November Issue 2022 by LHS Statesman

HOMECOMING 2022

DID SOMEONE SAY BLOCK PARTY? ZOE LARSON SHOULD PEPPER SPRAY BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS? DELANEY GRAMLICK

ISSUE NO. 2 NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE

KATE BARBUSH: 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS, 365 OUTFITS CLARA BINSTOCK

ELLEN MERKLEY ARTWORK BY MORGAN SANDNESS

FEATURES

Balta marches into LHS Band- Emma Southwick

1 year, 12 months, 365 outfits- Clara Binstock

Grind now, rest later- Caroline Hughes

Leaving to learn- Vanessa Timat

Club de Español- Natalie Nolan

SPOTLIGHT

Partners in crime- Josie Tollinger

ENTERTAINMENT

No cell service, no problem- Ella DuBois

The school resource officers are familiar faces around the school, and many students want to know what happens in their day to day lives.

TIPS

LHS STAR-ATHLETE

Did someone say BLOCK PARTY?Zoe Larson This 6ft. junior volleyball middle hitter has LHS Crazies turning heads.

HOCO FITS

Prepping for the post-season- Lucas Hiatt

Moving without music- Raina Marty

PERSPECTIVES

Nostalgia: a double-edged sword- Reese Duncan

Finding meaning in death- Fisher Meyerink

Four steps for a 4.0 without coming to schoolJada Sandvall

Plastic problems- Ariahna Wells College chaos- Morgan Sandness

Working to live vs. living to work- Clare Heupel

Should pepper spray be allowed in schools?Delaney Gramlick

How I cracked my phone- Reagan Wulf

What is in your backpack?- Bergen Quello

Murphy’s crossword- Thompson Wakefield

The written world- Laura Heckenlaible

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’- Addison Remme Thrilling decor- Gabe Schmit

Abe’s activity around Sioux Falls- Kate Tollinger

LHS THEATER

Dancing at LughnasaKate Matthes

The LHS Theater prepares for this year’s fall show, an Irish drama.

Random pretty placesKadence Dean

p.20 24

Looking for that perfect Instagram-worthy Sioux Falls pic?

LHS Marching Band’s record-breaking seasonDaniel Valentine

The Marching Pats end their season, reaching feats they have never before.

Homecoming 2022Ellen Merkley

Should we separate the art from the artist?Sarah Bomhoff

Statesman

PAPER EDITORS-IN-CHIEF- Sarah Bomhoff, Morgan Sandness & Jada Sandvall

ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF- Emma Forster & Kate Tollinger

FEATURE EDITORS- Anna Anderson & Vanessa Timat

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS- Delaney Gramlick & Emma Southwick

PERSPECTIVES EDITORS- Laura Heckenlaible & Clare Heupel

SPORTS EDITOR- Lucas Hiatt

NEWS EDITORS- Reese Duncan & Kate Matthes SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS- Raina Marty & Ellen Merkley

STAFF WRITERS- Clara Binstock, Elana Bishop, Kadence Dean, Ella DuBois, Kinley Freese, Betsy Haft, Caroline Hughes, Katie Jensen, Zoe Larson, Fisher Meyerink, Natalie Nolan, Bergen Quello, Addison Remme, Adrienne Revier, Gabe Schmit, Adie Theophilus, Josie Tollinger, Daniel Valentine, Elysse Weber, Ariahna Wells, Thompson Wakefield, Reagan Wulf

ADVISER- Dr. Katie Kroeze

SPORTS

4 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 22 26 28 32 p.25

35 34 BREAKING RECORDS

p.9 p.6 p.36

40 41

43 44 45 47

p.30

LHS Homecoming was full of memorable outfits; let’s not forget them.

hether you are a student or staff member at LHS, you have more than likely had the pleasure of meeting the two school resource officers, Robert Draeger, or as most call him officer Bob, and officer Chase Vanderhule. The LHS officers always have a smile on their face and play a big role on why this school is so great.

the two school resource officers, Robert Draeger, or as most call him officer Bob, and officer Chase Vanderhule. The LHS officers always have a smile on their face and play a big role on why this school is so great.

Whether you are a student or staff member at LHS, you have more than likely had the pleasure of

Draeger and Vanderhule are both LHS graduates, and have had the fulfillment of returning to their high school although this time, they are not the one sitting in class. Draeger and Vanderhule’s main priority is to keep LHS safe; however, they both try to have other priorities as well, such as meeting new people, building relationships with students and bringing positivity to everyone's day. Although they may not be the same age, they balance each other out and can both rely on each other for when times get rough.

Although they may not be the same age, they balance each other out and can both rely on each other for when times get rough.

Officer Chase:

Outside of work, Vanderhule enjoys spending time with his three kids, dirt biking, fishing, hunting and camping. He can also be found cruising down the streets riding his Harley. Right when he got back from the military, Vanderhules daughter was born which encouraged him to find a way to provide for his family. His military experience and the salary he would make were both bonuses of him choosing to be a police officer. After hearing from a close friend that it is a good option to become a cop after service, he realized that this would be the best decision.

Vanderhule is a police officer, and is currently one of the school resource officers for LHS. Vanderhule was born in Huron, SD, but later moved to Sioux Falls. After graduating a semester early from high school, he went directly into the Army. He went into the Third Ranger Battalion where he was deployed three times. During that time he jumped out of airplanes for a living. Outside of work, Vanderhule enjoys spending time with his three kids, dirt biking, fishing, hunting and camping. He can also be found cruising down the streets riding his Harley. Right when he got back from the military, Vanderhules daughter was born which encouraged him to find a way to provide for his family. His military experience and the salary he would make were both bonuses of him choosing to be a police officer. After hearing from a close friend that it is a good option to become a cop after service, he realized that this would be the best decision.

“My daughter was born six days after I got out of the military, so I needed something to provide for the family. My experience kinda fell in line with decent pay and benefits. When I was in the military one of my best friends was killed overseas. He had a mentor back

in Rosemount Minnesota, David Boll, he said that it is a good option for when you get out of service to become a cop,” said Vanderhule.

Vanderhule became a police officer in 2012. In the past decade, three of those years have been dedicated helping in schools instead of in the streets. After working on the streets for so long, Vanderhule decided it was time for a change. He believed that with his young age he could be making a bigger impact on children rather than

Officer Bob:

Officer Bob:

Robert Draeger is a police officer for the City of Sioux Falls and has been on duty for about 25 years. He is currently working at LHS as the school resource officer and has been here for about 10 years. Draeger grew up here in Sioux Falls and also graduated from LHS in 1990. After high school, he went to Colorado State University and then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in cultural anthropology.

“Dealing with adults for so many years and arresting people for so many different things didn’t really seem to be doing anything to anyone. It was getting to be the same thing over and over again.

I thought that I could provide a different perspective being a younger cop,” said Vanderhule.

Vanderhule has been very lucky to have a partner like Draeger, as he has been able to learn and grow from being along his side. He will miss the positivity that Draeger brings to work each and every day.

Outside of work, Draeger enjoys doing home improvement projects, hunting and fishing.

His daughter attends HHS and participates in the band. Being a “band dad,” most of his fall weekends are spent watching band activities.

Outside of work, Draeger enjoys doing home improvement projects, hunting and fishing. His daughter attends HHS and participates in the band. Being a “band dad,” most of his fall weekends are spent watching band activities.

Before deciding to become a police officer, Draeger had been working multiple jobs that he was not satisfied with and felt as though they were not going to take him anywhere. While working at Scheels, a coworker who was working part-time and was a full-time cop encouraged him to apply, so he did.

“Oh he’s awesome, unfortunately he’s retiring next year, I’m going to miss him a lot. He always seems to present positivity which makes him a good partner,” said Vanderhule.

After working on the streets for many years, Draeger decided he needed a change so he decided to work in the schools instead.

Over the past few years of working at LHS, Draeger has realized how fun it is to work in a school environment. He has enjoyed being able to have fun while at work by making jokes and interacting with the students and staff. Being at LHS for quite a while, Draeger has had some memorable moments that he will never forget such as all the teens he has caught making out or the one time he found two teens almost starting a fire inside their car.

“There were two kids who were in a car outside of LHS and we thought they were engaged in smoking marijuana, they weren’t. They were trying to see if hand sanitizer burned so they poured some on a plastic frisbee and lit it on fire inside of their car. They apparently didn’t take a chemistry class,” said Draeger.

Draeger has enjoyed with his partner Vanderhule. He appreciates the sense of humor they share and the fact that they can share all their dad jokes to each other without being judged. Draeger appreciates all the work that his partner does for him, from making his coffee each morning or simply being able to rant to him when needed.

After working on the streets for many years, Draeger decided he needed a change so he decided to work in the schools instead.

“It was a change in pace, and it got me off the streets and out of that toxic environment of normal police work, and I like kids,” said Draeger.

Draeger has enjoyed his time with his partner Vanderhule. He appreciates the sense of humor they share and the fact that they can share all their dad jokes to each other without being judged. Draeger appreciates all the work that his partner does for him, from making his coffee each morning or simply being able to rant to him when needed.

“I come in and there is often a cup of coffee ready to go for me, the man has it together. It’s stress relief; I don’t need to go see a counselor or a therapist, I’ve got him,” said Draeger.

a DESIGN BY J OSIE T OLLINGER PHOTO BY J OSIE T OLLINGER ARTWORK BY J OSIE T OLLINGER

NOVEMBER ISSUE 7

meeting take “There were two

6 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 7

BY KADENCE DEAN

Downtown, there are many amazing places to take photos, and a few are definitely underrated.

BY KADENCE DEAN

This location is one some may not expect. Located off of Western Ave, the building features a large wall full of luscious vines. This greenery could provide the perfect background for pictures. Pair with a simple outfit to let the bright green and purple tones pop the subject out of the photo.

Downtown, there are many amazing places to take photos, and a few are definitely underrated. Near 8th and Railroad there is an abandoned copper building with a rustic feel. The wall has picturesque spots with perfect framing to bring all of the attention to the subject. Just pair this location with a nice neutral tone outfit.

The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop, making for a great simple photo spot. From something totally crazy to a complete black-fit, this wall can support any outfit.

Sioux Falls is full of random pretty places. All across town, there are many hidden treasures for the perfect photo opportunity.

Whether it be senior pictures or an Instagram post, these places will give the ideal vibe to a photo. The perfect background should never require a journey, and why travel when the best spots are right here in town? Here is a collection of some nearby locations to visit that are not the notorious Downtown painted walls.

Near 8th and Railroad there is an abandoned copper building with a rustic feel. The wall has picturesque spots with perfect framing to bring all of the attention to the subject. Just pair this location with a nice neutral tone outfit.

Another location in Downtown Sioux Falls is New Life Church. This building features the iciest white brick possible, making for the perfect plain backdrop for a photo. The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop, making for a great simple photo spot. From something totally crazy to a complete black-fit, this wall can support any outfit.

Downtown, there are many amazing places to take photos, and a few are definitely underrated.

Another location in Downtown Sioux Falls is New Life Church. This building features the iciest white brick possible, making for the perfect plain backdrop for a photo.

Looking for a vintage feeling photoshoot? This wall at Eastway Bowl features yellow and black tile that could provide that perfect simple background or a pop of color. Pair with monochromatic colors for an editorial type photo, or wear complimentary colors. The yellow tile could make a nice purple or blue outfit stand out, while the black tile is a little more versatile.

The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop, making for a great simple photo spot. From something totally crazy to a complete black-fit, this wall can support any outfit.

8 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

NOVEMBER ISSUE 9

design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean

NOVEMBER ISSUE 9

design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean

NOVEMBER ISSUE 9

design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean

The more credits students have earlier on in their high school experience, the better chance students will have in obtaining half-days by their senior year.

also their college diploma.

Taking a college class in high school can be less expensive than taking it in college and it can also help students achieve half-days in their senior year.

BY CLARA BINSTOCK

LHS junior Kate Barbush takes the daily routine of getting ready for school to the next level by ensuring to never repeat the same outfit.

Some people may take notice of her trendy, Pinterestworthy outfits, but what they may not realize is that they have never seen Barbush wearing the same outfit. While holding the ability to put together stylish and fashionable outfits, Barbush has also managed to carry on a streak of never repeating the same outfit to school for an entire year.

“I know for sure I haven’t repeated an outfit since the first day of sophomore year,” said Barbush. “At first I didn’t make it a goal, it just kind of happened as time went on.”

Having gone so long without ever wearing the same outfit to school,

Barbush feels some pressure from herself to maintain this streak. She ensures not to mess up this streak by posting daily “fit checks” on her Snapchat story, as well as creating a photo album, to keep track of her outfits every single day. Even while she keeps track, sometimes she can still find it hard to put together something new each day, so her creativity has really taken over. Barbush manages to come up with unique ideas while staying true to her own

“The whole principle of creating different outfits kind of reflects how I like to be creative and

Being able to pick out clean and appealing outfits is not a skill that Barbush was born with. Style and fashion are becoming more predominant in teens’ daily lives as they mature and become more aware of their distinctive taste.

Throughout the years, Barbush has acquired a good eye for fashion, and knows what pieces make a good outfit. While she has had some influence from the trends she sees on social media, just like most teens, Barbush has come to discover her individual style over time.

they learn how to express themselves, like Barbush has learned with her passion for fashion.

“When I think that I look good, I feel good,” said Barbush. “It makes school days more tolerable when I have more confidence in what I’m wearing.”

BY CAROLINE HUGHES

Having school Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for nine months out of 12 is exhausting. What is the answer? Half-days. It is not possible to get them throughout all of high school, but senior year students can earn them. But how do seniors get them?

half-days, seniors must have already obtained a certain amount of credits.

“The required amount as a senior is usually 19 credits in order to get halfdays,” said LHS principal Dr. Laura Raeder.

Starting as freshmen, students need to end with around six or seven credits in order to achieve halfdays senior year. The same goes for sophomore and junior year. Students can even start high school with credits from middle school.

Not only can students take advantage of starting high school classes early, but they can do the same by starting college classes early. Students are allowed to take AP and dualcredit classes freshman and sophomore year but there are only a few classes offered to underclassmen.

“You take a class at one of our colleges for high school and college credit. It is about $50 per credit hour. Typically, a class is three credits so $150,” said Dr. Raeder.

“I didn’t start developing my personal style until around seventh grade and I think that’s because in middle school you start to care about how other people see you,” said Barbush. “My style has definitely changed since then because I wasn’t really aware of the trends.”

Looking good is not the only factor to think about when it comes to putting together an outfit; Barbush likes to take into consideration what she is doing after school, who she is going to see and how much she is willing to sacrifice comfort for style.

from come her in style then to consideration going and

She uses her outfits to feel better about herself and exhibit her creativity. As kids develop into teens,

There are many ways that students can acquire half-days, and it starts freshman year. It takes 22 credits to graduate as a senior. It is possible to know if students are on track to get half-days by looking at the credits they have achieved every year of high school. In order to get

“Middle schools are now offering high school classes like biology and algebra to achieve credits early on,” said Dr. Raeder.

It is more common for upperclassmen to take AP or dual-credit classes. These types of courses can offer more high school credit than a regular high school course. For example, LHS offers dual-credit speech and traditional speech. The dual credit class will offer students credit toward not only their high school diploma but

Another way to get half-days as a senior is by working or taking marketing which is the same idea. Students who have either full-time or part-time jobs are able to turn in their pay stubs to LHS in order to have a half day schedule. These students will go to either the first or second half of the day, depending on what hours their job requires of them.

“It is 68 hours for a half credit of work for credit,” said Dr. Raeder.

The amount of credits a student will receive depends on how many hours they choose to work. For example, if a student turns in their pay stubs for the semester and had worked a total of 272 hours, they would receive two full credits for that semester in place of taking high school classes.

Having half-days is a privilege that students can earn. Not only does it give kids time to relax and be a kid for a little longer, but it also gives them time to prepare for their future.

Students have to start early. Grind now and rest later.

DESIGN BY CLARA BINSTOCK PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATE BARBUSH

10 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

NOVEMBER ISSUE 11

DESIGN BY CAROLINE HUGHES ARTWORK BY CAROLINE HUGHES

LEAVING TO LEARN

BY VANESSA TIMAT BY VANESSA TIMAT

Many people take classes to learn a new language, but for a specific student at LHS, learning a new language involves flying to a different country with little knowledge of the dialect.

Petra-Zlata Iva, a senior at LHS, is known for her extensive language skills and many other talents. She knows three languages fluently and is currently learning a fourth.

“I speak Russian, Spanish and English, and I am learning French,” said Iva.

Her parents immigrated to America from Russia in 1991 and when Iva was born, she naturally learned Russian first.

“I learned English when I was five years old,” said Iva. “I picked it up pretty quickly, which is good.”

However, learning Spanish was

a whole new experience. When Iva was just 13 years old she was sent to Ecuador for three and a half months to study the language with native speakers.

“We have good family friends and connections all over the world and one of them just happens to live in Ecuador,” said Iva. “So, then I went over there and I was put with [the family friend’s] extended family that did not speak any English and I only had my knowledge from Spanish I. So there were a lot of charades we had to play.”

Iva was intimidated for the first couple of weeks because everything was new to her. Being in a situation where everyone except her understood each other was difficult to say the least.

“It was really scary because for the first week or two I had no

idea what anyone was saying,” said Iva. “They were all talking so fast. I was so overwhelmed and I refused to talk.”

Iva learned to use gestures and easy words to communicate at the

beginning. She would point to different objects and say “esto” which means “this” or “that” to help her build her vocabulary.

beginning. She would point to different objects and say “esto” which means “this” or “that” to help her build her vocabulary.

“I learned ‘¿Qué es esto?’ (what is this/that) and ‘¿Como se dice…?’ (how do you say…). I said that for everything. That is how I learned,” said Iva.

Once a couple weeks passed, Iva started getting the hang of the language. In fact, she did not even realize that she had started speaking fluently without other people pointing it out.

“The way I realized I could start speaking [Spanish] was because I was put into soccer camps with kids my age, and I was so mad because they were having us practice the entire day and then [play] one game. So, I started venting about it in Spanish and then everyone was like ‘Petra you are speaking Spanish’ and I was like ‘Oh wait, I guess I am’,” said Iva. A positive outcome Iva has experienced has been the amount of friends she has made due to her fluency. She has made connections with people that can only communicate through Spanish. She also has used her Spanish to her advantage here at LHS.

A positive outcome Iva has experienced has been the amount of friends she has made due to her fluency. She has made connections with people that can only communicate through Spanish. She also has used her Spanish to her advantage here at LHS.

“I got accepted into Spanish Immersion my sophomore year, and I became really close friends with some people there,” said Iva. “And, I ended up getting my biliteracy seal.”

Iva encourages other students to learn a new language because

it is helpful and fun. Her story reminds many that it does not only take a teacher or adult to help out but that there are many surprising ways to learn.

[Some positive outcomes were] deﬁnitely the connections, I have made so many friends that don’t speak English at all so we only communicate in Spanish.

PROVIDED BY PETRA-ZLATA IVA DESIGN BY VANESSA TIMAT ECUADOR 12 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 13

PHOTOS

[Some positive outcomes were] deﬁnitely the connections, I have made so many friends that don’t speak English at all so we only communicate in Spanish.

BY VANESSA

PHOTOS PROVIDED

PETRA-ZLATA IVA DESIGN

TIMAT

12 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 13

ECUADOR BY NATALIE NOLAN

“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity for me to get to know new people, get more involved and develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun things,” said Crawford.

Finally, the club wants to send out a final message to all the students telling them what they should know about this new club.

Probablemente no has escuchado sobre uno de los clubs más nuevos en LHS, y todo es en español.

Students may not know that there is a new club which has taken LHS by storm, and it is all in Spanish. Andrea Saez, one of LHS’ most beloved Spanish teachers, is the adviser of this new club. Spanish club was designed for anyone who wants to interact with friends while playing new games, singing songs and watching movies along with practicing speaking only in Spanish. But out of all the clubs this school has to offer, why was this club created?

Ahna Walling, Charlotte Crawford and Betsy Haft, three members of the club.

“[I created this club] because I saw many students that needed a place to practice their Spanish and feel comfortable using it. So, I think this would be a good opportunity for them to practice and use it outside the classroom,” said Saez.

The club is important because it gives a chance for different people to meet. One of the members, Charlotte Crawford, a sophomore, joined this club to better improve her communication.

“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity for me to get to know new people, get more involved and develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun things,” said Crawford.

Finally, the club wants to send out a final message to all the students telling them what they should know about this new club.

“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity for me to get to know new people, get more involved and develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun things,” said Crawford.

Finally, the club wants to send out a final message to all the students telling them what they should know about this new club.

“[I want others to know] that it is mostly to have fun and do activities that they do not usually have the opportunity to do in class. Sometimes we have to be more focused on reading and writing, those things that some students might find very interesting. But in the club the idea is that they get the chance to sing, to play games, to use simple Spanish and still make connections with people,” said Saez.

Members of the Spanish club can benefit from the many opportunities that Saez gives them.

Members of the Spanish club can benefit from the many opportunities that Saez gives them.

“I want people to know that it is for all levels [of Spanish speaking], you do not need to be a perfect Spanish speaker. We will not judge, it is just a club to play games, watch movies, play board games, card games and have fun with others and collaborate with others in Spanish,” said Crawford.

Spanish club wants everyone to feel welcome to a place where the goal is to have fun, make friends, make memories and talk in Spanish! They meet every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m in room E206.

14 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Señorita Saez is in her second year at LHS and started the LHS Spanish club. Group photo of the first members in LHS Spanish club.

DESIGN BY

PHOTOS BY NATALIE NOLAN NOVEMBER ISSUE 15

NATALIE NOLAN Señorita Saez is in her second year at LHS and started the LHS Spanish club. Group photo of the first members in LHS Spanish club.

DESIGN BY

NOLAN PHOTOS BY

NOLAN NOVEMBER ISSUE 15

Ahna Walling, Charlotte Crawford and Betsy Haft, three members of the club.

NATALIE

Señorita Saez is in her second year at LHS and started the LHS Spanish club. Group photo of the first members LHS Spanish club. DESIGN BY NATALIE NOLAN

NOVEMBER ISSUE 15

PHOTOS BY NATALIE NOLAN

NOCELL SERVICE PROBLEM

BY ELLA DUBOIS

BY ELLA DUBOIS

The cellular service at LHS is terrible. Text messages and Snapchats do not send in the large brick building, yet students are always trying to find ways to pass time during down time. Here are four games that one can play without ser-

Retro Bowl

Retro Bowl is a modified online American football game. The point of the game is to manage your own NFL team and make your fans happy. There are endless ways to make your team unique, so you never get bored. The goal is to win games to be able to upgrade your team to have a chance to make it to the “Retro Bowl” championship game, the game’s version of the Super Bowl.

Fill the Fridge!

Fill the Fridge is a satisfying fridge organizing and sorting game. The game can be a little tricky at first, but really fun once you get the hang of it. To be successful at the game, you need to be able to place each food or beverage item neatly from a grocery basket into the fridge. The objective of the game is to complete each level to unlock new grocery items.

Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers is a highintensity endless game of running. The main point is to try and escape from the grumpy policeman and his dog as you run, jump, duck and roll across train tracks. The goal is to complete missions and collect coins along the way in order to purchase new characters and power-ups. Students really enjoy this game because they are always trying to achieve their next high score.

“One time sophomore year, I was wearing a long skirt to school (pocketless), and out of habit while I was walking into school, I tried to put my phone into my non-existent back pocket, and it proceeded to shatter in the E-Wing parking lot.”

BY REAGAN WULF

“I was going to school at Edison Middle School, I jumped out of my mom’s car for another morning of Brawl Stars gaming with my boys. In my excitement, I dropped my phone in the street and didn’t notice.

Within a matter of seconds, a semi-truck passed by, crushing my phone.“

Roller Splat!

Roller Splat is an enjoyable puzzle game. The point of the game is to swipe up, down, left or right to move a ball through a maze. As you complete levels, the maze gets harder and you are gifted a different more difficult ball to use.

“I was around 11, this was my first phone I believe. I showed my older brother this video of a guy doing an ASMR video, but it was zoomed in on his mouth, to the point where you could see the food chunks in his teeth. I showed my brother, he was so disgusted, snatched my phone, threw it at the window, then it face planted onto the wooden floor and cracked.”

age, $1,600.

In the 21st century, people treat their cell phones as one of their most prized possessions. They treat their phone so carefully, they never let it out of their sight. But I mean, who can blame them? In this day and age, phones can cost up to $1,600. With that being said, we all dread the flip of the phone after we know it hit the ground just a little too hard. Tiny shards of glass cover the screen from top to bottom, and you just feel yourself sink into your stomach. On the other hand, sometimes you can get a pretty crazy story out of your cracked phone. Here are some cracked phone stories from students at LHS.

“I biffed it crossing Cliff Ave, and my phone was in my pocket.”

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

PHOTOS BY ELLA DUBOIS DESIGN BY

ELLA DUBOIS

16 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

NOVEMBER ISSUE 17

DESIGN BY REAGAN WULF

PHOTOS

BY REAGAN WULF FALCO GERLING, 11 MARY STEFFEN, 12 TAMMY TRAN, 9 NYAPAL CHUOL, 12

1. “A bunch of wrappers I refuse to take out.”

1. “Probably my blender.”

2. “Umm my blender.”

3. “I actually have a tropical blend of frozen strawberries, peaches and mangos as well as vanilla

4. “I think everyone should have a blender.”

5. “Ahh, probably again my blender.”

There are approximately 1,856 backpacks that roam the LHS hallways every day. As you pass by, you will see the brands: Nike, North Face, Patagonia, Jansport and many more. Other than notebooks, pencils and the daily necessities, everyone has different items inside that make it their own. Students Sam Sahly, Madyson Stricherz, Kseniya Halverson and Shaurya Thakkar were brave enough to show what was in their bags. How different are they from yours?

1. What is the most interesting thing in your backpack?

1. What is the most interesting thing in your backpack?

2. What do you use the most?

3. Do you have any food?

4. Something you think everyone should have in their bag?

5. What is the most valuable item you carry around?

2. “My Air Pods.”

just

3. “Nope, just wrappers.” 4. “A snack!”

5. “My car keys.”

BY BERGEN QUELLO

1. “A box of mac and cheese.”

2. “My pencils.”

3. “I have some mac and cheese.”

4. “A calculator.”

1. “Probably my blender.” 2. “Umm my blender.” 3. “I actually have a tropical blend of frozen strawberries, peaches and mangos as well as vanilla 4. “I think everyone should have a blender.” 5. “Ahh, probably again my blender.” 1. “A box of mac and cheese.” 2. “My pencils.” 3. “I have some mac and cheese.” 4. “A calculator.” 5. “My nail clipper.”

5. “My nail clipper.”

1. “A bunch of wrappers I refuse to take out.” 2. “My Air Pods.” 3. “Nope, just wrappers.” 4. “A snack!” 5. “My car keys.” 1. “Some sunscreen.”

sunscreen.”

“My Chromebook.”

“I have some trail mix and some gum.”

“A charger.”

1. “Some sunscreen.” 2. “My Chromebook.” 3. “I have some trail mix and some gum.” 4. “A charger.”

5. “My car keys.”

“My car keys.”

DESIGN BY BERGEN QUELLO PHOTOS BY BERGEN QUELLO

18 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 19

DESIGN BY BERGEN QUELLO PHOTOS BY BERGEN QUELLO 18 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 19

design by e llen M erkley photos by e llen M erkley 20 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 21

1. “All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir

2. Disappointed, uplifted, inspired

3. I love how the author uses time and perspective to paint a different picture of the same situation and captures so many themes within the same story; it’s masterfully crafted and has a satisfying ending.

4. Making difficult choices and feeling the effects of them, relationships and trauma and individual growth

5. Anyone who loves to connect with the characters, see different points of view and loves a realistic, painful but beautiful story would thoroughly enjoy

BY LAURA HECKENLAIBLE

As of late, the act of reading has become less patronizing and many people have begun to enjoy the activity they once resented. Being a high schooler is difficult, but many have found that by seeking out a good book and adding it to their routine, everyday life is a little less boring. By switching up genres or even just beginning their first book since summer reading, teenagers can have something to look forward to at the end of a busy day. Whether you have been a book lover your whole life or you are just beginning to surpass the initial stages of disgust, it is still very difficult to find a book that you not only like but also one that keeps you engaged throughout the whole story. Instead of just wandering the isles of the library or buying whatever is popular on social media, try out some of the recommendations from your LHS peers and the LHS English department. From history and romance to something a little more adolescent, hopefully, one of these books will hook you in and transport you to a world, unlike anything you have read before.

1.“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman

2. This is a book that gives a glimpse into why people are the way they are. I teared up multiple times and really felt for the character.

3. This book will punch you in the gut - in a good way.

4. Grief, moving on, second chances, relationships, vulnerability

5. I think it’s important to find the good in everyone, and it’s hard to do that with Ove; that is, until you get his life story. This book reminds us that we don’t always understand another’s situation and to do better for those around us.

1. “Pride & Prejudice” by Jane Austen

2. Utterly bewitched

3. Two Words: Mr. Darcy

4. Regency era, love story, reputation, slow-burn

5. It’s the original enemies-to-lovers romance. What’s not to love?

11th grade

1. “Defy the Night” by Brigid Kemmerer

2. Anticipation and excitement

3. This book is an exciting mix of rebellious actions, hidden identities and an unlikely romance with two different perspectives and well-written emotions.

4. Fantasy, rebellion, hidden identity, romance, fast-paced

5. The book is almost addictive as I have read it 3 times. The second book just came out, called Defend the Dawn and is complex emotionally and in the storyline.

6. Out of many books that I have read (hundreds) this one stands out.

Rachel Bruggeman 12th grade

1. “Challenger Deep” by Neal Shusterman

2. Enlightened, tense, heart-broken

3. The cover

4. Schizophrenia, metaphor, intense, mental hospital, ocean

5. It gives deep, valuable insight into the mind of a schizophrenic by using a really good metaphor to do so. I also think it is informative about some of the overarching aspects of having any mental illness, which can be vital to those with mental illnesses in feeling more understood and to those without in their ability to communicate and empathize with almost the majority of the current population.

Grifﬁn Etrheim 10th grade

1. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

2. Invested and inspired

3. The messages of this book have stuck with me for a while and have helped me get through the toughest points in my life.

4. Slow, detailed, self-discovery, life goals, dedication and religion

5. It’s a really culturally insightful story that shows a different part of the world and has tons of positive messages regarding dedication and individuality.

6. I don’t read very often and for a while, I never had a favorite author or book, but one day I received this book as a gift from my sister and since then nothing has beaten it for me. I would sum up the theme of the book with my favorite saying “trust the process.”

Matias Rojas 11th grade

1. “Roverandom” by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. Fantastic

3. It’s short, sweet, but still pensive.

4. Adventurous, fresh and silly

this one. part dedication heart.

5. Although it’s a children’s book, its breadth opens it up to all readers. Whether they are looking for a short and lighthearted break from whatever arduous novels they are currently engrossed in, or are simply looking for a heartfelt, whimsical novella for the less intense readers, Roverandom provides a lively world that will come alive if allowed to and will be sure to evoke smiles, laughs and even maybe some tears.

6. It might not have a convoluted plot, but it has a heart.

Questions

1. What is your favorite book?

2. Describe how you felt while reading this book.

3. Why did you choose this book?

4. Give a few key words to describe the main ideas of the book.

5. Why would you recommend this book?

6. Any additional comments?

DESIGN BY LAURA HECKENLAIBLE PHOTO BY LAURA HECKENLAIBLE

NOVEMBER ISSUE 23

22 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Abby Berke 9th grade English teacher Megan McHenry 10th grade English teacher Aubrey Windish 11th grade English teacher Josephine Moneke BY KATE MATTHES

LHS’ drama club presents this year’s fall play: “Dancing at Lughnasa.”

Each year hours of effort go into the drama club’s performances at LHS, and this year’s fall play is no different.

Brian Hardie, who organizes and directs the club, has spent several months preparing for this play, including casting the characters and designing and building a model for the set.

“I love enabling students to find the value in storytelling.

Theater is an experience, it’s an art form that only exists in the moments that it’s right there in front of you,” said Hardie.

“Dancing At Lughnasa” takes place in the 1930s in County Donegal, a northern county in Ireland. In the play five sisters, Kate, Maggie, Rose, Christina and Agnes Mundy, raise a child born out of wedlock. Other characters include Jack, who has recently returned home to Ireland, Gerry, the father of Christina’s child and Michael, the son of Gerry and Christina. According to Hardie, the story takes place during the introduction of modernity to Ireland, when older ways of thinking are starting to make way for modern ideas about religion, gender expectations and marriage. These themes are present throughout the story alongside the play’s more obvious plot about the Mundy family.

“It’s a play of subtleties… it is very subtextual in its dealing with all of this,” said Hardie.

One of the play’s characters, Gerry Evans, is played by Samuel McConnell, a member of the LHS drama club. Gerry Evans is a man in his 30s and the father of Christina Mundy’s child. Gerry was absent for part of his son’s life but has now returned to renew the relationship.

“My character, [Gerry], kind of represents the toxic masculinity of the time,” said McConnell. “During [the 1930s] there was a very patriarchal society, women weren’t as respected… [The play] follows the story of how these five women are able to break society’s constraints on them and be themselves.”

Students who watch the play will also experience a variety of other complex characters in addition to Gerry.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” will be shown at LHS in the little theater on Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. The price is $5 per ticket and there will be an additional matinee on Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. Seating for this show will be limited, so make sure to get there right away and enjoy the show!

“No one’s in the right, no one’s in the wrong, everyone is human, a lot of these characters have done bad things but they’ve also done good things,” said McConnell.

10.

12.

13.

15.

16.

20.

22.

24.

25.

26.

29.

30.

31.

33.

35.

36.

2. Lincoln St 3. Our

downtown 11. Lunch

14. Presidential

17.

18.

19.

21.

23. Presidential Riders 25. Size

27. What

our

28. The

32. City’s

34. Presidential

35.

37.

38.

39.

40.

artwork by Emma Forster design by Emma Forster Find

24 LHSSTATESMAN.COM DOWN The opposite of “good seas” 33rd governor of South Dakota 5. South Dakotan who ran against Nixon US Army commander in the Battle of Anniversary Dinner Spot 13. Democratic candidate for governor 15. See 22 16. Staple supermarket 20. Black Hills jewelry 22. With 15, The ___ State 24. Senator up for re-election 25. Not a buffalo 26. Representative up for re-election 29. Our state drink 30. Post-church brunch spot 31. Private Knights 33. Largest employer in the state 35. SD state capitol 36. Presidential Warriors ACROSS 2. Lincoln St 3. Our state bird 7. What one may see when walking downtown 11. Lunch break sandwich spot 14. Presidential Patriots 17. State division line 18. Jesse James jumped his gulch 19. ___ City, or like the movement of the Falls 21. Patrick who demanded liberty or death 23. Presidential Riders 25. Size of the Sioux River 27. What unites our education centers 28. The magazine you are reading 32. City’s namesake location 34. Presidential Cavaliers 35. Current mayor of Sioux Falls 37. Neighbor to the east 38. World’s largest mountain carving 39. Disc golf locale 40. SD state animal

Crossword

DOWN 1. The opposite of “good seas”

33rd governor of South Dakota

South Dakotan who ran against Nixon

US Army commander in the Battle of Little Bighorn

Lakota leader Sitting ____

Private Chargers

Have you dug it?

Anniversary Dinner Spot

Democratic candidate for governor

See 22

Staple supermarket

Black Hills jewelry

With 15, The ___ State

Senator up for re-election

Not a buffalo

Representative up for re-election

Our state drink

Post-church brunch spot

Private Knights

Largest employer in the state

SD state capitol

ACROSS

state bird

What one may see when walking

break sandwich spot

Patriots

State division line

Jesse James jumped his gulch

___ City, or like the movement of the Falls

Patrick who demanded liberty or death

of the Sioux River

unites

education centers

magazine you are reading

namesake location

Cavaliers

Current mayor of Sioux Falls

Neighbor to the east

World’s largest mountain carving

Disc golf locale

SD state animal Presidential Warriors Murphy’s Crossword by Thompson Wakefield

the answers on our website at lhsstatesman.com

Murphy’s

by Thompson Wakefield

Find the answers on our website at lhsstatesman.com 24 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

artwork by Emma Forster design by Emma Forster

PHOTOS BY

ARTWORK PROVIDED BY

DESIGN BY KATE MATTHES

KATE MATTHES

JACALYN BECHARD AND BRIAN HARDIE

Hardie studied Irish drama in college, and this particular play came recommended to him by a colleague.

NOVEMBER ISSUE 25

BY ADDISON REMME

After 13 years of patiently waiting, the sequel to “Avatar: The Way of Water,” is almost here. Set to release on Dec. 16, 2022, the world of Pandora will be hitting the big screen once more.

Due to the fact that the movie has been in the development stage for almost 12 years, it has left fans plenty of time to theorize what the film may be about and what characters may return. Nonetheless, no one actually knows what the movie’s plot will be about. When looking at the trailer for the film, fans have come to the conclusion that there will be a fight or war, but with who? In a couple of clips, it depicts humans constructing buildings of some sort that make up a much larger city, appearing to be inhabited by humans. This leads to the question of why and how the humans are back at Pandora, as they were forced to leave in the first film. Some viewers speculate that they never

shock. In the trailer, there are multiple scenes with what seems to be an Avatar or Navi (which is the name used to describe the Avatar people) in the form of Colonel Quaritch, one of the main villains from the first film. The Avatar even appears to have the same tattoo that Quaritch had as a human. This puzzled fans because in the first film, Quaritch supposedly died, or so the audience thought. Some fans have pointed out that the movie never actually showed Quaritch’s dead body, just him being shot by Neytiri and presumably dying. Stephen Lang, the actor who plays Quaritch, has confirmed that he is in the new movie, which only leaves one real answer: Quaritch is alive.

In the trailer, viewers were also introduced to Jake and Neytiri’s kids. They have three biological children: Neteyam, their first son and oldest child, Lo’ak, their second son; and Tuktirey, their daughter and youngest child. They also have two adopted

being played by Sigourney Weaver, the same actor who played Dr. Augustine.

Another character introduced in the trailer is a young Navi girl. No one actually knows her name or who she is, only that she is not like other Avatar people due to the fact that she is green instead of blue. This has confused many people because the Navi people have only ever been portrayed as blue. Viewers have concluded that she is likely part of another tribe of Navi people named the Metkayina tribe, who are a more aquatic tribe that lives on the coast of Pandora. This could explain why she is a different color from the other Navi people which viewers are used to seeing.

Although the trailer and some actors from the film have provided many clues of what to expect for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” those are only small pieces to a much bigger puzzle. “Avatar” director James

26 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

THE WAY OF WATER

HERE IS YOUR BOAT!

SOURCED FROM LOCAL BURIAL SITES!

REALLY (REALLY)

TALL SKELETON

GOT GHOULS?

BY GABE SCHMIT

PUMPKIN’S REVENGE

GOT GHOULS?

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THIS WEB!

Almost everyone can recall their experiences as a kid, encountering the one house on the block on Halloween night that neither you nor your friends were brave enough to approach. While looking back on this now might make you cringe a little, embarrassed with your younger self, there are still plenty of spooky decorations around that may make today’s children feel all the same.

Haunted houses (and, scary decorations) did not have a mainstream influence in the U.S. until the 1980s to 90s when theme parks, such as Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Great Adventure, began to advertise “haunted” attractions annually around the time of Halloween. These attractions soon caught on with the general public, becoming incorporated into pop culture, advertising the identity of the whole Halloween holiday itself.

(REALLY)

Although not many go full-bone during the month of October in Sioux Falls, a small selection of houses do compete in making the best scares available for the young and old alike, covering their yard in various ghouls, ghosts, fiends and whatever undead relatives decided to tag along from the local mortuary up the street. Seen to the sides, here are some of the best, and spookiest, haunted decorations around Sioux Falls.

SKELLINGTON’S BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PHOTOS BY GABE SCHMIT DESIGN BY GABE SCHMIT

28 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

PHOTOS BY GABE SCHMIT DESIGN BY GABE SCHMIT

SKELLINGTON’S

BACK REALLY

TALL SKELETON

PUMPKIN’S REVENGE HERE IS YOUR BOAT!

SOURCED FROM LOCAL BURIAL SITES!

28 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

NOVEMBER ISSUE 29

by Daniel Valentine

This season was a long one for the LHS Marching Band, as they made history at each competition they attended. As the marching season comes to a close, a recap of competitions is necessary and overdue.

The band kicked off their season with the field show “Houdini: Unchained” on Sept. 17, where they attended the Pursuit of Excellence competition in Marshall, MN. The band rode back into town as the champions of this competition. Every weekend that followed was packed with performances, both in competition and exhibition. The following Saturday was a big day for the band, as they made history on the field at the Bands of America (BOA) Iowa Regional Championship. This is one of the biggest competitions a high school can attend, and historically had never been won by a band from South Dakota. That is, until Sept. 24, 2022.

“I knew we had the potential [to win BOA], but we didn’t really know how things would shake out,” said Daniel Carlson, head director.

10:15 p.m. All in all, this day was a long one for the Marching Patriots. They had left town at 4 a.m. that morning and did not return until 5 a.m. on Sunday. Despite this, LHS took first place in their competitive class in preliminary performance, and other awards presented included outstanding general effect, outstanding musical performance and outstanding visual performance. The band made history for the entire state by being the first group from SD to win a BOA competition. This year, 15 bands attended this competition in Waukee -- some hailing from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas. The closest the LHS Marching Band had ever come to winning the Iowa Regional was 37 years ago in 1985, where the band came in second place.

“This [level of achievement] is about what I was expecting for the band, it’s been pretty awesome,” said Drew Balta, the new assistant band director.

The next weekend, the band co-hosted a competition of their own in Sioux Falls, entitled Festival of Bands. Other hosts

parade where 25 bands were judged for their street marching, interluded and followed by the hosts and USD’s band in exhibition. The bands carried onto Howard Wood Field for competition, where LHS performed their field show in exhibition as the final adieu.

“I think that band kids are band kids everywhere, and band kids are great. But I also think that Lincoln band kids are a bit different, they’re pretty special,” said Balta.

Next, the Marching Patriots moved onto Youth in Music, a competition held in Minneapolis, MN. This event also doubled as the MN State championship. The band woke up early for this trip as well, departing the school at 6 a.m. and once again not arriving home until 4 a.m. the next day. They performed in preliminary competition at 3:15 p.m., and their finals performance was at 10 p.m. The band was also joined in competition with their closest companions and rivals, BVHS. While this event was the MN state championship, LHS took second place, followed by BVHS in third. Other awards presented included outstanding guard and

was a close call. Rosemount, who has been one of the LHS’s biggest competitors since 2009, came in first place with a final score of 88.2. LHS came in second with 87.6, followed by BVHS with 85.0. The 0.6 point difference gave the LHS band confidence for their next event.

“I think people are gonna have pretty high expectations [after a win]. Every time you succeed, their expectations go up, and it’s hard to maintain success,” said Carlson.

Finally, the BOA Super Regional Championship was the last event in LHS’s competitive season. This event is held in St. Louis, MO. The trip was made entirely in charter buses, and the drive was split across two days. The band left school early on Thursday, boarding the buses at 2:20 p.m. They had a three hour rehearsal Friday morning in Blue Valley High School’s stadium in Stilwell, KS. The time on the field was lent to the Patriots by the school’s directors. After this, the band continued on to St. Louis, arriving at the Dome at America’s Center at 6:40 p.m. to watch and cheer on two of their competitors. On Saturday, the band performed

their return, they watched the remaining competitors and anxiously awaited for results of their performance.

“I’ve never been to BOA before. [Regionals] was my first event, so it was a night that I’ll remember forever. Watching [the band’s] reaction was pretty awesome, that was the highlight for me,” said Balta.

The top 14 bands that moved onto finals were announced in no particular order, but LHS was the 13th band to be announced. After a collective sigh of relief and a quick celebration, the band prepared itself for its last performance on a field. A large meal and several pep talks were in order for the Marching Patriots, which many spent with their closest friends in the activity. Many seniors gave somber and encouraging speeches before the warm-up, and the band returned to the field for the last time. They stepped off for their last competition at 9:30 p.m. that night, and were quickly turned back onto the field for a “full retreat.”

“[The Lincoln band is] really special and it’s been a lot of fun to get to be a part of this culture,” said Balta.

During the awards ceremony, all members

of the finalist bands are welcomed onto the field in a large block to await placement announcements. The band’s placement was similar to the Regional BOA, as it made history for not just the school, but the entire state. Placing fourth may not sound like a lot to some bands but for the Marching Patriots, this was a new record. LHS is the first SD band to ever make the top five in the Super Regional contest. The band has attended this event a total of eight times, only four of which they have made finals. The 2022 season was also the only time the Patriots had been in BOA finals two seasons in a row. The 2021 show, entitled “Queen’s Gambit,” had placed 11th in Super Regional finals, which was LHS’s previously highest ranked performance. The 2022 show now has the honor of being the best recorded show in LHS band history.

“It’s pretty awesome [to make history]. It’s hard to do, so it’s pretty cool to do it,” said Carlson.

photos proViDeD by lhs Marching banD parents Design by lhs statesMan BY KATE TOLLINGER BY KATE TOLLINGER

When taking a look at the map of Sioux Falls, the hard work of LHS students goes far beyond the walls of the school itself. Even after eight hour school days, most students still manage to find the time to work multiple times a week. Having a job while in high school may be a huge sacrifice but at this age the paycheck and the opportunities that come along to make an impact around the community should all be worth it.

*Featured on the map

*Featured on the map

Ariahna Wells - Scheels

Jennifer Noutsougan - Scheels

*Milena Vercellino - Ace Hardware on Minnesota Ave.

Avery Lloyd - Precious Angels Daycare

*Andrew Werner - Dairy Queen on Minnesota Ave.

Adie Theophilus - Dakota Spirit

Zoe Larson - Hy-Vee on Minnesota Ave.

Zavian Winter - Journeys in the mall

*Cate Naro - Sanford Hospital gift shop

*Cate Naro - Sanford Hospital gift shop

Sophia Johnson - Scheels IcePlex

*Ella Kortan - Abiding Savior daycare

Camdyn Ernster - Avera Prince of Peace Nursing home

*Emma Weisz - A Perfect 10 nail salon

*Morgan Leslie - Pizza Ranch on 41st street

Aiden Johanning - Ace Hardware on Minnesota Ave.

*Cheyenne Sanger - Kaladi’s Bistro

*Ilee Neemeyer - Yankton Trails

Katherine Jones - Eileen’s Colossal Cookies and Journeys in the mall

Gennalyn Sleight - Papa Murphy’s

Natalie Stevens - Scooter’s on Minnesota Ave.

*Sophie Siegel - Scheels Iceplex

Grace Mandsager - Child’s Play Toys

Jada Sandvall - Scooter’s on 12th St. and Massage Envy

Phinehas Kroesche - Hy-Vee on Sycamore Ave.

years and typically only works on the weekends. The best part of her job is working with her best friends and getting lots of tips with her big smile.

Cheyenne Sanger

Dakota

Ilee Neemeyer

and watch soccer while being outdoors.

Ilee Neemeyer has worked at Yankton Trails for two years. She typically works three hours each week and has lots of flexibility when it comes to work time. The best part of her job is getting to teach and watch soccer while being outdoors.

Sophie Siegel has worked at the Scheels IcePlex for four years and typically only works on the weekends. The best part of her job is working with her best friends and getting lots of tips with her big smile. Scheels IcePlex Kaladi’s Bistro has worked at Kaladi’s Bistro since April of this year and works 10-15 hours a week. Her favorite part is putting garnishes on the food as it comes to the window. A Perfect 10 nail salon Emma Weisz has worked at A Perfect 10 Nail Salon for almost a year and usually works 20 hours a week. The best part of her job are the people she gets to meet and the connections she has made with coworkers and clients. Pizza Ranch Spirit Hy-Vee Empire Mall Scheels

32 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Sophie Siegel has worked at the Scheels IcePlex for four Scheels IcePlex Kaladi’s Bistro has worked at Kaladi’s Bistro since April of this year and works 10-15 hours a week. Her favorite part is putting garnishes on the food as it comes to the window. A Perfect 10 nail salon Emma Weisz has worked at A Perfect 10 Nail Salon for almost a year and usually works 20 hours a week. The best part of her job are the people she gets to meet and the connections she has made with coworkers and clients. Pizza Ranch has worked at Yankton Trails for two years. She typically works three hours each week and has lots of flexibility when it comes to work time. The best part of her job is getting to teach Dakota Spirit Hy-Vee Empire Mall Scheels

32 LHSSTATESMAN.COM Kaladi’s has

the Sanford

of works week. is on comes Sanford Hospital Cate Naro has worked at

Hospital gift shop for about a year and works

hours every other weekend. The best part ofw her job

is

getting to deliver gifts to patients. Andrew Werner has worked at Dairy Queen for six months and works

The conclusion of the fall sports seasons is always a stressful time for coaches who will have their final chances to prepare their teams for the post-season. Coaches for the LHS volleyball teams have been making their final preparations during the season to prepare for their upcoming playoff games.

LHS volleyball has built up their team after having lost several seniors from the previous year. Not only this, but they have also acquired new coaching staff thus bringing a new dynamic to the team. Head coach Katie Tirrel and JV coach Nikki Nyhaug have formed a bond in their first year with the team in order to make them successful. This has been made possible by the players’ trust in the coaching staff throughout the season. The relationship between the players and the coaches has had a huge impact on the outcome of the games in past years at LHS. Because of this, it is very impressive that LHS volleyball has managed to find its rhythm on the court.

“The girls [have]

trusted what we have had going on,” said Tirrel. “We’re a different style than they’ve ever had before, [so] having the mentality of ‘we trust our coaches’ [is] very important.”

With their State tournament coming up, the LHS volleyball team is continuing what they have done all season by focusing on the components of the game that have brought the team victories all year. They are also relying on the team’s chemistry and allowing the team to function together as a unit. This team has thrived when they have

minimized errors from serving and passing and they will continue to work on these elements of the game in order to be

successful. The team has developed a theme all year of controlling their side of the floor and they can be expected to perform well as long as they keep this focus and mentality throughout the State tournament.

“All year we’ve emphasized controlling our side of the floor,” said Tirrel. “We’re working on fundamental skills, but we don’t do anything terribly different now that we’re nearing the end of the year, we just have to finish strong.”

Focusing on the little things is another objective the coaches have created for their team. This not only includes improving skill wise, but it also means the team must stay strong mentally. The mental side of the game always tends to become an increasing factor toward the end of the season for each player. The coaches are focusing on keeping the team mentally strong throughout the final stretch of the state tournament. They are aware of the physical capacity of their team, but they know the mental side may hinder their ability to perform in the post-season.

“We have to really break down physical skill, so we don’t let our minds get in the way,” said Tirrel.

BY RAINA MARTY

Are you ever running to the beat of your favorite song, pushing your body while the whole world is shut out all because of the music in you ear? You are so distracted by what you are listening to that you can not feel the stabbing pain in your muscles as you go the extra mile. So when is listening to music beneficial to runners? LHS XC, or cross country, has a different take when it comes to listening to music while running. Listening to music while running is not necessarily bad. Individual runners are more likely to know what helps them most when it comes to the sport. Athletes have different preferences, likes and dislikes when training for big races and events.

“Personally, I do not think that listening to music is a huge factor in how one performs during a race, but it is rather a preference for LHS XC athletes when they train individually,” said LHS senior XC runner Cole Capaldo.

All athletes have different outlooks on music and whether they feel it benefits them or not. Some may find it a bad distraction as it makes them less aware of their surroundings. This could lead to accidents, while other athletes tend to find it a good distraction.

“There can be a benefit to listening to music. It can help you focus on something else, like a song or a podcast, than the intensity of the workout and make the workout feel shorter. Not listening to music can be more of the preference of not carrying your phone with you while you’re running outside since it is just extra weight,” said LHS senior XC runner Jonathon Falconer.

Since music is not a huge factor when it comes to running, XC athletes find a different ongoing stimulus to power them through training, which later helps in races.

“In my opinion listening to music does not help me. A lot of us prefer not to listen to music. Instead, most of us enjoy interacting with each other to get to know the team better,” said LHS freshman XC runner Miles Lectenburg.

Athletes are never told they are not allowed to train with

music. The inclination to have conversations with their teammates overrides the desire to receiving that music while running. Not only is talking to a teammate while running a good distraction, but it helps the athlete keep a good pace and breathing pattern, no different from hearing music.

“I have never heard my coach say ‘no music’ but we do not bring our phones out. We usually have our teammates to invoke conversation to distract us on a long run or workout,” said Falconer.

The conversations that the team has with one another seems to bond them as they train. The connections between the athletes show how those around them are more important than music in their ears.

“By engaging with others it allows us to build a greater team bond and better relationships throughout the season which I believe makes the team as a whole a more fun and enjoyable environment,” said Capaldo.

DESIGN BY

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATE TOLLINGER

LUCAS HIATT

34 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

BY LUCAS HIATT

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LHS CROSS COUNTRY DESIGN BY RAINA MARTY NOVEMBER ISSUE 35

One of LHS’s very own athletes is making history this year by having the highest number of blocks in the entire state of South Dakota.

Standing at 6’, Jazmen Kutey, nicknamed Jazz, is a middle hitter for the LHS varsity volleyball team. Kutey is currently a junior, but her interest in volleyball started at a far younger age.

“I started playing volleyball in third grade. I played [for] EmBe and I have done it every year since,” said Kutey.

EmBe is a common starting ground for kids to get acquainted with volleyball and for Kutey, it was the first place that started her love for the sport. As time went on, Kutey started improving in her skills, and by the time she was a junior, she had earned herself a spot on the varsity team. One of those skills is the ability to block the ball before it lands on LHS’s side of the court, and that skill has led her to the top of the statistics list for South Dakota.

According to MaxPreps, Kutey has 132 blocks so far this season, which puts her in first place throughout the state, along with having a .4 hitting percentage, putting her in second place for that category.

Kutey, along with some others on the varsity team, are on top of the stats list, a level of competitiveness which warrants a large audience. At LHS’s volleyball games, dozens of spectators come to watch the team play, and with so many people watching, it is unsurprising that the players get nervous. For Kutey, being in the spotlight has made her play better.

“It has made me more confident because when I first started, I was not really outgoing,” said Kutey. “But being in front of a big crowd has improved my confidence because everyone is watching me.”

Kutey is grateful for the opportunities she has been given, and is glad to be spending them with her teammates. The team has won 17 games this year out of the 27 total so far, and within these three short months that they have played together, the team has grown closer.

“We are doing overall really good; in the beginning of

BY Z

the season we did not really know each other, but throughout this year, we have had a lot of time to connect and spend time together,” said Kutey. “Our relationship [as a team] has gotten stronger and we have connected more.”

Team dinners, long practices and lengthy bus rides are just some of the things that bring these athletes closer together. The volleyball program as a whole has been made stronger through the connections and the admirable friendships the team has formed with each other. Despite being so close with her teammates, Kutey still has her struggles and is not always the easygoing person she appears to be.

“I would say just being there mentally [is the most difficult], because it is hard when you are not doing your best,” said Kutey. “[One of the hardest things about being on the varsity team is losing] sleep because we go to different states and towns and we always get back late.”

The life of a student athlete can appear to be glamorous and thrilling on the outside, but in reality, that is not always true. Regardless of the challenges that being a student athlete entails, it has made Kutey a better person.

Kutey is undeniably an athlete to be watched this next year, and it will be exciting to see how far her hard work takes her.

One of LHS’s very year by having the state of South Dakota. Standing at 6’, middle hitter for the currently a junior, far younger age. “I started playing [for] EmBe and I Kutey. EmBe is a common acquainted with volleyball place that started her Kutey started improving was a junior, she had team. One of those before it lands on LHS’s led her to the top of According to MaxPreps, season, which puts along with having second place for that Kutey, along with on top of the stats warrants a large audience. dozens of spectators with so many people players get nervous. made her play better.

“It has made me started, I was not in front of a big crowd because everyone is Kutey is grateful given, and is glad The team has won so far, and within these played together, the “We are doing overall

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ZOE LARSON

LARSON

36 LHSSTATESMAN.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 37

by Reese Duncan

Every generation has been affected by their longing for the “good ol’ days.” Whether it be the 40-year-olds who continue their “Friends” obsession, baby boomers who reminisce about the days before computers or teenagers who reflect on the world before COVID-19.

But what even is this feeling that is so universal to the human experience? How does it affect daily life?

Nostalgia is commonly defined as an emotional longing for the past, which could entail feelings of happiness, sadness or anything in between. It forms at a crossroads between the sadness of loss and the happiness that the memory or time holds, making nostalgia a uniquely complex emotional phenomenon. The concept of nostalgia itself has been around for generations; however, the definitions and opinions surrounding it have not always been the same.

In 1688, Swiss physician Johannes Hofer proposed the term and concept of nostalgia. Hofer was merely a 19-year-old medical student, yet his proposition affected the views of many other doctors for centuries. According to the National Institutes of Health, this original idea of nostalgia “referred to a state of moral pain associated with the forced separation from family and social environment.”

While Hofer is credited with naming the phenomenon, nostalgia existed for many years before his proposal. Julie Beck from The Atlantic states that “during the Thirty Years’ War…the disease came

to be associated with soldiers, particularly Swiss soldiers, who were reportedly so susceptible to nostalgia when they heard a particular Swiss milking song, Khue-Reyen, that its playing was punishable by death.” Because of strong effects like these, nostalgia was actually considered to be a psychological disorder, and this definition persisted for many years into the 20th century.

There were even proposed cures to nostalgia, none of which proved to help anyone. Beck also states that some of the treatments included “leeches, purging the stomach and ‘warm hypnotic emulsions,’ whatever that unspeakable horror might be.”

As time progressed and medical practices modernized, nostalgia slowly escaped its negative connotations. As Laine Kaplan-Levenson from NPR puts it, “after about 100 years of searching for a literal nostalgia bone in the body, doctors started to slowly give up on the idea that nostalgia was a physical illness.” In other words, many doctors realized that it was not an ailment, but rather an aspect of the human experience. The concept that Hofer formed eventually lost its credibility. KaplanLevenson also discusses how people realized that “nostalgia wasn’t a disease, and it wasn’t straight-up homesickness. It wasn’t an incurable illness, but an incurable, modern condition in reaction to modernity itself.”

Nowadays, nostalgia has become a topic of daily

conversation and media. It can be triggered by almost anything, from music or TV to even the most random of objects. As modernization rages on, new trends flood the world and people rapidly move from place to place, nostalgia is more common than ever. It goes further than just an emotion; nostalgia serves multiple purposes for the human psyche throughout every stage of life. Psychologist and professor Dr. Krystine Batcho explains that “nostalgia, by motivating us to remember the past in our own life, helps to unite us to that authentic self and remind us of who we have been and then compare that to who we feel we are today.” In the ever-changing modern world, it has become so easy to lose sight of a true sense of self, demonstrating a need for nostalgia. Yet, our minds continue to trick us into believing that the past was a perfect paradise that is no longer attainable. Dr. Batcho also adds that scientists “have decades of cognitive research that show that the general default is that memories are not accurate, and that’s true for all kinds of memories.” A baby boomer may be nostalgic for the days of “flower power” and Woodstock, but they could forget to think about the violence and widespread racism that occurred during that time. In this way, nostalgia acts as a doubleedged sword. People can gain comfort through romanticizing the past, but they can also distort the true reality of life, causing them to reach for a past and present that simply does not exist.

As Dr. Valentina Stoycheva from Psychology Today states, “reflecting on the past…can undoubtedly offer significant benefits for well-being. However, when taken to an extreme, nostalgia can…lead to unhelpful behaviors and negative consequences, and…prevent us from utilizing more helpful coping strategies.” Hence, there can always be too much of a good thing. When experienced in moderation, nostalgia can be a needed comfort in reaction to a rapidly changing society. Too much reliance on it, however, can lead to an extreme contortion of the past to fit an unrealistic mold that could damage a person’s psychological outlook for years to come.

Both the history and modern understanding of nostalgia show that the present is the best place to be, well, present. By taking one day at a time, people may realize that the “good ol’ days” have been here all along.

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Finding meaning in

BY FISHER MEYERINK

I don’t believe that I am going to die. I know that I will, but I don’t believe it. I doubt that any of us have truly come to terms with the fact that they will reach an end to our existence as we know it, and transition into a much more ambiguous, scarier state of consciousness. Being dead is one of the few things that we simply cannot imagine, like trying to think of a new color or taste. Yet, despite not truly having processed that we will die, the concept continues to influence every aspect of our lives.

No matter whether you believe in life after death, a lack of it or anything in between, death itself is still inevitable. As we grow older, death becomes more and more real, as people we know reach the end and as we slowly run out of new experiences. Our reactions to this vary wildly, but the main question that festers in our minds, becoming louder and louder with the passing of each day, is whether any of it matters. If any of the joy and suffering that have shaped our lives, if any of the good and evil we have done or if any of what we have created and destroyed in our approximately 73 years on this planet will matter in the end. I don’t think it will, at least, not on a cosmic scale.

According to the most recent estimates,, our planet has existed for around 4.53 billion years. Of

those, humans have only existed for 300,000; only 0.007% of the Earth’s age. In seven to eight billion years, our Sun will die, likely killing all life on our planet and with it, everything that our species has accomplished. We already know how our story will end, and it’s not happily ever after. But what does matter is that we’re alive at all. Though it’s been said a million times, our existence in itself is a biological miracle. The probability that we even exist at all is so astronomically low that it has led people to believe that it must have meaning, and it does. Beyond just being alive, we’ve been granted the ability to think, a trait few other species possess. Beyond thinking, what defines us as humans is primarily our understanding of our own death, something that we know will happen but haven’t accepted.

As a society, we try to best death in countless ways. We create religions, we follow strict dieting routines, we have as many children as possible. We create art, we wage wars, we try to make positive change. Despite the inevitability and totality of death, we still try to find some sort of loophole; something that would absolve us from the plane of existence that 109 billion of our ancestors are now trapped in. Even though we likely won’t admit it, every second since we were brought into this

world, we have been fighting for our lives.

Despite not accepting death, we regularly use it as justification for our choices. People who ultimately decide to exist in the moment and seek nothing but pure happiness say that because nothing matters, neither does the nothing they’ve ultimately accomplished. People who do all they can to accumulate the most material value or respect possible do what they do to build something that is able to outlive them. The thing about the absolutism of death is that it means every possible interpretation of it is valid.

When I’m at my lowest, I know whatever I’m dealing with at the time will eventually be past me, and it helps me get through it. When I’m at my highest, I know it will end, and it helps me savor the moment. What makes the highs of life so enjoyable is the knowledge that they are never a guarantee. What I know is that for me at least, death has been an empowering thing.

Though I say that none of us have a way to envision death, I don’t think that’s necessarily true. A way I like to think about death is by trying to remember my seventhgrade year of school because I can’t. I have vague feelings and memories of the time, but ultimately I fail to remember who I was, what I did with my free time and if I was happy. And yet, I know that year in some way contributed to who I am. Perhaps that is what it means to be alive. Maybe our lives, likely to be forgotten in just a couple of generations, are valuable in that they are a tiny moment in the history of humanity; a small explanation of who we are today, and what we will be tomorrow.

4.0

a satire

BY JADA SANDVALL, EDITOR IN-CHIEF BY JADA SANDVALL, EDITOR IN-CHIEF

All throughout my life, I have been scolded for getting to school on time and staying for the whole day; I even think I received a perfect attendance award in fourth grade. However, last year, I missed almost 350 periods of school… only in the second semester and somehow I still managed to come out on top. If I am being honest, I am pretty sure I have been lied to for all 13 years of my educational career about the importance of attendance. Here are my top four tips to maintaining a 4.0 without coming to school.

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TAKE PLENTY OF NAPS

In order to not get tired on the days you actually go to school, naps are a go-to. Whether it be for only 15 minutes or three hours, any time frame helps you be successful. Personally, I really love naps, and I look forward to staying home simply for that reason. Sometimes that eight hours of sleep is just not enough, extend it to 12 or 15 and you are golden.

MAKE SCHOOL A FASHION SHOW

Now this might just be the fashionista in me but a dress or skirt never hurt anybody. When you are at home, it is super easy to want to lounge around in a sweatshirt and sweatpants but when you are actually at school why not spruce it up a bit? My go-to outfit has to be a pair of corduroy pants, a cute top and a pair of Converse. In my opinion, being attentive in school is a lot easier to do when you look cute.

PUT YOUR WORK OFF

There is a chance this one might be controversial but YES, to get a 4.0 you are still going to have to do your work but that does not mean that it needs to be done right away. Remember the first week of school when your teachers talked about their “late policies,” yeah well this is the time to pay attention to those and use and abuse them. This step may entail taking a Precalculus and AP Chemistry test on the same day but I swear it is worth it.

This one has to be one of the most important because they are going to become your best friends. Due to the amount of time spent daily in the office, they will definitely know you by name. However, that just speeds up the process to ensure that you can get home as soon

as possible. There is even a chance they will submit your name for a Patriot Pride card which can score you a $5 gift card, a huge perk in my opinion.

GET TO KNOW THE OFFICE

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GET TO KNOW THE OFFICE

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A ELLS

There are eight billion people in the world and 24 trillion microplastics in the ocean. These statistics show there is about 3,000 times more microplastics in our world than humans.

While the word “micro” seems harmless, that is far from the truth. These millimeter-sized particles have been found as deep as the floor of the Mariana Trench to the summit of Mount Everest according to National Geographic. Many microplastics start out their life cycle as a water bottle cap, a plastic bag or food packaging and over the course of hundreds of years, they will break down into miniscule particles of plastics called microplastics. Plastics never fully decompose so they are left as microplastics which many animals unintentionally consume. These particles can go unnoticed to the animal and cause no immediate health risks or it can have the opposite outcome of sickness or death. If too much plastic is consumed by an animal, it can trick their stomachs into thinking they are full when in reality they are slowly starving as the plastic is not able to be digested. As the microplastics work their way up the food chain, they will eventually reach humans.

In recent years, the prevalence of microplastics in fish and other sea life has become apparent to scientists. This discovery led to much concern

over the safety of seafood and the amount of microplastics humans were consuming.

According to National Geographic, “In 2017, Belgian scientists announced that seafood lovers could consume up to 11,000 plastic particles a year by eating mussels, a favorite dish in that country.”

Scientists have found that the consumption of these harmful microplastics, whether they are inhaled through daily life or consumed through seafood or other organisms, can have a negative effect on the endocrine system, which can cause developmental, neurological, reproductive and immune disorders.

These harmful particles are not only in the seafood we consume, but also in the salt we season our food with, the fresh fruit and vegetables we pair with our meals and the water we consume on a daily basis. While the plastic itself is foreign and harmful to living organisms’ systems, so are the chemicals used to make them. Furthermore, many of these chemicals found in common plastic items are prohibited for the use of food packaging in some countries.

“More than 10,000 unique

chemicals used in plastics, of which more than 2,400 are of potential concern,” said Scott Coffin, a research scientist at the California State Water Resource Control Board.

While the “cure” to this colossal problem is not an easy fix, there are always ways to reduce the amount of plastic entering our waterways. Possible solutions include, reducing the amount of single use plastics, recycling properly and being cognizant of the resources used in daily life.

As global industries continue to rely heavily on plastic, producing over 300 million tons of it yearly, the problem will only continue to worsen. This plastic problem is a cause worth fighting for; the health of our planet and its organisms depend on it.

college chaos college chaos college chaos

by Morgan SandneSS, editor in-Chief

After 18 years, fret and nerves reach upon high school students as they look for the next place they will call home. As freshmen, students come into school thinking that senior year is so far away, but with constant questions from teachers and parents to strangers they meet about where they will be attending in less than a year, stress approaches more with each day there is no decision. As time continues to crunch down and many have little knowledge of where they want to go, here is a guide to help organize the many chaotic thoughts going on in your brain.

The first step to going to college is deciding what colleges you are interested in. Some factors to consider are price, scholarship options, campus life and anything else that is important to you. Think about applying at the early action deadlines. Many deadlines are Nov. 1 but some colleges are in December. According to CollegeBoard, early action can reduce stress, gain more time to consider housing and to prepare and gives plenty of time to pick another college if not accepted into the college of their choice. Be aware: early action decisions may be binding; in which case, once accepted into that school, you must attend that school.

Going to college is expensive, and unless wanting to go to an in-state school, most will have to pay for a majority of their college tuition due to higher prices at out-of-state schools versus out-of-state. Apply for the FAFSA; you may not be granted any free money, but this organization provides you with scholarship opportunities and student loans.

After deciding what college you are going to, start finding every scholarship you qualify for and apply for it. Every dollar you can save in college is important. There are many scholarships students qualify for that they are unaware of. Consider talking to your counselor, church and other organizations you may be in, as they are helpful resources to provide ideas for scholarship opportunities.

Now, all that is left is sending in the final transcript and deciding how you want to decorate your dorm room. Try not to stress too much about the future, just talk to as many adults as you can to make sure you have everything prepared. College is the first step of being an adult, and although that may be the scariest thought to ever occur, everyone does it at some point, everyone gets through it.

so no want factors you. colleges to accepted case, have versus organization for scholarships scholarship your can to although

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BY CLARE HEUPEL

It is common knowledge that from the start of school, everything that we learn prepares us for a future career. But then how do we escape from a life that revolves around school or a job?

At the start of kindergarten, we are all asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” From then on, the idea that our career is the most important part of our lives ingrains itself into our brains. Every year of school, our goals become more and more centered around the purpose of setting ourselves up to get into a good college so that we can have a successful career one day. The motivation provided by the idea of having a successful and exciting career is not necessarily a bad thing, but trouble is created when a job or prospective career becomes the main focus of one’s life.

It is probably easy to guess that the kind of employees who choose to stay in the workplace longer are not lowpaid employees but are most often those with the highest salaries, and are most commonly men. According to an article published by The Atlantic, the wealthiest 10% of married men in America work the largest number of hours in a week on average, and college-educated men are more likely to reduce their time off work than any other employee demographic. This trend can be attributed to the fact that wealthy men are most likely to tie their careers to their identities. Men with successful careers feel most themselves when they are in the office, so much so that they equate working to a form of leisurely activity. While seemingly harmless to most, this actually contributes to the skewed wealth distribution of the U.S. It puts more money into the hands of the already wealthy, instead of letting it go towards those who could find more benefits from it.

The problem of overworked, high-salaried employees can also be brought back to large companies. As pointed out by The Guardian, certain industries such as tech or finance have embedded overworking into their culture due to increased competition to create impressive innovation. These companies will give their employees certain benefits that ensure they will work as much as possible. Ultimately, it is also cheaper for a company to pay employees for overtime than it is to hire new employees to complete the jobs.

The most obvious cause for the overgrown presence of work in the lives of Americans is likely the work of national policies and government. Healthcare is expensive and most Americans receive insurance through work. In most other countries, new parents are given paid leave, but that is not guaranteed here. There are little to no policies in the U.S. which aid with the cost of parenthood, increasing the need to work longer hours for more money, and making it easier for a job to fill in the gaps of a person’s life that are not dedicated to raising children. The way the U.S. government chooses to help its citizens with the cost of living, or more specifically, doesn’t choose to help, makes it nearly impossible for those with an average salary to live without the thought of their next paycheck consuming their attention.

Humanity has reached an age where innovation has made it seem like anything is possible, so why not take advantage of that? It’s okay to have a dream job or make goals for yourself, but the importance of having a life outside of work should not be forgotten. The government also must ensure that its citizens can have a chance to live free from the constant burden of work, especially in a country built on the principle of freedom. In the end, no one has promised years. So, it is best to use the life you know you have and live it to the fullest that you can.

Violence is an abundant and influential factor of life today, and having ways to protect yourself is important: It is time to consider the approval of pepper spray in schools.

This violence is especially prominent in and disproportionately affects teenagers and high school aged students. Young adults are more likely than any other age group to be victims of violent crime, according to the Office for National Statistics. That knowledge in mind, it is reasonable for high school students to feel the need for protection, even at school. Many practices and rehearsals at school run well into post-sunset hours, with long walks left to cars parked as far as multiple blocks away.

As a response, many teenagers carry pepper spray with them. Pepper spray is, however, barred on school grounds; being caught with the weapon can lead to serious consequences. This limits students’ ability to protect themselves, and leaves them quite vulnerable when alone. In an age of violent crime and attacks against teenagers, it seems only smart to allow them some sort of self-defense; most high schoolers would stand no chance unprepared against an armed attacker.

If a singular weapon could be allowed at school, it should be pepper spray; it acts as an effective self-defense mechanism, providing both range and incapacitation, lending time for an escape. On the flip side, being sprayed most likely will not leave any lasting damage, regarding concern about it being used on students or teachers in

a manner other than self defense. According to the National Capital Poison Center, “These chemicals cause intense irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs and can temporarily incapacitate an individual. The most common lacrimator is pepper spray. Its effects are generally mild and resolve fairly quickly.” Other weapons, like knives or tasers, will be less effective in self-defense due to the need for proximity and strength, but could be much more harmful to unsuspecting students.

Even still, it would be naive to insinuate that the school district could easily allow all of its students to carry pepper spray.

Liability and the well-being of students is a serious factor in what students are allowed to bring in and out of schools, and pepper spray is unfortunately not something that would be easily approved. In an ideal world, pepper spray would be allowed for students to carry purely in the case of self-defense, with clear restrictions and

consequences for those who use it maliciously. This process of approval for the weapon would be complicated, and the logistics would likely take time and effort to sort out. The safety and ability of students to defend themselves is an important matter and this issue should be considered all the same.

For the time being, we need to utilize the resources we do have. Take a selfdefense course, if you’re able to; always be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts; try to walk with a teammate or friend to your car after late night practices; make sure someone knows when you should be home and where to find you.

Teenagers attending high school are at high risk of attacks, both due to their average physical size and age patterns of violent crimes. In a building so densely populated with teenagers, it is easy for that high concentration to be turned into a weapon by people with bad intentions. Pepper spray maximizes effectiveness in self defense situations while remaining a relatively safe option that has little to no lasting effects. Give students a chance to defend themselves.

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DELANEY GRAMLICK Every day about

teens are treated in emergency departments for assault injuries Homicide is the

leading cause of death among teens About

supporting comfortable from, another behavior determined

BY SARAH BOMHOFF, EDITOR IN-CHIEF

“Separate the art from the artist,” is a phrase which has unfortunately become far too normalized as of recent years.

On Oct. 10, 2022, disappointing news broke that English musician Alexander O’Connor, more popularly known as Rex Orange County, had been accused of six counts of sexual assault in London court. The allegations not only broke the internet, but also the hearts of O’Connor’s entire fanbase. Immediately after this news was released to the public, listeners became extremely upset, leaving them wrestling with the question whether or not to still listen to O’Connor’s music while not being in support of him and his decisions. Although O’Connor has not spoken personally on the subject, a representative of his reports that “Alex is shocked by the allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court,:’’ according to National World. But in situations such as these, it is always important to believe the victim until the perpetrator is proven to be innocent. In July, O’Connor called off his tour for the album “WHO CARES” due to “unforeseen personal issues” which are now obviously very unforeseen and very personal issues.

O’Connor is not the only artist who has been outed for their poor choices, in fact, there is a whole laundry list of problematic creators whose platforms have been practically taken out from under them due

BY SARAH BOMHOFF BY SARAH BOMHOFF

to bad character. It can be tough to know how to react when ugly truths come out about our favorite creators. Where do we draw the line? How far is “too far,” where the artist and art are no longer able to be hypothetically “separated” and the said art still holds remnants of the artist’s cruel actions? The underlying issue is not the songs “Loving Is Easy,” “Pluto Projector” or other forms of art, as problematic art is an entirely different conversation, but instead the problematic background of the creator, yet obviously these two components have an invisible link to one another. Art can be how one expresses themselves. Considering that art is an extension of an artist and their true self projected onto a larger scale that they choose to share with the world, there would be no separation of the art and artist. With this perspective, it is not possible to put the two in separate categories and continue to consume the art when it has been tainted by the creator’s actions.

Another common argument that arises in this conversation is that listening to music created by problematic artists is still supporting them financially. Paying to see an artist in concert or purchasing their merchandise brings in a significant amount of money, further supporting their image, yet streaming an artist’s music automatically puts money in their pockets but it is less direct through a streaming service. As for problematic authors, purchasing their book is still supporting their image, but checking out the book from a library where it was previously purchased is a way to still

consume the art without supporting the author. The two are both still supporting the creator in a way, but one is more drastic than the other. It is up to one’s personal morals as to what degree they feel comfortable consuming the art.

Of course, it is crucial to be informed of who the creators we consume content from are, and it is even more important to hold them accountable for their wrongful actions. Taking into account the perspective that the art and artist can not be separated would require everyone to gather background information on every single person that they ever consumed media from, which is extremely impractical and borderline impossible. Because of this argument, there must be some sort of in-between. So, how can we enjoy art made by a questionable artist without showing them support? The answer is to simply be informed. There is no clear-cut way of responding to problematic artists when you previously enjoyed their art, but when we know better, we do better. If we are informed of bad behavior coming from an artist, holding them accountable is another layer of the ongoing argument of what is morally right when dealing with problematic creators.

Ultimately, the decision to separate an artist and their behavior with their art can only be determined by each individual in consideration with their personal morals. It is all about perspective.

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DESIGN

ARTWORK

NOVEMBER ISSUE 47

ISSUE NO. 2 NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Statesman

November Issue 2022

HOMECOMING 2022

DID SOMEONE SAY BLOCK PARTY? ZOE LARSON SHOULD PEPPER SPRAY BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS? DELANEY GRAMLICK

CONTENTS

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT

ENTERTAINMENT

TIPS

LHS STAR-ATHLETE

PERSPECTIVES

LHS THEATER

Statesman

Officer Chase:

Officer Chase:

Officer Bob:

Officer Bob:

LEAVING TO LEARN

LEAVING TO LEARN

NOCELL SERVICE PROBLEM

NOCELL SERVICE PROBLEM

Retro Bowl

Fill the Fridge!

Fill the Fridge!

Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers

Roller Splat!

Roller Splat!

11th grade

Rachel Bruggeman 12th grade

Grifﬁn Etrheim 10th grade

Matias Rojas 11th grade

Questions

REALLY (REALLY)

PUMPKIN’S REVENGE

GOT GHOULS?

(REALLY)

*Featured on the map

Finding meaning in

4.0

4.0

*a satire*

*a satire*

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TAKE PLENTY OF NAPS

TAKE PLENTY OF NAPS

MAKE SCHOOL A FASHION SHOW

MAKE SCHOOL A FASHION SHOW

PUT YOUR WORK OFF

PUT YOUR WORK OFF

GET TO KNOW THE OFFICE

college chaos college chaos college chaos

a satire

a satire