Hancock Graduation issue 2014

2014 HANCOCK RECORD GRADUATION SECTION

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Fourteen HHS seniors will graduate this Friday night Fourteen Hancock High School seniors will be receiving their diplomas during commencement exercises on Friday, May 16.

The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hancock High School gymnasium.

The Hancock concert band will lead off the program with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” to which the class will enter the gym.

Supt. Jerry Martinson will offer a welcome followed by an invocation.

Student addresses will be given by Taylor Holleman, Samantha

Schmidgall and Ross Ascheman. Chad Christianson will be speaking briefly about the class.

Class president Samantha Schmidgall will read the names of the seniors.

They will be awarded their diplomas by school board chairman Barry Nelson.

The class motto is “We are the future looking out on the past, We are the present making old things last, We are tomorrow, thinking of yesterday, We are today, doing things our own way.”

Their colors are purple, black and silver. The class

flower is the gerber daisy.

The graduates include (*denotes honor students): Karol Andrea Algarate, Austin Taylor Anderson, *Ross Anthony Ascheman, Jerid Michael B e r n i n g , L e e J o rd a n Chamberlain , *Taylor John Holleman, Haley Rose Klucas, *Patrick Allen Koehl, *Alexis Marie Nohl, Lincoln Edward Rinkenberger, Adam Lee Sanders, *Samantha Ann Schmidgall, Curtis Darrell Utech and Samantha Jo Vasek.

The honor students pictured above are Samantha Schmidgall, Ross Ascheman, Alexis Nohl and Taylor Holleman. Not pictured Patrick Koehl.

The Hancock High School Class of 2014 in graduation gowns at left includes in front (L-R) Samantha Schmidgall, Haley Klucas, Alexis Nohl, Karol Algarate and Samantha Vasek. Middle row Austin Anderson, Patrick Koehl, Ross Ascheman, Lincoln Rinkenberger and Taylor Holleman. In back - Curtis Utech, Lee Chamberlain, Adam Sanders and Jerid Berning.

The journey begins for the Class of 2014

The Class of 2014 began their Hancock education on Sept. 4, 2001. Twelve students entered the kindergarten class that year. Amy Brown greeted her students on the first day of class. The class included Ross Ascheman, Curtis Utech, Patrick Koehl, Lee Chamberlain, Jenny Hammes, Rebecca Lerfeld, Taylor Holleman, Cody Johnson, Damon Gibson, Alexis Nohl, Samantha Schmidgall and Abigail Bruhn.

In October the class had a special visitor when members of the Hancock fire department stopped by their

Samantha Schmidgall, above, on her kindergarten graduation, and Jerid Berning, right, at his kindergarten graduation.

room and let them try on the fire fighting apparel worn by the men. Ross Ascheman was a winner in the Lion’s Halloween Costume contest.

At the annul school Christmas Concert the kindergarten class sang two songs.

The class also wrote letters to Santa for the Christmas section. Lexi Nohl asked for a computer and a pet doggie.

Curtis Utech asked for a baby tiger. Patrick Koehl wanted a colored Game Boy and Abi Bruhn asked for a pet fish when she got bigger. Samantha Schmidgall, Patrick Koehl and Ross Ascheman were winners in the Christmas Col-

oring Contest.

In May the class held a special presentation of their own version of a circus complete with animal acts, acrobats and clowns. They were assisted by the second graders

as their trainers. Taylor Holleman, Lee Chamberlain and Cody Johnson were the big cats. Dancing bears were Alexis Nohl, Rebecca Lerfald and Samantha Schmidgall.

Clowns were Cody Johnson,

Damon Gibson, Patrick Koehl and Curtis Utech. The circus dogs included Damon Gibson, Ross Ascheman, and Abigail Bruhn.

Taylor was one of the tiny clowns that road four wheel-

ers in the July 4th Kiddie Parade. Samantha and her brothers dressed up as the junior edition of Hancock Concrete workers.

The Class of 2014 in kindergarten included in front (L-R) Ross Ascheman, Curtis Utech, Patrick Koehl, Lee Chamberlain, Jenny Hammes, and Rebecca Lerfeld. Back row - Taylor Holleman, Cody Johnson, Damon Gibson, Alexis Nohl, Samantha Schmidgall and Abigail Bruhn.

In kindergarten the class sang two songs and added the actions for the Christmas program in December.

Page 2B - Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

First grade brings many new experiences

The first day of first grade was on Sept. 3, 2002 and Judy Bjerketvedt was their teacher. The class now included nine students. Samantha Schmidgall, Abigail Bruhn, Alexis Nohl, Curtis Utech and Lee Chamberlain were part of the Homecoming Royal Court as robe, flower and crown carriers.

The first graders played the part of carolers in the Christmas play titled The Mystery of Simon Shepherd.

This year when the children wrote letters to Santa they received a reply. Taylor asked for a Tony Hawk remote control skateboard.

Ross wanted a Green Bay Packers football helmet and a Spiderman costume. Lee asked for the Imaginex Castle and Curtis asked for a viper.

The first grade class was

asked to dress in gray for Eeyore and they also choose to wear donkey ears for ‘Winnie the Pooh Day’ at the school.

The class visited the Hancock library in January where librarian Hope Zeltwanger told them about the many resources available at the Library and each student recieved a library card.

The class presented a play for their mothers in honor of Mother’s Day in May just before the end of their first grade year.

Ross Ascheman, Taylor Holleman and Samantha Schmidgall participated in the summer rec baseball program, learning the basics of the sport. Samantha and her brothers portrayed a new nursery rhyme theme in the July 4 Kiddie Parade, that of ‘Goldie Socks and the Three

The first graders were carolers in the Christmas program.

Bears.’

The Hancock Record camera captured Alexis Nohl enjoying the Tilt-A-Whirl at the Stevens County Fair in August.

The Homecoming kids included from left - Curtis Utech, Samantha Schmidgall, Abigail Bruhn, Alexis Nohl and Lee Chamberlain.

Second grade is a fun year for the class

The first day of second grade was Sept. 2, 2003. Kim Voorhees greeted the eight students.

Sami Schmidgall cut her hair and donated it to Locks of L ove, a program that makes wigs for people who have lost their hair due to cancer or other illness. Sami donated 12 inches of hair. Sami also tried out the driver’s seat in one of the fire trucks during the Fire Department open house in October.

The first and second graders celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast fit for the morning. Then in early December they sang ‘Away in the Manger’ during the winter concert. The second graders were dressed as lambs and ladybugs for the program.

Ross Ascheman, donning

a Randy Moss jersey, could easily have asked Santa during his visit to Hancock, for what many Minnesotans may have been thinking, a new Vikings quarterback.

The second graders wrote letters to Santa for the Hancock Record Christmas edition. Some of the requests were for remote control monster trucks, cookie dough ice cream, Lincoln Logs, New Generation doll with a horse, and Gameboys.

It was a busy winter of learning for the class followed by an beautiful spring.

The second graders helped the kindergarten class with their circus performance serving as the trainers for the various acts.

During the winter, the Hancock School Board was

looking at ways to make some budget cuts. One suggestion was to combine the current s e c o n d a n d t h i rd g r a d e classes next year. Several public hearings were held about this proposal. In June the decision was made to reduce one full time elementary teacher to a .375 teacher for third grade. The part-time teacher would teach the core curriculum including language skills, reading and math. The balance of the classes would be taught in combination with other classes. Third grade teacher Amy Quackenbush would move to first grade to replace Judy Bjerketvedt who retired.

Kim Hardy was hired as the part-time third grade teacher.

The class dressed up as Eeyore during a Winnie the Pooh recognition week in first grade.

The second graders were the trainers (at left) during the annual kindergarten circus performance.

Above, the class entered a poster in a contest held at the University of Minnesota, Morris depicting their hometown.

Third graders tap into their artistic sides

Third grade began on Sept. 7, 2004 with Kim Hardy as the teacher. The class now had nine students.

The class paid a visit to the fire hall during fire prevention week where they were treated to a tour and picture on a fire truck.

The third grade presented a Thanksgiving skit just before the holiday and gathered for a picture in the costumes depicting the first Thanksgiving.

The third graders were dressed in cowboy and cowgirl costumes for the winter concert and the musical called “Christmas in the Country.”

The third graders wrote paragraghs titled “If I were a gift...” for the Christmas edi-

tion. Lincoln Rinkenberger said that he would be three feet tall, with titanium glog armor so he wouldn’t break.

He would have a sticky dart gun with rapid fire and a target board. Ross Ascheman would be a four wheeler and every day the kids would drive him. His name would be B r a n t . S a m a n t h a Va s e k would be a brown dog laying in a box, sleeping and waiting for Christmas so she could jump out and play.

The class treated the entire school to some special Valentines in February. The class baked and served decorated cupcakes to each of the students in grades K-12 at the school. The eight class members included Alexis Nohl, Patrick Koehl, Samantha

Va s e k , Samantha Schmidgall, Taylor Holleman, Ross Ascheman, Lee Chamberlain and Cody Johnson.

The third graders submitted posters for the Minnesota Rural Water Poster Contest.

Hancock public works director Vern Christie visited the classroom and announced the winners. Samantha Vasek took first place, Alexis Nohl took second place and Lincoln Rinkenberger took third place.

I n Au g u s t , S a m a n t h a Schmidgall played the part of Tinkerbell in the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production of Peter Pan at the Roosevelt Hall Theatre in Barrett.

During Fire Prevention Week in October, the class toured the Hancock Fire hall with Fire Chief Bruce Schmidgall explaining how the firemen use various pieces of equipment.

The third graders were dressed in cowboy and cowgirl costumes for the winter concert and musical The third graders presented a Thanksgiving skit in November complete with a boat for the pilgrims to called “Christmas in the Country.” travel in.

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Thursday, May 15, 2014 - Page 3B

Fourth and fifth grade

After a busy summer of tball, swimming, summer reading, summer rec and fair activities, the students returned to school for their fourth grade year on Sept. 6, 2005. Their fourth grade teacher was Char Rustad and the class now numbered nine.

The fourth grade wrote about Christmas traditions for the Hancock Record Christmas section. They also played the roles of Private Eyes for the Christmas program.

Patrick Koehl and Cody Johnson represented the class in the Geography Bee held in early January.

Dance was in the air in January with members of the class performing at home basketball games after attending a dance clinic put on by Ashley Christianson, a college student at UMM. Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Week was observed with special days at the school. On color day, the class wore maroon. The class also wore shoes designed for a

place they would like to go on vacation.

The fourth graders gave a performance on their recorders at Skyview Court in March and also at the Spring Concert.

Members of the class participated in the Prairie Fire Children production of Tom Sawyer presented at the school. In the summer, Sami Schmidgall joined the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre group in the performance of Beauty and the Beast in Barrett.

Classes resumed on Sept.

5, 2006 for fourteen fifth graders. Lynn Nelson greeted her class on the first day of school.

The class attended the Swift County Soil and Water Districts’ Water Festival in Benson where they learned about environmental and water quality issues. They had a hands-on and entertaining look at prairies, forests, water quality, wetlands, recycling and much more.

Patrick Koehl and Saman-

tha Schmidgall were winners in the Lion’s Halloween Costume Contest.

The class presented a Thanksgiving play portraying scenes from the first Thanksgiving.

The class wrote what Christmas means to them in the Hancock Record Christmas Greeting section.

Sami Schmidgall and Megan Gillespie represented Fifth grade Thanksgiving Play. the class in the Geography Bee. Sami Schmidgall, Cody Johnson, Ross Ascheman, Patrick Koehl and Lee Chamberlain participated in the Spelling Bee. S a m a n t h a Va s e k a n d Megan Gillespie were winners in the Stevens Soil and Water poster and mural contest with their entry titled “Community Waters.”

During the summer, Sami Schmidgall again participated in the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production, this time in the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Sixth grade trip to the capital and other sites.

Sixth grade means annual trip

Thirteen sixth graders started school on Sept. 4, 2007.

Steph Flaten was their teacher as the class began their final year of elementary school.

The Homecoming parade was brought back this year and the sixth grade class was se-

lected as a winner for their spirit and design. The class carried a banner that read ‘Leave them in the dark!’

The class had a visit from George Nelson a Minnesota Fur Trader, who brought several animal pelts and other items

that would have been found in a typical Fur Trade Post of the 1700s-1800s.

T h e s t u d e n t s w e re t h e artists for the ads in the Hancock Record Christmas Greeting section in December and served as the cast members for

The sixth graders were cast members for the Christmas pageant titled “The Mall and the Night Visitor.

the Christmas program titled The Mall and the Night Visitor.

The sixth graders participating in the Geography Bee were Lee Chamberlain and Patrick Koehl. Patrick took second place in the Bee. In the Spelling Bee the class was represented by Sami Schmidgall, Patrick Koehl, Ross Ascheman, Lee Chamberlain and Cody Johnson.

During Dr. Seuss week, the class wore white for color day.

Several members of the class also participated in the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production of “Peter Pan” in April including Sami Schmidgall who played the part of Peter Pan. The high point of the year was the sixth grade trip to the state capitol and other historic sites on Dec. 7 and Jan. 30. The class visited the James J. Hill house, Capitol, Mill City Museum and History Center. At the Mill City Museum they learned about ethnic foods and tried out a Mexican sugar cookie Class members learning at various stations during their recipe. sixth grade trip.

Taylor, It seems like yesterday that you were playing football and hoops in the living room at two years old. We are sooooo proud of all of your accomplishments throughout the years in Arts, Academics and Athletics; however, we are even more proud of what a fine youngt man you have become!

You have been an excellent role model for all the young kids at HHS. We are very excited for you as you start the next chapter of life at the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Remember to give 100% in everything in your life whether it is college courses, family, sports, and church and you will always be successful.

Love you! Mom and Dad

Taylor John Holleman Taylor John Holleman is the son of Mark and Jodi Holleman. He has a brother, Nate and sister, Bree.

At HHS, Taylor participated in football, basketball, baseball, band, choir, BPA, Knowledge Bowl, OAmbassadors and student council.

Taylor will be attending the University of Minnesota, Morris next year for business management and be playing football and basketball for the Cougars.

Taylors favorite memories of HHS are senior prom, sports and hanging out with friends every day in school.

Dear Patrick, You made it! What a crazy year it has been! We learned to let go this year and it was hard, but we know you made the right choice. You worked hard and you did well! Diesel Mechanics will be your focus over the next two years and you will be so glad you got your generals out of the way early. Your Dad especially looks forward to you learning your new skill and bringing it home to the farm. We are thankful for the choices you have made both in and out of school and know that you are headed in the right direction.

If you keep your priorities straight and make good choices you will succeed.

We love you, Mom and Dad

Patrick Allen Koehl Patrick Allen Koehl is the son of Byron and Julie Koehl.

He has two brothers, Brady and Zachary.

Patrick has been active in football, basketball, baseball, F FA , B PA , band and choir.

He plans to attend Alexandria Te c h n i c a l College next year for Diesel Mechanics.

Lexie, Wow - where has the time gone? We are so lucky to be your parents. You have brought so much joy in our lives. We wish only the best for you. We love you and will always be here for you.

Love, Dad and Mom

Alexis Marie Nohl Alexis Marie Nohl is the daughter of Terry and Peggy Nohl.

Other family members include: Josh and Cassi, Parker and Bryn, Jake and Kristy, Travis and Carli.

At HHS, Lexi participated in FFA, volleyball, yearbook, choir, BPA, O-Ambassadors and student council.

Next year she will be attending M-State in Moorhead.

Her favorite memories of HHS are state and national FFA conventions and spending time with classmates.

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Page 4B - Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Elementary memories in pictures.....

The class presented the theme ‘Leave them in the dark’ for a Homecoming parade.

All dressed up for color day during elementary years.

Attending the water fest in sixth grade.

Junior high school years begin in 2008 The first day of high school began on Sept. 2, 2008 for the class. There were fourteen students enrolled in the seventh grade class.

Homecoming week arrived quickly and meant that the seniors were able to ‘initiate’ the seventh graders. The class also got into the spirit of the week by dressing up for special days and had a skit at coronation. Patrick’s little brother Zach, rode into the gym with a ‘Rebel’ sign on his back as part of the seventh grade Homecoming skit. The class dressed in red for color day.

Junior high sports were next for some members of the

The class of 2014 played the parts of private eyes in an elementary Christmas pageant.

Sami, It was just yesterday you were tap dancing in the driveway, watching the Jungle Book, and mastering the monkey bars. It is so hard for us to imagine you are graduating!

We are proud of the young woman you have become.

Our wish for you would be that you continue to have God in your life, to always try to do your best, and to stay true to who you are. We are excited to see what the future will bring to you.

Love, Dad, Mom Bryce, Mason, Parker and Gage

Samantha Ann Schmidgall Samantha Ann Schmidgall is the daughter of Bruce and Penny Schmidgall.

She has four brothers, Bryce, Mason, Parker and Gage.

At HHS, Samantha participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, track, band, choir, B PA , F FA , d a n c e , drama, Feed the Children, Knowledge Bowl and student council.

Next year, Samantha will be attending the College of Saint Benedict for pre-engineering and then the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities to be an Industrial Engineer.

Her favorite memory of HHS was state basketball.

Her advice to underclassmen is to enjoy every day, it goes by fast.

Dear Lee, Well, the big day is here! It’s hard to believe you are already graduating. Please remember that God has a plan for your future, and we love you very much. Congratulations!

Love, Mom and Dad

Lee Jordan Chamberlain Lee Jordan Chamberlain is the son of Bobby and Jessica Chamberlain.

He has two sisters, Amanda and Miranda.

Next year Lee plans to work on being an entrepreneur.

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class involved in football, volleyball and basketball.

Lee Chamberlain and Patrick Koehl participated in the Geography Bee. The Spelling Bee participants from seventh grade were Karol Algarate, Sami Schmidgall, Samantha Vasek, Lee Chamberlain and Cody Johnson.

In April the students were able to participate in the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production of Jack and the Beanstalk in Hancock. In August Samantha Schmidgall participated in the theatre production of Sleeping Beauty in Barrett.

Karol, Para tus padres eres un orgullo y par mi, como tu mama, eres una nina muy especial, eres amorosa y divertida. Te decimos todo lo mejor por que as trabajado y esforzado mucho para lograrlo.

Karol Andrea Algarate Rodriguez Karol Andrea Algarate Rodriguez is the daughter of Gerardo and Sandra Algarate Rodriguez. Other family members include her brother, Michells, sister Kassandra and brother, Ralphy.

At HHS, Karol was involved in Media Arts, Spanish, Natural Resources, yearbook, choir, art, band, basketball, volleyball, dance team, track, FFA, FTA, class and was a class officer.

Next year Karol will be attending Ridgewater College.

Her favorite memory of HHS is spending time with her classmates.

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THE CLASS OF 2014

Page 5B - Thursday, May 15, 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Eighth and ninth graders begin to excel at many things

Lee Chamberlain and Lexie Nohl represented the eighth grade class in the Geography Bee. The 2010 Spelling Bee was held in January with Cody Johnson , Patrick Koehl, Samantha Schmidgall, Austin Anderson and Lee Chamberlain participating.

The newspaper began to see the names of many from the class in various sports.

Samantha Schmidgall, Lexi Nohl and Karol Algarate in basketball, Taylor Holleman, Ross Ascheman and Patrick Koehl also in basketball and Jerid Berning in wrestling.

School started on Sept. 7, 2010 for the 15 ninth graders.

Karol Algarate, Samantha Schmidgall, Lexi Nohl, Taylor Mix, Taylor Holleman, Jerid Berning, Ross Ascheman and Patrick Koehl were among the Hancock volleyball and football players who worked on packing food for the “Feed My Starving Children” program.

The class really got into the dress up days including pajama, autograph and costume. The class wore green for color day. New this year was a Power Tuff volleyball tournament with the boys as players and the girls as coaches.

Patrick Koehl competed in the soils contest at the FFA Regional Contest and placed tenth individually. Members of the class also helped with the FFA corn drive in the fall.

The fall play was called ‘The Ever After with Sami Schmidgall as part of the cast.

Class members involved in FFA toured the John Morrell hog plant in February and learned about the process of pork products. One interesting thing during the tour was how hot dogs are made. At the plant, 86 miles of hot dogs are made each day.

Lexi and Sami performed at halftime of a UMM girls’ basketball game as members of the high school dance team.

They performed to the music

of “Just Dance.”

Sami, Lexi and Karol traveled with the Hancock girls’ basketball team in a state tournament appearance. The team took fourth place in state.

Lexi and Patrick were presented with Greenhand degrees at the FFA banquet in April.

Sami and Karol were members of the Hancock girls’ basketball team that participated in a Pacesetter Tournament and took first place in July.

The class dressed up in red in eighth grade for Homecoming color day.

Very comfortable in PJs during their junior year.

Cousins Jerid Berning and Taylor Holleman shared some fun times together.

Austin,

Congratulations Curtis and best wishes for the future.

Curtis Darrell Utech Curtis Darrell Utech is the son of Terry Utech. He has three brothers: Loren, Matthew and Brad.

Curtis was part of the yearbook staff at Hancock High School.

His plans for next year are to find work.

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Dave Miller Trucking Hancock, MN

In seventh grade Austin tried to play football for the first time. He tried to tackle a player but the football player drug him down the football field.

He hung on for his dear life, trying to tackle him.

I’m very proud of him for working so hard. I wish him the best of luck on his new adventure. I’m so proud of everything that he has done.Good luck Austin and I’m so proud of you. Way to go Austin, you did it!

Love, Mom

Austin Taylor Anderson Austin Taylor Anderson is the son of Sherri Wellnitz. Other family members include his grandparents Roger and Mavis Anderson, brother Marshal Wellnitz and sister Sydney Wellnitz. While at Hancock High School, Austin participated in baseball and football.

Next year he will be attending Alexandria Technical College studying diesel mechanics and working on two farms along with working at Shopko.

Austin’s favorite memories at HHS are of working on school technology, baseball, football, playing with his best friend Patrick Koehl, having Brandon Welle as a coach, tire tag at lunch and working in the concession stand with classmates.

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Community Development Bank Hancock, MN

Dear Jerid, Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that you were playing hot wheels on the kitchen floor.

It’s been fun and exciting watching you grow into a fine young man. We are so proud of all your accomplishments and look forward to what the future will bring your way.

Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go!

We love you Jerid!

Mom, Dad and Tanner

Jerid Michael Berning

Jerid Michael Berning is the son of Ron and Jackie Berning. He has one brother, Tanner.

At Hancock High School, Jerid was active in choir, football, baseball and wrestling.

Next year he will be attending Alexandria Technical College for Machine Tool Technology.

His favorite memory at HHS was Homecoming.

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Page 6B - Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Sophomore and junior years are very busy for class members

Sophomore year for the class kicked off on Sept. 6, 2011 with 17 in the class.

The girls’ valleyball team and boys’ football team helped pack food for the Feed My Starving Children packing event in late August.

T h e d a n c e t e a m p e rformed during the Homecoming pep fest in September and at a University of Minnesota, Morris Cougar football game. The class helped build spirit during Homecoming Week by dressing up for theme days. The Record c a m e r a c a p t u re d t h e m dressed in orange on color day. The class also built a float for the Homecoming parade and had a humorous skit for the pep fest.

The class donated time to rake leaves in October for the community pride project.

Sami was a cast member of the theatre production of “Superhero Sanitarium” performed in November.

A mob flash dance took place during halftime of a Hancock girls’ basketball game in late December with Sami and Karol, members of the team, participating.

Class members in FFA toured Case IH in Fargo during their winter trip.

The class was pretty creative during snow week creating unique fashions out of duct tape and dressing up for other special days.

Sami, Ross and Patrick were among the 14 students who traveled to Washington DC and New York City touring several places of historic interest during a week long trip in March.

Sami, Patrick and Lexi were State Degree recipients at the FFA banquet in April.

The three also attended the State FFA convention in April.

Lexi participated in an FFA officers retreat during the summer. The retreat was held along the Crow Wing River where they canoed, camped and swam.

A busy junior year began on Sept. 4, 2012 for the Class of 2014. The class of 16 worked in the concession stand during home games to raise money for the spring prom. Early in the school year

the football and volleyball players again helped package food for the Feed My Starving Children program.

Taylor, Sami, Karol and Patrick helped during homecoming coronation by crowning the royalty and serving as emcees.

During homecoming week the class members came to school in special attire for designated days. On color day the juniors wore pink. They also dressed up for costume day and wore attire from the ‘80s for a special dress up day.

The junior boys celebrated after taking the championship in the Powder Tuff volleyball tournament. Samantha Vasek was a cheerleader for the football team and also helped with stats.

The students once again raked leaves in the fall as part of the Community Pride project.

“Anne Arky” was the title of the fall play with the cast including Sami Schmidgall.

Lexi Nohl attended the National FFA Convention in October held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Karol Algarate and Haley Klucas were captured sitting on Santa’s knee during his visit to Hancock, having a little chat about their Christmas wishes.

Jerid Berning was a member of the Tiger wrestling team which placed 12th in the Big Bear tournament in December.

In the debut season for the Hancock Business Professionals of America group Sami Schmidgall placed eighth in Legal Office Procedures and Taylor Holleman placed second on a team in Broadcast News Production.

In March eight members competed at state including Samantha Schmidgall, Alexis Nohl, and Taylor Holleman from the class.

The FFA winter trip took the group to an Emergency Food Shelf where they helped package food. They also visited the Children’s Hospital in St. Paul and the Mill City Museum.

During Snow Week the class dressed like the ‘80s, wore duct tape creations,

Dear Adam, What a joy to look back over your years here at Hancock school. To remember the hurdles you have overcome. So many accomplishments. I am so proud of you!

May your education at Alexandria Technical College be full of goals reached also.

As you look to the journey that lays before you, reach for all that it could be and will be. Always be looking ahead to the possibilities.

Love, Mom

Adam Lee Sanders Adam Lee Sanders is the son of Lowell Sanders and R o l i n d a Sanders. He has o n e b r o t h e r, Brandon.

Adam has been active in F FA , b a n d , choir and FTA. Next year he will be attending Alexandria Technical College for carpentry/construction.

camouflage, designated colors, and danced during the Snow Week Winter Formal.

Samantha Vasek was one of the prize winners for overall participation for the week.

After years of saving and hard work, the junior class hosted the 2013 prom with the theme “Foot Loose.” A grand march was held at the school, a dinner at Old No. One southside, a dance back at the school and then a postprom party at the school. Junior class president Samantha Schmidgall, escorted by Jerid Berning, cut the ribbon to begin the grand march. The class gathered for a picture a ro u n d a c a r o w n e d b y Patrick’s grandparents and is part of a Vintage Car Club.

Speakers from the class were Karol Algarate, Samantha Schmidgall, Taylor Holleman, and Austin Anderson.

Lexie Nohl attended the State FFA convention in April.

Au s t i n A n d e r s o n a n d Samantha Vasek escorted the class of 2013 for graduation on the final day at Hancock High School.

At the end of the school year, the class helped move books, desks and boxes from classrooms in the high school in order for a major remodeling and construction project that took place over the summer. Prior to the start of the s c h o o l y e a r, t h e y a g a i n helped move these items back to the new classrooms.

Dressed in pink as juniors during homecoming week.

The homecoming skit as juniors.

Karol and Taylor during the junior class homecoming skit.

Haley, This is the hardest part of being a parent knowing that you will soon be leaving to start a new life.

We are so proud of what you have become. A very beautiful, smart and caring young lady. We wish you all the luck for your future and support any decisions that you make.

Stay safe and keep making the right choices. We will always be here for you.

We love you Haley, Mom, Dad and Bradley

Haley Rose Klucas

Haley Rose Klucas is the daughter of Michael Klucas and Renee Hapsch. She has two brothers, Bradley Klucas and Stephen Slinde.

At Hancock High School, Haley was active on the yearbook staff. She will be going to Alexandria Technical College next year for LPN. Her favorite memory of HHS is the fourth hour art class.

Karol and Patrick were the emcees for Homecoming 2012.

Congratulations Lincoln and best wishes for the future.

Lincoln Edward Rinkenberger Lincoln Edward Rinkenberger is the son of Chuck Rinkenberger and Anita Heikkinen. Other family members include Levi, Pam and Dustin.

At HHS, Lincoln was on the Yearbook staff.

Next year he will be going to school for video game design.

Lincoln says he has so many good memories of HHS, he cannot choose just a few.

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Hancock, MN

Hancock, MN

Riverside Express

Cutting Edge

Hancock Co-op Elevator

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

Thursday, May 15, 2014 - Page 7B

The final year of school for the Class of 2014

The final year of high school for the class of 2014 started on Sept. 3, 2013. The class was now at 14 students.

Once again those involved in football and volleyball helped pack boxes for the Feed My Starving Children program.

The five senior girls Haley Klucas, Lexi Nohl, Samantha Vasek, Samantha Schmidgall and Karol Algarate performed at some of the home football games.

Homecoming became the focus of activity. Royalty cand i d a t e s i n c l u d e d Ta y l o r Holleman, Jerid Berning, Adam Sanders, Lincoln Rinkenberger and Curtis Utech for king and Samantha Schmidgall, Lexi Nohl, Samantha Vasek and Haley Klucas for queen. Taylor Holleman and Samantha Schmidgall were crowned 2013 King and Queen. Ross Ascheman assisted as an emcee for the coronation. The special days included pajama day, opposite gender day, color day and ‘80s day. The class wore black for color day.

A parade was held on Friday before the team took on Ortonville.

The football team won their first football game in four years when they defeated Hillcreast Lutheran in October.

The fall leaf raking was held in early November with the class helping out people in the community for this Community Pride project.

The fall play titled ‘After Hours’ included Sami Schmidgall and Adam Sanders helped as a member of the crew.

In December the Hancock Business Professionals Club challenged the Morris High School and the entire Hancock student body to donate items for the food shelf. Han-

cock BPA members collected over 3,000 pounds of food for the food shelf and the senior class won the class competition in Hancock.

FFA members put together care packages for troops which were sent off with a picture saying thank you at Christmas time. The chapter also bought gifts for names they got from the Wish Tree.

Some members of the FFA Chapter decorated the trees at the water tower park for the holidays.

Samantha Schmidgall and Taylor Holleman were selected as AAA nominees from Hancock High School based The Homecoming Royal Court, 2013. on participation in Arts and Athletics as well as academic achievement.

Taylor Holleman reached the 1,000 career point milestone at a basketball game with Renville County West in early February.

The class dressed up for Duck Dynasty Day, Nerd Day and PJ/Stuffed Animal Day during FFA and Snow Week in February.

The Business Professionals of America group planned a fundraiser for Nicole Logan of Hancock who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The BPA members sold tshirts and helped at a benefit.

The 2014 prom was held The seniors at prom 2014. on April 26 with the seniors as honored guests. Samantha Vasek and Amy Dougherty were the emcees for the grand march which was held at the school. Following the grand march, a dinner was held at the Old No. 1 and dance at the school. The post-prom bash was at the school.

Graduation for the class of 2014 was held on May 16 at the Hancock School. Class speakers were Taylor Holleman, Samantha Schmidgall and Ross Ascheman.

The senior class of 2014.

Queen Samantha Schmidgall and King Taylor Holleman.

Samantha, You have had your ups and downs over the last several years but we are very proud of the beautiful, smart young woman that you have become! Remember there will always be challenges that come your way but if you put your mind to it you can achieve and overcome whatever comes your way. Congratulations on a big achievement and the next big step in your life.

Love you, Mom and Perry

OPEN HOUSES Friday, May 16

Please join us for an open house for Lee Chamberlain following graduation at his home, 513 1st St., Hancock.

Saturday, May 17

There will be an open house graduation celebration for Taylor Holleman on Saturday, May 17 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at his home, 94 Washington Ave, Hancock.

Please join us for a graduation open house honoring Haley Klucas on Saturday, May 17 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Buddies Bar & Grill, 1057 Hwy. 9, Hancock.

An open house for Sami Schmidgall will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 1-3 p.m. at her home, 138 Pacific Ave., Hancock.

Sunday, May 18

An open house graduation reception will be held for Adam Sanders on Sunday, May 18 from 2-5 p.m. at 627 2nd St., Hancock.

Samantha Jo Vasek Samantha Jo Vasek is the daughter of Perry and Jewell Feucht. Other family members include Payton and Preston Feucht, Micheal and Eric Vasek.

At HHS Samantha participated in football stats, dance line, basketball, volleyball, theatre, theatre and yearbook.

Next year she will be attending St. Cloud State to major in a four year degree and specializing in the NICU and also majoring in EMS. Samantha has really enjoyed going through all the years of high school with her classmates and she wishes them the best with whatever they decide to do in the years beyond.

Congrats!

Dear Ross, We are so thankful for the wonderful young man you have become. You have always been a great source of joy, thrills, and excitement in our home, and a good role model. Keep sharing that contagious smile of yours and the heart full of compassion for others that you have. God has blessed you with many talents so use them to His glory and stay humble. As you spread your wings and learn to fly, let God direct your path and keep you focused in your future decisions. We love you more than you can know.

Love, Mom & Dad

Ross Anthony Ascheman Ross Anthony Ascheman is the son of Tony and Peggy Ascheman. He has a sister Abby and a brother Ryan.

At Hancock High School, Ross was active in BPA, student council, band, choir, O-Ambassadors, FTA, and Lakes Country Honor Society.

Next year Ross will be attending NDSU for Business Management and getting his pilot’s license.

- Congratulations Graduate -

- Congratulations Graduate -

Morris, MN

Hancock, MN

Dairy Queen

Hancock Concrete

Page 8B - Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE CLASS OF 2014

Hancock, Minnesota 56244

The following businesses would like to

Congratulate the Class of 2014 and proudly sponsor this special graduation section

Affiliated Community Medical Center Hancock/Benson, MN Agralite Benson, MN Buddies Bar & Grill Hancock, MN By-Lo Gas & Grocery Hancock, MN Boy’s Supply Hancock, MN Community Development Bank Hancock, MN Cutting Edge Hancock, MN Dairy Queen Morris, MN Federated Telephone Hancock, MN Grossman’s Plumbing & Heating and Deputy Registrar Benson, MN Hancock Concrete Products Hancock, MN Hancock Co-op, Inc. Hancock, MN Hancock Dental Hancock, MN Hancock Record Hancock, MN Independent Farmers Ag Service Hancock, MN Johnson Fertilizer Clontarf, MN

Otter Tail Power Co. Morris, MN Koehl Excavating Hancock, MN KJH Builders, Inc. Hancock, MN Morris Sun Tribune Morris, MN McGinnis Appliance Morris, MN Miller Trucking Hancock, MN Pizza Ranch Morris, MN Prairie Community Services Hancock, MN Pro-Steel Builders, Inc. Hancock, MN Riley Bros. Construction, Inc. Morris, MN Riverside Express Hancock, MN Riverview Dairy Morris, MN Stevens Community Medical Center Morris, MN Thrifty White Drug Morris, MN Trico Ag Services, Inc. Hancock, MN Willie’s Super Valu Morris, MN