, an app that teaches computer science. Socratic: Math & Homework Help, is an app that helps answer homework questions by pulling up explanatory videos that guide the user to the answer. The reviews for Socratic all agree that it cuts down on homework time and drives up efficiency, as well as promising that the app does not flat out give the user the answers, but guides them through the problems step by step to help them learn the process.

However, there are also negatives to having apps.

According to Statista, a website that logs statistics, the larg-

est amount of app downloads (from the App Store) are in the games category, ranking in at about 25 percent of all app downloads. The second and third most popular categories are business and education but they only make up about 10 percent of all app downloads, respectively. Still, this does not consider the fact that while many education apps are versatile in their function.

Games have a very singular focus. A person may only need one Google Classroom app to keep track of all of their assignments. However, they may want a few different types of games that all have different objectives.

It is not just useful on the student’s end, either. Many teachers have started to allow students to use their phones to play kahoot or quizlet.live in order to review before tests.

Truthfully, many apps do cause distractions where people were not distracted before. The people who argue this have a point. Our focus fades with the introduction of new addicting, mindless games and the constant stream of cat videos.

With that, though, also comes educational videos and apps that have a useful purpose.

In the end, it all depends on the consumer. Apps can be harmful and time wasting, but there are many that it now seems unnecessary to live without. Apps can be used for good or evil; the choice is on the user.

“With apps, the entire world is at our fingertips.”

BY

SOMER LUITJENS

The LHS volleyball team has an undeniable chemistry that nothing can break. The team spends every day together, from the beginning of summer all the way to the end of fall, and they love every second of it.

The team started their season by dedicating their early summer mornings to weightlifting and conditioning. Many players on the team believe that the early morning lifting brought the team closer together and better prepared them for the season.

“Summer lifting really gave us a chance to get to know each other before [the] season,” said senior Emily Anderson. “It also really helped create bonds that will last through the season.”

Not only did the summer activities help create a strong chemistry between the girls on the team, but they also spend a lot of time together outside of volleyball. Each one of these ese girls knows each other on a higher level than most. Being such close friends off the court has led them to be even better teammates on the court “I think we are the most bonded sport because we have so much fun together and trust each other with everything,” said senior Allie Engel. “We aren’t afraid to be goofy and sillyy around each other. I mean we literally spend 24/7 with each other.”

As of now, the team is ranked 7th in state and are trying their best to work their way up.

Throughout their season, the LHS volleyball team spends every day getting better. Their Th i love l for each other helps make the sport they play more than just a game.

“My favorite part about being a part of the volleyball team is getting to play beside my best friends,” said sophomore Annika Joyce.

The LHS volleyball team spends over three months getting to know each other and forming incredibly strong bonds that cannot be broken. Through their shared love for the game and their love for each other, they become more than jjust a team. They are a family.

BY

BY MOLLY FARIS It is evident that the LHS March hing Band is extremely talented considering thatt they are unofficially the best band in the statte of SD. Many hours of practice, dedication and nd team bonding are put in for them to be victorious. v mplish LHS is home to one of the largesst bands in the Midwest. The success they accomplish does not come on its own. Not onlyy do they have to practice for it, but they must spend time together to create a strong bon nd. kayla “Our biggest event where bondin ng occurs is at our Spat Camp,” said junior Mikayla Carlson. “We rehearse six days a weeek for about eight to nine hours at a time. Not only are we learning this big show together, but we are also learning how to work as a team and how ething that to work with the people in your secction. It is really great when you can build something feels so big to you and your section that you created by yourself.”

Team bonding allows the team too get to know each other and trust each other on and off the field which ultimately affects theeir performance. “[Team bonding] helps with trusst because if you do not trust each other, music and drill ourself out is going to get messed up,” said Carrlson. “You have to [have] a lot of trust to put yourself there in a situation that is uncomforrtable.” ol year to The LHS Marching Band spendss countless hours during the summer and school create a bond that cannot be broken n. Members consider the band a second family because of how much time they spend together. arlson.

“I consider my section a family and a I consider the whole band a family,” said Carlson. nment.”

“Everyone is supportive to each oth her and everybody cares, which is a great environment.”

CAIDEN CAPALDO

Golf has stereotypically been looked at as a boring sport. Disc Golf, however, has captivated LHS students who like golf but want a bit more of a thrill. Throughout the last four weeks, students have enjoyed the newly-founded Disc Golf club.

Founded by senior Miles Hoy on Sept. 8 of this year, the club attracts many students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Altogether, the atmosphere of the club is very inviting and laid-back yet competitive at the same time. Some would argue that Hoy is the factor that makes the club more like a family.

“I wanted to start the club because I enjoyed disc golfing and had a few friends who were intereste interested e in it,” said Hoy. “Basically, we’ve got people who are good at the sport and not so go good oood at the sport to come together. We just want to make sure everyone is included and d has a good time. Obviously, if your team works better together, you always do better.”

The club h has high hopes for the coming year, planning to compete against other Sioux Falls sc schools. cchools. Once this routine begins, the club plans to practice twice a week instead of jus just sst once, which will ultimately bring the club closer together.

“Disc golff club is a fun way to get a bunch of people who enjoy going out [to] disc golf and the great outdoors together,” said junior Tyler Hylland. “My favorite part is getting my butt kicked every week by Miles Hoy and of course, just playing the D1 sport.”

The disc golf club has only been in action for a few weeks, and they already have created an unbreakable bond.

“We are all really close and know each other really well. [I love to] be around my friends and do something that we all love and are decently good at. I also love kicking Jaden and Tyler’s butts weekly,” said Hoy.

PHOTO BY ANNA DEKKENGA AND RILEY RASMUSSEN