March Issue 2025 by LHS Statesman

photo by Mason Dean

5 Phillips to the Falls: Fulfilling

Paper Editors-In-Chief: Eloise Geraets, Lucas Hiatt, Naomi Jespersen, Josie Tollinger

Online Editors-In-Chief: Vivian Kiesow-Knudsen, Leah Mannes, Grace Miner

News Editors: Ellie Quinn

Feature Editors: Mason Dean, Joseph Tunge & Elysse Weber

Entertainment Editors: Lily Gruber & Bobby Parker

Sports Editors: James Plorde & Cooper Schultz

Perspectives Editors: Laila Miller & Nadia Schneider

Social Media Coordinator: Stella Sonnichsen

Staff Writers: Abby Anderson, Sam Barnett, Ellie Boehrns, Syri Castilleja, Khloe Dillman, Kinsley Ernster, Griffin Etrheim, Will Hansen, Julia Hedrick, Lucy Hennies, Ruby Hennies, Ashlyn Hoffman, Quinton Hollan, Hudson Holman, Bethany Jespersen, Berkeley Newell, John Quello, Alonso Ramirez, Maddox Raph, Trey Raph, Addison Remme, Emerson Roberston, Logan Sanborn, Selah Seymour, Porter Stangeland, Chris Tao, Dena Tarrell, Adie Theophilus, Jacob Wessels, Bethel Woche, JD Yunag

BOOKS AND PAYCHECKS: LHS SENIORS BALANCE WORK AND SCHOOL PHILLIPS TO THE FALLS: FULFILLING

by Joseph Tunge

The final year of high school brings more than just graduation prep, it is also a chance to get started in the workforce. With class schedules often reduced to just a few periods a day, the afternoon becomes a chance to start gaining hands-on experience and a paycheck. While balancing school, work and extracurricular activities is no easy feat, the benefits extend far beyond financial gain.

Sawyer Abbott spends his mornings in school and his afternoons immersed in the world of men’s fashion. After finishing his three morning classes he heads to Halberstadt’s where he usually works from 1 p.m. until close. Though he is dedicated to joining the Marine Corps after graduating, Abbott has found an unexpected passion at his current job.

“The world of men’s clothing is really fascinating,” said Abbott. “It sounds boring to some people, but there’s so much involved with it and it’s just amazing.”

At Halberstadt’s, Abbott is learning more than

fashion, he is mastering the art of sales.

“You’ve got to sell what people need, but also what they don’t know they need,” said Abbott.

Since starting the job as a junior, Abbott developed confidence as a salesman but also shaped a vision for his future beyond the military.

“Me and my buddy, (Demere Casarevik), who was a senior last year with me in JROTC, both worked at Halberstadt. We saw everything that goes into a business and what it takes and we both really found it interesting. Our plan 10 years from now is to open up our own place,” said Abbott.

For Keiton Burns, balancing high school with a job is a juggling act. He manages three dual-credit college courses while working two jobs.

One at Target, where he has worked since junior year and a newer role at a flooring company.

Altogether, he puts in around 30 hours per week while still finding time for youth group and personal life. Burns sees value in the experience, even if his current jobs are not directly related to his

future career.

“You get your W2s, your weekly payments and you have to calculate your money, your income, even it out with what you spend on gas and other things,” said Burns. “Just a few days ago I took a car loan out so I could get the car I’ve been looking at.”

However, the workload has not come without its challenges. With so many commitments, Burns began falling behind in his dual-credit online classes. He had to develop new habits and a structured routine to keep up.

“I put some dedicated time into the three classes to get them figured out. I got a daily planner just to get things written out,” said Burns.

Juggling 30-plus hours per week of work on top of school is not for everyone. But for Abbott and Burns, the experience has taught them time management, professional skills and the importance of adapting to real-world challenges. By embracing both school and work, these LHS seniors are not just earning paychecks, they are gaining a head start on their futures.

by Lucas hiaTT

In 2004, then Sioux Falls Mayor, Dave Munson, expressed his desire to “restore the natural beauty of our city’s most historic and important landmark.”

A LONG-STANDING VISION FOR DTSF

Mayor, Paul TenHaken.

perfect fit.

As the decades have passed since this vision was initially inscribed on a historical marker on the north Phillips Avenue entrance to Falls Park, the city has expanded closer and closer to the beautiful landmark that is the city’s namesake. The recent development of the Steel District has honored the area’s beauty by creating a draw to the north Phillips Avenue area of downtown Sioux Falls.

“The city itself is named after the Falls of the Big Sioux River, so we have a real duty to protect the falls, make sure it remains one of our top attractions in the city,” said Sioux Falls

The Sioux Falls Steel District is a tourist destination with new restaurants, shops and office spaces. In addition to the established businesses within the district, there are additional empty spaces for lease to local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. With spaces for parking, staying and dining, the Steel District is a reason to bring Sioux Falls residents closer to Falls Park and the beauty of the park that has felt disconnected from downtown Sioux Falls in the past.

“The steel district is gonna activate a space of our community that was never active before,” said TenHaken.

This new development is bridging a gap between the historical significance of industry in the city’s past with the present-

day tourist attraction of what Downtown Sioux Falls offers. While Sioux Steel is a company that has existed in the city for over a century, the city has changed drastically from being focused on industry. What is now the Levitt and Jacobson Plaza was once used as a salvage yard which is indicative of the city’s shift from a focus on industry to a focus on leisure and tourism. Therefore, the Steel District project is historically significant in its tribute to the economic changes in Sioux Falls. While the length of the project may have seemed drawn out to Sioux Falls residents, the realized project is very high quality. The length of the project may be attributed to the private development approach. However, the building of the Steel District was only made possible through the Public-Private partnership between the city of Sioux Falls and Lloyd Companies. Lloyd Companies was able to cut the cost of construction through a tax increment financing agreement with the city, allocating funds toward the construction instead of burdening the private company with a tax bill. In this way, Lloyd Companies

could effectively finish the project’s building.

“I’m really proud of how this ended up,” said TenHaken. “I think when you take things slowly and intentionally, you end up with really great results and I think the steel district is a really great example of the private sector working with the government sector to create what you see there.”

With more projects on the way and an approaching summer season that will create more traffic in the Downtown area, the Steel District will serve as a thriving area of Sioux Falls for residents and tourists to spend extended periods of time. North of the Steel District is Jacobson Plaza which will contain a playground, ice ribbon, dog park and more. Throughout the year, this plaza will allow visitors to spend hours experiencing the beautiful area near Falls Park, drawing in business to the surrounding Steel District area.

“It’s not just a quick hit location, but more of a destination where people can spend time there experiencing shopping, dining, parks, assets and just togetherness,” said TenHaken.

Sawyer Abbott approaches his shift with confidence, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit.

Sawyer Abbott ensures the store stays polished by folding ties, organizing suits and measuring customers to help them find the

Keiton Burns is hard at work installing flooring for a townhome complex in northwest Sioux Falls.

A view into the Steel District’s main road which gives street access to Dahlia, Big Sioux Burger and other vacant business places.

by LaiLa MiLLer & Grace Miner, editor-in-chief

Interpreting literature means analyzing text with a pencil in hand and later discussing findings with others. However, for students on the Oral Interp team at LHS, interpreting literature goes farther than pencil and paper. It means adding voice, character and personality to the text through acting it out for others.

This year the team has had abundant success, placing in every weekly tournament they have competed in so far. The season is from October to February, and it is split into two separate seasons. The first is from October to December, culminating in a state tournament. This year it was in Sturgis, SD and the group earned the team excellence award, representing their hard work paying off. Their season then continues until February, when they compete to qualify for nationals, which is in Des Moines, Iowa this year.

While the team has had great success this year, Becic is hopes to continue to grow the team and start an Oral Interp class started at LHS to spark passion in students for the activity and spread awareness for what it entails. Students can choose if the class would count as a fine arts elective or an English elective, both of which are required to graduate. If the class meets the required 15 students to sign up for it, it will be an official class at LHS next year.

“I’m trying to get a class going because technically Interp is also a class, I just need enough people to sign up for it. I’ve been advertising a lot because I think if I can get a class going and if I can teach a class, people would realize what it is,” said Becic.

In addition to the growth goals Becic has, Jackson Klawonn, a senior at LHS, aims to see more student support for Oral Interp at LHS. Klawonn started the activity when his mom, an English teacher at LHS, recommended it to him, as she knew of Klawonn’s passion for theater and acting. He is now in his third year on the team.

“I just wish we had more support for the group, because everyone goes and watches the football games and the volleyball games, but no one really knows about Oral Interp,” said Klawonn.

Kaci Buckneberg (Poetry,

This year is junior Kaci Buckneburg’s first year competing in Oral Interp. She had been wanting to join Oral Interp for a while, but at her old school in Sturgis, SD, Oral Interp was more strict than at LHS, so she has greatly appreciated the flexibility Becic offers. After talking it through with her counselor and Becic, Buckneburg decided to get involved.

Like many others, Buckneburg initially struggled with a fear of public speaking. Luckily, the community from Oral Interp allowed her to overcome this fear and have an outlet to express herself. By joining the team, she has made lifelong friends that provide her with a safe environment.

A typical competition includes three prelim rounds, which means each participant has to perform their piece three different times. Then the top six move on to finals, where they perform their piece again, which then concludes with an award ceremony. Each competition can last around seven hours, resulting in a long day but also endless memories with teammates. Oral Interp participants can choose to compete in a variety of categories, including humor, duo, drama and poetry.

The team’s success is the result of months of hard work and preparation. Starting in October students chose a published piece of literature that they will work with for the entire season. As the coach, Mia Becic, a science teacher at LHS, helps students prepare and guides them to create the best pieces possible through leading meetings and consistent constructive feedback. She also offers students flexibility, not mandating attendance to all practices or tournaments and working around students’ busy schedules.

“I make sure that they have a script that is legal and then I help them cut the piece down to the required time. I’ll help them also put better emotions to it or better blocking to it,” said Becic.

“We are constantly tweaking and trying to make it better. Ways that we do that - I make them run through it a bunch and we’ll sit there and watch, and we can tell them some constructive feedback about what they can maybe change so that way it can be better.”

The advice and knowledge Becic provides her students comes from almost 10 years of Oral Interp experience. With an incredible passion for the activity and a desire to grow the program, Becic is a major reason for the team’s success this year.

“When I was in high school, I competed in Interp, from when I was a freshman to a senior so that’s my four years of experience. Once I left high school as a college student I would come back and judge all the time. Last year when the other coach resigned, I was like you know what, I can take my own team,” said Becic.

“My favorite aspect of Oral Interp would have to be the team [and] bonding with those people. It’s really fun to interact with them and go through the same things, and it is really nervewracking to get up and speak in front of people from multiple different times, so being able to talk to certain people about the fear of public speaking is pretty great,” said Buckneburg.

Lastly, Becic notes the positive benefits of Oral Interp. It improves students’ confidence, public speaking skills and creativity. Furthermore, students only perform in front of a judge and a few other students, providing them with a good introduction to public speaking and helping them overcome their initial fear.

“The activity itself is so beneficial. It teaches really good leadership skills. You’re going to walk out of there feeling really confident about your public speaking skills too, because it’s a really nice, safe, lowkey space to test it out too,” said Becic. “There’s been just incredible people that have come from Oral Interp, like Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt [and] Jared Padalecki.”

As a part of the team, both Klawonn and Buckneburg believe Oral Interp is a great program that everyone should consider, despite how scary, time-consuming or difficult it may seem. It offers a place for anyone and everyone.

“I think anybody can do [Oral Interp] regardless of if they think they’re a good actor or not,” said Buckneburg.

Lauryn Lidel (Drama)

Lauren Huber (Humor, Storytelling & Informative Speaking)

by Alonso RAmiRez & sAm bARnett

LHS was asked the question: “Who is your favorite teacher you have ever had at Lincoln?” and the results have come in.

After numerous responses, LHS students have voted Regan Meyer as the most liked teacher. It was a very close race, and multiple other candidates were within two or three votes of first place, but ultimately Meyer came out on top.

Odds are, if you go to LHS you have encountered Meyer in some way. During first semester, Meyer teaches World Geography, and during second semester, Meyer teaches one of the most popular freshman classes: AP Human Geography. She has six periods of AP HuG this semester, so she is very busy and gets to know a multitude of kids. On top of that, she is also the technical director of the theater department and has helped produce many esteemed LHS musicals and plays.

“Ms. Meyer helps build the props and supervises all the techs. She is very funny and makes good jokes, [she is] always there to brighten my day, “ said Porter Altena, an LHS sophomore and member of the theater department.

Teaching was not Meyer’s original plan for life, though. She was born in Sioux Falls and received a business degree, but found it boring. She then went to culinary school and wanted to become a cook.

“I worked in many kitchens as a cook for a few years before deciding I didn’t want to work 90 hours a week anymore… so I decided to come back to Sioux Falls and get an education degree, and that’s how I ended up here,” said Meyer.

Whether they have had her as a director or teacher, many LHS students remember Meyer as being kind, funny and thoughtful.. Her classroom is known for its warm and welcoming environment and has stayed that way even after she moved to the E-Wing just this year.

Honorable Mentions:

Second place - Christopher Cameron (Chemistry and Real World Science teacher)

Third place tie - Taylor Stacey (Math teacher)

Third place tie - Tyler Fluth (World History teacher)

Third place tie - James Jarovski (Chemistry teacher)

TEACHER?

“She just feels really easy to talk to and you feel safe and comfortable around her...”

said LHS sophomore Maku Adriano. Meyer is also known for going out of her way to make her students feel appreciated. She puts in time and effort to make for certain her students are getting the best treatment and education.

“One time this morning she gave this kid a bagel because he had to take a test really early,” said an anonymous LHS student. The LHS girls’ soccer team also knows Meyer very well as she is one of their most frequent supporters, attending most of their games. Meyer also supports many other LHS activities, attending many games and events.

“I am not a coach of the soccer team, but I am an avid supporter. I love going to games even if they are far away,” said Meyer.

Meyer is not just an amazing person; she is also an amazing teacher. her students consistently score well above the global average for AP Hug, despite LHS only making the class one semester, unlike many schools that make it two.

“My students work very hard, and year after year we perform very well relative to the state and the global averages,” said Meyer.

The amount of kids that Meyer gets to know, and the way she treats them all so kindly, is the reason she won the vote. She is very involved in LHS activities and loves to support her students. Meyer brightens kids’ days and is an amazing example of what a teacher should be: someone who makes their school a better place.

TLC NAILS SPA

902 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, sits a little white building that, at first glance, might just appear as a house. At a closer look, however, one would find that it is actually a nail salon known as TLC Nails Spa. Many LHS students consider this to be their go-to when in need of some pampering. What many do not know is that this place is so much more than your 12 o’clock nail appointment.

by Josie Tollinger, ediTor-in-Chief & elysse Weber

This hotspot started when the owner, Tran Lesnar Chinh, was encouraged by her husband to stop working for other salons and open her own. Chinh wanted to offer her clients the best experience, but her boss often questioned why she would go the extra mile without being asked. After many bad experiences with previous nail salon owners, she knew that when she opened her own one day, the environment she would create would be the opposite.

“When my clients came into my other salon, I knew they would have to drive far so I would get them water and snacks,” said Chinh. “My boss would ask me, ‘Why would you get them water? If they don’t ask, don’t get them any.”

This statement left Chinh in disbelief and led her to think, “If I were to open my own salon, I would have a snack and drink bar for my clients so that they could feel welcome and at home.”

Coming home from work, Chinh would find herself exhausted from the long day and mistreatment. Her husband had told her not to tolerate this and ultimately bought her a space that formerly was a grocery store and massage school. She then turned it into a salon where she thrived doing what she loved in her own, healthy environment.

Starting a business from the ground up is not easy, especially a salon where you need to grow clientele to achieve success. Four years ago, it was only Chinh running the entirety of the salon, until she hired some employees; one of those being Julie Trinh. It was not hard for Trinh to bring in clients as she had multiple connections in Sioux Falls, having grown up around salons her whole life. Trinh is known for her extravagant designs and her ability to efficiently get through many clients a day while leaving each one of them satisfied with their experience.

TLC prides themselves on treating their clients like family. They know almost all their returning clients by name and can often recognize their voices as they are booking an appointment over the phone. If one were to ever go to TLC, they might be surprised by the relationships they have created with their customers; even to the extent of saying ‘I love you, bye!’ as they are leaving their appointment.

Many are attracted to TLC not only for their unique and high quality nails but also their affordability.

“We understand most of our clients are also teens or high schoolers. We like to make it affordable; nails shouldn’t be costing you rent,” said Trinh.

An LHS junior, Finley Arndt, is a frequent customer who can attest to the TLC environment.

“I love that they always have hour-long loops of game shows playing on the big TV. They’re always laughing and joking around with each other; they always remember their returning customers,” said Arndt.

The whole work staff is more than just coworkers. They always have a smile on their faces when they are accompanied by each other and make it their goal to help one another; whether that be giving their honest opinion or teaching their techniques- and that is exactly what Chinh dreamed of at the beginning. They not only leave customers in a good mood but also with good nails. Unlike many salons that try to get customers in and out, TLC is patient and takes their time with each one of their clients.

“We treat you like family; we like to treat our clients like family. Everybody who comes in here gets a homey vibe,” said Trinh.

Chinh likes to say that TLC can stand for one of two things: her name, (Tran Lesnar Chinh) or Tender-Loving-Care. Her customers feel as though that is exactly what they receive when they walk into that little white house on 902 W 22nd St.

(left) Valentine’s day nails done by Julie Trinh. (middle) One of TLC’s frequent clients

(left) Valentine’s day nails done by Julie Trinh.

(middle) One of TLC’s frequent clients getting her nails done by Chinh.

(right) Intricate gold design done by Trinh.

by ViVian Kiesow-Knudsen, editor-in-Chief & nadia sChneider

orchestra I’ve ever had,” said Dr. Chiarello. “We bring the best kids, and in bringing the best kids, we bring the kids who want to learn the

here’s a lot of things that I do that I might not get away with if I stayed in college. Kids are bigger. They hit back,” said Dr. Mario

He paused for a moment. “That’s a joke.”

Tucked into the intersection between upper and lower E-wing traffic, it is not difficult to pass the orchestra room without a second glance. It is, however, significantly more of a challenge to miss Dr. Chiarello. Passing these doors, it is not uncommon for muffled shouts, spirited punchlines and staggered harmonies to bleed into the hallway. Extensive musical achievements have defined his 27 years at LHS, with an arsenal of daring jokes and charming stories making it difficult to imagine that his legacy will be forgotten anytime soon.

Having served as orchestra director since 1998, Dr. Chiarello will step into retirement at the conclusion of the 24-25 school year. His impact on the program, however, will not leave with him. Though notorious at LHS for his somewhat unorthodox teaching

Dr. Chiarello also teaches AP Music Theory and helped to introduce a new guitar class last year. As for his distinct teaching methods, he prioritizes creating a sense of trust between him and his students. Though reports of *allegedly* thrown chairs are sure to accompany any mention of his name, the orchestra’s successes attest to the method behind his madness. A calculated balance between joking time and working time aims to improve receptiveness and establish a more productive classroom setting. Walking into the orchestra room, offhand one-liners, strong language and a tolerance for talking can be a striking part of this dynamic.

“It gets people to know that I trust them, so they start trusting me,” said Dr. Chiarello. “You have to have a balance between drive, drive, drive and having fun.”

Dr. Chiarello’s path to becoming a teacher was also outside of the conventional. Before he settled at LHS, he studied at Interlochen Arts Academy, the Eastman School of Music as well as the University of Iowa, all of which are regarded for their prestigious music programs.

“Every time I’ve had a big change in my life, it wasn’t because I decided upon it. God just sent me down a different path,” said Dr. Chiarello. “But this is where I was supposed to be the whole time.”

And, though he previously taught at the college level, teaching high schoolers was his introduction to conducting.

“I didn’t train to be a teacher,” said Dr. Chiarello. “I trained to be a performer.”

However, as principal bass player for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO), Dr. Chiarello has been able to draw inspiration from his own conductors, namely SDSO music director Delta David Gier. Though specifics like volume and speed have to be modified to be suitable for a high school level orchestra, implementing these kinds of techniques has helped him raise the group to a higher standard.

“Chiarello’s teaching style is very confident. He’s very assertive and, different from other teachers, he likes to say things very bluntly and right in your face,” said LHS junior Giyun Seo. “It’s really effective for the orchestra because that way our rehearsals are very productive and efficient.”

With such a unique dynamic under his guidance, Dr. Chiarello’s shoes may prove difficult to fill. Even so, the group will strive to welcome whatever changes lie in their future.

“It’s very uncommon for someone to be able to have that much confidence coming into a new building,” said Seo. “I want whoever the new director is to really be comfortable with the orchestra, [and to] be comfortable with telling the orchestra what they want. I think our goal as orchestra [students] is to give them that confidence.”

As a marker of his time at LHS, Dr. Chiarello’s final concert will be held at the Washington Pavillion on May 13, 2025. Alumni present, the orchestra will perform a series of pieces ranging from the theme of Supernatural to a 5-minute-long commissioned work, all of which tie into his journey in this position. Dr. Chiarello’s final piece will be the Farewell Symphony.

“As a conductor, I’m losing the best instrument I’ve ever had,” said Dr. Chiarello. “I will never be able to make the kind of music that we’re making right now.”

methods and distinctively commanding presence, Dr. Chiarello strives to create a safe environment for his own students and places special emphasis on individualized—often forceful— personal instruction.

“I get them to know that I’m yelling at them because they’re close to getting it, not because they suck,” said Dr. Chiarello. “I don’t yell at the people who suck—if I quit yelling, then that’s when you should be upset.”

Being such a pillar of LHS culture also means that Dr. Chiarello has witnessed its growth and development over the years. He has worked to shape the orchestra program to accommodate an evolving student body. From just 31 orchestra members during his first year of teaching to a current 117 participants, there were a total of 54 freshmen signed up at the beginning of this year. During his time as orchestra director, Dr. Chiarello has transformed a program once dominated by exclusively experienced musicians into an engaging space for all willing participants.

“This orchestra’s possibly the best

Before beginning at LHS, Chiarello taught at a college level.

Outside of school, Dr. Chiarello is the principal bass for the South Dakota Symphony Orchstra.

by Lucy Hennies

Women’s History Month is a month dedicated to honoring women and their forgotten and overlooked accomplishments. One group of women that is commonly overlooked is the moms of LHS. Many of these women balance their rigorous jobs and raising their families. Anywhere from coaching Olympic athletes to working as the executive vice president at Sanford, these moms show that they can excel in their careers while simultaneously succeeding in a job just as important: being a mom.

One mom who makes a big difference in our community is Wells Batcheller’s mom, Erika Batcheller. Batcheller has built up a stacked career leading up to her current title as executive vice president and chief of external affairs at Sanford. She previously served as deputy press secretary for the first lady’s office in 2000 and worked for Face It Together, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the wellness of Sioux Falls. Batcheller has devoted much of her life to her community, volunteering and serving nonprofits as much as she can.

Another mom breaking barriers is Marrie Luther’s mom, Larissa Luther. Although Luther faces many struggles every day, she has not let this interfere with her career or her role as a mom.

“She has climbed the success ladder in the world of real estate, leading her to become the current NAR president of all realtors in the city. She has done all of this while battling type one diabetes daily, and maintaining her status as an amazing mom,” said Luther.

Isabella Abels’s mom, Heather Abels, has gone through innumerable hardships to get to where she is today. However, that has not stopped her from excelling in her career and raising her kids well. “My mom was a teen mom at Roosevelt her senior year, so her junior year she faced bullying from her classmates. While balancing teen pregnancy, school, getting married and having three more kids, she never missed a moment in any of mine or my sisters’ lives. Every dance recital, academic award, school function, heartbreak and all the things in between she has been there for all of us,” said Abels. On top of her outstanding job as a mom, Abels simultaneously built up her career and now works full time at the Avera Heart Hospital and part time at Refined Aesthetics as a CNP.

One last mom, who wishes to remain anonymous, works as a weightlifting coach. Although being a weightlifting coach is a hard job in itself, she pushes her limits and is on her way to potentially becoming the coach of an Olympic athlete.

“She became a weightlifting coach and trains in Olympic [style] lifting as well as Olympic lifting [with an athlete]. There’s a chance one of her athletes goes to the 2028 Olympics based on score forecasting, which means she’ll be there as the coach,” said her daughter.

These women show their strength by balancing their demanding careers and the responsibilities of motherhood. While looking forward to this Women’s History Month, remember to thank the underappreciated moms of LHS.

by Syri CaStilleja

Students think that those behind the creation of the yearbook just participate in a club. However, yearbook is a class where students work year-long on layouts consisting of each student’s school photo, sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities. The LHS yearbook class currently has eight students, and each student puts in over 20 hours for one page alone. Everyone values the yearbook, but what work goes into finalizing the book for students to take home?

“Everyone has spreads that are assigned to them and so some of these spreads aren’t due for months,” said Cindy Cummins, the yearbook adviser. “But they have to get pictures taken [and] they have to figure out which pictures [to use] for the layout. It’s a long process for each spread.”

Once the page is ready to be turned in, students then proof it with others in the class. In total, spreads go through the proofing process around four times before being finalized. This allows students in yearbook to extensively collaborate by editing one another’s layouts and giving feedback to each other.

Additionally, in the first-month students must come up with a theme that will be uniform throughout the entire book. This process takes longer than expected for students each share and explain their ideas and consider how to use it on every spread.

“I also think the first couple of weeks to like a month are the most fun,” said Preslie Sheridan, a member for two years. “That’s when we are going through what we want our theme to be and that includes how we want to set up the book, colors that we want to use [and] fonts that we want to use.”

Working daily on the yearbook, students hold themselves responsible for each of their layouts. “So pretty much every day is a work day when you come into class,” said Matai Gaede, a member of the yearbook for three years. “You have the expectation that you come in, you work 50 minutes plus your WIN time if you have no other homework [and] you’re expected to work on your spread and get it done before the due date.”

Although this class can be demanding at times, members agree that the skills learned make it worthwhile.

“I feel like you can learn a lot of different skills: like the design aspect, the photography, writing [and] editing,” said Emma Dickson, a member for two years.

Members Avery Dorman and Livia Edmonson agree that by participating in the yearbook they are still involved, without putting themselves out there like some other activities require. Moreover, this class can be difficult as it entails many deadlines which might not work for everyone. Past the difficulties, members of the yearbook still appreciate the role they play for LHS and the students there as well.

“I believe others should join yearbook because it is a fun opportunity to get involved with what’s going on at school,” said Ella Rima, a two year member.

Seniors Ella Rima (left) and Preslie Sheridan (right) look through the photos taken on the camera used for yearbook. These students go to different events and capture photos for their layout.

The cover of the yearbook from last year (2023-2024).

At the start of class students listen to any announcements Cindy Cummins, the yearbook adviser, might have. Then, they work on their spreads for the remaining time to have it ready and turned in for the proofing process.

by EmErson robErtson

Spring is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is an opportunity to eliminate the old baggage and the bits and pieces that are out of style. At the beginning of spring, March 1, many people worldwide start the action of “spring cleaning.” Spring cleaning is a deep cleaning of a house or room. It involves decluttering and organizing your personal spaces that you may have forgotten about during the hard, cold, winter months. Spring cleaning is about getting your house or room in great shape for the summer. People usually complete the chores, dusting, organizing, washing windows and refining closets. Numerous people can find it relaxing and super refreshing to have almost a whole new space altogether. One trick to prepare for spring and summer: “Clean out your summer stuff and keep things you like to wear and get rid of clothes you never wear because then you can get new clothes,” said Sarah Kreuger, a 10th grader at LHS.

To start your spring cleaning, create a checklist for the areas. Break it down by floor and room so it is not overwhelming. To create the checklist divide the space. List every place you want to tackle and list each task for each free space. For example, you can clean the kitchen, clean out the refrigerator, wipe down cabinets and counters, clean the oven and sweep or mop the floor. Or maybe you want to start with bedrooms first. You can change and/or wash the sheets, dust furniture and the fans, vacuum and finally organize the closets and dressers.

A second tip for spring cleaning is to declutter first. Get rid of items you no longer need or use on a daily occurrence. Instead of simply getting rid of your items, you can donate or recycle them. A good place to start is your closet. Many people hold on to old items they do not wear once a year. Krueger said, “I go through my clothes, especially my winter ones, and put them in the back of my closet or just get rid of them.” Why hold onto old objects when you can donate them to a better cause or person who needs them more? You can even clean out your refrigerator or pantry for old cans that have not yet been opened. You can contribute your old books, toys and electronics to important causes and shelters.

My final tip or trick to complete your spring cleaning this year is to focus on not only the big areas but areas that are easily forgotten about, such as the baseboards, behind appliances and inside your cabinets. An excellent way to clean your materials is to use natural cleaning products. For instance, vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are great natural cleaning supplies. They allow you to truly deep clean your appliances and hard-to-get places.

by Khloe Dillman

Have you ever heard the theory that dog owners look/act similar to their pooches? We tested that theory by asking LHS students to send in pictures of themselves, and then a picture of their dog. We noticed multiple similarities between dogs and their owners, whether that be hair color, eye shape/color and facial features. In studies, people have been able to match pictures of dogs and their owners better than just guessing. Do you believe in this theory?

Max Krenik, a LHS sophomore, is the owner of Finn, a four-year-old golden retriever. Krenik and his family rescued Finn from a shelter in Minnesota. Krenik and Finn have very similar hair colors (blonde) and generally have a similar look. Finn is friendly, while Krenik is shy and reserved. Finn’s favorite word is “outside.”

Aurora Forbes, an LHS sophomore, is the owner of Eve, a one-yearold cavalier King Charles spaniel. Forbes’ family wanted another dog and rescued Eve from a puppy mill. Forbes and Eve share multiple qualities, but the one that stands out the most is their hair. Their hair is strikingly similar to each other: brown with curls. There are also some resemblances in their eyes, both being dark brown. Forbes states that Eve is extremely hyper, energetic and a little crazy. Eve’s favorite word is “walk.”

Scarlett is a five-year-old mini boxer owned by LHS senior Ella Warden. Scarlett is named after the Ohio State Buckeyes, whose school colors are grey and scarlet. Warden drove over an hour away to buy Scarlett from a breeder. Scarlett and Warden do not share many features, but surprisingly resemble each other at first glance. They both have brown eyes and a resemblance in hair color. Warden states that Scarlett is very energetic and active but also enjoys latenight cuddles. Scarlett’s favorite word is “ride.”

LHS junior Owen Lechtenberg is the proud owner of Simmy, his 11-year-old shih tzu. Lechtenberg was surprised at Christmas with Simmy when he was five. Simmy and Lechtenberg share the same hair and eye color, and we can see corresponding features in their eyebrows. They also share some of the same personality traits. Simmy spends most of her time sleeping, but tends to get energetic when people are around. While Lechtenberg tends to be quieter in his free time, he also becomes more energetic around others. Simmy’s favorite word is “treat.”

As the school year progresses, students have had the time to make their impressions about their teachers. Best dressed, most comforting classroom and funniest are a few of the titles we awarded LHS’s teachers. We surveyed students at LHS to get their opinions about the staff, and here is what they said…

by Trey raph & hudson holman

Regan Meyer

Andrea Saez

Dr. Mario Chiarello

Scott Amundson & Scott Embry

Tyler Fluth

Jim Jarovski Emily Peichel Brian Hardie

by ElliE Quinn

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own music? LHS junior, Eileen Baumgarten is making her dreams a reality.

Known creatively as Eileen Keane, she released her first single, “Antagonist,” on Jan. 17, jumpstarting her music career. Baumgarten has been writing music from a young age but has since grown into a serious, producing artist.

“I started writing music when I was seven years old because I started playing classical guitar when I was four, so I got really into making melodies and putting lyrics [together]. Eventually, I picked up more instruments, and I was able to compose a whole song,” said Baumgarten.

Baumgarten does not just write for her fans, but instead, she writes for herself too. She makes it a priority that her music has a purpose, and she wants to create a relatable space for her listeners to find comfort. With music as a form of expression for so many, Baumgarten wants as many people to find that expression in themselves as possible and hopes her music can do just the trick.

“I try to always, when I write songs, help people relate on a certain level, and especially if I ever go through an experience that I feel like I can’t find a song which I can relate to help me go through it, I write it myself. I think that also helps a lot of other people when they can relate as well,” said Baumgarten.

Releasing a song would have been impossible without daily practice and improvement. Working every day on her skills like writing, producing and playing instruments has helped Baumgarten attain the big accomplishment of releasing her first single.

“I try to write every single day,

whether that is just journaling or little songwriting practices or making melodies or making new guitar riffs or piano compositions, and I do that every single day so I can continue to grow and get better,” said Baumgarten.

While Baumgarten is the writer, singer and producer of “Antagonist,” it would not have been at the level of excellence it is today without help from her music teacher, Andrew Rogers. Rogers helped Baumgarten along the way during the song’s production making her dream of releasing her first single come to fruition.

“Eileen and I did all the recording. We tracked all the instruments and vocals and made decisions on guitar sounds, transitions, etc. She sent it to a mix engineer, and we worked with him on the final mix. Then, I mastered the track, which means putting the final touches on it so it can be played consistently on different speakers and headphones,” said Rogers. The release of “Antagonist” is just the beginning for Baumgarten. With an end goal of entering the music industry, she hopes she can reach as many people as possible with her music and eventually go on tour with her songs. Baumgarten plans to continue releasing music consistently to build her fan base and recognition.

“I will release a song in March, hopefully. I record everything at home. I write all of the songs, and then my music teacher [and I] co-produce them, which means that we will go through them and say, okay here is the rhythm guitar, we need another lead guitar, we need a synth pad over here,” said Baumgarten.

After the release of Baumgarten’s first single, Rogers

has mixed feelings about seeing one of his students take this step into the professional world. While the release brings feelings of pride, it is something the two have been anticipating for some time now.

“On one hand, it feels surreal that a student I have worked with for years is taking that big step and releasing her own music. On the other hand, we have worked on songwriting and recording for a few years, and it’s been a long time coming to put it out into the world,” said Rogers.

Baumgarten records everything in her at-home recording studio, from vocals and background instruments to producing with her laptop. This step of the creative process can be difficult as circumstances outside of Baumgarten’s control may interfere with the recording schedule, but still, she is hopeful her next release will be on track to occur in March.

“With recording and doing all that from home, sometimes it’s an unpredictable schedule, you know, if I get sick and I can’t sing, and we have to push off recording for a week or if there is a technological problem or something like that,” said Baumgarten.

Baumgarten takes great inspiration from artists in the pop-punk world. She admires groups such as Green Day, Foo Fighters, Paramore and The AllAmerican Rejects. Pop-punk not only inspires Baumgarten’s style of music but also the meaning behind it.

“Something I love about pop-punk is that it’s very honest. It’s very much putting yourself out there. It’s very much this is who I am, and I’m not going to change. Whenever I hear those songs, it inspires me to be

honest in my own songwriting. I think whenever I try to write a song with the utmost honesty, I always write my best songs,” said Baumgarten.

Baumgarten not only writes and creates music as a solo artist, but she is also in a young artist band called Aftermath. Aftermath has opened for the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony twice, been the youngest band to perform at the Levitt and will open the Stampede at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on April 12. The band has been both a place for Baumgarten to show off her talent and a source of support during this big step in her career.

“They all knew [“Antagonist”] long before because we have played it live, but my band has two of my siblings in it, who have been incredibly supportive and excited for me as I have gone through the process [of releasing music]. The rest of the band has been so wonderful giving me a chance to show it to audiences as we play it together and it is such a fun opportunity to get to share a piece of work that I create with my friends,” said Baumgarten.

“You have to write 10 bad songs to write a good one,” said Baumgarten.

defining moments, teachers are there to offer their guidance and wisdom, leaving a lasting impact on their students. Their wisdom can often transcend the classroom, inspiring students long after the bell rings. As students progress through their high school careers, and seniors move on to college and the rest of their lives they can always carry with them the advice and wisdom of their favorite high school teachers and staff here at LHS.

by Stella SonnichSen

deSign by Stella SonnichSen photoS by Stella SonnichSen

BY GRIFFIN ETRHEIM & JD YUNAG

LHS students are infamously adept at avoiding their classwork. From grinding trophies on Clash Royale to scrolling through Instagram Reels, LHS consistently finds ways to misuse their time. One historic game, however, stands above all other time wasters. Chess is an acquired taste for only the most sophisticated of students, and many have found their home at Chess Club.

Chess Club has gone through several faces in the past couple of years. With leadership from LHS alumni Jackson Paslay, then Rikhav Thakkar and Arthur Tao, Chess Club is consistently overhauled from year to year. Starting last school year, Chess Club was taken over by seniors Aleksandros Ramirez and Sumner Christensen. The club meets in Brian Kocer’s room, A509, every Tuesday morning at 7:30, where a handful of students have fun and challenge each other. There have been plans of hosting tournaments, but the club has not established itself enough quite yet.

“It was our goal in the beginning (to host tournaments), but we just don’t have enough people right now,” said Christensen.

What makes chess such an easy game for students to gravitate towards is its uniquely academic nature. With mountains of theory to study at higher levels, chess could arguably be its own class. Each opening has quirks and traits that a player could spend hours practicing and learning. At lower levels, though, chess can still be just as entertaining. It is near impossible to repeat a game of chess, meaning even a beginner can enjoy infinitely dynamic matches.

Chess Club has at times even branched out and collaborated with other clubs. One morning, in a joint session with Bread Club, members both baked bread and played chess simultaneously. Though this might seem like an odd combination, it is a testament to the easygoing and welcoming nature of the club.

“I think it’s fun to start the day with chess,” said Ramirez.

It is not rare to see the Chess Club craze extend throughout the school day either. The infamous site chess.com allows students to engage in games without the community and materials from Chess Club. With the near-instantaneous matchmaking and streamlined rating system, players can slip into several games throughout the day. This makes for a fun, more cultured choice for any procrastinating student, even those not in Chess Club. Nothing, however, will beat the beauty and nuance of a physical chess match. The white and green checkered mats used for Chess Club have been used for years now, along with their plastic black and white pieces. The fellowship derived from an in-person match is powerful regardless of how many people show up. No matter what student runs it or what teacher hosts it, Chess Club will always find a way to be a mainstay at LHS.

BY KINSLEY ERNSTER

The second semester only started a few short weeks ago. Students are settling into new or old classes with new people in them, adjusting to new teachers and adapting to different schedules. Change is not easy for everyone, but it can be much easier when you have stacked classes.

1. Painting I with Bossman, it’s my favorite class right now because it’s my fourth year having Bossman. Also, I have Norah Dufault and Kate Schmit in there, and we just talk the whole period. Also, painting is such a great class to end the day with.

2. Seventh

3. Planned. Me and my friend, Norah Dufault both needed another art credit, and we both realized we could take Painting one after we both had taken Bossman’s Drawing one class freshman year. Mrs. Bossman always has a smile on her face when you walk into her class and really makes you feel welcome with her personality. So far, the class has been nothing but awesome.

What determines a stacked class?

1. Friends:

If you have your best friend or a lot of friends in your class that you can sit by and talk to.

2. Teacher:

If your teacher is chill, helpful, cares about you and is an amazing teacher. Also, if your teacher puts in the effort to help you get better and wants to see you succeed.

3. Period:

If the class is during a period like second or seventh, then the class is destined to be stacked. Second period is the perfect class to be stacked because you are in that class the longest. Seventh is also the ideal class because it is the last period.

4. Class:

If your class is blended and you have friends in it, then that is the ultimate class because you get to leave and be with friends. If the class is easy for you, that would also be a plus. Another plus is if the class is exciting, and you enjoy the content you are learning about.

Responses:

1. Which is your most stacked class second semester?

2. What period is the class?

3. Did you plan to have the class stacked and why would you consider it stacked?

1. Child Development 2

2. Second

2. Sixth

3. Essentially I ended up having two of my friends in the class, and it’s full of good funny people with a great teacher.

1. AP Biology

2. Seventh

3. Big group of students that have really bought into learning about being good teachers and are excited to work with preschoolers! They come to class excited every day and love to help out with projects during WIN time! There are several FCCLA chapter officers in it as well!

3. I was completely caught off guard; with such a serious class, one would expect a very tense atmosphere, which could not be further from the truth. Yes, we work pretty hard, but our teacher (Mrs. Tolk) is super energetic, and regardless of our different ages, the class is really fun and interesting.

1. MUSH with Morrison because of the teacher and friends.

Mrs. Sloup by the preschool classroom model her class uses.

Paige Stensaas, Mrs. Bossman and her friends having a blast together in Painting I.

Eva Adams, her friends and Mr. Morrison enjoing MUSH.

For the past three years, Spotify has released Spotify Wrapped, which allows users to look back on their listening history for the past year. Some of the characteristics showcased are the total minutes listened to Spotify, users’ top songs of the year and their most listened-to artist for that year. In honor of the release of the 2024 Wrapped late last year, LHS teachers shared their top artists from their 2024 listening year.

BY ADDISON REMME

Abes-olute Bangers Study Mix

BY ADELINE THEOPHILUS

Ever wondered which couples at LHS are destined for love and which ones might be better off as friends? The LHS student body has voted on the official “Ship or Dip” couples of 2025. The outcomes are controversial, adorable and unexpected, yet make our school’s love stories so intriguing.

“My Spotify is tied to my school account and Dua Lipa offers clean classroom music that students only slightly find annoying.”

“My kids use ‘Hey Google- play Parry Gripp music’ at home all the time and it automatically plays from my Spotify on my phone.”

“My

“My kids use ‘Hey Google- play Parry Gripp music’ at home all the time and it automatically plays from my Spotify on my phone.”

“I listen to Chappell Roan in the car because my 10-year-old daughter, Quinn, wants to listen to Chappell Roan in the car.”

“Chris Stapleton is in a league of his own, isn’t he? His voice has that raw, soulful quality that just grabs you.”

“Chris Stapleton is a league of his own, isn’t he? His voice has that raw, soulful quality that just grabs you.”

“Chris Stapleton is in a league of his own, isn’t he? His voice has that raw, soulful quality that just grabs you.”

“I like listening to Noah Kahan when I’m cooking, cleaning or working on school stuff. Great background music.”

or working on school stuff. Great background music.”

“I have a playlist I listened to a lot this summer on my patio that was comprised of chill music that was heavy on Zach Bryan.”

Bryan.”

“They have fun songs and deeper songs but what’s most attractive is they’re relatable. They talk about everyday joys and pains while making good music.”

“Growing up in SD, a

“Growing up in SD, a lot of the radio stations were rock, which exposed me Led Zeppelin. What made me appreciate them was their variety and full sound.”

were

“Growing up in SD, a lot of the radio stations were rock, which exposed me Led Zeppelin. What made me appreciate them was their variety and full sound.”

Have you ever mistaken siblings for a couple, or a couple for siblings? Test your abilities by comparing similar facial features and romantic chemistry by guessing if these four pairs are siblings or dating.

ANSWERS:

Mr. Cameron Dua Lipa Ms. Harte Noah Kahan

Mrs. Tufte Parry Gripp

Mr. Blankenship Zach Bryan

Mr. Jansen Chappell Roan Sr. Caicoya Estopa

Ms. Paclik Chris Stapleton

Mr. Amundson Led Zeppelin

“My Spotify is tied to my school account and Dua Lipa offers clean classroom music that students only slightly find annoying.”

“I like listening to Noah Kahan when I’m cooking, cleaning

Mr. Cameron Dua Lipa Ms. Harte Noah Kahan

Mrs. Tufte Parry Gripp

Mr. Blankenship Zach Bryan

Mr. Jansen Chappell Roan Sr. Caicoya Estopa

Ms. Paclik Chris Stapleton Mr. Amundson Led Zeppelin

“My Spotify is tied to my school account and Dua Lipa offers clean classroom music that students only slightly find annoying.”

“I like listening to Noah Kahan when I’m cooking, cleaning or working on school stuff. Great background music.”

kids use ‘Hey Google- play Parry Gripp music’ at home all the time and it automatically plays from my Spotify on my phone.”

“I have a playlist I listened to a lot this summer on my patio that was comprised of chill music that was heavy on Zach

Mr. Cameron Dua Lipa Ms. Harte Noah Kahan

Mrs. Tufte Parry Gripp Mr. Blankenship Zach Bryan

Mr. Jansen Chappell Roan Sr. Caicoya Estopa

Ms. Paclik Chris Stapleton Mr. Amundson Led Zeppelin

BY RUBY HENNIES

1. JOSIAH & TARYN 2. EDDIE & HAZEL

TYSON & TAYSIA

WILL & KACIE

THE MAN BEHIND THE BEARD

BY JACOB WESSELS

Whether you are involved in track, football, basketball or any other one of the myriad of sports offered to the students of LHS, chances are you have had an encounter with Brady Bonte, the man proud to be the LHS strength and conditioning coach.

Bonte, known for his beard and numerous before and after school lifts coupled with strenuous conditioning sessions, has resided within the walls of LHS for eight years, with many more coming. LHS has reached new heights regarding athletics with the work of many coaches depending on the sport each athlete engages in, but the unifier of them all, Bonte, remains a constant in the busy lives of athletes at LHS.

Bonte did not just end up in this position though, it took him many years of decision-making to choose this career over others ideas such as wildlife biology and it took a spark to ignite his passion for coaching. Bonte attended Dakota Wesleyan University located in Mitchell, South Dakota. He was a linebacker for their football team, displaying his dominance on the field and asserting himself as a force to be reckoned with on the Tiger’s defense. Between football and classes, Bonte came to the epiphany of wanting to be a coach. Despite knowing he wanted to help the future generation, Bonte was not sure how he would do that until college, where he developed a soft spot for strength and conditioning.

“I always knew I wanted to help kids but wasn’t committed to coaching till I found a love for strength and conditioning midway through college,” said Bonte.

Choosing to maintain one career path for someone’s entire life can seem hard. The idea of having to revolve their life around one action day in and day out can become stressful and ultimately boring if they are not committed to their career and find fulfillment in each passing day. Entering the LHS weight room it becomes evident that Bonte has found this commitment. With every slam of a weight, every song that blares over the speakers, every card to organize workouts filled out and every dumbbell reracked, Bonte stands proud over what he has done so far and what he plans to continue to do, change the lives of athletes by providing them with the best coaching possible, cultivating them into who they will be in the future.

“There is always another generation of athletes that need help and more problems to solve with programs and sports teams,” said Bonte.

Coupled with striving to provide the best for his athletes, Bonte simply enjoys doing what he does. He finds creating programs and helping students become better athletes exhilarating. Bonte found a job where he could be himself while helping others all while doing something that he enjoys, achieving the ultimate goal of most in their careers. Bonte has worked his way through and into the lives of each and every athlete that he is around, ensuring that they reach their true potential and soar to new unimaginable heights, and he loves it.

“[Helping athletes and teams become better] keeps it fun and refreshing,” said Bonte.

The next level in everyone’s career is a lofty goal that they hope to achieve. They have an idea of what they want to achieve in their career and how far they want to go, whether it be to a higher level of what they do, a promotion or a new location. To Bonte, however, there simply is no next level. After landing a job that he truly enjoys, his goal is to continue to change the lives of athletes, right where he is at. Being the strength and conditioning coach of LHS is the exact job he wants, and any goal seems futile besides doing better and being able to focus all of his time on his career at LHS by devoting his full attention to it.

“I love what I do and love where I do it. My next goal is to be at the high school full time so I can be the best strength and conditioning coach possible,” said Bonte.

Brady Bonte sits with his football athletes after a strength and conditioning session.

BY BETHANY JESPERSEN

“You can do this”: a simple yet powerful piece of self-talk that keeps Lydia Soldatke in her lane, physically and mentally. When it comes time to face the water, the future D1 competitive swimmer likes to keep a fluid mindset.

Lydia Soldatke, an LHS senior and accomplished student athlete, has been making a splash since her early years. Soldatke’s parents encouraged the start of her competitive swimming career at the age of eight. For the past decade, she has been training with the Sioux Falls Swim Team while pushing herself to excellence in the sport.

“I’ve always liked swimming. The hotel pools, the ocean, the lake. Being in the water was always fun for me,” said Soldatke.

Her aquatic enthusiasm led to diligent effort and many hours in the pool, which propelled Soldatke’s ability to continue athletics at a collegiate level. However, swimming after high school was not always Soldatke’s plan. She participated in various extracurriculars throughout her youth, but she and her coaches saw notable potential in her race times as an underclassman.

“I only started really locking in on swimming when I was a freshman, so I didn't know what I wanted to do yet. I was playing soccer and I ran track sophomore year,” said Soldatke.

Eventually, Soldatke developed a knack for the backstroke, which she now specializes in. Soldatke’s favorite event is the 100yard backstroke, but also swims the 200 backstroke and 200 IM, performing exceptionally for both short and long course races. This opened up her eligibility for recruitment, and she received word from prominent swimming schools.

“The summer before your junior year, D1 schools can contact you. So, I got a couple of emails and went on a couple of visits. I just thought Oakland was the best fit for me. The team was great; the team environment is one of the most important things that I looked for in a school,” said Soldatke.

She committed to swim D1 for Oakland University located in Rochester, Michigan, beginning in the fall of 2025. Her collegiate training schedule will be nothing short of rigorous. Yet, Soldatke is used to this, as her weekly routine currently consists of multiple two-aday practices and workouts with the Sioux Falls Swim Team. The community she gained while being on this team has been crucial to Soldatke’s progression. She looks forward to swimming with her best friends every day. Another figure who never fails to advocate for her swim journey is Soldatke’s father.

BY COOPER SCHULTZ

The Low Taper Faders is completely made up of juniors, meaning they are at a slight disadvantage because of the age difference between them and the other top teams. Despite this, the Faders have confidence that they can beat whoever is in front of them. They currently hold an underwhelming record of 3-4 but they have missed some key players in all of their losses.

“We should be 7-0. We have never lost a game with a full roster and have dominated every team when everyone is there,” said LHS junior Teddy Krueger, a starter for the team.

The main concern for the Low Taper Faders at this point is having a complete team going into the playoffs in order to have a shot at winning the championship.

“We plan on having a full roster at every game to help us accomplish this goal,” said Krueger.

It is no secret that the basketball culture at LHS is thriving. The student sections are packed, and almost every game is entertaining. However, if you look beyond the school-sanctioned games, you will find a lesserknown version of the sport known as Hi-Y basketball. Although the quality of Hi-Y basketball cannot compare to that of high school varsity games, it can be equally as entertaining. There are more than just three teams of LHS students, but the Low Taper Faders, Blue Ballers and The Bruzz Academy are some of the best.

“He doesn't have any previous knowledge or history with swimming, but he's always just been there and supported me and encouraged me to keep going with swimming,” said Soldatke.

A variety of aspirations float at the surface of Soldatke’s athletic career. Her ultimate ambition, obtaining an Olympic Trials cut, has been put on pause while she focuses on her prospects at Oakland University and perfecting her race times. Even as Soldatke dives into an ocean of unknown this upcoming year, she will surely continue swimming to success.

The Bruzz Academy (TBA) is another team made up of seniors, and they have had a mostly successful first half of the season with a record of 3-2. One of the losses came against the Blue Ballers, and while it was not a close game, TBA knows that at their best, they can keep any game close. Senior Liam Van Roekel is currently sidelined due to a back injury but hopes to return before the playoffs start.

“The hope is to be back by [the] playoffs and bring a championship home,” said Van Roekel.

TBA prides themselves on their ability to play team basketball. No single player outshines the other; there is trust that everyone will be able to do their job.

“I wouldn’t say we have one ‘best player’; the whole team does their part to get the W,” said Van Roekel, “That’s what Bruzz basketball is all about.”

The Blue Ballers on the other hand are exclusively seniors at LHS. They are off to a blazing hot start with a record of 4-0, having beat The Bruzz Academy in the process. All seven members played for a LHS basketball team at some point in their high school careers, meaning there is a lot of talent on the roster. Senior Will Adler believes he is the best of the seven. Despite this confidence in himself, he understands how important everyone is to the team.

“Everyone fills their role well and that is why we succeed,” said Adler. “Our goal for the season is to stay undefeated and win the league.”

While this goal may be a lofty one, the Blue Ballers’ talent alone makes them one of the favorites to win the league.

Soldatke executes her specialty backstroke at the A3 Midwest Challenge in Iowa City.

On the diving block, Soldatke demonstrates poise and focuses on the race to come.

Oakland University’s Swimming and Diving team awaits Soldatke’s contribution in the fall of 2025.

Despite the ice, Sioux Falls hockey is gaining traction. Once a niche sport, youths in the area are being developed into outstanding players. Hockey is not like any other sport. Played on ice, players wear skates and use sticks to propel a puck across the rink. Aspects such as the penalty box, where players sit in timeout after committing a penalty, add to its uniqueness. Although hockey is concentrated in states such as Minnesota and New York, Sioux Falls has been making strides to support the sport.

Additionally, both collegiate and professional hockey have inspired new athletes to participate. Augustana Hockey became D1 in the fall of 2023 and got its first national ranking this year as 19th. This was big news in the hockey world and Sioux Falls.

One of the first steps in propelling hockey was updating and building facilities. On a collegiate level, Augustana University built a new arena that seats 3,082 fans and takes up 154,000 square feet. The Midco Arena is not only large, but it includes a luxury club area, 12 suites, a locker room, a puck shooting room and a GreatLIFE Strength & Conditioning Center. Augustana invested $70 million into the arena, with its benefits stretching beyond just hockey. There are spaces and training areas for other Augustana athletes, and its novelty has attracted more ticket-buying fans. Since its opening at the beginning of 2024, it has catapulted the sport.

In Nov. 2014, the Scheels IcePlex debuted to the Sioux Falls public. It has offered indoor ice skating for the public and has been a year-round facility for hockey. The Sioux Falls Youth Hockey Association and the Sioux Falls Flyers teams practice and take advantage of the ice. “The IcePlex came about 10 years ago. It’s three sheets of ice which means there’s a lot more ice available for people that are interested in it. It is way easier for the sport to grow when you’re in a nice, warm rink instead of a cold hellscape like the Expo center,” said LHS senior Topher Post who plays for the Sioux Falls Flyers Varsity East team.

“Recently with Augie’s new D1 team, it’s really exciting for hockey and Sioux Falls because that is now the highest level of hockey in the state,” said Post.

Sioux Falls also hosts the Stampede Hockey Club, which is a Tier I junior ice hockey team. For home games, they compete at the Denny PREMIER Center, the largest facility in the USHL, allowing many fans to join the experience.

“The Sioux Falls Stampede has really helped a lot. They have really grown the sport. We also have been doing Hockey Day South Dakota which is a really big thing now. You can tell in the younger levels that they have started to play the sport more and getting more interested in it,” said LHS senior Easton Mescher who plays for the Sioux Falls Flyers Varsity West team.

Motivated LHS hockey players have used their available local resources to become successful, including seniors Easton Mescher, Vincent Thill, Teigen Webb, Topher Post, junior Ben Vermeer and sophomore Tyler Webb. However, hockey players usually do not get the recognition they may deserve, as it is not a school-sanctioned activity. For example, Mescher has thrived in the sport and plans to play Division 1 hockey at the University of Nebraska Omaha next fall.

“My season has been going really well … I just love the sport itself. It’s fastpaced. Lots of action,” said Mescher. Although many young athletes may not initially think to play hockey, they should not count it out. It is easier to join the sport now with increased access to facilities and high-level teams, even if it is not as known as football or basketball. Its uniqueness is a draw in itself.

“It’s a really long learning curve, but when you master it, it is a lot of fun,” said Mescher.

BY DENA TARRELL & BERKELEY NEWELL

Winter sports are in full swing, and all of the LHS teams are having fantastic seasons. Let’s meet some of the students helping to lead these teams to success.

Questions:

1. How many years have you played your sport?

2. What is the best part of being captain

3. What extracurriculars/activities are you in besides your sport?

1. 10 years

2. “The relationships that I have with every girl on the team. Each one is so unique, but we all have strong bonds and respect for each other.”

3. LHS/club softball, NHS, SNHS, HOSA, City of Sioux Falls Mayor’s Youth Council

1. 13 years

2. “Being able to be an example to my teamates and someone that they can look up to.”

3. LHS Football

1. 4 years

2. “Being that sort of glue that holds people together; being the ‘team mom’ who always has some extra hairspray or athletic tape in her bag if you need it.”

3. LHS Choir, LHS Vocal Jazz, LHS Theater, youth group

1. 4 years

2. “Being able to help kids when they need it; if it’s with takedowns, shots or just me coaching them in matches, which is usually the coach’s job, but I make it my own sometimes.”

3. LHS Football, LHS Track

1. 7 years

2. “Being able to help others whenever I can and being able to lead the team with positivity and support.”

3. None

1. 12 years

2. “The refs are nicer to you.”

3. LHS Football

1. 7 years

2. “Encouraging my team to do our best and show confidence.”

3. LHS Track, youth group and come ask for help on things

1. 4 years

2. “Having some of the underclassmen look up to me and come ask for help on things is always a good feeling.”

3. Yearbook, LHS Competitive Cheer, MNHS, FNHS, French club

Senior Easton Mescher plays for Flyers Varsity West.

If you’re like me and believe that AI and computers are taking over the world, you wonder what a day in life would be like as a person enslaved to said domination. Lucky for you, I tested it out. I asked ChatGPT to “create a schedule for a senior in high school who has youth group at 7 p.m. and likes to go to bed at 9:30 p.m.” I could have been more specific, but alas, I was curious what the system thinks we seniors do during the day. This is what it spit out: an approximate hour-by-hour layout of how I should go about my day.

Are robots taking over the world? Maybe not, but I won’t complain about my schedule when they do. BY

6:30 a.m. Wake up: Unlike most high school students, 6:30 is not early for me. On the days I have a morning lift, my alarm goes off at 5:30, so this was a nice opportunity to “sleep in.” I showered, dressed, and ate breakfast, just as my new computer mom told me to.

7:30 a.m. Head to school: This is where being more specific would have been more helpful. I live five minutes away from LHS, so on a usual morning, I leave at 8 a.m. But here I was, climbing in to my cold car before sunrise. I also typically listen to hype music to put myself in the best possible mood for the day of endearment, but I decided to be different and listen to a podcast. This was a unique experience, one I thoroughly enjoyed. It made the morning drive of a lengthy five minutes relaxing and reflective.

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. School: Here is where another problem arose. I only take three classes in the morning, so I am not at school until 3 p.m. (can you imagine?). I tried my best to stay engaged and productive, even when I came home. I also had therapy, which was at least made it a productive afternoon.

5:15 p.m. Dinner with Family: This is much too early to eat dinner, but here I was, at the table munching before my mom even came home from work.

5:45 p.m. Homework or Study time: I rarely work on school after dinner because I have a half-day. However, I had stats work to do, so I completed it. This was different for me, but I liked it a lot. It was good to feel productive before having a social or fun time.

7:00 p.m. Group activity: This was the spot I requested for youth group, which was great.

8:30 p.m. Wind down: Winding down this early is very good for me because it allows my body to prepare for bed. My go-to quiet activities are devotions and coloring, so I did a bit of both.

9:00 p.m. Bedtime Routine: I brushed my teeth, talked with my mom and finished getting ready for bed.

9:30 p.m. Lights Out: Suddenly, my day was over!

ABY BOBBY PARKER

s winter approaches, many students find themselves grappling with seasonal depression, a condition that can lead to feelings of isolation, a lack of motivation and emotional exhaustion. While it is commonly discussed in the medical community, its effects on students, particularly in the academic setting, are often overlooked. For these LHS students, seasonal depression is not just about the freezing temps; it is about an overwhelming emotional weight that comes with the changing seasons, compounded by the pressures of school life.

Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly in the winter. It often brings changes in behavior and mood, such as sleep disturbances, low energy and difficulty concentrating. While its causes remain under investigation, it is widely believed to be linked to the reduced exposure to sunlight and shorter days that accompany the winter months.

For students around the world, the changing seasons are not just a shift in weather but a reminder of past struggles and feelings of isolation. This is a sentiment echoed by many who find themselves withdrawn and disconnected when the days grow shorter.

This drastic change in behavior is one of the most noticeable effects of SAD. What was once a productive, active routine can easily devolve into hours of inactivity and disengagement, making it harder for students to maintain normal routines.

For some, the effects go even deeper. “I have always found it difficult to get up and do my schoolwork, even if it is a simple 5-minute worksheet,” said one LHS student. “I never feel motivated to do anything.”

This lack of motivation can have severe academic consequences, leaving students unable to complete assignments, which in turn affects their grades and overall well-being. The added pressure of academic expectations while struggling with mental health only worsens the situation. “Mental health is so important,” said another LHS student. “School really affects your mindset a lot. I like feeling like myself, but when you are in a bad mental state, it is really hard to have fun.”

The pressure to be productive and social can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, especially when a student is battling the emotional weight of SAD. However, SAD is not limited to the winter months for all students. “I consistently experience seasonal depression over the summer. At least since freshman year and probably earlier,” said an LHS student.

This highlights the fact that SAD is not confined to the cold months. For some, it can strike when expectations for joy are at their highest. “The worst part of it is the crushing weight of everyone expecting you to be happy,” said one LHS student. “The worst memory for me was spending three days straight in bed, without anyone checking in, but seeing that my friends were all hanging out without me.”

For another LHS student, the timing of SAD aligns with the chaotic nature of life. “I experience it almost every year around [winter and spring] and it is not due to holidays or school stress, but more to do with things happening around me,” said this student. External pressures, such as family situations or personal struggles, can worsen the emotional burden, making SAD even harder to manage. “It feels like my life gets more hectic in one way or another.”

Despite these challenges, students have found ways to cope. “Music therapy is something that helps me,” said an LHS student. Others find relief in creative outlets like reading or singing. “I usually go to music if that is either listening, singing or playing,” said a student at LHS. These activities offer temporary escape and relief from the mental fog that often accompanies depression.

Encouragement and understanding from loved ones can provide much-needed emotional reassurance and help break the cycle of isolation. Structure and action can help fight off depression, but too much can lead to spiraling. Gentle nudges to engage in physical activities or social events can help students resist the pull of isolation. However, it is important to approach this with care, recognizing the fine line between helping and overwhelming. “Having people force me to go out [can help], but only on occasion,” says an LHS student.”

As students face the challenges of SAD, it is essential for schools and communities to address the impact of mental health on overall well-being. With support from family, friends, the community and LHS counselors, there are ways to manage the emotional burden that comes with changing seasons.

BY ASHLYN HOFFMAN

For the past four years, Great Bear has been my winter home, the place where I spent all of my waged hours and free time. From a simple four-to-nine closing shift to shredding up the artificial snow in the bitter cold. Even though I have somehow managed to work in every department inside, the chaotic guest services desk is where I have spent most of my time.

I started my freshman year, 14 years old and eager for my first job. My employment began with a fun training meeting before the winter season had begun; it was titled “The Sunshine Meeting.” They greeted us warmly, with donuts for the early morning. During those hours, we were trained on how to help and communicate with guests and how to run the computer system. As a sociable person, I realized later on the job was pretty easy and amusing. Most of it consisted of selling people their lift tickets and rentals, checking for waivers and occasionally telling people, “I am just a teenage girl, this is out of my control.” Not to mention, the benefits I received as an employee were great, $25 season passes and free rentals. However, many extensive factors besides the simplicity kept me coming back each year. Our returning skiers and snowboarders who started my every morning with warm smiles, even when the weather was at its coldest, first showed me what type of place Great Bear was going to mean to me. I was shown how much a simple and kind interaction could affect someone’s day, or even week. Jolene Stangeland, the administrative assistant, who also has three kids employed at Great Bear, admires that the place has become family-oriented.

“All of our guests are in a big winter family and I love seeing everyone return each year,” said Stangeland.

With it being one of the very few ski hills in the region, we get a large mix of ages, levels and backgrounds, but there is one thing in common, everyone is there to enjoy the snowy season. Great Bear proves that inclusivity is not just limited to skill levels. Whether helping with a returning customer or not, it is always entertaining to hear about our guest’s passions and stories during the winter time.

of HR and Communications, Alexa Jerstad, who has been working at Great Bear for 15 years, appreciates the variety she encounters each day.

“I love that every day is different. Every season is different. I could never get bored,” said Jerstad. As she overlooks employees, manages day-to-day tasks and contributes to the business, she keeps her focus on maintaining Great Bear as a positive place to learn and have fun.

“For us it always ties back to our culture, our vision mission values, to inspire great memories by providing fun and meaningful experiences, and we take that to mean our employees as much as our guests,” said Jerstad. Working at a ski hill has led me to many unexpected experiences and relationships that I could have never received or formed at any other job. During my first year at Great Bear, I immediately bonded with the girls working at the front desk. We spent our days off skiing, laser tubing and even learning how to snowboard. LHS alumni, Gabriella Rabanales started at Great Bear in the 2021-2022 season as well. She also quickly took a liking to the chalet’s welcoming atmosphere.

“Everyone in the environment is so friendly and I think that’s what kept me coming back,” said Rabanales.

With 200+ employees, and well over half of them being teenagers, an amicable workplace is needed, and that is exactly what Great Bear’s employment delivered. Through offering gatherings and different benefits, they foster a strong sense of community which is important to the employees.

As the season comes to an end, Great Bear continues to build a reputation for giving workers an environment where workers feel valued, supported and a part of a family. Through the ups and downs, this job has provided me with an unforgettable family and taught me lessons I could not have learned anywhere else. Thank you, Great Bear!

Guests converse at the fire pit while overlooking the hill.

Two teens hitting the slopes on a sunny day.

Director

One of the perks of working at Great Bear is getting Ambassador passes to use on guests for free lift tickets and rentals.

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION BY MADDY

PHOTOS BY ASHLYN HOFFMAN

DESIGN BY ASHLYN HOFFMAN

Great Bear serves as a great place for a teenager’s first job.

Let’s face it: In today’s world, it can be challenging to appreciate your body, much less love it.

From a young age, we are conditioned to want the bodies we do not have. Short? Wear heels. Well-built? Lose weight. Pale? Hop in a tanning bed. For many, these internal and external pressures lead to distress. According to the NEDA, approximately 10-30% of males experience body dissatisfaction and 69-84% of females exhibit similar discontent. Add to this the cultural “beauty” standards, genetic variances and environmental factors that can impact your appearance, and it’s nearly impossible to attain, or feel as though you have attained the “ideal body.”

However, what if we spent less time focusing on what our bodies don’t have, and started focusing on all they do for us? After all, they never get a day off.

Your heart has grit. Every minute of every day of every year of your life, this 200-425 gram organ is constantly pumping blood. In fact, according to Cleveland Clinic, the human heart beats roughly 100,000 times per day, working out to over 2.6 billion beats during the average person’s life. Not only that, but the heart pumps around 1.5 gallons of blood per minute, meaning that within a year, this small organ could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool with blood.

Your lungs do much more than simply “breathe.” As the body’s air purifier and supplier, the lungs work together to take in oxygen and remove harmful gasses roughly 12 to 20 times per minute, according to Cleveland Clinic. This is generally a two-lung job, yet the body can still function with part of—or an entire—lung missing. Each time you inhale, this 2.2-pound, nine-inch pair of organs expands to around 10.5 inches, transferring oxygen to the bloodstream through 300 to 500 million alveoli (small air sacs). Interestingly, the lungs are the body’s only floating organs, meaning they literally and figuratively “run on air.”

BY LOGAN SANBORN

It is a well-known fact that a plant-heavy diet is good for you and the environment; however, many people still steer clear of healthier, plant-based options. According to the USDA, Americans today consume about 40% more meat than they should yet simultaneously consume less than the recommended amount for food groups such as vegetables and fruits by as much as 60%.

According to Linda Kantor and Andrzej Blazejczyk from the USDA, “Consumption of meat, eggs and nuts as well as grains in the United States was higher than the recommended amounts,”.

Your brain is a workhorse. According to Northwestern Medicine, this fatty, threepound organ never stops operating, even during sleep. A functional human brain requires around 20 watts of electricity, which can power a light bulb, yet it can also transport information at 350 miles per hour. In order to do this, the brain possesses around 86 billion neurons that form over 1 quadrillion connections (synapses), which also impact the organ’s storage capacity. To put that into perspective, there are around 100,000 neurons and 1 billion synapses in a piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand.

Your liver is the ultimate multi-tasker. Not only does it retain around 13% of the body’s blood supply at any point in time, but it also performs over 500 vital functions, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Besides producing proteins, cholesterol and bile, the liver is responsible for catalyzing sugar storage and fending off infections. What more, according to Community Liver Alliance, the human liver has regenerative properties, meaning that a partial liver will naturally re-form into a whole.

So, what then can the individual consumer do to mitigate their meat consumption, but also promote healthy eating habits? How can, say, a 17-year-old high school student learn to cook healthy meals, understand food labels and learn basic meal prep in order to prepare for adulthood? Well, the simple answer is to go vegan for a month.

Going vegan for a month may sound extreme to some —heck, most would just laugh out loud — but it is really not as crazy as people would think. When all that is discussed is what someone cannot have vs. what they can have, a plant-based diet sounds much more restrictive than it really is. While going vegan most likely means many will have to find new dishes they like and even give up some of their favorite junk foods; take it from someone who has done this challenge, the number of new foods consumed will easily replace the food lost. Being vegan is not only fulfilling, but there are also a lot of health benefits that come with the switch. According to Harvard Health Publishing, citing JAMA Internal Medicine, plant-based diets showed a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, a vegan diet promotes healthy gut biomes as the National Institute of Health explains that it can increase the amounts of good bacteria whilst simultaneously decreasing the numbers of harmful bacteria in the gut. But as some may be thinking, “switching to veganism for a month does not create long-lasting effects overnight” and they would be correct. What going vegan for a month does do is introduce you to foods that do create said side effects. So really, what is stopping people from making the switch? Why do people steer away from plant-based options? Long answer short: stereotypes.

The biggest barriers to living a vegan lifestyle stem from three major misconceptions that come from people’s contempt for the “abnormal.” These misconceptions can be boiled down into three categories.

When asked to imagine a vegan, it is safe to say many picture a thin, “cardio bunnyesk,” middle-aged woman who strives not to eat processed foods. People think vegans do not allow themselves the occasional sweet treat. But, again, this is just not the case. There are a plethora of vegan “junk” foods. From obvious ones like potato chips to the more obscure ones like Oreos and Skittles, the range of vegan options is much broader than it’s given credit for. Bread, cereal and orange chicken all have vegan-friendly alternatives that don’t come at a steeper price.

Your pancreas (if it is properly functioning) is always wearing two hats. According to Cleveland Clinic, as a part of the digestive and endocrine systems, the pancreas produces both enzymes and hormones, such as glucagon and insulin. Specifically, this 0.20-pound, six-inch organ generates around one to four liters of “enzyme juice” daily, and is the determining factor as to whether you have (or will develop) diabetes.

The next time you glance in the mirror, your heart and liver most likely won’t be staring back at you. These parts of the human body don’t receive enough credit, yet they don’t require that credit to remain exceptional. Building a positive relationship with your body is far from easy, but you can start by recognizing the hard work going on inside of you.

People tend to fall under the assumption that veganism is far more expensive than the traditional American diet. And yes: heavily processed foods tend to run cheap, while “health” foods marketed for vegans can be on the pricey side. But this assumption is not accurate. According to Cosmopolitan (citing an Oxford University study) eating a plant-based/vegan pallet is actually the most affordable diet. For example, when comparing prices of a pound of generic brand chicken breast, lentils and chickpeas at Walmart, the costs for each come out to $2.67, $1.92 and $1.46 respectively, a steep price fall from chicken to plants.

Veganism is not always a diet: it can also be a mindset. There are people who choose to live with absolutely no animal products, and they do this for their own reasons. However, it is not wrong to say that some in the community can be loud and outspoken. Those who want a plant-based lifestyle but are not of the vegan mentality can find it hard to start. But it is possible to eat vegan and still use Maybelline mascara. It is possible to eat vegan and not protest a McDonalds. Do not let a few bad apples ruin what can be the best thing that has never happened.

So, you have overcome your preconceived schema of being a vegan. And are now imagining a plant-based/vegan lifestyle. How exactly do you do that? It is really not that difficult; here are a few things you can do to best prepare yourself for plant-based living.

Lastly, explore all the new foods this challenge has to offer. There are plenty of grocery stores that offer wide selections of vegan products. From Aldi, the cheapest and most accessible, to the local yet pricey Pomegranate Market, there are plenty of businesses to choose from. Exploration pushes you to take that leap and go all out. There are so many simple recipes and restaurant hacks that it will be hard to get bored. This is a diet of abundance, so go out and eat!

DESIGN BY KATIE KROEZE

BY LOGAN SANBORN

According to Choosing Chia, most packaged dry pasta is 100% vegan. Often fresh pasta is made with eggs, which is not vegan.

The 21st century has seen many cultural events which have had massive impacts on how we go about our lives at LHS: our cell phones have changed the social landscape and led to many bans in classrooms; the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to all isolate ourselves at home with the dreaded e-learning; but one cultural event, debatably one of the most influential of the last decade, has gone largely unregarded by the LHS community. It is something that has become entrenched in the hearts and minds of numerous students at LHS: Fortnite.

Fortnite is an online multiplayer game with a variety of game modes. Its most popular mode is a battle royale, where 100 players spawn into a map and the goal is to be the last player standing. Players can use a variety of items in an attempt to eliminate your opponents. While the objective remains the same each match, the collaborations included in the map, such as the Godzilla event, keep the game fresh and exciting for players.

The dawn of Fortnite was in July of 2017 and it quickly became a worldwide hit. Garnering 20 million players in its first year, Fortnite became one of the most played online video games in only six months. As of 2023, it had amassed over 650 million users, or roughly 7.9% of the global population.

An estimated 76% of LHS students have played Fortnite at some point in their lives; that comes out to roughly 1,338 people. With such a large population, one can be dumbfounded by the fact that there is no group or club for LHS’s Fortnite players to gather together in. This is a problem.

LHS is bursting with passion and love for Fortnite. To focus that passion into a cohesive community that creates fellowship among its members and adds to the culture of LHS, a Fortnite club is a necessity.

“Fortnite has the Lincoln community and the whole world in a chokehold. And for good reason! Fortnite has so many benefits. These include teamwork, communication, fine motor skills, perseverance and resourcefulness. Among other things. It is imperative for Lincoln to have a Fortnite club so these young folks can hone these skills at such an important time in their lives,” said former senior, Homecoming King and Mr. LHS Bonnard Bosler.

The many benefits Fortnite provides, such as the meaningful friendships created through the game chat and strategy through its competitive nature, truly show what a positive effect a Fortnite club would have on the development of upstanding people. This is recognized by even those who have never played Fortnite. More people think LHS needs a Fortnite club than people who actually play Fortnite, revealing that it is recognized as a positive part of the community, one that should be embraced and focused, by players and non-players alike.

“[Fortnite] supports teamwork and that’s a great thing for…a community to have. It supports teamwork in our building and within the students and amongst the peers.”

“Fortnite

is massive.

Fortnite is a beautiful game. It’s probably one of the few masterpieces of our generation. I think that’s why it has such a dedicated community, …people really like Fortnite.”

“When I’m mad at my parents or at my friends, I can just put my anger out towards those other kids in my Fortnite lobbies. I really boost my dopamine when I see that victory screen. It’s just helped me through so many hard times.”

“Fortnite taught me about investing, put 1,000 V bucks in the battle pass, you get 1,500 out.”

“Fortnite means a lot to me. Every time I get on my Xbox, I just feel very happy inside. It distracts me from everything.”

The relaxing and anesthetic qualities of Fortnite make it a favorite among LHS students for unwinding after a long day. Over 50% of LHS Fortnite players partake in it every day, helping them to forget about the drama and toil of high school and bring their lives back into focus.

“Fortnite makes me feel good inside just because you get to battle your way to the top, you have to figure out ways to get around obstacles…get ahead of the game and get the victory Royal. It helps you figure out and navigate around your difficulties or your obstacles you have in life,” said sophomore Cooper Wasmund.

by Mason dean & Will Hansen

- LHS Students

1 because, in those moments, I felt as though a part of me was stripped away, reduced to an extension of someone else.

That’s the gap between my brother and me—a number that seems substantial until you realize how little space exists between being yourself and being someone’s shadow. We all know that feeling: when our identity gets lost in the expectations set by others. But for me, it started with a number.

My older brother’s name is Arthur. I’m Christopher— Chris, if you prefer. I don’t have a preference; in case you are wondering.

Names fascinate me—the patterns parents weave into them, the identities they shape, the pride they carry.

There’s that old cliché: “You can take everything from a person, but you can never take away their name.”

So, why was it that the

“Oh, nice to meet you, you must be Arthur’s brother! He was an amazing student— ,066 days.

I was too young to articulate my clouded thoughts, but I distinctly remember that amongst the turmoil of resentment, envy and confusion, there was also a sense of pride.

“It’s easier to see the silver lining than to acknowledge the storm.”

I chose to harp on the pride and shove aside the feelings of strife within my own identity. There was a miserable comfort in hiding behind the validation of the endless compliments I received from people, without ever needing to be any more than Arthur’s brother. A sense of guilt

Arthur was, by every measure of the word, a natural: thriving academically, possessing an unwavering sense of social awareness and playing the violin with a tenacity I had always admired. He was the trailblazer, and who was I? The cautious traveler who walked behind, carefully placing my footsteps where he had already landed. The terrain was familiar, worn smooth by his successes, leaving no room for the jagged edges of uncertainty. But something is unnerving about following a path that’s already been paved—it doesn’t require you to question where you’re going.

“Ignorance is bliss.”

I sat idle growing up— driven but not ambitious,

Instead, I let the praise heaped upon me for being his brother wash over me, a comfort I didn’t realize was fleeting.

What is it like being Arthur’s brother?

I’m confident in myself. Sure, Arthur pushes me to be better, but everything I do derives from intrinsic motivation, not external pressures. Arthur merely acts as a source of inspiration for the opportunities I pursue.

What is it like being Arthur’s brother?

I have moments where I find myself doing things because of him, but I’m proud of what I have achieved and believe I have grown into a person who makes choices best for my well-being. I think.

it doesn’t have the beautiful lunette window overlooking the front yard as his room does, but still, I love my room. It always seems much cozier than anywhere else in my house, characterized by a constant and comforting warmth washing over it. I’ve always been

transparent, that loss became my most liberating moment.

For my entire life, I had measured myself against Arthur’s successes, adopted others’ expectations as my own and let

peers or the countless faces on social media.

It’s easy to think that losing means failure—I tread my entire journey up to that point believing this—but the truth is that stepping away from the expectations of others allows you to find yourself. In that loss, I discovered the power of self-definition, unburdened by comparison. People value uniqueness, so there’s no point in measuring your success against someone else’s. I stopped looking to others as the benchmark of my worth and started valuing myself for what I wanted to become.

toward becoming who you’re meant to be, not who others expect you to be.

I still find

first name I’d hear back after introducing myself to people wasn’t my own?

always plagued me because, deep down, I viewed myself as undeserving of this praise: it was merely a projection of Arthur’s excellence onto me.

Yet, I never acknowledged it because everything seemed so simple growing up.

What’s the point of discovering myself when everyone already loves Arthur?

eager but not curious. An insatiable hunger for approval followed me; the more success Arthur had in his life, the deeper I fell into the hole of endless expectations and demands.

I didn’t challenge them; I simply let them shape me, never questioning if they were my own. His accomplishments became benchmarks I could never seem to reach. And yet, I never voiced my frustration.

What is it

like being Arthur’s brother?

It’s lonely.

3 questions. 3 answers. 3 years of high school.

Being so close to—yet never quite being able to step into—his space, I existed in the in-between: close enough to witness his successes but distant enough to feel like an outsider looking in. The walls between us were thin, yet they bore the weight of everything unsaid: admiration, resentment and the quiet ache of comparison.

My bedroom sits adjacent to Arthur’s, tucked into a small, tight corner upstairs. It’s not the larger room, and

fascinated by architecture: how the most intricate details and delicate connections work together to form stability. It’s amazing how one crack in the foundation can cause everything to crumble.

“Losing teaches you what success can’t.”

It’s funny how life works. You always manage to discover things where you least expect them. During my junior year, I lost the vote for student council president at my high school. I know, I know, really devastating. But, to be completely

comparisons define me.

Losing the presidency was a reality check; it was a forceful, unanticipated shove off a path I had mindlessly followed my entire life. Suddenly, I had to question everything: my goals, my worth and the metrics I used to judge myself.

For the first time, I realized how toxic it was to base my identity on someone else’s achievements. It wasn’t just about being Arthur’s brother anymore— it was about the universal weight of comparison we all carry, whether it’s siblings,

the lines blurred between authenticity and conformity, but I’ve never been so sure about one thing: deviation isn’t just freedom—it’s the first step

Bottom Left: Claire Meyerink (left) posing with her older brother, Fisher Meyerink (right).

Bottom Right: Catherine Jerstad (left) next to her older sister, Elizabeth Jerstad (right).

Middle Right: Chris Tao (right) lying next to his mom (middle) and his older brother, Arthur Tao (right).