October 2024 Issue by LHS Statesman

Statesman

F E A T U R E S

B e h i n d t h e s c e n e s o f L H S : M i c h e l l e P e t e r s o n b y L a i l a M i l l e

L o v e l e t t e r t o i n v a s i v e c a r p b y J o s e p h T u n

S t a t e s b u d s : W h a t i s t h e b e s t f a l l d r i

Registrar Michelle Peterson has been working at LHS for 15 years, yet she remains behind the scenes. Peterson is one of the many staff members here at LHS whose work often goes unnoticed by students despite her immense daily contributions to the school.

“I do a job that a lot of people don’t know exists. It’s a very behind the scenes [job]. People don’t realize what I actually do until they graduate,” said Peterson.

There are many tasks that a registrar has to do, such as helping students through the enrollment process and making sure they have all of the credits they need to graduate. In addition, her work allows teachers to use Canvas, get emails and take attendance.

“I deal with enrolling new students and transferring students out. In terms of enrolling students, [I have to get] all of their records, birth certificates, immunizations [and] transcripts, [as well as] transcribing transcripts [and] getting grades to teachers,” said Peterson. “I put together graduation, I work on stuff for [the] Presidential Ed Scholar [and the] Regent Scholar, I do a lot of data and a lot of reporting and I work with the principals on cohort tracking, which [involves knowing] our graduation rates and which kids are behind.”

With so many tasks to handle, Peterson is always busy running up and down the hall to student services or scrambling around her office. In her office alone she walks around 6,000 steps a day.

“My least favorite part of the job is the beginning of semester time, more so summer semester, because it is wild. I am working 12 hour days every day. It is stressful to have to get everybody enrolled in a specific time frame and then get all of their stuff done and the people just keep coming and going. I don’t get a break until October,” said Peterson.

Even though her job is busy, Peterson still appreciates the people she works with and the LHS community as a whole.

BY LAILA MILLER

“I work with the counselors and the administrators and the special ed department and the EL department and then people outside of this building. My favorite part of the job is probably dealing with new families that are coming in and helping them get settled in with the counselor and school. My favorite part of [LHS], since I’ve been here so long, is the staff, the comradery [and] the vibe that you get in the building,” said Peterson.

Every day is different for Peterson and she never has a set routine, so she never knows what to expect.

“I may come in and I want to work on something and it will just not happen because I am always putting fires out. No day is the same,” said Peterson.

With the little free time she does have, outside of work Peterson enjoys binge-watching movies, spending time outside, catching up with her kids and hanging out at Cattitude Café.

“[The Cattitude Café] is one of my favorite places to be because I love the people down there and the animals,” said Peterson.

Kimberly Bowman, the counseling secretary here at LHS, cannot stress enough how much she appreciates Peterson and her importance to the smooth running of this school.

“You give Michelle something to investigate and she uses her vast knowledge and skills to find the answer, and she does this enthusiastically digging in with a positive attitude and loving the challenge. Often our administrators, counselors and teachers require the use of her talents for Infinite Campus data. For me, she is my go-to for questions that pop up. She just knows the answer, or she digs in and finds the answer. I like to call her a ‘detective,’” said Bowman.

LHS senior Josh Miller has dedicated the past seven years training for a chance to compete in his favorite childhood show, “American Ninja Warrior.” Many people have hobbies; however, for Miller, this is more than just a hobby, it is a passion.

American Ninja Warrior is an obstacle course that must be completed within a certain time limit. Miller describes it as “a cross between rock climbing and gymnastics.” While the show is well known, there are also smaller leagues that cater to different skill levels. Miller grew up watching “American Ninja Warrior” and as he got older, he started to fall in love with it. When a gym called 605 Ninja opened in Sioux Falls, SD, Miller began training there. The owner, Jason Steinberg, competed in season nine of the show and serves as Miller’s inspiration to keep training. Miller eventually started competing against Steinberg and became even more determined to become a “ninja.”

“My biggest motivators were my coaches and friends that I trained with. My friends pushed me to train harder because we all shared a common goal of getting stronger and better at competing. We were also very competitive, which pushed us to work even harder during training sessions,” said Miller.

Miller also received support from his parents.

“My parents motivated me throughout my journey because they have always been incredibly supportive and encouraging,” said Miller, “They also attend every competition, so I wanted to make them proud.”

Miller trained almost every day, either before school or after the gym closed.

“Training involved setting up courses in the gym that replicated the show. I also had a group of guys that I trained with, and we always pushed each other during training. I also often train with my girlfriend because we both do ninja,” said Miller.

Miller has appeared in three episodes so far: the first was in Los Angeles, where he was the first to complete the course. The second was the semifinal episode, where he had to race against another contestant, but unfortunately lost by .1 seconds. However, Miller’s time was still fast enough to move on to the third episode, which took place in Las Vegas.

“My biggest fear throughout competing was making a simple mistake, because all of the training that I put in for the past seven years would have felt like it went to waste, and it would have sucked knowing that I could have done so much better,” said Miller. “If I could go back, I would have wiped my shoes off before trying the obstacle that I fell on, because I think that is ultimately why I fell.”

After Miller’s journey participating in the show, not only does he have regrets, but also advice.

“Don’t get discouraged if you want to pursue Ninja, because you’re going to fall a lot and your hands are probably going to hurt,” said Miller. “But just stick with it because your body will eventually get used to it. Ninja is a fun way to stay in shape, and the community in the gym is super supportive and friendly. New people are always welcome no matter their skill levels,” said Miller.

BY KINSLEY ERNSTER

Leonard Pies-Auto Shop

Every year, LHS gets to add a new group of teachers to the building. This year there are too many to count. Not only did LHS get new math, English, science and social studies teachers, but LHS also got a new auto shop teacher, school resource officer, special education teachers, EAs, coaches and more.

Other new staff at LHS:

Bernhardt, Megan (SPED)

Casey, Mackenzie (NAC)

Geier, Ellie (ELL)

Grev, Rebecca (Science)

Lukkes, Michael (JROTC)

Mike, Telly (Recovery, HC 9th BBB)

Oskar, Leah (Recovery)

Penisten, Gina (SPED, PT)

Simon Caicoya, Pablo (Spanish)

Drummond, Shaun (SRO)

Sharpe, Michelle (Social Worker)

Johnson, Courtney M (Receptionist)

1) “[This is my] first year teaching. [Before teaching] I worked in the aerospace industry as a certified aircraft mechanic.”

Questions:

Schilling, Samantha (Activities Secretary)

Startin, Aspyn (Raelyn) (Resource EA)

2) “All of the students; just watching them learn and grasp new ideas is pretty cool.”

3) “This is a good fit for my technical background, and I think it’s good skills to have for life.”

4) “[I would] probably still be in the aerospace industry.”

5) “I still like to fix airplanes, fly airplanes, I like to play guitar, hangout with friends and family.”

1) “This will be my 14th year teaching.”

2) “My favorite part about teaching is that moment when somebody gets it right. When somebody gets something for the first time that sort of spark like ‘oh my gosh I know what I’m doing now.’”

3) “I’ve always been a really good writer, and I love drama; I love that type of literature and things like that. I love the creativity that comes with English as well.”

1) How long have you been teaching?

2) What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Harris, Laura (Resource EA)

Birnbaum, Madison (RISE EA)

Combs, Barbara (RISE EA)

3) Why did you choose to teach this subject?

4) If you were not a teacher what would you do?

5) What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

1) “This is my first year teaching.”

Eyk, Heather (ELL EA)

Selberg, Rachael (HC Comp Cheer)

Currey, Taylor (AC Comp Cheer)

Nyhaug, Nikki (HC Volleyball)

Stauffacher, Jaylin (AC Volleyball)

Engel, Allison (AC Volleyball)

Wessels, Zach (HC Girls BB)

Kost, Hosea (AC Girls BB)

Hansen, Morgan (AC Girls BB)

Vining, Jon (AC Boys BB)

Zeutenhorst, Joe (AC Football)

Wolf, Aubrey (AC Football)

Athiu, Abiei (AC Oral Interp)

4) “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot. I think that that would be an awesome job. My actual dream job would be a bench player on a professional soccer team, so I could train with the team but not have all the pressure of being the superstar.”

2) “I really like connecting with the students I work with; that’s been my favorite part so far.”

3) “I always really liked science as a student, so I wanted to stick to what I liked.”

4) “I think now that I’ve kind of made my mind up I wouldn’t really want to do anything else.”

5) “I like to spend time outside; I like to read.”

5) “Outside of school my favorite thing to do is play soccer. I also play a lot of video games, and I like to travel.”

1) “This is my fourth year teaching, so I was three years at Jefferson teaching Biology.”

2) “I like helping students learn and just seeing the process of them discovering things and also building those relationships.”

3) “I really like APES because you get to do a lot more labs and it’s a lot more applicable to the real-world problems that we’re facing today.”

4) “I wanted to be a perfusionist for a while, they’re the people in the hospital that run the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during open heart surgery.”

5) “Right now, I’m really into crocheting, so I’ve been making sweaters. I want to make a blanket. I’ve been making some Halloween decorations, so that’s probably my favorite thing right now.”

1) “This is my 11th year teaching. The last 10 years I was at Roosevelt High School.”

2) “My favorite part about teaching is getting to know the kids in the classroom and building relationships with them.”

3) “I like that there’s a logical progression of finding the answers.”

4) “If I wasn’t a teacher I would probably work in construction.”

5) “Obviously spend time with family and I like to work out, just be active.”

BY SYRI CASTILLEJA

Between food, attractions and travel, what makes France and Germany so similar yet so different?

Two teachers at LHS went on international trips this past summer. Heather Coombs took a group of students to France, and Saskia Edwards visited Germany with her students. Coombs and Edwards both had similar and different experiences even though they were in two different countries. Coombs visited around six different cities including: Paris, Bayeux, Normandy, Saint-Malo, Tour, Mont Saint-Michel along with other shortstops. Edwards traveled to: Potsdam, Berlin, Dachau, Frankfurt, Munich and surrounding areas. Both Coombs and Edwards have lived in these two countries before, but they still enjoy visiting with their students and reliving their prior experiences.

“Mont Saint-Michel was new. I’d never seen that before so that was really cool to see. The tide was low, and we could walk out. Saint-Malo, I had never been there. I had never been to the Loire Valley before so going to Chambord was neat,” said Coombs.

Similarly, Edwards also was able to explore a new sight that was filled with history.

Coombs and Edwards had their own unique take on food, attractions and overall time spent while away.

“Airplane food wasn’t bad, I’ve had worse,” said Coombs. “Nothing grossed me out, because sometimes the airplane chicken is kind of gross.”

“We do our usual route, start in Berlin [and then] we go to Munich but this time we added a new, I guess you call it a museum. But it’s a jail that was used in World War II, and when Germany was separated into east and west,” said Edwards. “So, it was a jail that is literally just in the middle of the town, so from the outside you would never suspect what happened in there. It was mostly for political enemies, and I think that was really cool to see because there was a lot of torture and stuff going on.”

Vacation and the unexpected go hand in hand; however, Coombs can proudly look back and remember how smooth sailing her trip was.

“I was a little worried that people might get hungry, but they all found a new food that they liked,” said Coombs. “That was kind of exciting to see.”

Although Coombs did not face many unexpected moments, Edwards certainly did. “Trying to hold the door open for the train while Arvid [Nelsen] is playing a game on his phone. Trains can be a little tricky let’s put it that way,” said Edwards. “Getting everybodyon the same train at the same time can be a challenge.”

Each day provided Coombs with fun memories and great moments. Both trips took place in June, and although Coombs’s trip alone was great, the weather did dampen the overall experience.

However, Edwards had a slightly different perspective on the not-so-beloved airplane meals.

“I don’t think I would’ve changed anything because it was a great group to travel with, we had a good itinerary,” said Coombs. “I mean, I guess the only thing was maybe if it wasn’t as rainy. It was a little bit colder than I expected but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Edwards also could agree that she had a wonderful trip, and greatly appreciated her time abroad.

“I mean I wish it could be longer ‘cause there’s just so much to see. And I think I’m going to try and add a different city next time and cut out Frankfurt,” said Edwards. “I’m going to maybe add Austria instead, just to go to another

German-speaking country.”

“They always serve either chicken or pasta, and I always tell the kids don’t ever get the pasta, always get the chicken,” said Edwards. “I’ve flown so many times, I know.”

France and Germany are two vastly different countries, with authentic meals to try on every corner. Coombs took the opportunity to indulge in new foods while on her trip abroad.

“For one of the desserts, we had the tarte tatin. It’s like the upside-down caramel apple tart with ice cream,” said Coombs. “I was excited because I tried a new cheese that I didn’t think I would really like, and it wasn’t that bad.”

The two teachers had similar encounters when it came to food, and their students tasting new authentic dishes.

“All the students always love döner, it’s like a meat sandwich. It’s like our number one fast food. Everybody loves it,” said Edwards. “The German bakeries are the best so anything you can get at the bakery, pastries, bread [and] sandwiches.”

The LHS teachers had the opportunity to discover and learn about new locations while abroad.

BY ELLIE QUINN & STELLA SONNICHSEN

members of the All-State

band and were members of

This August, two LHS alumni, Carson Gramm and Kyan Carlson competed in the Drum Corps International (DCI) world championship. DCI is a more competitive, professional marching band.

“It can be compared to any pro sports league and involves 20+ corps all competing and touring across the country performing shows all summer,” said Gramm. “The activity is an opportunity for

musicians ages 16-21 across the country to strive to be the best they can, all the while showcasing their abilities and perform amazing, crowd-pleasing shows all across the US.”

The season comes to a close at the DCI world championships, where over the course of three days, all teams are narrowed down to a top 12. They compete in a preliminary and semifinal competition before the championships on the final night. Teams are scored based on their visual analysis, visual proficiency, color guard, music analysis, brass and percussion. This season, Gramm and Carlson’s team, the Bluecoats, had an undefeated season and won the world championship.

audition process. The two went through several rounds of auditioning, while going to camps to learn music and technique. Additionally, Gramm and Carlson spent countless hours each day at home training to get stronger, build endurance and become better musicians.

“I regularly went to the gym or on long runs several times a week to prepare physically for the toll that the activity takes on your body. It’s an insane amount of work almost year-round, but the payoff is more than worth it,” said Gramm.

the symphonic band, the

highest level at LHS. The two shined bright while in the LHS Marching Band as both were given the honor of being field commanders.

“You always want to see students do well when they leave, but it’s fun to see them do so well on the highest stage of what we teach here at Lincoln,” said Balta.

gymnasiums and on buses between shows and practices. Throughout this time the Bluecoats had an undefeated season, competing 17 times across the country. Their win made the hot days of learning and practicing worth it.

“The hardest part of the season was the long stretches of full rehearsal days with no shows. After the thrill of the first few shows, the last thing you want to do is stop performing to large audiences,” said Carlson.

“Several top-notch groups of brass players (trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums, and tubas) and percussionists compete against each other with extremely physically demanding, thematic shows every summer,” said Carlson. The Bluecoats have a very rigorous

While at LHS, both Gramm and Carlson performed with the LHS Marching Band. The LHS band set them up for success in many ways as the band directors, Dan Carlson and Drew Balta, greatly contributed to the success and preparation required to be a part of the Bluecoats.

“The staff and culture of the Lincoln Marching Band specifically has the exact same goal as every single drum corps out there, being excellent…If it wasn’t for the directors and for the amazing people I marched with during my time at Lincoln, I would never have been able to accomplish what I did this summer,” said Gramm.

Gramm and Carlson both held leadership positions during their time at LHS and went above and beyond in the music scene. Both were

Preparing for the world championships in Indianapolis was an arduous process. Carlson, Gramm and the Bluecoats spent their whole summer training. They spent weeks learning and practicing their 2024 show titled “Change is Everything” until it was perfected. Working in the heat of summer in Texas was very taxing work, so the team would rely on each other for support and their friendship helped them stay motivated throughout the season.

“Whether you’re exhausted, you’re missing home or it’s 105 degrees in Texas, a seemingly endless amount of obstacles are constantly being thrown at you. It’s incredibly important to be able to lean on the people around you and to lift each other throughout the summer,” said Gramm.

After learning the show, the group tours all around the country competing against other DCI groups and performing for huge audiences. They were constantly on the road, often sleeping in school

Finally, after months of touring, the Bluecoats arrived in Indianapolis to compete against other DCI groups for the championship. With the highest scores in prelims, semis and finals the Bluecoats became the new DCI national champions beating their competitors with a finals score of 98.75. Meanwhile, the LHS marching band cheered them on from Sioux Falls. Post awards, the team followed the DCI tradition of doing a second performance, serving as a victory lap after an amazing season.

“It was truly an amazing night that I will remember for the rest of my life. Having the opportunity to do a victory run after the awards ceremony was the cherry on top and made for probably the most fun 15 minutes I’ve ever experienced,” said Gramm.

extreme dedication and commitment for Gramm, Carlson and their team to become the DCI world champions. After months of preparing, auditioning, practicing and touring they were finally able to see all their efforts pay off on the night of finals. With the support of the LHS band and the love throughout the Bluecoats team, they were able to reach their highest potential and bring home gold.

“It’s an indescribable feeling to know that our hard work had paid off in the best way possible and that our efforts would be remembered and looked back upon forever,” said Carlson.

really gratifying.”

While the classroom can be a conducive environment to rehearse and develop skills in a group setting, there is something to be said about the benefits of private instruction and one on-one practice.

ffering specialized music instruction for an assortment of string, percussion, brass and woodwind instruments, the Sioux Falls-based “Encore Music Initiative” works to provide all middle school students with access to private lessons. Founded during the summer of 2023 by LHS alumni Arthur Tao and Falco Gerling, the idea was sparked after they noticed a drop in engagement with school-based music programs for students entering a higher grade level.

school year, Basel has taken on a key position for Encore and works to continue the program’s original mission. In efforts to spark enthusiasm and higher participation in district-wide music programs, Encore and its high school-level mentors provide free music lessons to middle school students outside the typical classroom setting.

“Being involved in an activity, especially music, teaches you how to work hard, how to pay attention to details and how to listen sensitively,” said Basel. “I think it’s very beneficial in that it gives kids something to be passionate about.”

The program depends on high school musicians in top orchestras and bands to serve as mentors for participating students. Once a mentor and a middle schooler are paired up, they can begin to work at an individual level to target specific areas and cater to personal strengths and weaknesses.

“We lose so many kids every year between middle school and high school,” said LHS senior Hannah Basel. “[Encore] offers kids a way to both get better at their instruments and also connect with high school mentors.”

As of the 2024-2025

“My favorite part of being a mentor is just being able to see kids that maybe wouldn't have done or stayed in music as much as they would have in past years,” said LHS senior and Encore member Jacob Pagone. “Seeing these kids start to really love music in ways that they haven't before has been

“When you're just playing in your school orchestra, yes you can improve. It’s good to play your instrument in whatever context, but you don't get any individual attention,” said Basel. “When you have private lessons, it really makes a huge difference in that suddenly someone is listening to you and only you. [They] can tell you the specific things that you can do to improve.”

Along with the volunteer opportunities that accompany the job, high school mentors may also take something for themselves from the experience.

“There is something to be said by helping the middle schoolers and by listening to their music and helping them improve,” said Basel. “You also learn more about your instrument and your

own playing. It puts you in a more pragmatic mindset.”

As for Encore’s current agenda, members of the organization recently visited the music programs at Patrick Henry Middle School to open registration and encourage students to sign up. This school year, they plan to extend the invite to both WHS and Whittier Middle School students, opening opportunities for more mentors and middle schoolers.

“We have juniors, sophomores and freshmen all in our team ready to continue the program,” said Pagone. “We hope to become a district-wide nonprofit organization that can access more kids outside of Lincoln.”

Encore members Chris Tao, Oliver VanBeek, Hannah Basel, Rhea Petersen, Giyun Seo, Jacob Pagone and Maku Adriano.

“When invasive carp get into a river system and become established, they will often become the dominant fish species present,” said Tanner Davis, the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GF&P).

Despite this, it is almost unheard of for South Dakota fishermen to target invasive carp. Much less try to eat them. Carp have a stigma of being the villain of South Dakota’s lakes and rivers. They compete for resources with other fish, damage weed beds that other fish use to spawn and are known for tasting like mud.

now…they have far less heavy metals that are accumulating in their meat versus some of our game fish like northern pike or walleye where you might have higher levels of mercury for example. The fish filets are very white meat and are similar to some of our game fish like perch or walleye where you can season them to your liking,” said Tanner Davis.

LHS senior Lincoln Schumacher recently went on a mission to catch and eat both common carp and silver carp. To do this, Schumacher visited the Lake Vermillion spillway where he caught a common carp and a silver carp.

The population of carp has increased over the last 20 years; however, studies have found that their average body size has decreased. Additionally, there are several on-going projects looking at invasive carp in South Dakota. Habitat risk assessment, hydrological risk assessment, otolith microchemistry to understand natal origin, risk of live bait trade and user education, and acoustic telemetry are being utilized to better understand South Dakota’s invasive carp populations and to better educate future management efforts for the species if deemed appropriate.

“Silver carp are one of the healthier fish you can consume in the river system right

“We were two pretty inexperienced guys but, it wasn’t any harder to filet than other fish. We also didn’t have a fillet knife, so we had to use about a four inch pocket knife that was really dull,” said Schumacher.

Schumacher also mentioned that one of the fishermen at the spillway recommended him to bleed out the fish before fileting it and cutting all the red meat off before cooking it. This fisherman also mentioned that his family considers carp healthier than pork and has been eating it for many years.

“To cook the fish, we prepared two different seasoning trays… We put those in the oven at about 425 degrees until they reached a good internal temperature,” said Schumacher.

“The bones were really

BY JOSEPH TUNGE

easy to pull out. If you took a bite, you could just pull them from beneath your teeth or it was easy enough to pull them out with your fingers if you didn’t mind getting your fingers a little greasy,” said Schumacher.

“I was really surprised and really happy with how the carp tasted… even though the seasoning might have been overpowering the natural fish taste a little bit I am definitely going to go back and try it again,” said Schumacher.

The common carp - at least to Schumacher’s taste buds - ended up tasting better than the silver carp despite being a much darker red meat.

“I’m pretty excited to keep doing this because it might be the most ethical meal you can source in South Dakota,” said Schumacher.

Davis also stressed the importance of anglers being well informed about how invasive species spread. The Lake Vermillion spillway is a known barrier for invasive carp on the Vermillion River and it is important for anglers to kill any carp before transporting them as well as to not release them above the spillway. Also, it is important to never dump live bait in a body of water unless it originated from that water.

“If folks would like to learn more about aquatic invasive species, they should visit the SDGPF’s website sdleastwanted. sd.gove for more information,” said Davis.

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BY BETHEL WOCHE

Another school year starts and a new class of freshmen enter LHS. These students come from Patrick Henry Middle School, Whittier Middle School, Edison Middle School or out of Sioux Falls, arriving with certain expectations of what high school might hold for them.

Emmett Kiesow-Knudsen completed his three years at EMS and found his experience pleasant. His older sister, Vivian KiesowKnudsen, cautioned him about the challenges of high school, so he was prepared to face its intense demands.

“High School is really just middle school except bigger,” said Kiesow-Knudsen.

However, he found his classes and teachers are laid back and relaxed. Kiesow-Knudsen appreciates the school spirit LHS holds and finds it welcoming. In a similar approach, his teachers appear to be scholar; therefore, he is confident about his classes, even Accelerated Chemistry. Kiesow-Knudsen did find trouble in locating his classes and wished he was familiar with the layout of LHS. Across the board, he savors the freedom and independent decision-making that comes with high school.

Victor Nosal thoroughly enjoyed his time at WMS and similarly took a liking to LHS.

“I do miss my middle school teachers but for the most part, I like high school more,” said Nosal.

Nosal learned to adjust with the faster pace of high school. Contrary to his expectations, high school is not about sitting at a desk all day listening to lectures. He was unaware of Ad Room and WIN time, but he has been using them to his advantage while also studying to stay on top of his classes like Spanish I and Advanced Foods. Like many students, Nosal feels tension towards math and the dose of assignments he receives. Outside of school, Nosal is a part of Cross Country and is working towards joining Oral Interp.

Coming from PHMS, Claire Pliska prefers high school over middle school. Despite her initial concerns about pinpointing classes, she quickly fell into the flow of her agenda. She found schoolwork to be manageable and similar to middle school. Pliska does not see a considerable change among her teachers. Following advice from her older sister, Chloe Pliska, she understands the importance of staying on top of her work to balance her commitments to volleyball, basketball and leisure activities. Her favorite time is lunch, a break from her classes like Accelerated English and Accelerated Chemistry.

“[I wish I knew] to not be afraid to be yourself. Meet new people and don’t be afraid to say hi to somebody. If you’re sitting by yourself, go talk to somebody,” said Pliska.

Catherine Jerstad finished all three years at EMS. Her twin,

Catherine Jerstad finished all three years at EMS. Her twin, Christian Jerstad, attends LHS with her. Jerstad’s older siblings went to LHS and were actively involved in extracurriculars and took AP classes. Following their lead, Jerstad takes Accelerated Geometry, Accelerated English and also plays tennis.

“I like the freedom that we have in high school, and I like my classes and the wider variety that I have,” said Jerstad. Jerstad enjoys reading and writing, so she looks forward to her English and physics classes. She notices the quicker speed high school holds and hopes she is prepared when walking into LHS. She admits it is challenging to keep up with her classes but believes in being attentive, punctual and completing her assignments early to aid her throughout the school year.

towards joining Oral Interp.

Tyson Blom stayed at EMS for all three years. Despite being relatively new to high school, he enjoys it more than middle school. His older sister, Julia Blom, prepared him with the expectation that high school would entail heavier tasks. Blom plays golf, which had him miss a total of two weeks within the first seven weeks of school.

“You don’t have as much time to hang out with friends or stuff. You have to focus and make sure your first priority is school then golf,” said Blom.

This transition is different for him as he had almost no homework during middle school. However, that does not stop golf practice from being his favorite time of day. Blom was startled that he could share courses with other grades yet has found a liking in it. He is currently enrolled in challenging classes like Accelerated Geometry, as well as Accelerated Chemistry, which is the class that he is the most anxious about.

Harper Maziarz traveled to South Dakota due to her father’s job and went to Harrisburg North Middle School for seventh and eighth grade. While she has not encountered a scenario that is particularly surprising, she expects teachers to give students more liberty regarding the classes students take. Comparatively, Maziarz thinks middle school has less academic work volume, but the restless dread of being unexpectedly called upon by teachers still follows.

“It’s hard. You got to get to your classes on time. You have to know exactly where you’re going ‘cause it gets very crowded in the hallways,” said Maziarz.

She noted that teachers emphasize meeting deadlines and completing school work sufficiently. Her favorite times of day are lunch and her afternoon classes as they tend to be less demanding. Maziarz is actively involved in soccer and can easily engage in conversations, as well as establish new friendships.

BY JULIA HEDRICK

While many teenagers tend to spend their summers hanging out with friends or working jobs, there are individuals like Sam Bratkiewicz who choose to make an impact in their communities. Bratkiewicz, also known as "SDSAMMYB," is a senior at LHS and is heavily involved in activities such as Spanish Immersion, cross country and track.

For many people, they are taught how to swim at a young age, and that survival skill sticks with them endlessly. However, not everyone has the opportunity to purchase swimming lessons or a pass to public pools. Therefore, this past summer, Bratkiewicz took the initiative to teach Hispanic children how to swim utilizing his Spanish-speaking skills to help. Even though his original job was as a cashier at Terrace Park Pool, his selfless actions and commitment to making a positive impact have left an inspiring mark on those around him.

As a result, he began teaching swimming lessons to a wide variety of ages from Monday through Friday for two weeks.

"Outside of doing my regular cashier job at the pool, I got to dedicate [my time] to helping Hispanic kids swim. Using my Spanish skills outside of academics was cool, especially since I've been learning it my whole life," said Bratkiewicz.

Bratkiewicz was able to arrange two sets of groups. The first group was all boys ages nine to 15, and the second group was for girls and boys ranging from ages 7 seven to 10. Bratkiewitcz began by teaching the kids basic swimming skills, simply to keep them afloat in desperate measures. Once the children understood simple techniques to stay above water, Bratkiewicz knew he could trust his students to swim safely. After that, he taught them simple strokes that would allow them to move freely around the pool and enjoy the cool water without the fear of drowning. His simple act of teaching survival and recreational swimming skills impacted not only the children but also the parents. The children's parents were able to relax knowing that their child would be safe around bodies of water with the skill of knowing how to swim.

Bratkiewicz also impacted the community as a whole because the children can go on and teach their family and friends the same skills, ultimately making the pool a safer place for everyone.

"I was inspired because I think it would be super cool if I could teach something in Spanish, but also because I could work on my own skills," said Bratkiewicz .

Bratkiewitcz's dedication to teaching swimming lessons at Terrace Park Pool shows the positive impact of using language skills outside of the academic setting. He is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to teach children to swim along with his fluency in Spanish.

Bratkiewicz’s dedication and passion for making a positive impact in the community left a long-lasting impression on his students and will not go unnoticed.

BY LOGAN SANBORN & SELAH SEYMOUR

It is that time of year again: students start school, leaves fall from trees and coffee shops everywhere jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. At the front of the trend is, of course, Starbucks. This year Starbucks unveiled its seasonal line of fall drinks, from classics such as the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL, to the new Iced Apple Crisp Non Dairy Cream Chai. The line of drinks includes six unique fall-inspired beverages; all of the choices can make it difficult to know what is worth the money. When the question of “what is the best fall drink?” comes to mind, it’s important to start where it all began.

Starting off our fall flavor journey is the drink that started it all, the cult classic, every white millennial’s favorite beverage: the notorious PSL. The PSL is one of the only hot drinks on the Starbucks fall menu this year. At first glance, this coffee looks like a regular latte topped with whipped cream, yet upon further inspection, this drink has a slight orange hue, and on top of the whipped cream is the famous pumpkin spice. The drink has a taste of pumpkin coffee with cinnamon and is less sweet than one might expect. This beverage falls under the category of “would get again, but not the greatest,” as many other flavored drinks do. As the day went on and the drink cooled down, the PSL became worse and more of a pain to finish. This gives the original PSL a rating of three and a half stars out of five.

The smell of this drink only faintly resembled an apple and the taste even less so. As the ice melts into the drink and the day goes on, the apple flavor begins to taste like the coffee is mixed with a rotting apple. After every sip of this drink my mouth was left with a strange, unpleasant aftertaste that lingered for the rest of the day. Because of this, the Iced Apple Crisp Shaken Espresso has a rating of one star out of five.

One of Starbucks’ new fall menu items, the Iced Apple Crisp NonDairy Cream Chai, was one of the more notable drinks in the lineup. Unfortunately, the one sampled had no detectable scent of apple. It smelled like every other Starbucks chai. The beverage itself was a smooth tea topped with a not-too-thick cream foam. While sweeter than the average chai, the Apple Crisp Chai was not cursed by over sweetness like many specialty drinks, nor was it fated with underflavoring like its Apple Crisp siblings. No, the chai was a solid drink, one that will be on anyone’s “fall favorites” list. Overall, it was four out of five pumpkins. The only reason it did not earn that last star was because when compared to the Pumpkin Spice Chai, the Apple Crisp is just a little too bland. It is a good drink, but not fireworks in your mouth like the Pumpkin Spice Chai. For that it receives four stars.

Next up is a returning drink from last year and a fresh, favorite fall drink for many coffee fanatics: the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Upon first impression, the drink had strong scents of the signature Starbucks pumpkin spice intermixed with a sweeter scent of heavy cream. This drink is black cold brew coffee with pumpkin-flavored cold foam poured over top. The pumpkin-to-coffee ratio for this drink is perfect with neither flavor being too overpowering. The cold brew is definitely worth a try, especially for a coffee lover! With its near perfect blend of flavors, this drink earns a rating of four and a half stars out of five.

Another returning item from last year’s fall drink lineup is the Iced Apple Crisp Shaken Espresso. This drink is a regular shaken espresso mixed with the apple crisp flavor that Starbucks has been experimenting with over the past two years. Even though this drink is pretty, the first impressions of it were not.

Finally, the last drink to be judged: the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. While only coming around for the first time last fall, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai has found itself as a cult classic among Starbucks lovers and for or good reason, too; the drink is superb. The tea is topped with Starbucks’ iconic cream foam and peppered with pumpkin spice topping. Before even taking the first sip, that signature autumn aroma hits the nose. The pumpkin really adds to the fall aura that many seek after. The spices of both blend in perfect balance with one another. There is no better combination of two seemingly random flavors out there. Even the iconic PSL does not compete with the flavor of this beverage. The saying “popular things are popular for a reason” has never been truer. Overall, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai receives five out of five stars.

Now that it has been clarified which drinks are worth the money, it is time to go out and try them! The two highest rated drinks on this list are the Pumpkin Chai and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Both are a good start for anyone wanting to try out a fall drink for themselves!

BY PORTER STANGELAND

2024 is alive and breathing. The crisp air, vibrant leaves and the cozy feeling slowly spread throughout our city. There is something with fall music that sets the mood for the season. Whether it is the mellow tunes or the rich melodies, fall music has an interesting way of catching the essence of autumn. The right playlist can make those moments even more special, crafting a perfect soundtrack to the season.

Nine out of 12 months in the year, teachers at LHS have to work five days a week, doing everything they can to teach their students all they need to know. They spend the majority of their time in the classroom preparing, grading and giving lectures. But this job does not last the full year like most jobs do. Teachers get a break of almost three months every summer when they can forget about their job and spend time with family and doing activities they enjoy.

Kristi Oskar-Groen

1. “Greece, Colorado and Oregon.”

BY NADIA SCHNEIDER

Questions asked regarding their summer:

2. “Travel, motorcycle and swim.”

1. Where did you travel to?

3. “Greek island tour.”

Tanya Bjerke

1. “Grand Tetons and Yellowstone [for the first time]! It was SUCH a long drive, but so worth it! I also got to take my daughter to Omaha for her first concert as well.”

2. “Garden and read outside with a good cup of coffee in the mornings.”

3. “Nothing terribly unique.”

Sara Klawonn

1. “I spent a week in San Diego at an AP conference and nine days in Oregon on a family vacation.”

2. “Golf, travel, read and hang out with friends.”

3. “This summer, I went crabbing on the coast of Oregon. We caught, cleaned and ate several Dungeness crab. We also visited the smallest park in the world, [which is] Mill End Park in Portland, Oregon.”

2. What are your favorite activities to do?

Emily Anderson

1. “Grand Marais, Minnesota and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.”

2. “Anything with my daughter Annie, [including] Catfish Bay water ski shows, Canaries games, plays at McKennan Park, reading, visiting the library and traveling to Minnesota to visit family.”

3. Did you do anything unique?

Heather Coombs

1. “France, the Black Hills and Colorado.”

3. “I got married!!!!”

2. “I like traveling and taking students to France, camping and spending time with family.”

3. “I had front-row access to the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and met the best baguette baker of Paris, who made bread for the French president.”

Sarah Winterscheidt

1. “Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Cabo, Mexico.”

2. “I love playing with the grands, biking, [going to] any live music venue, more biking and watching the garden grow.”

3. “I went snorkeling in the Gulf of California.”

Fall

Eyes on FireBlue Foundation Candy NecklaceLana Del Rey feat. John Batiste

October Passed Me By - girl in red

Oh KlahomaJack Stauber

of the Witch - Lana Del Rey

In the Dark - Lorde Nothing NewTaylor Swift feat. Phoebe Bridgers

The PassengerHunter as a Horse Chemtrails Over The Country Club - Lana Del Rey Rosyln - Bon Iver & St.

Nina Simone The Monster - Eminem feat. Rihanna

Phoebe Bridgers

into YouMazzy Star

- Phoebe Bridgers

SeasonLorde

We Fell in Love in Octobergirl in red

- Celeste Velvet RingBig Thief

About Itboygenius

Sarah Winterscheidt

BY ASHLYN HOFFMAN

Junior Claire Lindaman spent 10 days of her summer vacation visiting different cities all around Spain. While in the country, she got to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Junior Madyson Jarrot took two weeks out of her summer to visit every national park in Utah. She also went to the Grand Canyon in Arizona and hiked in the Rocky Mountains.

During her time in the Rockies, Jarrot had the pleasant surprise of seeing a moose in her campground.

Freshman Katherine Spencer went to both Chicago and Nauvoo, Illinois for 10 days over the summer. Spencer visited the Rockefeller Chapel, seeing the largest musical instrument in the world, the Carillon.

Freshman Kenley Statema went to New York City for a week. There, she danced at the Broadway Dance Center in Times Square.

Senior Emma Terveen had a 10-day trip to Alaska over the summer. In Alaska, Terveen went on a whale watching tour and also went ziplining, which were her favorite parts of the trip.

Right after, she traveled to Dallas, Texas, extending her trip to two weeks long.

Sophomore Connor Spaans went on a week-long cruise touring the Caribbean. While on the cruise, Spaans spent most of his time meeting new friends from all over the world.

Sophomore Gemma Oppenheimer first went to Wichita, Kansas, where she won a national championship with her club soccer team.

Senior Ilee Neemeyer went on a short trip of four days to Duluth, Minnesota. While in Duluth, Neemeyer enjoyed watching the boats pass through the Harbor in Lake Superior.

BY BOBBY PARKER

Halloween means letting your inner ghoul glow, breaking out the party hat and getting down to a frightfully fun time. Whether it’s spooky chic or monster mash madness, creating a memorable Halloween bash requires much more than a few pumpkins and spider webs. Well, this guide will go into great detail on all the key ingredients needed for a screamworthy party, from creating the perfect atmosphere with eerie decor and spine-chilling music to tantalizing your guests with delectable, Halloween-themed snacks. Get ready to transform your home into a haunted haven and leave partygoers speechless.

Forget boring chips and dip! This Halloween, it’s time to unleash the food monster inside you and conjure up some that are as spooky as they are delicious. So, move over, candy corn, and let the creative juices loose on all manner of eerie eats. Bake a “monster” cake with green frosting and top it with gummy worms or get fancy with a batch of “corpse” cookies with sugar cookie dough and chocolate chip eyes. And don’t forget the “graveyard” dips! Make a simple spinach dip and use olives and black pepper to carve out a spooky face. Or try a saltier snack: “witch fingers,” made with pretzel sticks, cheese and almond slivers. And do not be afraid to make your snacks really bloody.

A bowl of “bloody” fruit punch gets an extra chill from dry ice for a witching good time. For a chillier treat, try making a “brain” dip with white queso and sprinkles of paprika. No Halloween party is complete without a festive drink served, though. Serve up some “poisoned” apple cider with a cinnamon stick for a wand, and don’t forget the spooky straws. Additionally, you could choose straws with Halloween designs such as bats, ghosts and skulls. A little imagination can turn your snacks into a frightfully fun feast that will be remembered by your guests long after the party is over.

In order to truly spook-up your home, decor is the key. Start by draping cobwebs across doorways and furniture for that truly ghostly feeling. Sprinkle some fake spiders and bats around the room to give it that inimitable, creepy-crawly ambiance. Hang glowing jack-o’-lanterns, their eerie faces lighting up the night, from doorways and windows. And don’t forget those requisite Halloween elements–pumpkins, skeletons and witches’ hats–but rather, give them a modern twist. Paint pumpkins black or white instead of the traditional orange to give them an even more sophisticated look. Use black lighting to create a sinister ambiance, then accent with flickering candlelight. Just remember: The key is to create a whimsical and fun (yet subtly frightening) atmosphere that will leave your guests in awe of just how fabulous your Halloween party was.

“Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett is the ultimate Halloween party starter. This catchy tune with playful and spooky lyrics will surely get all the guests in the mood to dance and celebrate in style this ghoulish holiday. Just envision your costumed guests out on the dance floor while the atmosphere rings with squeals of laughter and excitement. The song “Monster Mash” is a fun, yet eerie, capture of the spirit of Halloween that creates an atmosphere that keeps the party going well.

Halloween.

unease

“Creep” by Radiohead would be an excellent song for any great Halloween party, simply because of its haunting melody and raw, emotional lyrics that tap into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere which makes Halloween special. The alienation and self-doubt in the song remind one of the sense of otherworldly mystery and creeping unease that defines Halloween. It’s the wavering voice of Thom Yorke, caught between tender vulnerability and strained intensity, that speaks to the differing tones between fun and fear that underpin the very bones of Halloween celebrations. Brooding guitars and creepy soundscapes add an extra layer of tension to “Creep,” making it an unforgettable anthem for a night of ghosts, ghouls and unsettling thrills.

Get a little more macabre with “Somebody’s Watching

paranoia and anticipation saturates in the room and adds an

atmosphere, especially for a Halloween party. When the beat unseen presence that is coming. Picture their eyes splashing the spook level and make your party an experience of thrills

A memorable Halloween party should create an experience where spooky snacks and spine-chilling music might be the most important components to every great party. With just a few key ingredients–eerie decor, deliciously frightening fare and a playlist that perfectly captures the holiday spirit–you will create a haunted haven for your guests to rave about long after the last candy corn is gone.

So, unleash the ghoul within you, let your imagination run wild and get ready to throw a scream-worthy Halloween party!

BY ABBY ANDERSON

You have probably seen her fiery, big red curls, while dressed in drag and passionately performing to tens of thousands of fans somewhere in your social media feed. That is, Chappell Roan, a 26-year-old pop star, otherwise known as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist,” and she is currently making history in the music industry. Roan was born as Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in 1998 and grew up in the town of Willard, Missouri. She claims that she has never resonated with her birth name, which is what led her to her stage name “Chappell Roan,” in honor of her late grandfather who passed away due to brain cancer in 2016. His name was Dennis K. Chappell, whose favorite song was “The Strawberry Roan.” Roan has expressed that she has adopted this name with her drag persona, causing her to feel more connected with herself.

expressed a desire to be surrounded by the queer community and drag culture, and revealed her fantasies of becoming a go-go dancer. The song marked the start of her distinctive style known today.

“Pink Pony Club” was a success compared to her other releases; however, it was not enough, therefore being dropped by Atlantic Records. As a result, Roan decided to move back to Missouri and work on her music independently.

“As time has gone on, I realized that no matter how hard that label experience was for five years, it was the biggest blessing ever. And being independent has taught me I can do it by myself,” said Roan, according to Rolling Stone.

Growing up, Roan’s family was highly conservative, and they would go to church as much as three times a week; as well as attend church camps in the summer. Because of this, she never truly felt comfortable with being her authentic self. She had an interest in music from a young age and started to play the piano at age 11. From there, she would post covers on YouTube, including one of her original songs titled “Die Young,” which was noticed by Atlantic Records, whom she signed with. In 2017, she released her first single “Good Hurt” and then her EP “School Nights” shortly after. None of her songs seemed to be a hit, and the road to her fame was by no means easy. In order to pursue her musical career further, Roan moved to Los Angeles from Missouri, where she immediately felt overwhelmed by the acceptance of being queer. Subsequently, she released “Pink Pony Club” in 2020; a song heavily inspired by a gay bar called “The Abbey.” Roan took the feeling she felt while visiting this bar and encapsulated it into this song. It

Working as a barista in a coffee shop to support herself, she gave herself some time to amend her career as well as her mental health. Roan decided that she would give music one more year and if it still was not working out, she would finally give up her music career and attend college.

Within this one year, 10 years of hard work finally paid off. Roan has reached a profound amount of success in a short amount of time.

Her most recent single “Good Luck, Babe!” has reached over half a billion streams in less than one year, and she recently broke the record of the largest Lollapalooza crowd in history. Roan has expressed that all of this sudden fame has taken a toll on her and she has shared her experiences with the stalking and aggression she has to deal with on a daily basis. Although it has sparked criticism, many people are praising her for speaking up about the situation.

What fans find so fascinating about Chappell Roan is that she is a devoted artist with a strong spirit. She puts on an astonishing performance while expressing herself authentically every time she steps foot on stage. Though there have been several artists who have helped pave the way for the gay community, it is evident that she is helping in this process. Roan has and is continually providing a safe space for those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Just by observing how much she has grown in the past year, she will surely be a long-lasting star that

goes down in history.

On the field, Hernes is confident in his relationship with his fellow seniors helping him on the defensive side of the ball.

BY ADDISON REMME

Throughout the school year, students at LHS can participate in an array of sports. The average athlete chooses maybe one or two sports to focus on, however for Jerzi Kool, there are only a few sports she has not played.

Kool is a senior at LHS and throughout her high school career, she has managed to play five different sports. These sports include track, soccer, golf, tennis and basketball. At first glance, being involved in that many sports seems impossible to manage, but Kool was able to find a way to make it work.

“It’s actually pretty easy to manage because I don’t play a sport every season, I usually take at least one break so that I can manage my schoolwork and my home life,” said Kool. Sports are not the only thing Kool has to try and

juggle. Outside of school, she also has weekly guitar lessons along with working at Target.

“My guitar lessons are only 30 minutes a day once a week so it’s not as difficult to manage, and it also helps that my guitar teacher is really flexible and willing to work with my sports schedule. At Target I only work on weekends when I’m involved in a sport so it’s not too hard,” said Kool.

Though Kool has found a way to manage everything she has going on in her life, sometimes she runs into some problems that are just simply out of her control. For example, since Kool participates in so many sports, there is bound to be some overlap between sports and their seasons. This is exactly what happened in her sophomore and junior year when soccer and the beginning of basketball season overlapped.

“The only problem I have with the seasons overlapping is that because of soccer I do have to miss a little bit of the open gyms for basketball, but usually I just head there right after soccer practice,” said Kool.

As a result of Kool’s engagement in a wide range of sports, it has provided her with the ability to acquire skills she has learned in different sports and use them to become a better overall athlete.

“It’s [her participation in other sports] given her a broader feel for when she has had to use her different athletic abilities, whether it be running or using hand eye

coordination. She has been able to touch on a lot of different abilities athletes need to be capable of,” said Scott Amundson, Kool’s basketball and golf coach.

Despite the fact that Kool’s participation in sports can be demanding and challenging at times, she keeps her head up and finds the fun in it.

“I have a lot of friends doing some of the sports with me so that’s fun, and they are the ones that get me through the tough practices,” said Kool.

It is clear that participating in so many sports can be demanding but Kool has been able to persevere through any challenges that she is faced with in order to keep doing what she loves: meeting new people and being active.

In soccer, a goalie’s main objective is to communicate with teammates and stop the ball from going into the net that they are trying to defend. LHS goalie, Quintin Hernes, has had a strong start to the season. Along with his impressive defensive prowess, Hernes is a threat on the offensive end of the ball as well. Most of the time, a goalkeeper keeping a clean sheet, when the opposing team scores no goals in the game, is one of the best ways that they can make their presence felt. Very rarely does a team play so well that their goalkeeper gets to play in the midfield, offensive third or even take penalty kicks. LHS has gone 6-0 scoring a total of 24 goals, currently ranked first in city division and state. Along with all of the first-place rankings, LHS is ranked 91 in the nation according to Maxpreps.

“The best part about being a goalie at LHS is having such a strong team…the starting lineup has nine seniors, so being behind a lot of strong mature leaders really helps,” said Hernes.

“I can be confident when the ball goes back to him. When he has the ball at his feet I don’t feel scared…I trust Quintin a lot,” said Camden Thomas, senior winger for LHS.

“Being a leader and stepping up is the most important thing, obviously there’s not going to be as much save making due to our strong back line but taking control of the game will be important this season,” said Hernes. Hernes’s experience on the pitch definitely contributes to his objectives and aspirations from himself and his teammates. Finding success in the early half of the season is key to having a good overall season. LHS had such a good start that in their third game against Spearfish Hernes ditched the gloves and played striker in the second half after being up 7-0. LHS scored three goals in the second half, one of those being a penalty kick scored by Hernes.

“Chemistry and

communication is easier for club ball because I have been playing with them for a long time now, but I have played with many of my school teammates for three years now so the chemistry is there too,” said Hernes.

Having a teammate like Hernes is essential for a successful team in any sport, somebody who understands what it takes to be a leader and win games has been one of the largest parts of LHS’s victories. While this is only a midseason view, students at LHS are eager for the coming games, and of course how Hernes and others will perform.

With such a strong start and an experienced line-up, many expect similar outcomes to last season going undefeated and winning the state championship.

BY MADDOX RAPH

BY LUCY HENNIES & CHRIS TAO

Resilience

noun

:an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

Resilience is a prevalent term used when describing an athlete and their journey to recovery. Mental resilience is often overlooked and even neglected in favor of prioritizing physical recovery; however, for most athletes, the sudden loss and detachment from a sport they love can be the most challenging part. Being characterized as mentally resilient is a feat in itself, and no one better embodies this than Charlotte Crawford.

Crawford is a senior here at LHS, a fourth-year varsity tennis player, a state champion in both singles and doubles, and most recently, an assistant coach of the defending girls state tennis team champions. In the summer months leading up to her senior season, she tore her left ACL while practicing tennis. The word devastating cannot capture the shattering circumstances that Crawford faced following her injury: her last year of high school tennis to defend LHS’s state title as a player was over.

The impact she has made on the LHS tennis team and within the tennis community is extensive and her absence cannot be understated.

“Charlotte is the epitome of what we want Lincoln Tennis to look like. You will not find a better person anywhere. To have someone like that missing has made a tremendous difference on our team this year,” said head coach Tom Krueger.

However, she has not let her injury take tennis out of her life, taking an assistant coach and manager role during the girls' tennis season where she can offer valuable advice while coaching from a special perspective of a former state champion. Crawford’s coaching has not only benefited the players but also herself. While coaching, she found herself encountering new experiences with tennis, seeing it from an outside perspective.

“[Coaching] has shown the fun [from a different perspective].

When you’re playing, you experience the fun but to actually see people having fun brings me a lot of excitement,” said Crawford.

Her sudden injury put her in a unique position that she has taken charge of with determination to make the most out of.

“My everyday life has changed. I have physical therapy two times a week at six, so my mornings are definitely a lot earlier,” said Crawford.

Playing at the high level and intensity that she does, tennis requires significant commitment. However, without the commitment of competing, Crawford has more time for other interests.

“It was a big part of my life, so after my injury, it opened a lot more time, so I could take up guitar or other passions that I have had but never had the time to do,” said Crawford.

Although Crawford has had to face numerous obstacles from her injury, both mental and physical, she has not allowed it to interfere with her passion for tennis and her ambitious nature.

BY LEAH MANNES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Making a varsity team takes talent, hard work, skill and dedication. As these traits come along with experience, upperclassmen take up the majority of varsity spots. However, three stand-out freshmen possess these attributes and have been receiving considerable playing time on the LHS Varsity Volleyball team. Let’s meet the freshmen we will be watching on the court this season!

Confidence is the key to success for starter Evy Carney. Although she is younger than most people on the court, she knows she earned her spot to be there. While she is playing, she must keep her mind clear as playing a sport is not just a physical game, but also a mental game. The ability to have selfconfidence and stay focused during a game helps her performance.

“I know that I am capable of a lot, and I know what I can do, so I just need to calm down and not feel pressured,” said Carney.

Just as trusting yourself is necessary for an athlete, trusting in your team is just as important. Having faith in each teammate allows the game to flow naturally because one person cannot do it all. Additionally, positively pushing your teammates helps the whole team improve. Carney understands this already and has big hopes for the LHS volleyball team this season.

“This year we are capable of a lot, and we can show the other schools that we are a good team,” said Carney.

Being a varsity starter as a freshman serves as an opportunity to gain experience and make valuable connections with other players quickly. Elsa Basel is excited to use this opportunity to continue improving, although she has already been successful, leading the team in blocks. However, challenges come along with success. Having to play against older players who are attuned to their team can be a difficulty.

“I think that the hardest thing is just keeping up, being so new, having to learn everything and having to block against people who are recruited for D1,” said Basel.

Upperclassmen are essential in overcoming these challenges by being mentors to the younger players on the team. It is not their first rodeo; they know what to do and have felt the weight of having the student section’s eyes on them before.

“The upperclassmen are always really supportive. If you need help with anything, you can ask them. If you make a mistake, they help you shake it off,” said Basel.

Of course, practice is the main contributor to playing well in games. Nevertheless, many players have other rituals or superstitions that they believe help them perform better. For example, the volleyball team routinely blasts hype music in the locker games before games to pump everyone up. As an individual, Mallory Schneider does a specific hairstyle that makes her feel ready to play.

“My pregame ritual is always doing my slick-back hair because if I don’t have a ‘slick’ I’m not going to play well,” said Schneider. While her signature slick-back helps her mental game, pressure still weighs on her shoulders. Expectations remain high for the varsity team, not excluding the freshmen.

“Being a freshman on varsity is definitely a lot of pressure. You’re just expected to do good and always be playing your best, but everyone has off days,” said Schneider.

BY ADIE THEOPHILUS & JAMES PLORDE

Coming off of a dominant 2023 season, where LHS went undefeated and won all but one of their games by double-digits (including the AAA state championship win), LHS head football coach Jared Fredenburg is surely in the local sports spotlight.

Fredenburg had multiple players commit to play college football at SDSU, Northern State and USF, and coached the Gatorade player of the year WR Jack Smith. But for Fredenburg, his road to success has always been a “slow grind,” with an emphasis on improving every day instead of a laser focus on the end goal of a win or a championship.

Fredenburg was a multi-sport athlete in highschool and has coached football since 1997. Starting at Axtell Park middle school, he worked his way up, coaching levels for RHS from 2002 to 2016, and then making his way to LHS to be the head football coach. Despite this, his inspiration to coach did not come from his experience with football, but rather his highschool basketball coach.

“My highschool basketball coach [inspired me to be a coach]. In highschool, I was making bad decisions and going downhill. He took me from class to an empty classroom and asked me what was going on and what I was doing and we had a heart-to-heart conversation. He cared enough to take me out of my class and to talk to me about who I was as a person and who he believed I could

become,” said Fredenburg. This line of influence translated to how he treats his players today.

“[Fredenburg is] someone I look up to, and he’s a good role model. He calls people out to make sure they’re doing the right thing, no matter if they’re popular or not,” said senior LB Griffin Keller.

Although the team has an overarching goal of winning, Fredenburg takes a different approach to coaching his team.

“He wants us to pay attention to the little things,” said Keller. For Fredenburg, this means getting one percent better every day.

“We believe in four pillars that keep the team together: discipline, accountability, dependability and coachability. We live in an instant gratification society, and football isn’t an instant gratification sport. We focus on getting one percent better every day and stacking those one percents over the course of the whole season,” said Fredenburg.

As an extension of this, he believes that for his team, player development is the most important aspect.

“We don’t talk about W’s or L’s, we focus on player development. Truly focusing on that one percent is critical as the wins will come with it,” said Fredenburg.

He keeps this “one percent” mentality in the way he coaches his players.

“[Since my freshman year] he’s always checked up on me, made sure that I was lifting,” said Keller. Above all, Fredenburg believes in football and sports as a whole as a unifying force in a world that is currently so divided. Because of his unique ability to be a leader and role model to 74 young men on the varsity football team, he can bring them together.

“I think the most rewarding part of football is taking 74 kids on the varsity, coming from all different middle schools, different ethnicities and different backgrounds, and taking all those people and making them a team. [Sports is a place] where they don’t care about your religion or your color, but care what you can do for the common good of the team,” said Fredenburg. The good of the team, for Fredenburg, is the ultimate goal.

“Sports is a great unifier, and it doesn’t matter who you are as long as you wear that name on the front of your jersey, we’re all together, and I love that,” said Fredenburg.

Marching band 101: dress codes

by ElliE boEhrns

Marching on and off the field, decked out in uniforms and colorful costumes, the LHS Marching Band is no stranger to performing. Behind the scenes are the hot summer rehearsals, sizzling under the sun. Plumes are switched out for baseball caps and uniforms for… long tank tops?

During the three-and-a-half-week period from late July to mid-August, the LHS marching band must attend SPAT camp all day. LHS junior and Bass-line section leader, Kara Brown, is one of these students participating in these hot summer days.

“We are out there from eight to five, and it is burning hot,” said Brown.

According to the National Weather Service, July and August are the hottest months of the year in South Dakota. With highs up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is a dangerous factor of camp, and the students are only allowed to practice inside once the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, shows when students are unable to. Principal of LHS, Dr. Laura Raeder, goes by these readings.

“We have rules in place from the South Dakota High School Activities Association, and they provide guidance for when can or cannot go outside based on the WGBT readings, which takes into account multiple atmospheric variables, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, etc.,” said Raeder. SPAT camp’s dress code is one that everyone has to follow and is nearly identical to the school’s dress code down to shoes being worn at all times.

A normal SPAT camp outfit consists of shorts, a top that covers the midriff, tennis shoes and optional sunglasses/hat.

The student handbook for LHS, states, “Students are expected to wear shirts that have fabric in the front, back, sides and under the arms which do not inappropriately expose undergarments or the body.”

This refers to the fact that no cropped or low-cut tops are to be worn in school or school events/sports.

Many LHS marching band students agree that crop tops should be allowed with the heat and physical activity they go through. Long tank tops and shirts become hot and uncomfortable after a few hours.

“I feel like crop tops should be fine; it would be different if you are just wearing a bra, but crop tops, you are only showing a bit of your stomach. I do not feel like that is a big deal,” said Brown. “Sometimes, [I feel overheated because I am wearing a long shirt].”

Student complaint does not get this rule changed, as the LHS marching band goes by policies, not opinions.

“It is a policy that we follow,” said Raeder. But what about in a matter of personal health and well-being? During SPAT camp, LHS students spend 40-45 hours a week in the sun and high UV with an hour-and-a-half lunch break. The UV is usually the highest during the midday and the summertime. “...The time of year with the highest UV Index is, unsurprisingly, the summer months,” according to KELOLAND. With all the physical activity that the LHS marching band does in the hot sun, sweating is a problem, but an even bigger problem with longer, hotter layers.

According to Runner’s World, fabrics absorbing sweat and bacteria can irritate the skin if worn for an extended time. “The sweat and bacteria can disrupt the natural microbiome of the skin,” states Runner’s World. This could easily be solved by changing the shirt at midday or during lunch to reduce skin irritation. If a student has any medical problems, like with their skin, they could also ask the school for an exception in the dress code.

“Exceptions to this dress code may be made by principals or their designees to address a specific student’s medical, religious, or other similar needs,” reads the LHS Student Handbook.

by Naomi JesperseN, editor-iN-Chief

What unity can be found amongst current LHS Crazies?

This question may seem simple to some and confounding to others. The mere idea that all of LHS could agree on something is, in itself, a controversy. From fights over E-wing parking spots to brawls over football dress-up themes, there is always some form of discord at LHS. However, to discover if a point of harmony exists in our student body, one simple question was asked: “Can we all just agree?”

On this path to find Crazie agreement, a survey was sent out to the entirety of LHS. Students and faculty were asked to list one thing they believed all of LHS could agree on. No

These ideas, though, did not advance to the next round of polling. Instead, 10 submissions were chosen as the ideas that LHS could potentially agree (or agree to disagree) on:

With these original, Crazie-composed ideas, a second survey was sent out. This time, respondents were asked to select all statements they could agree with. From this, the following was discovered about LHS Crazies:

It would be easy to view these results as insignificant; however, the widespread agreement on certain ideas shows that most Crazies have intense school pride, aren’t fond of WHS and truly don’t want to see “mixing and mingling” in the hallways. LHS’ popular opinion regarding Kendrick and Drake still appears fuzzy, yet only time will tell. At the end of the day, unity is not about finding less to disagree on, but about seeking more to agree on. So, can some unity be found amongst LHS Crazies? Of course. Will this unity create school-wide harmony? No. Can it be a constant reminder of some fundamental truths? Yes.

Statesman Perspectives

BY GRACE MINER, EDITOR IN-CHIEF

ADespite no change in policy at LHS, many teachers are becoming stricter on phone usage in the classroom to regain students’ focus. Rebecca Grev, an accelerated chemistry teacher at LHS, has enacted a phone policy of keeping phones in the backpacks for her class. As a long-term sub at LHS, she was frustrated with the amount of phone use she saw, leading her to enact this phone policy as a full-time teacher this year and start a group: Low Tech Families of Sioux Falls.

“A couple parents and I got together, and we formed a group that’s called Low Tech Families of Sioux Falls. So, we work a lot on having parents delay giving their kids smartphones, delay social media use and then to not have phones in schools and to look into Chromebook and iPad use in schools. I think there are advantages to having a phone. I don’t think we should not own phones at all, but I think overall they are a bigger distraction than they are a help and that they should be used sparingly,” said Grev.

n object that is rarely farther than a few feet away from students is becoming more frequently stripped from their hands and placed in a phone caddy for 50 minutes at a time. Not only is this becoming a frequent practice at LHS, but the role of phones in the classroom is becoming debated nationwide, with the novel, “The Anxious Generation,” and the surgeon general’s warning of the dangers of phone usage in the classroom and social media’s negative impact on youth spurring the movement. Both events have led to parents, teachers, students and legislators questioning the role of phones in the classroom.

Indiana was the first state to ban phones in all schools statewide. Although the state legislation passed the bill, it left schools with the decision on how to enforce the law, while maintaining the safety of students. For instance, one idea was internet blocking software; however, in the event of an emergency, it hinders students from contacting authorities or guardians. Despite the difficulties of deciding on how to ban phones, the legislation believes it will allow teachers to have the authority to confiscate phones, decrease social media time and refocus students’ learning.

“While we cannot control the amount of time students spend on social media outside school hours, we can provide reprieve during the seven hours per day that should be focused on learning,” said [Indiana Rep. Julie McGuire] according to NPR.

The Sioux Falls School Department is also working to find solutions regarding phone usage in the classroom. They have assembled a small group of parents, teachers and students to find solutions, both in and out of the classroom.

“The idea isn’t that they come to the board with a recommendation, but it’s more of a ‘Let’s all try to understand each other and how can we make this better,’” said Carly Reiter [SFSD School Board President], according to KELO.

Since enacting this policy, Grev has already noticed a difference in her class’ attentiveness and willingness to learn. Although some students continue to try to find ways around her policy, especially during downtime and group work, for the most part, students are receptive to it. She hopes to see its benefits more as the year ensures, sparking a willingness to learn and socialize for students.

“…it’s easier to put them away in a caddy or in a pouch or something and then you can focus on your class and your friends around you,” said Grev.

Sharing similar beliefs to Grev, Rebecca Mager, a 9th-grade English teacher at LHS, also has a phone policy. Mager’s policy is slightly stricter than Grev’s with her requiring students to put their phones in a phone caddy for the entirety of the class, as her more lenient policies in years prior led to too much gray area and misunderstanding with the students. Since enacting this policy, she has noticed a positive difference in behavior in her students compared to years prior.

“…the lack of access to cell phones means my students don’t look at their phones, don’t check their notifications and they aren’t combative when redirected because I’m not having to look for suspicious behavior all the time. They are engaged in what we’re doing during class, less distracted, more social (in a good way) and they do not seem to miss their phones as they know my expectations and realize that 50 minutes goes by quite fast,” said Mager.

Mager’s beliefs stem from scientific research and studies that warn of the dangers of technology on young people. Even as an adult, Mager is weary of the effects technology has on her, so her phone policy is mutually beneficial for her students and herself, as it provides an escape from the constant stimulation of phones, allowing students to learn to the best of their abilities each day.

“I still believe that students need to find a balance, but I think their brains are not developed enough to be able to find the balance yet. It’s not their fault; it’s science. The fact that technology can wire their brains and change the way they think and behave means that, as adults, we have to continue guiding them to make good choices. For example, the classroom is not the appropriate place for a cell phone just like it’s not the appropriate place for a gaming system,” said Mager.

Each teacher has their own policies regarding phones in the classroom that are tailored to their individual students’ needs. Dr. Laura Raeder, the principal of LHS, supports each teacher’s policy on cell phone use, aiming to lead the school to become a place of distraction-free learning.

“I don’t know if there is a best solution [to cell phone use in classrooms]; we’ve got to try all types of different things. What works for one kid might not work for another kid…It’s just communicating on when is an appropriate time,” said Raeder.

Ultimately, as a result of new research, teachers are becoming stricter on cell phone policies, in hopes of engaging students to learn and socialize better by removing the distraction of the cell phone.

New research has teachers enforcing stricter cell phone policies this school year.

Grace Miner

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