May 2014 pelladium

TWO LEGENDS SAY GOODBYE

SENIOR EDITION

PELLADIUM P. 5-8

P. 12

THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION

05.23.2014

Volume 26

Issue Nine

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PAGE EDITOR: Gregory Frommelt

Current

05. 23. 2014

Fyfe, Clayberg honored as Governor’s Scholars

•Nathan Clayberg

Each year two students from the senior class are invited to the Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony. This year, the two seniors were Abby Fyfe and Nathan Clayberg. After four years of hard work they were able to attend the ceremony and meet the governor.

The program honored 368 students chosen by the administration as being exceptional students.

Senior Abby Fyfe was excited for the opportunity, reflecting on her years in high school.

“All my years of such extreme dedication to education paid off in the three hours I spent in Hy-Vee Hall,” said Fyfe.

Clayberg also was honored to be invited to the ceremony, reflecting sadly on missing a key factor of the ceremony.

“I didn’t get to stay for cake,” said Clayberg, solemnly.

Both Fyfe and Clayberg had the opportunity of meeting the governor.

“It was really awkward; he didn’t smile at all ever. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be there. But, it was very honorable to shake his hand,” said Fyfe.

“To be honest, the governor reminded me somewhat of a turtle, showing nearly no expression,” said Clayberg.

Both students have put a tremendous amount of work and effort into their education, and they would like to prompt everyone to do the same.

“I would encourage everyone to try their best in school, not because you get to meet the governor, but because you owe it to yourself to do the best that you can do,” said Clayberg.

•Aaron Van Maanen (avanmaanen@pelladium.com)

•Abby Fyfe

PENS completes May 6 launch >>>AWARD TIME. Senior Jacob Beyer receives the Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship scholarship from Doug De Haan at the Senior Awards Night May 6. In addition to that scholarship, Beyer was also the recipient of Francis & Jeannette Huyser Scholarship. •Photo by Elyse Parisee

DFS awards honor 105 >>>EXPLORATION. Freshman Sydney Wiskus watches as PENS sponsor Jim Emmert, Marcia Aguilar, sophomore Cole Siewert, Noah Emmert and sophomore Sara Aguilar prepare for the launch of PENS 7 May 6. “It was very windy yet it was fun to launch the balloon that day,” said Sara. •Photos by Kailyn Hackman

PENS sponsor Jim Emmert and six students launched their latest PENS (Pella Exploring Near Space) May 6. PENS participants included freshman Sydney Wiskus, sophomore Sara Aguilar and junior Simon Aguilar while three science students, sophomores Cole Siewert, Joe Start and Ryan Sievers, also engaged in the activity.

The weather balloon is not the acutal experiment but the device that holds all of the separate experiments on a flight string. The different experiments each pertain to something different, such as the hatching of frog eggs and checking for anomalies. Each of the experiments will provide data pertaining to the experiments students are conducting.

“The students are well-versed in working on the experiments and making sure that each one will work and be an effective way to test their theory,” said Emmert.

With PENS 7, the projected path was about 200 miles east of Pella, while the actual path taken was near North English.

“The PENS 7 experiment was a success with our projected path being near where the actual thing landed which was a couple miles off, but it still worked out for the best,” said Emmert.

PENS 8 was launched May 20.

• Joshua Da(JDa@pelladium.com)

Over $50,000 ($54,450 to be exact) was presented to 105 students via the Pella Dollars for Scholars organization at Senior Awards Night May 6.

Dollars for Scholars organizes people and businesses in the community, who donate money to seniors who are planning on continuing their education. Dollars for Scholars is both for Pella Christian and Pella seniors, but Pella seniors will receive two-thirds of the scholarships, where PC will receive one-third due to class size. Jim Palmer, donor to the program and a member of the board, thinks that this is a very helpful way to help the students with financial aid.

“Our mission is to try and help and encourage seniors to continuing their education. We give money to students who apply for the program, and we give each scholarship to the student we feel needs it best. It is not always the smartest and most talented person who gets the scholarship in each category. The scholarships can help pay for books for a semester, or it can just be some financial assistance to the student, ” said Palmer.

Students who got awards from the Dollars for Scholars program were very appreciate of the awards.

“I received the Pella Business Women’s award, and the Pella Dollars for Liaison award. They will be really helpful in helping me pay for college, and I am thankful to the donors for the grants,” said senior Kathleen Connolly.

Another student, senior Karli Bruxvoort, won the U.S Bank scholarship award.

“I have a checking account at U.S bank, so I was very thankful for the award because college is expensive, so it will help me pay for college.” said Bruxvoort.

•Corey Elliott

Current Linn receives WHO’s Golden Apple award

Page Editor: Derrick Akers

05.23. 2014

A surprise assembly was held in the auditorium May 5 with over 700 curious students and teachers and only a select few knowing its true purpose. It opened with four seniors sharing their gratitude for teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. However, the professional video camera on stage indicated there was more to the assembly than just this. Members of WHO news and Allied Insurance found their way to Pella to give The Golden Apple Award to math teacher Dennis Linn.

This prestigious award is chosen by the staff at WHO and Allied who sift through nominations and email regarding a deserving teacher in Iowa. The unusual thing about Linn’s nomination was that it was not merely one, but multiple. As the WHO representative read off Linn’s name, the auditori-

um went wild. It seemed it was no surprise to anyone but Linn himself.

“I feel like I was kind of in the right place at the right time. The kids and the young teachers have just made it possible to get an award like this. I think there are a lot of other people in the school that are even more deserving, though,” said Linn.

Inspired by his own high school math teacher, Linn strives to be a daily encourager to students as they learn new math concepts. Principal Eric Nelson, who teared up during the acceptance speech, has no doubt in his mind that Linn is deserving of such an award.

“I think Mr. Linn is basically the exact mold for this award.

The Golden Apple winners are professional, ethical, extreme-

Field trips offer learning alternatives To some students, field trips are one of the greatest perks of high school. Several different classes have recently taken field trips to different locations, allowing students to explore and learn more about the subject they are learning in the classroom, gaining real-world knowledge.

Junior Cheyanne Van Donselaar went to two religious centers in Des Moines with her world religions class.

“We went to the Hindu Temple and Islamic Center. It was really neat to see people actually practicing the religion. It was a lot different than learning about it in the textbook; instead we saw it in real life,” said Van Donselaar.

Other field trips that students have recently gone on include Food Prep I touring Checkerboard and Over-The-Top Ice Cream, Food Prep II going to Whole Foods, OverThe-Top ice cream, and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, all in Des Moines; French III and AP students spent a day in Des Moines visiting shops/restaurants with a French food focus, and Adaptive P.E. spending a day at Indianola Middle School, participating in a track and field day.

Senior Sydney Swanson was on the Food Prep II field trip.

“We went to In’t Veld’s in the morning to see how they make their meats on such a large scale. After that, we went to Whole Foods to get all the ingredients for our senior meals.

It was interesting to see all of the organic and vegan foods. We went to Johnny’s

Steakhouse for lunch, and then stopped by Over the Top in Pleasant Hill for ice cream on the way home. I loved getting to eat a ton of food the whole day because I love eating, but it was cool to see how actual restaurants quantitatively cook,” said Swanson.

For special education students in Adaptive P.E., a field trip sponsored by Simpson College was beneficial to students in a social aspect.

“A lot of [the reason we went on the field trip] is the social activity that goes on.

There were 500 students there, and it was neet to see kids from other schools, along with the competing against them. They also got to explore different areas and had new experiences, which was good for the students,” said Adaptive P.E. teacher Bob Fessler.

Principals of Engineering classes took time out earlier this semester to tour Vermeer Manufacturing and Pella Corp.

“I felt the trips were beneficial to see what those companies are doing in our town. I didn’t really know,” said Kristin Rundle.

Eight students were a part of the STEM event held in May at Central College, hosted

by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. Freshman Maggie Showman attended.

“I thought it was interesting to Pella students because we got to learn that there are other jobs that are connected to the STEM program that might be a future job,” said Showman.

•Christina Gualtieri (cgualtiri@pelladium.com)

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ly knowledgeable, passionate to teach, and also understand that the key to it all is building strong relationships,” said Nelson.

This is not Linn’s only recognition for his commitment to education this year. This April, he received the Charles F. Martin Award for his involvement in the Iowa State Teacher Association. With this being his last year as a teacher, these honors meant even more to Linn, who agreed it was a nice way to go out.

To watch a video for more on this honorable achievement, go to Pelladium.com.

•Megan Kooker (mkooker@pelladium.com)

Senior Farewell Members of the Class of 2014 spent the morning of May 16 finishing semester tests, cleaning lockers and completing their final check-outs before joining together for lunch at Caldwell Park. The 171 member senior class enjoyed brats and hamburgers prepared by senior volunteer parents. “It was really cold, but it was fun because we were all done with school,” said senior Klaire Wisniewski. •Photos by Andrew Pavlat Amanda Dupre and Anna Tysseling head through the line at the senior picnic.

(Below) Senior Gabriel Stringer was one of the seniors who participated in the senior picnic festivities.

877-462-3687 www.central.edu

Seniors Bryce Dawson and C.J. Davis-Koviark enjoy the meal provided at the senior picnic.

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PAGE EDITOR: JACK PARISEE

Current

05. 23. 2014

Visser, Linn prepare to retire after decades of teaching

Thirty-one years ... the number of years journalism teacher Ann Visser has been an educator here. Visser taught two years at a school in Missouri, but she has taught 31 here at Pella. She has won many awards, she has been recognized as one of the best journalistic teachers in state.

Through her many trials, and frustrating days, she has prevailed.

Vissers favorite part of teaching is the students and the relationships that she has built with many people.

“Students and the relationships created with them has definitely been the best part of teaching,” said Visser.

Visser has had to overcome many obstacles and hardships while teaching at Pella.

“With publications, there is always a challenge to produce a quality publication on deadline.

Except for weather and technological issues a couple of times, we were successfully able to do this throughout my 31 years here,” said Visser.

Visser has overall enjoyed her experience teaching at Pella, and she has had a great time learning and growing as a person. The community has been very supportive of the publications.

She has worked along fantastic people which has helped her experience.

“I have been extremely blessed to work with a multitude of great students over the years. We have had great support from the school and business community alike as we produced our publications over the years. Working alongside some fantastic people was also wonderful. One of the best principals of all time was here when I began - Omer Troyer- I learned so much from beginning my career here with him,” said Visser It really isn’t about the all the awards that the publications have has won, even though Visser likes winning them. Rather, it is about having the people in the community enjoy them.

“I’d rather have our readers enjoy our publications than to win an award. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s been great to win lots of awards over the years,” said Visser.

Visser has been teaching for a long time, and she offers some advice to some younger teachers just getting started.

“This can be one of the most wonderful experiences you can ever have. Embrace it! Enjoy it!

Make the most of it!,” said Visser.

After Visser retires this year, she still plans to be apart of the community and Sub a few times here and there. She also wants to spend time with her husband and live life to the fullest.

“I’ll be spending more time with my hubby, Joe. I also hope to do some volunteering as well as some substitute teaching for a couple of days each month,” said Visser.

Visser estimates she has had well over 1,000 students in her career, and some students have some memories to share. Blake Lanser, a sophomore at Iowa State University studying English and psychology education, had Visser for four years during his time here. He finished his senior year as the editor of the Duchess yearbook.

From North Carolina to Minnesota,

For many high school students, getting a summer job means the stereotypical: lawn mowing, lifeguarding, or maybe babysitting around Pella to roll in some extra cash. However, for others, the range for a summer employment possibility doesn’t end with Pella’s city limits. They take it a lot further. For some, a summer job lands them out of state and across the country, and to them, the experience proves to be worth the miles.

This is the case for junior Hannah Smart and senior Iloria Phoenix who will both be serving as camp counselors this upcoming summer, Phoenix in Greensboro, N.C,. and Smart in Callaway, Minn. Over 1,000 miles apart, both will be helping children in completely different ways.

Sēn Lín Hú, Chinese for “Forest Lake” in Minnesota will be home to Smart for five weeks.

This camp is not the typical summer camp. As a Chinese immersion camp, it aides students from eight to 16 years of age in their comprehension and speaking of the Chinese language and culture, complete with Chinese food, as part of Concordia college’s “Language Villages” program. This program provides several different “villages” around Minnesota for language immersion.

Smart has attended as a camper for the past two years, but this summer she will be on the other end, helping out around the camp as her debut as a camp counselor. This also includes encouraging the campers to speak Chinese while she completely avoids using the English language herself. With an estimated one of every five people on the planet with an ability to speak Chinese, she is certain the “villagers” will be glad they learned the language. Smart, excited for the experience, knows this will make the distance from home worth it.

“I’m a strong believer in the immersion method of learning a language, so I love to see kids grow in their language ability throughout the camp- that’s what makes it all worth it. It makes me happy to know that I played a role in their learning and experiencing of new cultures,” said Smart.

All the way across the nation, Phoenix’s home for 12 weeks, Camp Weaver, is a more stereotypical summer camp. As a kid, she attended the camp, and this year will be her third year returning as a counselor for a group of 20 to 30 campers. Similar to the camps seen in movies, she keeps track of the kids and leads activities like crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, and singing. With her family going to North Carolina every summer anyway, and much of the rest of her family already living there, Camp Weaver doesn’t even seem far from home for Phoenix.

“As a camp counselor, you have to be really enthusiastic and step up to be a role model. It’s a one shot opportunity for you to give some kids a positive influence,” said Phoenix.

Working with kids, and getting a some extra money to put towards a laptop and other college expenses is well worth it for Phoenix, just as the outcome at the end of the camp is worth it for Smart.

•Megan Kooker (mkooker@pelladium.com)

“My freshman year I was a little, or in some views, a whole lot of ornery, and this translated to some as a lot of disrespect. Ann was one of those teachers that couldn’t stand me my freshman year and being part of yearbook and its high-stress environment didn’t help with our relationship. There were many times that year I thought I would not make it to be a sophomore.

I tried my best, and when it came time to register my sophomore year for classes, I thought I’d give it a try. I heard from other students that she [Visser] had a small panic attack when she saw my name on her class list. I’ll never forget when she sat me down and told me all of that, and it made me smile to think that a teacher that didn’t see me going anywhere in the journalism program didn’t give up and gave me another chance, and boy am I glad she did,” said Lanser.

Math: a subject every student is required to take no matter what age throughout the nation.

Undoubtedly one of the harder subjects in school, math seems to be underappreciated by most students. However, the teachers aren’t.

This May was math teacher Dennis Linn’s last month of teaching. After 41 years in the classroom, 30 years in Pella, Linn is finally ready to babysit his grandchildren fulltime, along with other opportunities.

Even though checking papers is a hassle, Linn will miss teaching very much. He has appreciated teaching in Pella.

“Due to the community, I think it’s an easier community to teach in. We have Central College and businesses here. I think our kids are great kids that come from nice families,” said Linn.

Linn just received the Golden Apple Award, an award given by WHO TV to recognize a special teacher.

Bellara Huang (bhuang@pelladium.com)

Foreign exchange students reflect on experiences here The study abroad option for students in other countries compelled three students from Europe to attend school here. These foreign exchange students began their senior year here; nine months later it is time for them to reflect on their experiences here.

Senior Konstantine Buchholz, is going back to Germany when the school year is done.

Though some things were different than Germany, Buchholz believes that many things were similar.

“A big difference for me was the size of the town I’m living in. My hometown has about two million people, so little Pella is something new for me, but I love it,” said Buchholz.

Although the differences were plentiful, Buchholz enjoyed the change of scenery for nine months.

“The best thing was the school spirit. The fact that I was able to play football and soccer made this year unforgettable. The worst was probably catching rides, because I can’t drive. But a lot of people helped me out. Where I’m from you can just catch a train or a bus and go wherever you want to go,” said Buchholz.

Senior Sarah Weber’s home country of Denmark does not offer the same sports and activities as here.

“The best think was being involved in some of the sports, such as cheerleading and soccer, because you make new friendships with people you wouldn’t have met during school,” said Weber.

The new friendships made here are the hardest thing about returning to Denmark for Weber.

“I’m excited to go back home and see my family again, but I’m sad that I have to leave all of my new friends here,” said Weber.

Senior Ania Stras is preparing for a long trip back to Belgium. Again, the friendships have become the most important part of attending this school.

“I think the best thing about going to Pella High this year was meeting new people and building relationships. I didn’t expect having such good friends here and I think that joining teams like cross country and track really helped me socialize,” said Stras.

Buchholz believes that studying abroad is an option that many people should consider.

“I can only encourage students from Pella to study abroad. It doesn’t matter when you do it, just do it. You learn so much, not just about a different culture, but about yourself,” said Buchholz.

•Jack Sytsma (jsytsma@pelladium.com)

2114 Washington Street Pella, IA 50219 641-628-1604

PELLADIUM’S

Senior Edition

THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION

05. 23. 2014

Congratulations to the Class of 2014

Graduation Ceremony: Friday, May 23, Central College Fieldhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Class Colors: Green & Black Class Motto: “I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there.”

- Stephen Chbosky

Class Flower: Blue Rose (missing an absent friend) Student Body President: Sean Rennich Student Body Vice President: Tanner Phelps

The Other Side •A column by Greg Frommelt Welcome to my final column. As I type, rest assured that a tear falls from my eye and splashes

on the keyboard as I once again rush to complete this before the deadline. High school is approaching its end for the seniors and me, and I am now taking time to reflect.

One of the main things I look at is what this has all really meant to me. When I start to think about it, it becomes very obvious. And to illustrate that, I will tell a story.

Senior prom arrived, and everyone made their hasty preparations. However, I found myself having no one in particular as a date. One would assume I would be forced into the socially awkward position of missing out on one of the biggest events of the year. But, that was not so.

Instead, I went with a group of my very best friends and made the most of it. It was not normal or cool to show up in a pink tuxedo flanked by others in similarly ridiculous tuxedos, but it was perfect because it was with what I consider among the greatest posses on earth.

Why do I consider this? After After Prom, I was on my way to Steenhoeks to relax and get some sleep. Silly me, I missed a turn, and as I backed up to turn around, went right into a ditch.

I was stuck. What would most people do? Call parents? Call a tow truck? Probably. Instead I called the very guys who had saved me from that no date awkwardness of prom They had already arrived at Steenhoeks, but without hesitation, Dakota Schnell, Cody DeKruyff and Lukas Steenhoek left the comfort they had begun to enjoy, drove to the middle of nowhere, and helped me lift my car out of a ditch in the middle of the night amid a light rain.

I can’t think of a better example of friendship in action. As I reflect on high school, I realize that what the true meaning I have drawn from it. It is not things done or the experiences. It has been making some of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for.

What high school has meant is having guys who would sleep outside in a middle of a snowstorm with no tent just for the experience and fellowship ... having a friend that you can belt the song “Let It Go” at the top of your lungs the moment it comes on the radio for no particular reason ... having guys who challenge you and change you as a person for the better. ... having guys to fall back on, whether it is not having a date to prom, dealing with the loss of a loved one or getting a ride home when I lose my car keys.

High school has been about the friendships I have made, not just the simple friendships that many achieve. It has been about making friends I do not plan on losing touch with, the type of friends I want flanking me at my wedding, no matter how many years down the road that is.

Through all of the sappiness of this column, something I must preach is that every one of you finds a group of friends similar to mine. In order to do that, certain things must be done.

We must focus on their relationships with others. So many people get their priorities messed up. For those who focused more on sports or grades or the pursuit of the opposite gender, more than their friendships and the friends around them, you have missed out. Do not hear me wrong; those other things are important. However, they are not the most important. The friendships are what truly means something in the end ... in all walks of life ... in life as a whole.

This column goes to all the “Bros.” It wasn’t the building, the sports, the extracurriculars or the classes that made these years what I imagine as being one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was the people, especially my best friends. For that I say thank you ... to everyone.

The Lit t le

Guy

•A column by Derrick Akers There are many different bittersweet things in this world-Sour Patch Kids, finishing a sport and quitting a job are among them. Being a senior in high school can be added to the list.

As a freshman, I couldn’t wait to be a senior. Being the oldest in the high school, senior leaders in sports and, above all, being done with high school. I was so excited to be the cool kids on top, in charge and hopefully, I would hit a growth spurt somewhere between my freshman and senior year.

As it turns out, being a senior is all I had hoped it to be. Well, except for the growing part. The leadership that comes with being a senior is amazing, if you decide to accept it. Being a leader in a sport and having the ability to shape a team from day one is one of the best experiences I have had in my life. Having underclassmen turn to me when they had a question gave a sense of importance and allowed me to leave my mark on the team, not only on the field, but the relationships and memories built are things that will never leave me. My senior year of football will be the year I look back on at class reunions with my teammates and laugh for hours about the time Coach Vos ran down the field and tripped.

Along with great experiences in sports, my friendships with my classmates have grown tremendously. Being with these people for the past 13 years of my life has truly created some great friendships. I can recall the first time I met one of my best friends, and that was 12 years ago at recess where we found a common interest in Power Rangers. Now here we are as seniors, running around in Power Ranger costumes. It’s things like this that make friends from high school so special. Memories like this aren’t created from just four years of college, or a few years at a job. These memories date back to a kindergarten PE class all the way to our final football game. The people beside you while you sit in your cap and gown have been through everything with you, the highs, the lows, through the hard times and the great times. All students were there with you, whether it was realized or not.

Now comes the bitter part, it’s all about to end. The thing I looked forward to most was graduation, moving on from this school with no air conditioning and going on to bigger and better things. As I write my final column, I can assure you my feelings have changed. Everyday it hits me more and more. I’m almost done with high school, and I’m truly not ready to leave these people around me. Don’t get me wrong; I am not going to miss school, I checked out months ago, and I am excited to move onto the next phase of my life at Northwestern, but there is something special about my grade, making it hard to leave. When I go to college people won’t understand my jokes, or even who I’m talking to due to a terrible habit my friend group has started. The people I graduate with are special because we have been through so much over the past 13 years of school.

Leaving high school is more than transitioning into a new phase of your life; it’s moving on from everything you’ve known for the past 18 years of your life and leaving it behind, leaving the relationships you have created, the people you love, and starting all over in a new place.

Walking across the stage to receive a diploma signifies moving onto to the rest of your life, and leaving Pella High behind.

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PAGE EDITOR: Gregory Frommelt

“That time Tanner Phelps flipped his truck with Becky Visser.”

-Alex Moore

“I convinced Mrs. Yoder I was color blind for a few days.”

-Zach Cor win

Memories

05. 23. 2014

“Being a member of the football team and catching a chicken in the school my junior year.”

- Cody DeKruyff

“Being in ‘Don’t Drink the Water’ and getting to spend time with some amazing people.” -Sydney Swanson

“Winning state track.” -Jordan Pingel

“Our show choir trip to the Bahamas.

That was a week I’ll never forget.”

-Tristan Miedema

“Running the mile in p.e.”

“Ballin and hanging with friends.”

-Dakota Schnell

- Ben Konfrst

“My best memory would be all the days I didn’t have to come to school because of snow or heat.”

“Traveling to Tampa, Fla., with the Forté team and performing at the Outback Bowl.”

-Alexis Baker

“... participating in show choir because that’s where I met most of my friends.”

-Rachel Mueller

- Alex Oakland

“Hanging out with friends during track and cross country.” -Aaron Houtz

“Beating Grinnel in a last second field goal.”

-Konstantin Buchholz

Jammin’ out to ‘My Neck, My back’ with Mrs. V and the Foods 2 crew.”

- Grace Byram

“Being involved in tennis.” -Sami Wassenaar

05.23. 2014

Best of the Best

Page Editor: Christina Gualtieri

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Benjamin Atkins - Wannabe Gangster of the Year Award; Tanner Phelps - Most Manly-Looking Beard; Cody DeKruyff - Best Socks Award; Derrick Underwood - Best Sarcasm; Jordan Pingel - Most Swag; Logan Van Brogen - Worst Car Troubles; Ethan Butler - Rosiest Cheeks

Most Involved Sydney Swanson, Nathan Clayberg

Best Smile Kylie Roslien, Bryce Bortscheller

Most Likely to Make You Smile Anna Van Roekel, Alex Moore

Next Principal Emily Ebeling, Sean Rennich

Runners-up: Mallory Lynch, Sarah Muller, Sami Wassenaar, Tom Palmer, Sean Rennich

Runners-up: Carrie Vande Haar, Sami Wassenaar, Ben Konfrst, Lukas Steenhoek “I’d like to thank Greg Frommelt and God for the honor. More importantly, Greg Frommelt.” Alex Moore

Best Eyes Taelor Rempe, Lukas Steenhoek

Runners-up: Larissa Downs, Shannon Ewing, Derrick Akers, Ethan Butler

Most Likely to Be Famous Maria Belding, Jack Parisee

Runners-up: Carrie Vande Haar, Grace Bryam Peter Swank, Lukas Steenhoek

Runners-up: Maria Belding, Rebecca Schippers, Sydney Swanson, Nathan Boertje, Tanner Phelps

Worst Case of Senioritis Katelyn Vance, Bryce Dawson

•Bryce Bortscheller, Kylie Roslien

Runners-up: Sam Blatt, Amanda DuPré, Sage Brandt

Most Talkative Sam Blatt, Ben Konfrst

Runners-up: Faith Van Wyngarden, Olivia Gaiser, Alex Boots, Drew Vande Lune

Runners-up: Claire Anderson, Sarah Muller, Alex Moore, Aaron Van Maanen

Biggest Klutz Abby Fyfe, Drew Vande Lune

Runners-up: Emily Yee, Sydney Swanson, Bryce Dawson, Jacob Miedema, Trevor Sterk

Best Athlete Jackie Sunderman, Jordan Pingel Runners-up: Regan Nelson, Mallory Lynch, Nathan Clayberg, Cody De Kruyff

“... I’m happy people thought of me, and I feel like all of the hard work and dedication I have given in these four years has paid off.” Jordan Pingel

Best Nickname Kasey Grundey, Jason Mingboupha

Runners-up: Grace Byram, Anna Van Roekel, Tim Meinders, Dakota Schnell, Derrick Underwood

Most Flirtatious Lexi Mc Ginley, Chase Chesley

Runners-up: Bri Buzick, Sami Wassenaar, Alex Boots, Bryce Bortscheller

Next Millionaire Sarah Muller, Nathan Boertje Runners-up: Maria Belding, Abby Fyfe, Alex Moore, Sean Rennich

Class Clown Olivia Gaiser/Claire Anderson, Aaron Van Maanen Runners-up: Sam Blatt, Ania Stras, Anna Van Roekel, Lukas Steenhoek, Greg Frommelt

•Olivia Gaiser, Claire Anderson, Aaron Van Maanen

Best Dressed Larissa Downs, Alex Boots

Runners-up: Theresa Lauritsen, Sarah Muller, Brady Heerema, Tom Palmer

Best Laugh Faith Van Wyngarden, Tanner Koolstra Runners-up: Sam Blatt, Jackie Sunderman, Peter Swank, Kelse Veenstra

“I am so incredibly flattered! Laughing is basically my favorite thing to do, and I laugh quite a bit... Thank you all so much, I could not ask for a better award.”

Faith VanWyngarden

Best Couple Alexis Baker & Carson Klyn

Most Musical Rachel Mueller, Tristan Miedema

Runners-up: Iloria Phoenix, Faith Van Wyngarden,Tom Palmer, Jack Parisee •Rachel Mueller, Tristan Miedema

Worst Driver Mallory Lynch, Tanner Phelps

Runners-up: Shannon Ewing, Klaire Wisnewski, Nathan Boertje, Grant Cairney

Most School Spirit Sami Wassenaar, Greg Frommelt

Runners-up: Maddy Dingeman, Regan Nelson, Derrick Akers, Aaron Van Maanen

Runners-up: Anna Van Roekel & Dakota Schnell; Mallory Lynch & Nathan Clayberg

Most Physically Changed Larissa Michalek, Peter Swank

Runners-up: Grace Byram, Kathy Connolly, Alex Moore, Aaron Van Maanen

Best Hair Carrie Vande Haar, Brady Heerema Runners-up: Grace Byram, Larissa Down, Konstantine Buchholz, Jordan Pingel

“I mean, either you’re born with it or you’re not and obviously I was born with it.

That really helped me get the edge and obtain the goal.” Brady Heerema

Best Car Shannon Ewing, Carson Klyn

Runners-up: Lexi Mc Ginley, Faith Van Wyngarden, Jae De Jong, Tanner Douma

Cody DeKruyff - Biggest Booty in the School; Abby Fyfe - Most Likely to Get Run Over; Aaron Van Maanen - Most Likely to Have Too Much Swag; Tanner Phelps - Most Likely to Kill Becky Visser; Maria Belding - Most Likely to Get Lost Anywhere; Madi VanGilst - Klutz Award;

Claire Anderson - Most Likely to Make an Inappropriate Joke; Bryce Dawson - Best Poncho; Emily Yee - Best Procrastinator; Nathan Boertje - Most Legit Person; Brooke Reed - Most Likely To Make You Laugh

Nathan Clayberg, Ben Konfrst - Biggest Food Enthusiasts; Kasey Grundey - Most Selfies; Joe Criscuolo - Being an Overall Stud; Faith VanWynGarden - President of the Selfie Nation; Aaron Van Maanen - Funniest

8

PAGE EDITOR: Claire Anderson

AIB: Grace Byram Molly Kalkwarf

American University: Maria Belding

Central: Nathan Boertje Adam Carey Kathleen Connolly Tanner Douma Natalia Espinosa Abby Fyfe Jacob Miedema Tristan Miedema Regan Nelson Tom Palmer Sean Rennich Dante Vitullo Hannah Van Weelden

Opinion Iowa Alex Moore Bri Buzick Bryce Dawson Greg Frommelt Jake Dorman Karli Bruxvoort Kaylyn Roose Larrissa Downs Larissa Michalek Rebecca Schippers Emily Yee

Marshalltown Community College: Sierra Williams

Utah: Alex Oakland

Missouri: Kelse Veenstra

Utah State: Becky Visser

Mount Mercy: Alex Boots Bethel: Ami Armstrong

California Institue of the Arts: Jack Parisee

Coe College: Levi Azinger

DMACC Kayla Bowman Chase Chesley Jae DeJong Brady Dieleman Daniel Flahive Brittany Lamb Hannah Martin Kathryn Meinders Sarah Muller Megan Reiner Jacob VonBank Brooke Reed Shaylynn Reed Tristin See Ashley Shuey Drew Stephenson Trevor Sterk Brady VandeVoort Randi Visser Nalie Vue Amber Williams

Iowa State Claire Anderson Zach Corwin Sydney DeNooy Alex Donnelson Shannon Ewing Theresa Lauritsen Mallory Lynch Trisan Miedema Rachel Mueller Shelby Pfitzenmaier Tanner Phelps Hunter Nossaman Sydney Swanson Faith VanWyngarden Zong Yang

John Brown: Carrie VandeHaar

NIACC: Austen Rempe

Northwestern: Derrick Akers Cody DeKruyff Dakota Schnell Lukas Steenhoek

PCI Academy: Maddy Dingeman Madi VanGilst

Calvin: Drew Vande Lune Dubuque: Aimee Uitermarkt

Cedarville: Rachel Street

Grand View: Alexis Baker Kylie Roslien

La James International: Kasey Grundey Tara Schuring

Southeastern Community College: Ethan Butler

Trinity Christian College Shane Van Donselaar Dordt: Jacob Beyer

Hope College: Kayla Bentz Lewis: Taelor Rempe

Drake: Nathan Clayberg

Indian Hills Kyle Kersbergen Peter Swank Cameron Van Zante

Luther: Iloria Phoenix

05. 23. 2014

Upper Iowa: Chelsea Cingle

UNI: Ben Atkins Samantha Blatt Bryce Bortscheller Haley Chapman Emily Ebeling Olivia Gaiser Aaron Houtz Ben Konfrst Alexis McGinley Jackie Sunderman Anna Tysseling Aaron VanMaanen Anna VanRoekel Sami Wassenaar Klaire Wisniewski

William Penn: Joe Criscuolo LATE DECISIONS: Hawkeye Community College: Sage Brandt Iowa Central: Austin Titman Lake County: Amanda DuPrĂŠ Military: Grant Cairney, Jeff Olson Northwestern (St. Paul): Brady Heerema Undecided: Anthony Bentzinger Cass Blom Carson Klyn Chance Fryman Danielle Steven Jason Mingboupha Jordan Pingel Logan VanBrogen Suzanna Hall Travis Wallace Work: Ben Hardesty Tim Meinders Karter Smith Savannah Stralow Gabriel Stringer Seniors not included did not complete their surveys.

05. 23. 2014

Sports

PAGE EDITOR: Megan Kooker

Otte juggles busy spring sports season Athletic Director Dale Otte has a lot on his hands when the spring sports season arrives. On one day he could have nine events happening. Otte has to figure out how to juggle all of these activities as well as be there for his family.

Otte knew beforehand what he was getting into as an athletic director. One of his mentors gave him advice that he would remember for a long time to come.

“I had to understand that this is a lifestyle, so whoever I am with is a lifestyle and they will have to know that. They make sacrifices; fortunately, my wife is very supportive or my position and my dreams and goals,” said Otte Many jobs come with being an athletic director, and with nine sports going on at the same time in the spring, it gets hectic.

“First, I have to consider size, and supervision needed. Gate money, officials and supervision take higher priority. Whether it’s fair or not, track and soccer fit that criteria. Part of the job is also evaluating, coaches, players, sportsmanship and other factors of athletic events,” said Otte.

No one person can get to all of these events, but there are staff members that are very willing to help out in any way possible.

“Administration also helps a lot, asking where I need help, and they are very willing to help supervise and such,” said Otte.

>>>RECORD JUMP. Junior Jessica Holterhaus, holder of one of the new school track records broken this season, jumps at the conference meet in Pella. Breaking the record was one of her career dreams.“It was my goal to get it sometime in my four years,” said Holterhaus.

Girls’ track training pays off >>>4 records shattered

After nine outdoor meets, 19 events in each, the girls’ track team has broken two school records and one conference meet record this season so far. Freshman Tess Roorda ran .03 of a second faster than the original school record, finishing at 5:01.90 in the 1500-meter race. In long jump, junior Jessica Holterhaus also achieved 18’.5”. Lastly, the shuttle hurdle runners of senior Becky Visser, sophomore Corin McKinstrey, freshman Kiki Pingel and junior Lydia Van Ee ran 1:07.07, beating the conference record by .06 of a second in the Little Hawkeye Conference Meet in Pella.

The girls’ track team has been training exceptionally hard this season, starting practice in February, plus additional optional lifting that started in late November.

“I think the girls have worked extremely hard. It’s great to see the hard work and dedication paying off for the times and results we’ve gotten,” said girls’ track coach Dak Rasmussen.

Track participants also feel this season’s achievements are remarkable. The number of records achieved during the first half of the season is unusual but satisfying.

“It’s a big accomplishment. It’s always been one of my goals.I feel satisfied that one of my goals have been met,” said Roorda.

As this season has ushered in many early broken records, more are still to come. Rasmussen wishes for a successful track career for the underclassmen, along with thanks for the seniors.

“We have a lot of young girls this year that will be coming back next year that will be contributing a lot. But of course, we will always miss the seniors and their leadership they contribute,” said Rasmussen.

•Bellara Huang (bhuang@pelladium.com)

9

With all of these events, it has to be hard to keep them all straight. Otte also has meetings with multiple different orginizations.

“The calendar is very helpful with reminders; my phone is always going off with reminders.

So technology has been helpful for meetings and events as well. I have certain meeting that I remember when,” said Otte Family is a very important part of Otte’s life, but with a busy schedule he has to adjust his schedule to spend time with his family.

“I usually get to school late so I can spend time with my kids in the morning. Avery is getting to that age where she doesn’t need as much supervision, and I can bring her to more events.

Sometimes it turns into a family event, where high school events are our entertainment in the spring,” he said.

Although this job may seem overwhelming, Otte doesn’t want to scare anybody away from the profession.

“The thing that I like is this job has flexibility to schedule things and still get the job done. I don’t have to work bell-to-bell like most teachers in the building. I just have to take responsibility to get the job done,” said Otte.

•Garret Jansen (gjansen@pelladium.com)

>>>IN HONOR AND MEMORY. The 4x100 teams of Pella and Knoxville wore jerseys from 1986 to commemorate the contributions of former Coach Fred Anthony. The Pella relay consisted of sophomore Nathan Henry. junior Quinton Murphy and seniors Lukas Steenhoek and Derrick Akers line up next to Anthony’s son Mark. “I felt very honored to wear the 1986 uniforms. I hope we represented Fred Anthony well,” said Murphy. •Photo by Andrew Pavlat

Boys’ 4x100 honors past coach Fred Anthony, longtime teacher, coach and friend at Pella High School. Anthony was beloved by many students and faculty who knew him. He passed away May 1, at age 73 due to complications of a series of strokes. Anthony worked as a history teacher from 1969 until his retirement in 2002. He coached track from 1965 until 2005 and was a football coach from 1965 until 1990. He led the 1986 track team to a state title.

Anthony had a great passion for a few events, mainly the 4x100. This year’s 4x100 team composed of Nathan Henry, Lukas Steenhoek, Derrick Akers and Quinton Murphy wore the original 1986 jerseys when they ran at the conference meet at home on May 5 to commemorate and honor Anthony.

Guy Reeves, a longtime friend and co-worker who retired the same year, observed, “To me, Fred Anthony was a good friend, an excellent teacher (as was evident by the large number of former students that were present at his visitation) and one of the more intelligent men that I have known. Students learned how to study, take notes and enjoy world history in his classes.”

It was very evident that Anthony impacted many lives in many ways as a teacher, coach, friend, neighbo and co-worker. In any walk of life he found a way to have a positive impact on those around him. Current head coach Brent Van Hauen coached alongside Anthony for 3 years prior to Anthony’s retirement.

“Coach Anthony loved track and field more than almost anything in his life. He was dedicated to doing things the right way. I think that is something he and I had in common about coaching. There is a right way and a wrong way to do things, especially when it comes to how we treat kids. He set a good example for other coaches. A good memory I had was the bus trips those four years we coached together. We talked a lot about history, especially war history.

Great memories,” said Van Hauen.

•Ben Konfrst (bkonfrst@pelladium.com)

Coming up in spring sports ...

Boys’, Girls’ State Track Meet: May 23-25, Drake Stadium

>>>Boys’ state qualifiers: Chase Van Sant, long jump; Cody DeKruyff, shot put; Garret Jansen, discus; Jordan Pingel, 800 meter; Pingel, Payson VandeLune, Aaron Houtz, Ben Warner and alternates Levi

Heschke and Josh Bailey, 4x800 relay; Derrick Akers, Nathan Henry, Lukas Steenhoek, Quinton Murphy and alternates Michael Buma and Austin Schulte, 4x100 relay; Derrick Akers, 4x100 relay; Lukas Steenhoek, 400 meter dash; Akers, Henry, Steenhoek, Pingel and alternates Houtz and VandeLune, Distance Medley relay; Houtz, 800 meter dash; Akers, 100 meter dash

>>>Girls’ state qualifiers: Becky Visser, high jump; Jessica Holterhaus, long jump; Lexi Reynolds, discus; Marissa Borgerding, shot put; Kenzie Gustafson, 400-meter dash; Kelcey Blommers and Tess

Roorda, 1500 meter; Visser, Corin McKinstrey, Kiki Pingel, Lydia VanEe and alternates Larissa Michalek and Dayana Pringle; 4x800, Ashley Kirkland, Grace Fisher, Nicole Schnebbe, Kelcey Blommers and

alternates Emily Dux and Sydney Swanson, shuttle hurdle relay; Klaire Wisniewski, Megan Kooker, Pingel, Makenna Bogaard and alternates Downs and Jenna Murphy, 4x200 relay; Wisniewski, Kristin Rundle, Murphy,

Holterhaus and alternates Kailyn Hackman and Sara Tallman, 4x100 relay; VanEe, Larissa Downs, Bogaard, Gustafson and alternates Kooker and Kiki Pingel, 4x400 relay;

Wisniewski, Holterhaus, Bogaard, Gustafson and alternates Kooker and Rundle, sprint medley relay; Roorda, 800 meter; VanEe and McKinstrey, 100 meter hurdles; Pingel and VanEe, 400 meter hurdles

Boys’, Girls’ Golf State Meet: May 30-31 at Ames

>>Qualifiers: TBA

Boys’ State Tennis: Individual, doubles May 30-31; team, June 3 in Des Moines

>>Qualifiers: Doubles, Aaron VanMaanen and Tom Palmer, Sam Dykstra and Colin Jones; singles, Tom Pettit, Jamison Roozeboom. Team TBA.

Boys’ State Soccer Tournament: June 5-7, Cownie Stadium, Des Moines, Girls’ state soccer: June 12-14 at Cownie Stadium in Des Moines: TBA

10

Opinion

PAGE EDITOR: Claire Anderson

05. 23. 2014

The Bottom Line •A column by Christina Gualtieri

The school year is finally coming to a close. As I am writing this, at the beginning of May, we begin the final chapter of math, the seniors have 14 days left, and the tulips are sprouted.

Everyone is getting amped for summer and for three months of relaxing, tanning by the pool, and lazing around, unwinding from a school year full of stress. Summer may be full of vacations, hanging with friends, and going to different camps, but in-between, for the most part, it is just a peaceful time when not a whole lot happens.

As seniors are practicing the graduation ceremony and the underclassmen are wrapping up the school year, I want to encourage every single person reading this column to do something good this summer. Many people have more time on their hands in the summer, so summer is a great time to make a change. Get out there and make a difference. It doesn’t matter if it is walking your elderly neighbor’s dog, volunteering at a nursing home, watching your siblings for free so your parents can have some time to themselves, or something bigger like going on a mission trip to Mexico. Everyone has the capability of doing something good with their summer. It could be as simple as making someone’s day, such as opening the door for someone, or it could go as far as impacting their entire life, such as those who go on mission trips.

A famous quote that goes something like this “Nobody can do everything but everybody can do

something.” I believe that you can apply this to doing something good with your summer. No one person can do everything and completely change the world, but we can all do something to help us move in that direction.

The thing is, there is nothing stopping us from changing the world or doing something to make it a better place. We all have the capability to do something. We are our own blockades, creating excuses on why one is too busy or don’t have enough money or resources to do something for the good of the community. This is a load of bull-honkey. We are all able to do something, but we constantly make excuses of why we can’t. I also encourage you to stop making excuses and to “Just Do It”. There is nothing stopping you from making a difference in someone’s life; the only thing stopping you is you.

I’m preaching this at myself, too. I tell myself and all of you readers: this summer, quit making excuses. Get up off the couch and do something good for someone. Make a difference in a person’s life. Water an elderly person’s garden. Visit your relative in the hospital. Read to the people in the nursing home. Volunteer at a kid’s day camp. Make the most of your summer, and impact someone else’s life.

Looking back ... looking forward For seniors, with the end of the school year comes the end of an era. No longer are we children, dependent on our parents and under the structure and control of the high school institution. For the first time, we are young adults. And although many of us will continue to depend on our parents, we are now our own people, with lives completely apart from our immediate family.

We look on this time with excitement. For many of us, we also look forward with fear. Advice comes at us from all sides - old classmates, family, teachers and coaches, our friends. It all becomes overwhelming.

College is the next step for many of us, and we receive advice almost daily.

“Don’t skip class.” “Join clubs.” “Join a sorority.” “Don’t join a fraternity.” “Keep in touch with your Pella friends.” “Don’t hang out with only your Pella friends.” “Don’t bring too many clothes.” “Don’t forget heels.” It seems that for every piece of advice we are given, we receive a conflicting comment from someone else. We become so overwhelmed with these “words of wisdom” that we forget to think about college for what it is: our time.

We know that we are not yet adults, we are somewhere between dependant and grown, but this can be the most beautiful and exciting time. College is a time to find ourselves, and despite all of these conflicting opinions on how we should handle our next few years, we finally determine our own lives and futures. What we must remember is to take the advice we have received, and to apply it to our unique experiences. Not all suggestions ring true for every individual. Part of becoming independent is knowing how to take advice, while also staying true to yourself. So, join that club. Skip that 8 a.m. (once in awhile). Bring 30 t-shirts that you’ll never wear. Do your thing - make your own mistakes and learn from them. It’ll make us all better people in the end, even if we regret a few things along the way. It is a time to grow.

Graduation is here, and it is an unreal feeling. Even as I write this, on the Monday of graduation week, it has not yet sunk in that high school is over. All of the crazy and wonderful teachers, the seemingly pointless projects, the people I hate and the people I love - all of these things are ending. And although this is so exciting, I am realizing for the first time how bitter sweet it all is. I won’t pretend that I loved high school, I didn’t. It was not my time. I know I will not be greatly missed, nor will I greatly miss this place. But even though I am glad to be done, it is somehow sad to be leaving all of these people I have spent my time with for years. Even though I didn’t form close bonds with many people, I know that everyone in the class of 2014 has impacted my life and views in some small way. That is beautiful to me.

Claire Anderson (claire.anderson@student.pella.k12.ia.us)

Staff Editorial

We struggle to come up with a way to begin this editorial. There is so much to say yet the words escape us. Perhaps, it is best to begin with a metaphor.

We all most likely enjoyed many of the festivities at Tulip Time, including the parades. One of the most touching moments is when the float carrying military veterans comes and the whole crowd rises and breaks into applause.

Why? Most likely it is a way to in some sense say thank you to those who have done so much for you.

We all know that it is not nearly enough repayment for what many have been through, but it is what we can manage.

Welcome to our school newspaper’s version of that float, and there is only one person standing on it.

That is our adviser, Ann Visser.

After 31 years of advising the newspaper and yearbook you are now reading the last of Visser’s Pelladiums. Just as the float and applause could never be enough to thank veterans, this staff editorial could never express the thanks of even the current staff, much less the hundreds who have come before.

Advising a newspaper and yearbook to the success that the Pelladium and Duchess have achieved in her years here is perhaps among the most impressive feats completed at Pella High School. We do not base this solely on the awards won, but rather on the difficulty of conducting these operations.

Kids in Pella grow up watching basketball, football and baseball games and cannot wait until the day they can step into those shoes. Unfortunately, but not unsurprisingly, the same is not true for growing up to become an editor of the school newspaper. That is a large reason why what Visser has done in her 31 years of advising so spectacular.

To be able to open the door to so many people into a world that they barely had even thought about in the years prior takes a special person. A person that has passion for what they do and a passion to pass it down to the next generation. And let’s not forget someone who is extremely skilled and talented at their profession.

Someone as skilled and talented as Visser should be advising the “New York Times,” not a band of high schoolers. But by instilling the passion and skills to so many high schoolers for journalism she has had more effect than she could have ever had there.

So now, as her float rides by, we as a staff and all previous staffs take this opportunity to rise and applaud, to somehow show at least a little bit of the thanks and appreciation we have for her. Although we know we could never show enough. The Pelladium staff voted unanimously in favor of this editorial.

What has been the best part of your school year?

•Aletta Verhey (averhey@pelladium.com)

Freshman Paloma Mate-Kodjo “The whole choir season.”

Sophomore Aleasha Reed “Counting down the days until its over.”

Junior Marcus Wittmer “Making the best of everything, such as prom and all of the sporting events I attended.”

Gold Sponsors - Pella High School Publications Boat’s Home Furnishings, 620 Franklin Street Brom Auto Service & Sales, 202 Main Street Dr. Gregory Vannucci, 2601 Washington Street G & B Concrete & Foundation Repair, 2174 Coolidge Street

Great Clips, 1586 Washington Street Iowa Bike & Fitness, 814 Main Street Jansen’s Decorating & Kitchens, 614 Franklin Street Klyn Law Office, Vincent S. Klyn, 729 Main Street Leighton Processed Meats, 227 Otley Street, Leighton Midtown Tire, 109 East Oskaloosa Street

Pella Orthodontics, Dr. Kim Wass, 715 Main Street Pella Pets & Veterinary Clinic, 411 Oskaloosa Street Precision Pulley & Idler Inc., 300 SE 14th Street Royal Amsterdam Hotel, 705 East 1st Street Tri-County Veterinary Clinic, 650 Hwy. T14 Triumph Martial Arts 308 SE 9th Street Ulrich Motor, 1130 West 16th Street Van Hemert Chiropractic Center, 1310 East Washington Street Van Sant Collision Repair, 80 Truman Road Wiskus Group, 821 Franklin Street Van Gorp Corporation, 1410 West Washington Street

Senior Ethan Butler “When I got straight A’s and was at the top of the class rank... oh what that didn’t happen.”

Entertainment

PAGE EDITOR: JR Dorman

11

Editorial Cartoon

From movies to baseball ...

Ideas abound for date night Summer love has come once more. Now that you won’t see your special someone in the halls or during one of the lunch periods, a golden opportunity exists for some unique date ideas. Surprise your sweetheart with a special creative date using some of these ideas we have put together for you: Alternative Movie Night: Why waste time in an overly air-conditioned room with a squeaky theater seat, just to be squished between someone chomping their popcorn and another chatting the whole movie? It’s time to go old-fashioned and take a trip to Newton’s Valle Drive-In movie theatre and embrace the outdoors. While the cost might not be much different than a normal movie, it does provide new releases to see. If you’re going Dutch and might not want to spend an evening with insects and the smell of gasoline, take advantage of the Pella Opera House’s free movie nights, where they will show old flicks such as “Saving Private Ryan” and “State Fair.” The only cost is $1 per water and popcorn.

Sweet! I got least likely to succeed.

Picnic at the Cliffs: Pack up your honey’s favorite foods and a blanket for an evening at the cliffs. After a filling dinner, watch the sunset over Lake Red Rock before packing up and heading in for some frozen yogurt at the Mango Tree. Great end to a date for a great cause. If you or your date is afraid of heights, this activity might not be for you.

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Ice Cream Hopping: Still fighting with your “bae” about the best ice cream around? Why not settle the debate by hopping from place-to-place, taste testing the best frozen dessert. Start at Smokey Row and make your way to Monroe’s Jersey Freeze or Prairie City’s Goldie’s. Sharing an ice cream may get expensive, but no one can say “no” to an ice cream dinner.

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Roller Rink: For the more active couples, what better experience than to go roller skating? Enjoy dodge ball, dancing, racing and much more, all on wheels! Costing approximately $6 per person, it’s well worth the drive to Oskaloosa for an exciting Friday or Saturday night.

Up

05.23.2014

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Batter Up: Afternoons can be long and hot, but with a hot dog in hand and your special someone by your side, supporting our softball and baseball teams can make the time fly! The Little Dutch will be playing games into July.

If you want to up the ante, take a trip up to Des Moines to watch the I-Cubs play and maybe snuggle up and catch some fireworks after.

• Sarah Muller (smuller@pelladium.com)

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TWItTEN BY Top Tweets for May

1.

Ethan Butler - @SpeedyButler According to my shampoo and conditioner my hair smells like tangerines, oranges, green apples pineapple. My head is a tropical garden. Yay

2.

Amelia Vande Lune - @ameliavandelune Tulip time? More like nap time. #goodnight

3.

Tanner Phelps - @tannerphelps When the expiration date on your milk is after graduation you now it’s getting close #naturaltimer

4. Sydney Swanson - @sydster95

In honor of Mean Girls, s/o to @AbsFyfe for telling me she was Regina George as soon as I saw her in the hospital. FLAWLESS. #buswrangler

5.

Jordan Rempe - @Jordan_Rempe S/o to all of the 7 year-olds who can run the Klompen Classic faster than me #2cool

6.

Emily Dux - @emilydux Lunch lady today: Let her take as much bread as she wants, those cross country and track girls eat more than most boys! #runnerlife

7. Megan Atkins - @meganatkins97

*does polar plunge, takes photo instead of video*

8.

Kiki Pingel - @KinkyPingel Rain, rain, don’t go away, please stay for tomorrow, it is a track meet day

9. Brad Bortscheller - @SpottedTortoise

Having a 10 foot long charger for your phone really opens up the possibilities in your life.

10. Hannah Pickett - @pickett_hannah

I want someone to look at me the way I look at pizza •Aletta Verhey (Averhey@pelladium.com)

12

PAGE EDITOR: Sarah Muller

Picture This

05.23.2014

As the school year comes to a close and lockers are cleaned out and promises of summer fun are made, Pella not only said goodbye to the seniors, but to two retiring teachers as well. Math teacher, Dennis Linn, and journalism advisor, Ann Visser, pack up there desks as they have loyally served the Pella school districts.

30 year Math teacher...

Then...

31 year jounalism advisor and English teacher...

...Now

Then...

...Now

“I think he’s shown students to appreciate math, not only in school but for their future career.” -Junior Sally Ropes “Mr. Linn has encouraged us to try to understand math and find it within ourselves to strive.”

-Sophomore Tristan Lutgen “He taught us how to find the Linnstantaneous rate of change.”

-Senior Abby Fyfe.

•Art work all submitted by students over the years.

“I think he’s very smart and can bring a lot to the class and teach us a lot. I love that he’s so funny but doesn’t realize it.” -Freshman Halle Van Vark •Bellara Huang (bhuang@pelladium. com)

Also leaving...

•7 year English teacher, Laura Fank will be moving to teach in Olivia, Minnesota.

•Three year Spanish teacher, Kayla Weis will be moving the Harlan where she will teach English.

•Visser participating in homecoming activities.

“I had Ann as an English teacher and the teacher before her was unruly, so when she came in, it was like a breath of fresh air. She was laid back and easy going that I enjoyed her class very much. She has a very cool and approachable personality,” said English student and 1984 graduate, Jeff Vroom.

“I remember her being a good teacher who made learning fun. We all enjoyed going to her class and she liked to joke around with us. She treated us like adults and was caring and respectful,” said English student and 1990 graduate, Heather •Visser poses with graduated yearbook crew.

Schuring LaHue. “Ms. Visser successfully transformed two goofballs – my co-editor Evan and I – into full-fledged journalists. No matter what we printed, Visser stood by us and our decisions, even when angry townspeople called in about my second-rate political cartoons. She helped us learn how to defend our decisions, and frankly, I learned more working on the paper than in all of my other high school classes combined.

Viss always had our backs and my description fails to do her justice, even if she failed me in yearbook my senior year,” said journalism student and 2013 graduate, Mitch Shepperd.

•Visser assits student on computer.