March issue

Statesman L

M arch 2018

i n c o L n

H

i g H

SIOUX FALLS, SD

S

c H o o L

V ol . 52, N o . 4

TABLE OF

FEATURES

OPINIONS

4 LHS DOG RATES

16 SHOULD HEALTHCARE BE A PRIVILEGE?

6 STUDENT-LEAD GROUP AIMS TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

17 DOES ‘CAPTURING’ THE MOMENT KEEP US FROM EXPERIENCING IT?

10 MUSICAL DREAMS ARE ON THE RISE: SINGER AND SONGWRITER FINDS HER VOICE

18 MY RIGHTS DO NOT END WHERE YOUR FEELINGS BEGIN

11 HOT WHEELS OF LHS 12 STUDENTS ON A MISSION

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER

15 25 31 37 38

ENGAGE WORTH IT

BY THE NUMBER’S STANDING PAT MEET THE VARSITY

BEFORE I DIE

Look for the Statesman online at lhsstatesman.com Print issues can be found on issuu.com Follow the Statesman on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @lhsstatesman

Photo Credits: 1. LHS Study Buddies by Anna Dekkenga 2. LHS Statesman Staff by Katie Kroeze 3. Oscar Trophies provided by Google Public Use 4. The Smispons Y-Ball team provided by Riley Fawcett 5. Front page photo: Adam Wetzel, 10 by Lucy Dekkenga

CONTENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

24 ‘V2’ IS COMING AND IT IS EVEN BETTER THAN ‘VINE’

31 H-Y MANIA

26 LOCAL BAND SETS UP INTERPLANETARY BED AND BREAKFAST

32-33 ATHLETES TO “TRACK” THIS SPRING SEASON

27 STATESBUDS: SANDWICH EDITION

34-35 UNCOMMON SPORTS

29 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

Statesman

The Statesman’s purpose is to inform and entertain with an honest and accurate approach. The opinions of students, staff members and faculty are expressed in a tasteful manner. The Statesman is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is a winner of the George H. Gallup award for “…distinctive achievements in scholastic journalism.” The Statesman was awarded a Pacemaker in 2007 and was nominated for the 2012-2013 year. The editors and adviser take responsibility for the content of the Statesman.

Editors- in-Chief: Lucy Dekkenga and Gage Gramlick

Photographers: Anna Dekkenga and Riley Rasmussen

News Editors: Emily Whitney

Feature Editor: Jack Fehrs

OP/ED Editor: Summer Ericson

Entertainment Editor: Abbie Griffin

Sports Editor: Oliver Lockwood-Powell

Meet the Varsity: Ellie Lamberty

Staff Writers: Lily Becker, Jenna Becker, Caiden Capaldo, Chloe Crissman., Landon DeBoer, Taylor Ericson, Molly Faris, Kate Fehrs, Hannah Hansen, Will Howes, Somer Luitjens, Hunter Merkley, Katie Osmundson, Brita Quello, Timothy Stolp, Lauren Teller, Cathleen Weng Design Team: Jenna Becker, Caiden Capaldo, Anna Dekkenga, Lucy Dekkenga, Taylor Ericson, Gage Gramlick, Molly Faris, Katie Fehrs, Jack Fehrs, Hannah Hansen, Will Howes, Oliver Lockwood-Powell, Riley Rasmussen, Lauren Teller, Cathleen Weng Business Manager: Katie Osmundson Adviser: Katie Kroeze

5

FEATURE

LHS dog rates

by Jack Fehrs

12/10 This is Finn. It looks like

Finn might have a little leftover lunch on his nose, and he’s doing his best to get it off. What a cute pup.

13/10 Biscuit looks awfully concerned about the toy currently attached to their nose. Don’t worry Biscuit, you look like the type of pup to figure it out.

LHS students were asked to share photos of their pups on Twitter, and here are some of the photos that were submitted. Vote for you favorite pup on Twitter after this issue comes out!

13/10 Murphy looks very cozy. I

12/10 Duke has blue eyes and

12/10 Falco looks like he’s ready

12/10 Charley looks like he might have just seen a squirrel. And he sure as heck is not letting that squirrel get away. Charley could use his snoot to find a squirrel from miles away.

13/10 Ted has the finest tongue

13/10 Ozzie is a hard dog to read.

don’t even think Murphy needs that cheetah blanket or that grey blanket.

Very huggable.

probably a big heart. He looks very thoughtful in this photo, and I can imagine he enjoys contemplating all of Aristotle’s teachings.

out of all the pups here. However, I am a little worried Ted won’t be able to see with all that poofy hair. Nevertheless, Ted is a very good pup.

to run into a burning building to save someone. Very alert. I would probably trust Falco to protect my most valuable possessions.

It could be that Ozzie is looking up at the stars, or maybe he’s just looking for a bit of food. My money is on the stars, even though he’s definitely indoors. Ozzie the astronomer dog.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STATESMAN TWITTER SUBMISSIONS

6

FEATURE

Student-led group aims to prevent human trafficking

photo provided by riley raSmuSSen

LHS TAST members, Riley Rasmussen, Hazel Lucerdquaz, Morgan Pederson and Riley Johnson, come together to make posters for the End It Movement.

by Summer ericSon around Sioux Falls.

South Dakota often portrays itself as a safe, low-crime state.

While this is true, many people are unaware of a growing problem in our state; human trafficking. As federal authorities are putting more emphasis on stopping this crime, a group of local teens is also working to bring awareness to this alarming issue.

TAST, Teens Against Sex Trafficking, is a non-profit organization led by students and mentors that aims to educate students on human trafficking. TAST started in October 2016 and now has 50 students from three schools

Kaylena Riendeau, director and creator of TAST, has long been an avid supporter of antitrafficking and finally decided she wanted to expand her support to a younger generation.

“I’ve been involved with antitrafficking organizations for the last seven years,” said Riendeau.

“During my incredible experiences with different organizations, I realized it was time to commit to building a program for educating teens on human trafficking. I contacted students that I had previously taught at Memorial, who were then fresh-

men at Roosevelt, and we began TAST. Students began to raise awareness in their schools about trafficking and the mission of TAST, and before I knew it, more students were joining, and more groups were forming.”

Anti-trafficking organizations have become more popular over the years, especially because South Dakota’s trafficking rates have drastically increased.

“Currently, South Dakota is #2 per capita for human trafficking,” said Riendeau. “As a state, we have a ‘D’ rating due to gaps in services for victims of trafficking and prosecuting traffickers.

We see a lot of ‘homegrown’ trafficking occurring, meaning that young children are abused at a young age. They grow up and don’t know anything other than that abuse, leading them into a life of trafficking. TAST aims to prevent this.”

Every Wednesday, students from LHS meet to talk about ways to prevent the injustice of human trafficking. TAST’s main objective is to inform the public about trafficking, but they also would like to see some reform and participation for the sup-

port on school grounds. Assemblies at schools about the rising rates of trafficking, or the training of educators, administrators and authority figures on school grounds about trafficking could further prevent and combat the issue.

Another main goal of TAST is to increase its population of students involved. Riendeau claims her goal is to have 500 students around Sioux Falls involved and also claims that the involvement could truly make a difference.

“I encourage teens to be a part of TAST because I desperately want them to be a light to a broken world,” said Riendeau. “I want them to thrive and become the young men and women they are meant to be. I want to see them become passionate about a social injustice that impacts every family, no matter where they live. I want them to serve and give back to their community and I want them to know their worth. They have an abundance of worth, and I want them to know that and believe that. Being a part of TAST, students are challenged, embraced, encouraged and loved.”

See something, say something: Call the Human Sex Trafficking Hotline if your notice these signs: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 School Specific Signs of Someone Students watch for someone who... being Sex Trafficked: ...is older than you and is romantically interested in you -Change in attire and/or behavior ...is telling you everything you want to hear -Misses school on a regular basis ...is pulling you away from family and friends -Carries more than one cell phone ...wants you to go away from them -Gets picked up by different people every day ...wants to meet you where no one else is around -Falls asleep in class regularly ...wants to have sexual conversations or send sexual pictures -Frequently runs away from home ...is giving you expensive gifts or expensive items and telling you -Makes references to frequent traveling can live a similar lifestyle -Shows signs of drug addiction or physical abuse ...is telling you they know a job where you can get rich, but are -Has coached/rehearsed responses to questions not willing to disclose details about the job -Is carefully promiscuous and discusses sexual situations that are far beyond the norm -Has a boyfriend or girlfriend that is noticeably older

7

FEATURE

LINCOLN’S MOST EMBARRASSING STORIES by

Katie oSmundSon

A survey was sent out to both teachers and students asking them what their most embarrassing story was from LHS; these are the answers:

“Crying once I won a Kahoot…”

-Student”

“I told students that English teachers hate you.” I was, of course, referencing the use of second person in academic writing, but it absolutely came across the other way.”

-Teacher

“When I was in biology, I fell asleep and bang my head on the table.”

-Student

“When I fall on air and lie there having an existential crisis.”

-Student

“My. Whole. Freshman.

Year.”

-Student

“Someone pointed out I had something on the seat of my pants at the end of the school day.

It was chocolate, but definitely looked like something else! “ -Teacher

“I once sat on a desk and had it collapse under me.”

-Teacher

“I wore my shirt inside out over half the day and no one said a word.”

-Teacher

“Anytime I step on a kids backpack, slip and almost do the splits.

OUCH!“ -Teacher

STUDENT ELLA BLAIR PHOTO BY LUCY DEKKENGA

“One time in World History I was walking over to sharpen my pencil, and I hit the corner of a desk. As I was falling, I squealed extremely loudly and hit my nose on the carpet. I am a guy and I sounded like a bird that just got squeeze.”

-Student

8

FEATURE

BY TAYLOR

Art and fashion: The collision we never knew we needed

ERICSON AND HANNAH HANSEN

For decades, the crossover between fashion and art was nonexistent. The idea of merging two industries with independent forms of style frightened the majority of designers and equally intimidated their corresponding consumers. However, as the world has proven before, times are changing, and the merging of the art and fashion worlds is already among us. Students at LHS recognize that both art and fashion are catalysts of self-expression. With the two expanding more than ever before, it is not surprising to see its ripple effect influencing teens in our own community - teens right here at LHS.

“Fashion helps bring out emotion and show people what you are feeling inside without actually using words.”

Aubrey Dickeron (9)

“Fashion is a form of art because it allows you to express yourself in ways that other things can’t; especially in a social setting like school because it’s just something that is different for everyone.”

Timothy Hackworth (10)

“Art is expressing yourself through something and fashion involves a lot of that - expressing yourself by wearing what you want to wear and acting how you want to act.”

Evan Seany (9)

“I believe that fashion is art because it’s your own vision portrayed to the world on a different kind of canvas.”

Savannah Shonrock-Uithoven (11)

“Art is something that is born from people as a means of expression.

Fashion is the same way, in fact; they go hand in hand. For so many years, art and fashion have been directly influenced by each other.”

Izzy Carlson (10)

“Fashion allows me to show people my personality. With that being some kid that looks like a hipster, to someone who dresses more mainstream.

I’ve heard people say that I always dress nice or have a good taste in style, so I try to stick with it because fashion helps me be more self-confident.”

Jared Rundell (11)

“Sometimes some really cool and unique art can inspire people and give them some really creative and neat ideas. So, in a way, fashion is art because you can create your own interesting way of dressing and be different and show off how you feel or are.”

Debora Ruballo-Torres (12)

“Fashion is art because art is something that you create. The key to fashion is what you, yourself think is cool. If you think you look cool, then you are being fashionable.”

Jacob Croghan (12) PHOTOS BY HANNAH HANSEN AND TAYLOR ERICSON

9

FEATURE

Brendtro embraces life despite obstacles

KATIE OSMUNDSON Truly inspiring. A term that is rarely fulfilled when describing anyone, no matter how much they have accomplished.

For junior Raena Brendtro, however, she fulfills the term entirely, in every possible way.

“One pretty important thing about me is I am super optimistic, and I try to live life to the fullest, which is a very overused expression,” said Brendtro. “It’s interesting, everyone deals with being sad or down sometimes or goes through hardships. People deal with it in different ways, but the way I deal with it is that I try to maintain a super positive attitude and be the happiest person that I can. I love smiling and making other people smile, it’s my favorite thing in the whole world.”

Brendtro has faced hardships that not just anyone could face with such an optimistic attitude.

At the end of her sixth-grade year, she was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (F.A.), an inherited disease that impacts the central nervous system.

BY

Although diagnosed with this disease, she is determined not to allow it to become her identity.

“I started the new chapter of my life where I started doing theater and went to middle school. It was totally different,” said Brendtro. “I only knew a couple people when I started [at Edison Middle School]. I started this new chapter and no one knew about my disease, but then I was diagnosed and was very confused. They were trying to tell me that I had a disease and [I thought they meant] an epidemic disease. Then when it kind of sank in, I told my mom not to tell people because people seemed to be crying, and [I didn’t know why], nothing was different from yesterday and today.”

Brendtro’s personality is something that she embraces fully; she finds her inspiration from activities around her that she loves, including theater, which she excels in.

“I’ve been in theater since sixth or seventh grade,” said Brendtro. “I love acting and I

think it’d be really cool to someday be a director or a writer for films. I love writing. [I found my inspiration for writing from] Emma Watson playing Hermione Granger … some people say I have an Emma Watson vibe and that’s because all of my facial expressions are her facial expressions.”

Her love of Emma Watson has also influenced her approach to world, pushing her to learn and explore everything around her.

“I’m a nerd,” said Brendtro.

“I like to read, and I love learning new things. I went to London last summer and it was the coolest thing ever. My favorite part of it was going to the museums… I was able to see the actual Rosetta Stone.”

Brendtro has had immense support from family and friends.

Her father, Dan Brendtro has worked hard to raise money to restart research on Friedreich’s Ataxia. In the past, Sioux Falls hosted the leading program in finding a cure for F.A. and made promising progress. Due to a

lack of funding, the program was shut down. Dan Brendtro worked at raising money and even ran a marathon in support of the research.

“My dad is such a trooper,” said Brendtro. “He’s been so busy, and he’s told me that he’s been so happy since he’s dedicated so much time to [raising awareness]. My dad is very brilliant and so supportive and so helpful. I have the best parents in the whole world. My mom and my dad are the best parents ever.”

Brendtro has impacted everyone around her. Her approach to life brings a smile to everyone’s faces and shows what it truly means to be inspiring.

Offering a message that can be applicable in any situation.

“You just have to realize that everybody’s story is foreign to you,” said Brendtro. “Every single person has a story and I try to be as accepting and as understanding as I can because of that.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FINISHLINE.ORG

10

FEATURE

by Molly Faris Social media fame may seem unrealistic for someone living in South Dakota, but LHS senior Cheyanne Hays defies this common theory.

Walking through the halls of LHS, you may recognize the girl behind the account “fagerinoz,” whose page now consist of pop-

From finsta to famous ular pictures and videos you see every day scrolling through your social media accounts.

Hays originally had no intentions of becoming “Instagram famous” when she posted a video of herself cutting her own hair on her insta, a fake Instagram account. But, when

20,723

videos],” said Hays. “I normally come up with ideas at my work, Subway, with my co-workers. It is normally just in the moment.”

With that being said, if you are looking for an account that will make you laugh, follow and support your fellow LHS classmate @fagerinoz on Instagram.

24, 217

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY INSTAGRAM

How many likes?

21,879

she allowed a different famous Instagram account to post her video on his page, her video went viral.

Currently, Hays has gained over 80,000 followers on her original account, and she plans to continue her Instagram fame.

“Yes [I still like to make

Musical dreams are on the rise Singer and songwriter finds her voice by

a bbie G riFFiN

At LHS, some students participate in sports, band or various clubs. Some play musical instruments and other participate in choir, but not many can say they have written music, let alone made a whole album. For Breems, music comes naturally to her so writing music has become a passion.

LHS junior Lily Breems has had a liking for music ever since she could remember. Growing up in a musical background, Breems has been able to grow her talent and her love for music.

“I have been singing ever since I could talk,” said Breems. “I grew up in an extremely musical family, so it was just a part of my family’s culture.”

Breems uses past experiences and lessons to inspire her music. She uses her relationship with God to help inspire her when she writes her songs.

“It may sound cheesy, but most of my songs are written from what I have gone through or learned in life,” said Breems.

“Much of which has been influenced by

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LILY BREEMS

Lily Breems’ top three songs are “Messenger of Truth,” “The Words That Don’t Exist” and “Oh God.”

my relationship with God. I am also inspired from other artists and the people around me.”

While some artist’s minds are on the

money, Breems is different. Performing and writing music is her sole love, and that is what she focuses on.

“I did not go into the project of writing songs with the intention of making an album or releasing a single,” said Breems. “Instead, I just let creativity take over and as the song developed, I saw the potential it had to touch other people’s lives and just went from there.”

With her love for music and talent in song writing, Breems could make a career out of music.

“I definitely have a passion for music and hope to always be involved in music in some way for my whole life,” said Breems. “I do not know at this point if I will actually make a career out of it since it is a very tough industry, but if the opportunity presented itself, I would be living the dream.”

Check out Apple Music to hear some music by Breems or follow her on Twitter @LilyBreemsMusic.

FEATURE

11

“Vroom vroom get out me car:” Hot wheels of LHS

by brita Quello

is where if you are stopped, you press down on the brake and it switches modes. Then, you don’t have to put your foot on the break and you can just lay back and relax in the comfortable seats.

Junior Emily Einsel owns her personalized 2016 Jeep. In the summer, she loves to take off the top and blare “dope” music through the nice speakers. Along with the speak-

ers and top, Einsel’s Jeep has 4-wheel-drive and “an extra tire on the back to protect” her. This unique looking Jeep may catch your eye, as Einsel loves to put her own stickers on the back of the car.

Sophomore Gilbert DeWitte whips the 2017 Mercedes GLA. This luxury car possess heated seats along with Apple Bluetooth.

Apple Bluetooth is a special fea-

ture that is not found in all cars.

Freshman Erika Snyder’s sweet ride is a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle.

Erika’s ‘Bug’ is very easy to drive and does not use that much gas.

Also, it is a triple white edition so the whole interior is white.

Finally, this Volkswagen features leather seats.

As a fellow LHS student, these Hot Wheels may now catch your eye, in the LHS parking lot.

Emily Einsel- 16’ Jeep

Erika Snyder- 08’ Volkswagen

Gilbert DeWitte- 17’ Mercedes

One may take notice of the snazzy ‘whips’ that appear in the LHS parking lot daily. Behind these cars, are their drivers; these drivers are also students that attend LHS. Senior Bhavik Patel pulls up to school in his 2015 Mercedes C300. This car features sports mode and temporary parked mode. Temporary parked mode

PHOTOS BY RILEY RASMUSSEN

12

FEATURE

Students helping students The Study Buddies program of LHS

PHOTO BY ANNA DEKKENGA

Anisa Ilrahim getting help through Study Buddies. by cathleen Weng

Classroom E108F at the far end of the E wing houses LHS’ Study Buddies, a walk-in program where students help their peers with homework in various subjects.

The Study Buddies program

has been established for four years and is held after school every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Its tutors, mostly made up of juniors and seniors, strive to make Study Buddies a comfortable learning environment.

“Sometimes it can be intimidating to talk to a teacher,” said president and senior Sharon Zere. “To know that your peer - many of us are friends now went through the same situation in which they didn’t understand something; it’s comforting to know that they made it through and now they can help you too.”

Study Buddies is a mostly student run program, headed

by Zere, Lucy Dekkenga (vice president) and Quentin Sullivan (secretary).

“It’s helped me a lot,” said one of the students helped with Study Buddies. “The people are

really great and they definitely go into depth and help you understand and have a better grasp on the subject.”

Study Buddies’ walk-in status means that any student can come for help when they need it, whether it be for a single question on an assignment or more in depth help on any given subject.

In order to become a tutor, on the other hand, talk to Zere, Dekkenga or Sullivan.

“If you need to get tutored, you just come,” said Zere. “It doesn’t matter with what; we’ll find you someone to help you, even if it’s a class we’ve never taken before. I’ve been asked for help with interior design. Have I taken interior design? No. But we’ll figure it out together.”

On any given day, the program has approximately four to six tutors and five to eight students.

“It’s good to have somebody there to work with you through your work,” said another student tutored by Study Buddies.

Tutors and tutees alike enjoy the sense of community found within the program. “[The best part about being in Study Buddies is] building relationships with students you probably would never have met if you hadn’t joined,” said Zere.

More Information When: Every Monday and Wednesday 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: Far downstairs E-Wing Who: Everyone is welcome to help or get help For more information contact:

Sharon Zere: (605)271-7849 Lucy Dekkenga: (605)251-7548

Students on a mission: worldly community service

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY LHS STUDENTS

Senior Megan Sotebeer and sophomore Chase Helland interacting with children while on Mission trips in Guana and Peru, respectively.

by Jack Fehrs

Helping communities in other countries that are less fortunate has become a goal for many LHS students during breaks.

Mission trips provide students with eye-opening experiences, and LHS students are taking advantage of this opportunity. Missionaries help build homes, volunteer in orphanages and complete other

tasks to help the local community in which they are serving.

“We will be serving at an orphanage along with working closely with the church we are going to be staying at,” said LHS senior Megan Sotebeer. “We will be told specifically what we will be doing when we arrive in Guatemala.”

Sotebeer is not the only student

planning on attending a mission trip. Senior Luke Schilmoeller will also be traveling to South America, specifically San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico to do mission work.

Schilmoeller will be helping to construct homes in the community this June. However, he is most excited about public outreach.

“I am really excited to meet all the people living in San Luis Rio

Colorado, Mexico and talking to them about faith,” said Schilmoeller. “I am also looking forward to playing soccer with the children.”

Chase Helland, an LHS sophomore, traveled to Peru this January with his church. Their group taught vacation bible school to the little kids there. Chase experienced something unfamiliar to his life in the United States.

“People in the US have it made compared to Peru,” said Helland. “It was different and it made me more aware about what I had compared to everyone else and I still complain.”

Indubitably, LHS students are making a difference not only within our own community, but also abroad, where some people need help the most. LHS students show their understanding that many are not as fortunate as them, and give back.

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15

OP/ED

Testimony of Gage Gramlick to South Dakota Education Committee: regarding bill 1242 by

G aGe G ramlick , editor - in - chief

The following is testimony presented before the House Education Committee by Gage Gramlick on Feb. 7, 2018. The testimony is in support of House Bill 1242, an act to bolster student freedom of press in South Dakota; the bill was shot down 11-3.

Thank you Mr. Chairman and committee for taking the time to listen to our testimony in support of bill 1242. My name is Gage Gramlick and I am the editor-in-chief of the Lincoln High School Statesman, our school newspaper.

Bill 1242 is a commonsense standard for schools to gauge whether or not content is printable.

As I have talked excitedly and frequently about this bill in the previous months to students, teachers and administrators, many have asked me why I chose to bring it forward, expecting me to cite a disappointing anecdote where administration blocks a story of mine. They expected this bill to be a reaction.

This is not the case. Rather, I am running this bill because I have faith in the South Dakota Public School Systems and because I believe we are ready for the next step: to give students real life experience with journalism.

As my teachers often say, there is always room to grow. As it currently

stands, South Dakota has passed no legislation that protects student freedom of speech, and by extension, no legislation that encourages students’ freedom of speech.

Consequently, there is an environment of uncertainty among student journalists. We don’t know where the line between acceptable and unacceptable lies, because it doesn’t exist.

Every time we publish, we risk penalty, we risk our privilege and duty to cover the news, we risk our programs themselves. Bill 1242 clearly delineates what is and is not okay to

journalism is: the middle men and women between the world and the people. Strengthening this connection, strengthens our democracy. Bill 1242 does just that.

In addition to proactively fostering positive journalistic practices among South Dakota journalism students, your support of this bill helps every young reader in the state. By allowing students to publish relevant content, we are also giving every student reader pertinent material published by their peers, meaning the content is relatable because it’s written by kids their age. And when kids read about the world around them, they become invested in it. Media literacy increases. Civic engagement increases.

And as time goes on, democracy evolves.

Bill 1242 is a commonsense standard.

When we pass common sense standards, especially when they pertain to education, we set a baseline for local governments and schools to build upon. We’re saying to administrators, teachers, and students, here is your foundation, here is your tool kit. And from there? Who knows.

Maybe we can create the next Tom Brokaw.

Chair Members, thank you for your time. It is truly an honor.

I will stand by for questions.

Thank you.

EnGage

W

publish, thus building an atmosphere where students are inspired to write about matters that… matter.

Growing our journalism education is essential. Your support of this bill is an investment in student journalists and thus an investment in the future of our democracy. If we want to see South Dakota’s democracy thrive, we need to develop an educated electorate, which begins with an educated media. Media literally means the middle man. That’s what

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

16

Healthcare: Students should care about it

by Lauren TeLLer, sTaff wriTer

Wow, what a hot topic: Healthcare. Sadly, it’s an important debate that has no clear solution in sight. Does the government have the duty of providing and securing public healthcare for its citizens?

Now, usually in life, we are told not to do something just because our neighbor does it.

However, in this scenario our

by wiLL

OP/ED

neighbors are highly-successful, developed nations like Sweden, Canada and Britain. All of these countries have organized, equal, public healthcare systems that provide millions of their citizens with the insurance that they need each year. After bringing up the thought of public healthcare systems, the thought of fascist and socialist values come to mind, because the traditional type of healthcare provides the same coverage for the entire nation. If our country is supposedly falling behind in areas such as education, technology and science, the U.S. healthcare system is also most likely falling short of the universal standard.

Now, as an attempt to appeal to a widespread of students at LHS, I don’t consider myself solely a democrat, more so an independent. The traditional view of democrats and the

public healthcare that goes along with them closely follows the philosophy that people should be judged by how they treat the least of our society, and that everyone should be treated equally in the eyes of the government.

The basis of my stance on public healthcare lies in the rising costs. Most likely, the one thing that can be agreed upon in this article is the fact that healthcare costs have rapidly increased in past years. Costs per stay increased 47 percent since 1997, averaging $10,000 in 2011. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),

total health care spending was 18 percent of the U.S. GDP in 2011, the highest in the world.

The high costs cause millions of citizens to go without healthcare simply because they are unable to afford it. Because of the horrendous hospital bills and prescription medication costs, more than 18,000 Americans die every year from preventable illnesses because they do not receive healthcare at an affordable rate. Without the accident insurance that healthcare provides, the extreme costs can eventually lead to bankruptcy, or worse, death because Americans don’t have access to the care they deserve.

As President Donald Trump stated in his State of the Union Address, “everything that is broken in our country can be fixed.

Every problem can be solved.

And every hurting family can find healing and hope.”

share its content with 20 of their friends. In response to this practice, record labels began locking up music on CDs inside of jail cells and only set the tunes free when people installed their proprietary software or used the music player made specifically by that company. This was an implementation of DRM, or digital rights management.

music with the options to purchase hit singles and full albums at reasonable prices. Eventually, Apple got around to selling all of their music DRM-free as well. This was a major shift from standard practice as the music that had been held within a jail cell for so long was released back to the open waters of piracy.

Record labels were scared, but Apple freed the tracks. And they waited.

Nothing happened.

Tracks continued to sell, artists continued to make money, and piracy didn’t explode into relevance again. As the wise Gabe Newell, co-founder of the online game store Steam, once said, “Piracy is almost always a service problem and not a pricing problem.” People are almost always willing to pay for things they enjoy, like music or television. But if, in order to access that music, one must go to the store, pay twice as much as they

should and only be able to play the CD on a specific device, an illegal but far simpler and more versatile alternative becomes much more appealing.

Though being dropped from the music industry, DRM still plagues many other physical-gone-digital industries around the world. Movie and TV show companies are notorious for aggressive DRM protections and high prices across all platforms. Video game publishers, like Ubisoft, are even worse. By trying to protect their property from those who want it for free, DRM unintentionally pushes away those who were willing to pay in the first place.

With YouTube and Netflix antiquating the need to ever attend a theatre or subscribe to cable, it would be wise for media companies to do something that doesn’t exclusively drive consumers away from the very product they are trying to sell.

“If our country is supposedly falling behind in areas such as education, technology and science, the U.S. healthcare system is also most likely falling short of the universal standard. .”

Why Digital Rights Management needs to die

Howes, sTaff wriTer

The introduction of the CD in 1979 marked the beginning of the music industries transition from physical to digital media. The convenience of size and capacity it offered to consumers over alternatives like vinyl and cassette tapes soon caught on with the masses.

However, over the next 20 years as the world around them became increasingly digital and personal computers soon found themselves in the homes of Americans, the issue of managing copyright became increasingly difficult. Because digital media is infinitely reproducible, one person could buy a CD and

“By trying to protect their property from those who want it for free, DRM unintentionally pushes away those who were willing to pay in the first place.”

Rather than deal with the nuisance that CDs had become, people turned to digital piracy for undeniably simpler access to what they wanted, even if it was against the law.

Thankfully, in 2003, Apple released the long awaited iTunes, offering access to digital

17

OP/ED

by Jenna

Helping ourselves by helping others

beCker, sTaff wriTer

The craze of junior year includes, but is not limited to, the first of many stressful standardized tests, harder classes with even more homework and the beginning of applying for those exclusive extracurriculars, each of which are aimed at perfecting our college resumes.

Some of these special groups, like the NHS’s around school, have a prerequisite of volunteer hours students must meet before being officially admitted. With the increasing pressure of improv-

ing our college portfolios, it’s no wonder that we have lost sight of the meaning of volunteering.

I’m going say something that most high schoolers don’t want to admit: We volunteer for hours, not for the good of the community.

I finally admitted this to myself a month ago when I was volunteering for the Humane Society. I enjoyed working there and spending time with the animals in need, making sure they were all loved while we looked for their new families. While the work seemed enjoyable enough, I couldn’t help shake the ball of stress I carried around when I was there. The joy I would have found in cleaning out cages was overshadowed as I worked against the clock, collecting hours like I collected bags of poo while I

Procrastinating procrastination

by Landon

deboer, sTaff wriTer Procrastination: the one barrier that holds you back from completing homework assignments. Wasting your time on your phone or playing video games can be the difference between getting done with your homework at 8:30 or at 11:30 at night.

Using organizational strategies and having a more positive outlook towards your work can help you to finish your homework in a more timely manner.

It is impossible to finish your homework in one sitting; breaks are key. A break to look at a couple of pictures on Instagram here, a break to get a snack there, all in all, a couple of breaks are fine. Although these breaks seem short, they do add up. Having key skills such as organizational skills can help to diminish these tasks at hand.

While completing your homework assignments, it is important to not stress

too much about them. If you stress, it can be difficult to even get started on your assignments. Create a list to help organize what you have to do, and when you have to get it done. School planners are what help me the most when doing my homework.

Clear your mind of other assignments or projects, and focus on just one assignment at a time. This may be difficult to do, but instead of saying to yourself, “I have way too much homework,” say to yourself, “I can get this done.”

Changing your mindset to a more positive outlook can help give you the motivation to carry on and get your homework done.

Never sell yourself short, you can always find the time to finish your work. It might take some time, but following easy steps such as these can help to decrease the amount of time you spend on your homework nightly.

walked dogs. The pressure of logging hours took precedent in my mind over the helpful work I was doing, taking away any sort of lesson I could learn from the experience.

I get it, the looming threat of college admission has us all on edge. We need those scholarships to afford that vital education, and getting in these clubs would offer that ever important advantage.

While this does push us to volunteer, it’s no longer for the right reasons.

We have to remember: Volunteering is the backbone of our community.

The sacrifice of time is not just a number to log into your SALSAmatrix. It’s a full meal to someone who couldn’t afford it, a warm bed to someone without a home or even a new chance at life

for a furry friend.

Ever since realizing my poor motives for volunteering, I have learned to appreciate the work I have the privilege of completing.

Seeing the impact on not only those overjoyed animals who we’ve helped, but also the families who found their new family member have taught me how important work like this is to the community. It’s no longer just hours for a scholarship.

Yes, volunteering may be necessary to get into NHS or to get that next scholarship, but we cannot forget that it is also vital for our city to run and take care of its people. When we forget about the hours and focus on the work, volunteering stops being a chore and becomes something we can all enjoy.

CaTHLeen weng, sTaff wriTer As tourists, as visitors, as concert-goers and memory makers, we, with easier access to cameras, grew accustomed to capturing the moment rather than sitting back and enjoying it. We wave our phones around to record concerts and we spend our vacations trying to get the perfect picture.

In the year of 2000, consumers took 80 billion photos around the world in the first boom of digital photography, according to photography company Kodak.

By 2017, the number had risen to over a trillion. But this might not be such a terrible thing. In the past, our memories were sent haphazardly to the backs of our minds with the hopes that we might recollect them someday.

Nowadays, we can relive anything through a few photos and videos that enhance the nostalgia factor.

The way that people see the world is changing. Allowing the need to ‘capture the moment’ to become more important than actually enjoying the moment is never a good idea, but is want-

ing to preserve memories such a terrible thing?

As humans, we are not the static point of revolution. The universe does not revolve around us, singularly. As the world grows and changes, we grow and change with it. We have the power to dictate how we want to live our lives, but there has been such a stigma surrounding the growth and use of technology.

Perhaps it is worth it to remember that technology will continue to advance and the world around us will continue to as well.

We are in the prime of human existence so far: Life expectancy is higher than it has ever been; smallpox, polio, and many other diseases that once plagued us have been eradicated; we have a huge collection of information at our fingertips through the internet.

As sentimental as we may be about the past and as much as we may want to lock ourselves in our Antoinette castles, we have the capability for one of the most vital aspects of human life: to keep moving forward.

‘Capturing’ the moment

by

18

OP/ED

My rights do not end where your feelings begin

by Chloe Crissman, staff Writer

In an age where over 50 percent of our time is spent on some form of social media, it is nearly impossible to not offend someone. One innocent slip of the tongue could lead to being labeled as a social pariah. People will call you a racist or a sexist or a homophobe. Where does it end?

I have spent too much time thinking about how exactly to write this article in a way to minimize the amount of people I could potentially offend, and that is when I realized that my walking on eggshells was a perfect example of this issue. Trying to not offend someone or a large group

of people is virtually impossible.

You try to be politically correct to one group and end up displeasing a different group. Our society has become too sensitive and here is exactly why it is a problem.

There is a notion of “your rights end where my feelings begin.” Is it fair? No. Does it still happen? Yes. People have ideas in their heads that if one’s opinion does not match their own, the opposing belief is offensive. People think, “Your opposition to gay marriage makes me feel like you are a homophobe. Your beliefs for pro-choice makes me feel like you hate babies.” We allow people’s feelings to cloud one of the most important amendments of our constitution: freedom of speech.

Regardless of an individual’s beliefs, the best solution to the issue of hypersensitivity in this age is to stand up for your position. Stay steadfast in your ideals and do not waver because of the feelings of others.

The benefits of being bilingual

by summer eriCson, opinion editor

“¿Hola como estas? ¿Como puedo ayudarte?”

I looked at the man, trying to remember all of the lessons my Spanish teachers taught me while my coworkers looked at me in confusion.

I was working when a man entered and said a few short words in English. His English was mostly Spanish with a few English words thrown in. Luckily, I’ve taken Spanish for four years. I talked to the man in Spanish, hoping I wasn’t making any embarrassing mistakes with the language. Surprisingly, he understood me, and I was able to help him with what he needed. After the man left, I realized how empowering it was to have the ability to communicate with others in a different language. I felt connected to him, sort of like I had known him for years just through a few words.

Knowing a second language has become a crucial part of this day in age. Yes, we have technology that can spit out a perfect sentence in virtually

any language, but actually knowing and understanding another language is extremely beneficial.

Being bilingual opens the door for more opportunities in the workforce and social field. Knowing a second language sets you apart from other applicants interviewing for a job you so badly want and allows for countless more conversations and friendships. Studies have shown that being bilingual also makes you smarter.

According to The New York Times, bilingualism can “have a profound effect on your brain, improving cognitive skills not related to language and even shielding against dementia in old age.”

My situation with the man opened a newfound interest in language and its abilities to connect people. Once in a while, I see the man walking past my work and we wave to each other. We only exchanged a few words, but those words opened the doors to a friendship between us.

Education should branch out from STEM by timothy

stolp, staff Writer

I am terrified about college. More specifically, the thought of not making it in because of the classes I choose to take. But, Google’s got my back.

In recent history, the general consensus among educators has been STEM classes— science, technology, engineering and math classes— are the most essential area of study for students to weasel their way into top seats of our modern globalized economy. The shift from a market of varying fields to

one centered around the world of technology comes as no shock considering the Age of Information we have entered and explains why career paths are directed towards technologically-geared curriculum.

However, as research from Google has shown, the contrary is also quite true: STEM is not the only type of college major that will produce top-of-the-line employees.

Those of us who believe in the humanities have been saying for years that the world will lose elemental aspects of the collective human knowledge if we don’t place stock in careers in entertainment, arts and communications. Luckily, the research now supports this idea.

Google recently con-

ducted a study to crack down on its methods of hiring. The project’s data concluded that within the eight qualities of the most successful employees, STEM knowledge ranked last. Uncovering this, the company decided to shift its recruiting requirements.

The educational system at the moment has a tendency to suggest prioritization of STEM-category courses, because the world beyond the educational system seems to have a bounty of STEM jobs. The action on the part of mentors is not in vain but should be redirected or redefined. The purpose of education is to provide students with the necessary knowledge to move into the next stage of life, wherever that may lead. It should be made clear that it’s not

invalid to pursue the study of filmography or English.

Skills learned in those classes, like leadership and generosity, can be just as valuable in the workforce as the Google study shows.

“Those of us who believe in

the humanities have been saying for years that the world will lose elemental aspects of the collective human knowledge if we don’t place stock in careers in entertainment, arts and communica-

tions. Luckily, the research now supports this idea. ”

I am slightly less terrified about college when I realize that the skills that I might gain from liberal arts schooling are just as beneficial as a STEM major would provide me with.

19

OP/ED

Please stop: a plea to end the destructive behaviors at LHS

Caiden Capaldo, staff Writer Most students at LHS can probably identify some connections to recent tragedies generated by drunk drivers or drug deals gone wrong. Maybe you have such a connection: You know a person lost, you know a person struggling or you know someone who is trying to help.

My heart hurts for all of these students. I care about every one of you that attend LHS. I want to see you succeed in life. I am not here to judge anybody; I want to talk.

I ask you to simply read and consider. Underage drinking is a reckless activity for many students.

Many may think that this by

is just a conservative viewpoint, but there really is a major issue here. A study by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH) found that 19.2 percent of sophomores and 33.2 percent of seniors in high school had consumed alcohol within the last month. If we were to apply this to LHS, that would mean that at least 263 students have drank within the last month, excluding the statistics for juniors and freshmen. With Spinsters less than a month away, it is likely that many more students will be intoxicated.

Everyone makes mistakes, but students at LHS are actively disobeying the law of this country by continuing to drink. Keep in mind that laws that restrict minors from drinking are not enforced to take away our joy; they are there to keep us safe. Our bodies literally are not capable of sustaining a lot of liquor.

Most students who drink appear to do so with the single goal of getting drunk. If we are being honest, responsibility is the last thing on our minds when this happens.

This is dangerous and unnecessary. Sadly, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) says that excessive drinking leads to over 4,300 teenage deaths in America every year.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but students of LHS are actively disobeying the law by continuing to drink.”

When minors drink, a ripple effect is created. I have observed that students who drink do so not because of any personal convictions, but because their peers do it. This means that our actions affect others and not just ourselves.

Once these students begin, their other friend circles begin to participate as well. It continues on and on, expressing

to underclassmen that these actions aren’t only okay, but encouraged.

High schoolers are supposed to be an example to younger kids and choices like these communicate that these actions are acceptable. They are not. Instead we should be a beacon of positive influence to kids younger than us by making choices that honor authorities instead of disrespect them.

Every student at LHS has potential to create an incredibly positive environment, but at times they, for whatever reason, do not. Make the world a better place today by obeying the laws set in place to keep us safe. By doing this, friend circles will be influenced to make similar changes, and they will be able to lift others up to do the same.

Be a constructive part of your community today by seeking to make affirmative decisions in your day to day life.

SOURCE: Johnston, L.D.; Miech, R.A.; O’Malley, P.M.; et al. Monitoring the Future National Survey: Trends in 30-Day Prevalence of Use of Various Drugs in Grades 8, 10, and 12, 2015. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 2016. Available at: http:// monitoringthefuture.org/data/16data/16drtbl3.pdf. Accessed 1/10/17.

Before I die...

The student body shared their feelings on a poster in the foyer. Here are few we enjoyed.

by anna dekkenga, hannah hansen and riley rasmussen

24

FEATURE

by LiLy

becker

‘V2’ is coming, and it is even better than ‘Vine’

On Jan. 27, 2017 social media suffered the loss of one of its most well-known apps called “Vine,” because of how successful Twitter was.

Many were upset, disappointed or even happy but, without “Vine” we would no longer have the six second videos, and “Vine” stars or the hilarious slang trends that we do now. However, on Dec. 6, 2017 the co-founder of “Vine,” Dom Hoffman, tweeted a tease of the app’s apparent successor, “V2” with a cryptic sense.

The popularity of this tweet rose with over 194,000 retweets and with 427,000 favorites, creating hope for those who miss the pure laughter on their phones.

On twitter, Dom Hoffman is very interested in what people would like on “V2” that they did not have on “Vine.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOGLE PUBLIC USE

Along with that, LHS senior Deb Torres is not afraid to voice her opinion.

“It would be nice if they let you search the vines by name on a ‘Viners’ personal page,” said Torres. “Also, I think the six seconds make the vines funnier, but I would not mind if they were a couple seconds longer.”

The company itself has

been very secretive about what will be included with the app.

Although, they leaked that it will be very similar to the original “Vine” so that it does not change the whole concept of scrolling and enjoying short and normal videos.

Hoffman announced that it will again contain looping videos that will be allowed to be between two and 6.5 sec-

onds. Except, with bringing similar ideas to “V2,” several can be left behind with the old “Vine.”

“I think certain ‘Viners’ should not be allowed on ‘V2’ such as the Paul brothers or Lele Pons,” said LHS sophomore Emma Osmundson.

“Their vines are too staged which does not make them funny at all.”

“Vine” is also not following the trends of other social media apps including stickers, filters and locations.

The creators of “V2” expected to release the app in March but may come later depending on how well the production is. This app can be downloaded with the App Store, Play Store or even on a PC at home. Although the death of “Vine” struck, it created the unraveling of the soon to be app, “V2.”

How to be a spring breaker with your budget by

chLoe crissman

Spring break: The time for all students to let loose a little and explore the world with their closest friends or family. Wondering how to plan the most legendary break ever? Here is how you can be a spring breaker on a budget.

If you are a penny-pincher these are a few If you are not Kanye, but you have some money to spend, check out: destinations in your price range: $ Clear Water, FL $ Outer Banks, NC $ Nashville, TN How to save money? Book your hotel and airfare early. Go on websites like kayak. com, travelocity.com and expedia.com to find the cheapest hotels and airfare. Search online for coupons and codes to get discounts on your accommodations. If you are looking for a more laid-back trip, look on airbnb.com for an inexpensive living space.

Also, start saving early to have a few extra bucks to “treat yo’self.”

$$ Lake Tahoe, NV $$ Breckenridge, CO $$ Cancun, Mexico If your price range is around $800-$1,000 you can afford to spend a little extra on food and hotels. These three destinations have some of the finest skiing and beaches, accommodating to any kind of person, whether you are adventurous or just want to chill.

For those who have money to spend and want to travel somewhere insane, try: $$$ Cabo San Lucas, Mexico $$$ Harbor Islands, Bahamas $$$ Maui, HI These extreme destinations will break the bank but result in some amazing memories.

The average cost of resorts at these locations varies from $800 to more than $1,000. If you can afford this, why not do it? Buy all the drink-with-colored-umbrellas you want, non-alcoholic of course.

Whether you are a savvy spender or a kid with some cash to throw around, do not forget, the world is your oyster.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

25

FEATURE

Statesbuds: Sandwich Edition by

moLLy Faris and kate Fehrs

Pickle Barrel - $8.50

During our Pickle Barrel experience, we each ordered the pepper cheesesteak. The looks of the sandwich overpowered the taste. We were disappointed with the flavor of the sandwich; however, because we were so hungry, the lack of flavor did not affect us finishing the large sandwich. We enjoyed how the sandwich had a good ratio between meat and melty cheese. The bread was by far the best part of the meal, along with the free jumbo pickle that is offered. Overall, if you are craving a true philly cheesesteak sandwich, Pickle Barrel would not be the top option.

Bread and Circus - $12.90

Our first impression of Bread and Circus was how unique the atmosphere was. This sandwich shop gave us a big city vibe, like it belongs in Minneapolis. We both ordered the Italian sandwich, one being hot, the other being cold, and we were very impressed by the overall taste and appearance of the sandwich. It was served with a side of kettle chips that complimented the sandwich very well. Although the price was high, it exceeded our expectations. We recommend Bread and Circus if you are craving a flavorful, filling sandwich while being in a comfortable, artsy environment.

Grand Junction Grilled Subs - $9.99

Without knowing what to expect from this relatively new sub shop, we really enjoyed what the place had to offer. After wanting to try everything on the menu, we decided to go with the Cajun chicken sub. The meat was cooked right in front of us, which granted us a hot and fresh sandwich. Compared to Pickle Barrel and Bread and Circus, Grand Junction was made with the most intensifying flavor. However, the setting of the sub shop was nothing to rave about, it was basic and unoriginal. Overall, we enjoyed the taste of the sandwich, and we recommend others to try it.

After considering all three sandwich bureaus, we concluded that

Bread and Circus offered the best sandwich. A combi-

nation between the taste of the sandwich and atmosphere of the shop helped make this decision obvious.

PHOTOS BY MOLLY FARIS AND KATE FEHRS

26

FEATURE

Local band sets up interplanetary bed and breakfast

by Will

HoWes When LHS Junior Jude Veerman first ruffled through his dad’s closet, he had never expected it would lead to anything beyond playing Metallica covers.

However, after receiving a text one year ago from graduated LHS student and bass-player Cole Schlumbohm that read, “Hey, let’s start a band,” the journey of Motel for Astronauts had begun.

After inviting two more fellas to the group -- bassist Devin Barrios, a friend of Cole’s, and drummer Cain Rotert, a Total Drag frequenter -- the only thing left was a name.

“Cole had this name, Hotel for Astronauts, that had been floating around in his head for a while,” said Veerman. “And we decided, hey, that’s a cool name, why don’t we just throw that name on the band? After a month or something, someone threw out this joke that we were just this trashy local band and so we decided to downgrade the

name from Hotel to Motel.”

After writing four original songs and practicing nonstop, Motel for Astronauts had their first show at the Icon Lounge downtown.

“When our gig finally came, there was this sort of mix of like excitement and nervousness,” said Veerman. “There was a big mix of feelings leading up the gig that night. I remember like half an hour before the gig, I went to the bathroom probably like six different times just because I was so nervous. When we finally got up on stage, that first song was so nerve-wracking. I felt like my hands were just trembling, I felt very sweaty. You know, you’re under these big stage lights with a bunch of people in front of you and they’re just waiting on you to make some music.”

Once Veerman got settled into his groove, everything fell into place.

“I just remember getting this feeling I’d never felt before,” said Veerman. “I just felt so amazing

In deep into indie music

produced multiple singles that are worth listening to. Tracks like “Grow” and “Idle Town” have an artsy sound and express the artist’s relatable process of growing up in suburbia and waiting to get out into the rest of the world. Gray’s nostalgic vibes continually prove his strong suit as an artist: emotion.

His songs can be found on his Youtube account, Spotify, iTunes or Apple Music.

T imoTHy s Tolp The music scene in recent years has become massively dominated by pop and hip-hop singers, making it hard to find gems of different genres without some intense digging.

Here are some alternative and indie artists I had to keep in my music library that you might dig as well: by

Conan Gray

This 18-year-old YouTube sensation has made a name for himself in the last few years.

While cultivating a following online with his aesthetically pleasing pictures, videos and art pieces, Gray has independently

LANY

Producing albums non-stop since their band formed in 2014, LANY is already back in the studio, as lead singer Paul Klein confirmed in a tweet. Fans are not complaining, as their musical sound has grown progressively better on each release.

With songs about relationships, break-ups coupling their bouncy

standing up in front of all these people, all these eyes on me. I’m just up there playing my guitar with the rest of the band and there is just no other feeling like that. I lost myself in the moment. It sounds cheesy, but it’s what happened.”

Music for Veerman is not about the money or the fame.

“All we really want to do is

just make music and play as many shows as we can because that’s all we care about doing, that’s where all the fun comes from,” said Veerman. “We don’t really care about making money from the shows or any of the attention we get. We just like, as we refer to it as, ‘when the boys get together and make music.’”

PHOTO BY DOEDEER PHOTOS

Motel for Astronauts performing Live at the Icon Lounge in downtown Sioux Falls.

Cover art from LANY’s latest self-titled album beats and smooth vocals from Klein, the band has grown a significant following in the alternative crowd. Hits like “ILYSB” and “Super Far” from LANY’s self-titled album are the perfect songs to feel like you are spending a breezy day in Los Angeles or New York (the abbreviations of which make up LANY).

Declan McKenna

Blasting “Brazil,” the self-produced single that boosted this young British singer’s career in alternative music, would not be a bad idea. McKenna’s lyricism is crafted at a skill level beyond his age and coming from his raspy 19-year-old voice the emotion

Cover Art from LANY’s latest self-titled album

COVER BY ZEDEK CHAN

he conveys is a spectacle all its own. The release of his debut album, “What Do You Think About the Car?” furthered his musically genius content. At still such a youthful stage in his life, the artist is sure to continue creating music that builds an atmosphere through emphatic lyrics and performances.

One of Sioux Falls’ newest restaurants The Everest Indian Cuisine by

briTa Quello

Sioux Falls welcomes the newest restaurant, The Everest Indian Cuisine. This Indian restaurant took the place of Moe’s Mexican Grill.

The Everest Indian Cuisine is a special addition to the community of Sioux Falls based off its friendly environment and good service. Not to mention the food is very exquisite. If you are looking for a flavorful dining experience, I encourage you to try this newest restaurant.

The menu is full of a bunch of original Indian dishes. We were able to try the Chicken Tikka Masala. It is chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with authentic species. Along with the Chicken Tikka Masala, we ordered garlic naan. To describe it in the least, it was extremely flavorful. For such an exquisite meal, it was very reasonably priced as well.

The dining environment was very enjoyable. We were able to tell that there were frequent-diners around us, for we were asked if this was our first-time dining with them. This special customer to server bond is very unique.

The Everest Indian Cuisine is known for having the best authentic Indian and Nepalese food in town.

Overall, if you are looking for a new, flavorful and different dinner or lunch option, I would encourage you to take a trip to The Everest Indian Cuisine.

Conversations from the Halls of LHS “I’ve never cried during a test, but I’ve cried afterwards.”

“Is that a drag queen?”

by

KaTe FeHrs

“I’m not emo, but I cry a lot.”

“Trump is so sexy.”

“Who’s the best member of Big Time Rush?”

“Do you want to start a fight in here?”

“Omg no, that’s Beyonce.”

“How can you even escape a python?

I mean, they can climb trees man!”

28

ENTERTAINMENT

What you really need to become a successful rapper Abbie Griffin It seems like every time you open snapchat or look at your Instagram feed, another person is ‘“trying to make it big” by becoming a local Soundcloud rapper and recording singles.

However, most people do not know that it takes a lot more than a beat and a few lyrics to create a strong following of loyal listeners.

For songwriter, rapper and WHS student Abele Goshu, making music takes a lot longer than thought.

“Every song is different, my song “Known” took me around four months, but my sound “HMl” took me around a day,” said Goshu.

Not only do rappers need time to by

make a song, once it is produced and posted, they need devoted fans to help them spread their music.

“My new music is exclusively on Elevator mag which is based out of Chicago,” said Goshu. “They have over a million subscribers on YouTube and a huge following which helps.”

Being able to get music directly out to a wide fan base helps to build a strong following for a stage name.

But fans are not the only thing you need to become a successful rapper.

You also need equipment.

One of the most basic things someone needs is a computer.

Today most recording studios are almost completely digital, so a com-

Any laptop or desktop PC can be used with a DAW. High processing power is recommended.

puter is essential.

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is also key in making, editing and mixing music on a computer. Studio monitors are another key piece to creating music. These help the rapper to hear sound more accurately without altering the sound or adding enhancements.

An audio interface is one more piece of equipment that is essential to produce music. This piece of machinery acts as a middle man between the computer and the audio devices.

In the world today, where technology is at the palm of the hand, becoming a rapper is easier than you think if you are willing to put in the time, money and effort.

This AKAI MPK mini could be a good starting place for beginners.

This piece of equipment costs $99.

Fruity loops studio, or FL studio, is a common DAW to create beats with.

ENTERTAINMEMT

29

2018 Statesman Oscar predictions

Summer Ericson Best Picture nominations:

“Call Me by Your Name” “Darkest Hour” “Dunkirk” “Get Out” “Lady Bird” “Phantom Thread” “The Post” “The Shape of Water” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” My prediction for the winner of Best Picture is “Get Out.” This movie had an insane amount of support, earning it countless awards in the box office. It is currently the third highest-grossing rated R horror film but plans to make its way up to first.

Lead Actor nominations:

Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name” Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread” Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out” Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour” Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” My prediction for the winner of the Lead Actor award is Timothée Chalamet from “Call Me By Your Name.” Chalamet’s ability to leave viewers emotionally distraught gives him an easy win. The movie has a 96 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (most movies barely surpass 50 percent).

Somer Luitjens Original Song nominations:

“Mighty River” from “Mudbound,” Mary J. Blige “Mystery of Love” from “Call Me by Your Name,” Sufjan Stevens “Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez “Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall,” Diane Warren “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek and Justin Paul My prediction for the best original song is “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.” This song

shows a brilliant sense of power and pride as they are reaching out to the outcasts. It has an excellent message and grabs your attention from the beginning.

Lead Actress nominations:

Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water” Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya” Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird” Meryl Streep, “The Post” My prediction for the best lead actress of the year is Meryl Streep from “The Post.”

Steep puts on an amazing performance as a strong, bold and courageous journalist. She captivates her audience making the film a must see.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GOOGLE

Sports LHS STATESMAN

By the Numbers

1st

Ranking in the state for boys varsity basketball

Hi-Y Mania

LHS students participate in YMCA basketball league BY

HUNTER MERKLEY

days until the first track meet

It is March and Hi-Y season is upon us. From clever team names, to fun filled games, it is sure to be a blast. The Hi-Y league is made up of kids from all grades in the various Sioux Falls high schools.

Here at LHS there are multiple different Hi-Y teams, below are a list of them.

23

SCOTT’S TOTS:

18

points scored by Morgan Hansen against WHS on the 2/13 basketball game

100th

win for Beau Beaver’s on the wrestling team

Upcoming Events On March 15-17, the LHS girls basketball team will compete in the SDSHAA Sweet 16 tournament.

On March 15-17, the LHS boys basketball team will compete in the SDHAA State tournament at WHS.

MARCH 2018

Our first team is Scott’s Tots, a tenth grade Hi-Y organization. The team name was created by the player’s shared love for the tv show “The Office.”

The team includes Dylan Hanson, Eli Moore, Hunter Hauck, Owen Jenkins, Devin Vasa, Ben Snyder, Alex Oppold, Spencer Wasmund, and Caden Clavel.

So far, the Scott’s Tots have only played in one game this season. They are 1-0, beating the opposing team 4240. Scott’s Tots are coached by future D1 athlete Morgan Hansen. With nine players on the team some might think playing time would be unfair, but each on the team plays an essential role to the team’s success.

“Alex Oppold is definitely our rebounder, Hunter Hauck is our best three point shooter and Eli is who we want with the ball in clutch time,” said Dylan Hanson 10th. “I would compare myself to the LeBron James of the league, no one in Hi-Y can really guard me” Scott’s Tots are all about having fun when they play.

“At the end of the day, having fun is more important to use than getting the win,” said Hunter Hauck, sophomore.

SMISPONS:

The next Hi-Y team on our list is the Smispons. The team is made up of all LHS seniors which include Jack Fehrs, Sam Mendel, Riley Fawcett, Liam Downey, Max Kammerer, Isaac Woods and Ethan Moore. Despite their rough start to the beginning of the season the Smispons hope to turn it around heading towards the playoffs. The Smispons suffered two major losses so far. One of those losses was to the Cheesemen, it was a hard-fought game and they only lost by three.

CHEESEMEN:

Like the Smispons, the Cheesemen are also an all senior team. The team is made up of Teigen Slava, Oliver Lockwood-Powell, Tristan Cheeseman, Ryan Rasmussen, Xavier Kolb, Grant Loudenback, Jack Meyers, and Max Fanning. The team is coached by fellow senior Alex Glanzer. The Cheesemen have a flawless 3-0 record and are looking like the team to beat heading towards the final stretch of the season.

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SPORTS

Athletes to “Track” this Spring season LHS Track and Field stars

Liberty Justus Senior

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 5’7” Events: Sprints, Long Jump, Triple Jump

Emira Belhaj Junior

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 5’ 4” Events: 100 M, 200 M, 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, Medley “She had a breakout performance last year. We look for Emira to be a leader on all our sprint relays and potentially factor in the open sprint races.”

Wilson Furula Junior

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 5’ 9” Events: 100 M, 200 M, 110 H, 4x100, 4x200

“As a senior, Liberty will provide excellent leadership for our team.

Liberty is an outstanding jumper, sprinter and hurdler. She will be a member of many of our sprint relays.”

“He got hurt before last year’s state meet. He has worked as hard as anyone and will help our sprinters in both the relays and open sprint events.”

Josephine Dal Junior

Jacob Becker

Hometown: San Antonio, TX Height: 5’ 10” Events: 100 H, 300 H, long jump

Senior

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 6’ 1” Events: 200 M, 400 M, 4x400 M, 4x200 M “He has developed into an outstanding 400-meter runner. He was on our state 4x200 championship team. He can place high in the 400, and help our relays repeat their state championships.”

Tyson Christians Junior

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 6’1” Events: 400 M, 200 M, 1600 Relay, High Jump “Exact same as Jacob. He ran the same races as Jacob last year and I anticipate him scoring similar to Jacob.”

“She is one of the top hurdlers in the state. Josephine can finish in the top 3 in both hurdle races and help us in some of our sprint relays.”

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SPORTS

Morgan Hansen Sophomore

Tyler Hiatt Sophomore

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 6’ 2” Events: Shotput and Discus

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 6’ 1” Events: High jump, Hurdles, 400 M

Morgan Hansen

“She finished 8th last year in the High Jump and competed in the 100 hurdles. She can help the team in both events this year.

She is one of the best athletes in the school.”

“Tyler is the freshman school record holder in both the shot and disc. He has the potential to be the top thrower in LHS history and could compete for state titles this year as a sophomore.”

Nathan Popkes

Anna Langseth

Junior

Nathan Popkes

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Height: 6’ 2” Events: High Jump, Long Jump, Discus

“Nathan is the top returning High Jumper in the state. He is the 2nd best in school history. We think Nathan has a good chance to win the HJ and be in the top 8 in both the Long Jump and Disc.”

Tyler Hiatt

Sophomore

Hometown: North Sioux City, IA Height: 5’9” Events: 100 H, 300 H, 400 M, high jump “She qualified as a freshman in the 300 Hurdles. She has the potential to score in both hurdle races this year.”

Anna Langseth

2018 Track and Field schedule

ACTION SHOTS SUBMITTED BY LHS ATHLETES HEADSHOT PHOTOS BY ANNA DEKKENGA AND RILEY RASMUSSEN QUOTES SUBMITTED BY COACH JAWS

34

SPORTS

Colton Bechard Wrestling 9th grade

Uncommon S

“In the morning we have practice from 6:30 to 7:15,” said Berchard. “We also have a practice at night.

We go from 4:30 to 5:45.

We [usually] do conditioning [by] sprinting. On tournament day, we get up at 5:30 to take a bus to the tournament. We weigh in at the school then take the bus.”

Sam Engebretson Weight lifting 10th grade “An average day of powerlifting is going to the gym and lifting,” said Engebretson. “[I am] Trying to get better at one of the three lifts: squats, bench and deadlifts.”

Amelia Jibben Martial Arts 9th grade “We usually start with stretching, then do some strength and conditioning to get warmed up,” said Jibben. “We then do sparring at the end, which is where we fight each other. During tournaments we sparr, that’s fun.”

35

SPORTS

Sports of LHS

by Landon

deboer and Caiden CapaLdo

Sarah Einsel Sideline cheer 11th grade “Sideline cheer is all about supporting the Lincoln High School Patriots and giving our school good spirit,” said Einsel.

Karissa Trobec Gymnastics 12th grade “For practice, we practice three events per day, and I do every event,” said Trobek. “After we go through the rotation of events, we do strength and conditioning with a set workout. We practice as much as we can.”

Finley Ziebarth Four Square Club 9th grade “We have snacks, play games of Foursquare and just have a good time with our friends,” said Ziebarth.

PHOTOS BY ANNA DEKKENGA AND RILEY RASMUSSEN

36

SPORTS

Simple yet complex: Breaking down BASEBALL by

Oliver lOckwOOd-POwell

Pitch: When the ball is thrown to the plate giving the batter a chance to put it in play Hit: Being the offensive player and making contact with the ball putting it in play Walk: When the pitcher throws four balls in the same at bat to the hitter, allowing him to take a free base and advance to first base safely.

Strike: When the ball is thrown into the strike zone by the pitcher; Either the hitter does not swing or swings and misses the ball.

Ball: When the pitcher cannot locate the strike zone successfully. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally.

Foul ball: The batter makes contact and it does not make it into fair territory.

Out: When a defensive player puts out the offensive player by tagging him or throwing it to a force out base.

Double play: Getting two consecutive putouts in the same play The count: A batter can take two strikes before a strikeout and three balls before a walk. A full count would be 3-2.

Offensive player/Hitter: In the case of baseball this is going to be the hitter. Their job is to get the ball in play, get on base and hopefully score to put their team on the board.

The 1 / Pitcher: This is half of the battery (the pitcher and catcher connection). Their job is to outright control the game. Each pitch is started by them and they are the ones who dictate what is to come next.

The 2 / Catcher: This player controls the play even before the pitcher does. They call the pitch and are the floor general to the infield of certain scenarios. They are the receivers of each pitch.

Infielders: 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop and 3rd base. All four of these positions are on the field to knock down a ground ball and throw it to first before the runner gets there Outfielders: There are three outfielders: left fielder, center field and right field. When a ball is hit on a line to the outfield, their goal is to track it down and get it into the infielders. If there is a pop fly, the fielders are to catch the ball, put out the runner and complete the out.

Single: Base hit only advancing to first base Double: Base hit advancing to second base Triple: Base hit advancing to third base Inside the Park Home Run: reaching home safely after hitting the ball in play Home Run: Hitting it over the outfield fence, running all the way home scoring a run Sac Fly: Purposely putting the ball deep in the air so the runner can advance on a tag up play RBI: Run batted in.

SPORTS

37

2018 Winter Olympic’s biggest stars by

Hunter Merkley and SOMer luitjenS

Mirai Nagasu

Shaun White

Mirai Nagasu is the next big American figure skater, already decorated with many metals at only 24 years old. She is a threetime medalist in four different continents earning a silver medal in 2016, and two bronze medals in both 2011 and 2017. Nagasu is also a two-time World junior medalist and a seven-time U.S. national medalist including a gold in 2008. She entered the Winter Olympics representing the U.S. when she was only 16 years old and became the second youngest woman since Tara Lipinski in 1997. Nagasu made history at the 2018 Olympic games when she became the first ever American female figure skater to land a triple axel at the Olympics.

Shaun White began his snowboarding career when he was only six-years-old and received his first sponsorship when he turned seven. White participates in the Winter X games, where he has won a medal every year since 2002. He now holds the record for the most X-Games gold medals and has won 10 ESPY Awards. White has also participated in three Olympic games in his career and is a two-time gold medalist. His specialty is the snowboard half-pipe event in which he won a gold medal in both 2006 and 2010. No one even came close to White scoring a 46.8 out of a 50 possible, making his overall score unbeatable. White continues to participate in Olympic games and has a great future for Team U.S.A.

Lindsey Vonn

Red Gerard

Lindsey Vonn has been a major face of the USA Olympic team for many years. Overall, she has raked up a gold and bronze medal not to mention 8 world titles. In total she has 81 career victories in her specialty, downhill alpine skiing. Despite many injuries over the course of her career including a spinal joint dysfunction, she has always bounced back. To many she is considered one of the best women's alpine skiers ever.

Redmond “Red” Gerard was the USA’s first gold medal finisher in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Gerard was born in Westlake, Ohio so snow is nothing new to him. He began snowboarding at the age of two with his two sisters and four brothers. He credits his success to the amount of time he spent practicing new tricks after school. He also says the amount of competition between him and his brothers is what pushed him to get where he is now. With his Olympic career just getting started the future of Olympic snowboarding looks bright.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TIMES, CHICAGO TRIBUNE AND NBC

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Noah Kutter, 12 Good luck charm: Troll doll Spirit animal: Jeff Goldblum Guilty pleasure: Making fart noises and blaming other people

Ella Olsen, 11 Good luck charm: Grace Gordon Spirit animal: Grace Gordon Guilty pleasure: Grace Gordon

THEATER

Ben Scatturo, 12

Good luck charm: Lucky Charms Spirit animal: Richard playing a saxophone while listening to garage rock Guilty pleasure: Climbing around the rafters while listening to “Africa”

Grace Gordon, 11

Good luck charm: A paint stick Spirit animal: Scalps (the theater ghost) Guilty pleasure: Guilt is a social construct

MEET THE Richard Dennis, 12

Good luck charm: I desperately need one Spirit animal: Koalas, they sleep 22 hours a day Guilty pleasure: “Gilmore Girls” reruns

Suzie Fitterer, 11 Good luck charm: Listening to “Africa”

by Toto Spirit animal: Paige (another theater ghost) Guilty pleasure: Musicals

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Sharon Zere, President

Good luck charm: My younger sister Spirit animal: Fruit fly Guilty pleasure: Following @cocoyleche

Mya VonBank, 12

Good luck charm: My Boston terrier Webkinz on my dashboard Spirit animal: Jenna Marbles Guilty pleasure: Mocha Frappe from McDonalds

Eliza Peters, Vice Pres.

Good luck charm: Ann Madson Spirit animal: Hedgehog Guilty pleasure: Chocolate

YEARBOOK

Kobe Veland, 12

Good luck charm: My necklace Spirit animal: SIA Guilty pleasure: Colton Haynes <3

Anna Robinson, Treasurer Good luck charm: I don’t believe in luck Spirit animal: Chinchillas Guilty pleasure: “Keeping up with the Kardashians”

Becca Nevin, 11

Good luck charm: “Dynamic spelling” Spirit animal: Sloth (slow and steady wins the race) Guilty pleasure: Barb’s cooking

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E VARSITY

DECA

Avery Scott, 12

Kendra Rentschler, 12

Good luck charm: Trenta, strawberry Acai refresher, w/ light ice and no strawberries Spirit animal: Emily Shanks hot tub Guilty pleasure: Making Rice mad by distracting his students

Good luck charm: Mrs. Nelson’s pin that says ask me about DECA Spirit animal: Turtle Guilty pleasure: Going to Mrs. Nelson’s Ad-Room

Ayanleh Hassan, 12

Mia Jones, 11 Good luck charm: Lujain Kahn Spirit animal: Lujain Kahn Guilty pleasure: Lujain Kahn

PATRIOT PRIDE Ann Madson, 12

Good luck charm: Why have just one when you can have a bowl full?

Spirit animal: Turtle Guilty pleasure: Chocolate

Good luck charm: Wearing double socks that are different colors Spirit animal: Cheetahs and monkeys Guilty pleasure: I never score a goal on the field

Harley Robinson, 10

Good luck charm: The cadet major ranks I have on my backpack from Alex Lorang Spirit animal: A turtle because I love the water, but I need oxygen Guilty pleasure: I’d rather live in the country and near a lake

Jaleigh Jones, 12

Hunter Oleson, 11 Good luck charm: My toothpick hexastix Spirit animal: Axolotl Guilty pleasure: Watching YouTube gamers

Landon DeBoer, 10 Good luck charm: My Detroit Lions jersey Spirit animal: Fozzy Bear Guilty pleasure: Watching PBS

ARTISTS

Good luck charm: If I told you, it wouldn’t be lucky anymore Spirit animal: Mr. Embry Guilty pleasure: I listen to Christmas music all year long

Avery Rush, 11

Good luck charm: Karissa Trobec Spirit animal: Starbucks logo mermaid Guilty pleasure: High waisted jeans