The Norse Star - May 2016

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may 2016 the norse star

we’re all alright


news

Get some handmade If you’re only slightly

goodies in Madison at

coordinated, hit up the

Art Fair on the Square

Corn-O-Kubbia competition

on July 9 - 10.

on July 16.

Make the trek to Milwaukee for Summerfest June 29 - July 10.

From June 29 - July 4, experience tradition at the Stoughton Fair.

norse notes By Bergen Gardner Staff Writer

In a money crunch? Go to the Catfish River Music Festival for free live music on July 2 - 6.

Looking for a caffeine fix? Head to the Coffee Break Festival on Aug. 30 in Stoughton.

Look for crafts and antiques at Mandt Marketplace every second and fourth Sunday, May through Sept.

For a midweek break, head to the square in Madison on Wednesdays from June 24 - July 29 for Concerts on the Square.

art by seren pellett

the norse star, may 2016

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news

giving back to the community with scholarships By TJ Fedikovich Graphics Editor

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ver since The Bryant Foundation was gifted with shares from Nelson Industries Inc, the two have been well integrated. In 2011, after a year of scholarship giveaways, The Bryant Foundation decided to develop a program within their company to give scholarships away to people who may have never had the chance to go to school. The program targets people who have completed high school, but didn’t go to college directly after schooling. The scholarships are available for residents in Stoughton and 10 other cities. “It’s for someone who couldn’t afford to go to college and now a couple years later they have an opportunity

for a scholarship and they are able to go back. There a lot of individuals that graduated later from high school that start families, went into the service, [or] did other things. When the appropriate time came, whenever that time came, they wanted to go to college but maybe [couldn’t] afford to go to high school. Our program is specifically designed for them,” said Jerry Gryttenholm, Bryant Foundation Treasurer. The Bryant Foundation was founded by entrepreneur Janet Bryant. Originally, the foundation was called the BGB foundation before becoming The Bryant Foundation. After the trial year was successful, they decided to fully integrate the program within their company. The Bryant foundation gives well over 50 scholarships per year, ranging anywhere

photo by tj fedikovich art by seren pellett

from $2,000 per school year to $12,000 depending on the extent of the target schooling. The Foundation has also given 20 scholarships to Stoughton graduates since the program started in 2011. “We have designated up to $500,000 per year towards scholarships,” said June Bunting, Executive Director at Bryant. “Janet Bryant was a very community oriented woman.

She loved Stoughton. She wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way,” added Bunting. More information for the program can be found at http:// edwinandjanetbryantfoundation.org/.

gretebeck earns national certification By Isabelle Genter Staff Writer

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aurel Gretebeck, the SASD district nurse, recently became a National Certified School Nurse, a prestigious title for nurses throughout the country. She got the letter informing her that she had passed the examination on April 11, 2016 and also received recognition at the annual school nurse conference in April. Having worked as a nurse for 34 years, 19 of those being in the Stoughton Area School District, Gretebeck felt that she needed a challenge. This desire to better herself is what prompted her to pursue her national school nursing certification. “I feel it is important to challenge yourself, and I wanted to continue to grow professionally,” Gretebeck commented. With only 46 school nurses holding this title in all of Wisconsin, it’s easy to realize that the process required to obtain it must be quite extensive. “The process includes an application and you have to meet eligibility requirements which include being a 4

art by joshua bausch

registered nurse (RN), educational requirements of at least a bachelor’s degree, practice hours requirements, a fee and passing a four hour [long], 200 question examination,” detailed Gretebeck. Although holding this certification may not give Gretebeck any specific new abilities, it will, as she put it, “validate that I have the specialized knowledge of a proficient school nurse.” And with this, she will be able to continue to fulfill her duties as district nurse even better than before. As district nurse, Gretebeck explained that, “In my role, I work with a health team to support student success by helping to meet the health and medical needs of students.” She also supervises the health office, provides health training for staff members and students, works with the public health department to prevent and control communicable diseases, keeps health policies and procedures up to date, and is involved in several committees regarding safety and wellness as

part of her job. With so many great aspects of her job to choose from, deciding which was her favorite was a difficult decision for her. She certainly loves being able to work with many different students and their families, but when it comes down to it, she decided, “Every day is different and presents a new challenge. I learn something new every single day.”

With her new national certification recently being added to her repertoire, Gretebeck looks forward to being able to learn and grow even more as a professional. “For me, this certification means that I will always keep looking for opportunities to be a better school nurse. I have already started considering several more options to increase my knowledge related to school nursing and education.”

photo by isabelle genter

Laurel Gretebeck is the SASD District Nurse who recently earned a national school nurse certification. the norse star, may 2016


opinions

an open letter to friendship D

ear Friends,

As we progress through high school and continue to grow, mature, and find ourselves, new friendships form, and we leave old ones behind. Maybe the person you were closest to at the beginning of freshmen year is now only someone you offer a slight smile to in the hallway. Maybe the person who once was thought to be your worst enemy is now one of your closest and best friends. As the school year draws to a close, and the end of high school becomes the end of an era for the seniors, it’s important to maintain friendships and keep in touch with people after you graduate and as you take the first step on a new journey. They accepted you for who you are. You and your friend probably didn’t agree on everything, and chances are there were times your dissimilarities got in the way. But your differences didn’t dictate

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o what exactly is The Odyssey Online? If you have not been exposed to its plaguelike Facebook presence (you’re one of the lucky ones), The Odyssey Online is what happened when Buzzfeed and Tumblr had a drunk college post-party one night stand and forgot protection. It is designed for young adults and teens who want to write pretty much anything their hearts desire and make it seem professional. Too bad it’s not. Almost all of the pieces on this database-esque site are either open letters to nonspecified persons or list articles.The best part is your account is linked to Facebook, so your post is then spammed to all of your Facebook friends and your grandmother who loves you, probably. The problem with this format, whilst it is a platform to write educated and thought -provoking articles with the power of media sharing, it’s not used in that way whatsoever. Almost all of the stories on this site are terrible editorials/ the norse star, may 2016

your friendship. You probably handled situations in a different fashion, or made choices that your friend didn’t agree with. But at the end of the day a true friend didn’t judge. Nobody’s perfect, but your friend embraced you for your imperfections, not in spite of them. If they knew the real you, and were a true friend, you definitely don’t want to lose a relationship like that. Friends from high school will always have at least one thing in common. You both lived in the same town, knew all the same people, and will take your small town culture with you wherever you go next. This leaves you and your friends something to connect over, and when you come back to visit, having your old friends to hang out with, catch up on, and share crazy college stories with, which will make the visit back even more fun. Staying in touch with your

art by johsua bausch

neighbors and peers will keep you grounded. You may be growing in separate directions, but your roots will always be intertwined. They are the ones that helped you build relationship skills for your future. The relationships we built or had fall apart in high school were all lessons that will impact the relationships we build in the future. The one friend that broke your heart after you trusted them with everything, or when you had to make the choice to terminate a toxic friendship, or that time you realized a friendship was all one sided and it was time to let it go, were all teaching moments. You know what qualities to look for, or what qualities to avoid in friends for the future. Most importantly, you have a better sense of what friendship means to you. No one knows what will happen in the future, or where you might end up, but you can use

past friendships to help you navigate the unknown, and if you keep them, they will be there for you to fall back on when things don’t go the way you planned. Don’t wait until you leave to miss each other. Classmates, teammates, members of the same club. Friends since birth, or since yesterday...no matter what the relationship is, a friend is a friend. Friends are support groups. All friends know a part of you. Whether it’s an old part or who you are now, they will always be a piece of your past. Everyone needs someone, and everyone needs a friend. As Muhammad Ali once said,“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”

Sincerely,

Raya Kate Castronovo Staff Writer If this was journalism, Walter Cronkite’s casket would be hitting terminal velocity due to the amount of times he has flipped over. This website is simply raw, undelved, mostly stupid editorials. But, also, I dare say I learned something from it. After reading through page after page of fumbling opinions and more list articles than you could shake a drunk Buzzfeed at, I realized that we’re too addicted to virtually sharing our thoughts and perspectives on the world. Everybody’s opinion matters but although you want to let the world know it, it doesn’t mean the world wants to hear it. Your diatribes will not change people’s views, your list articles will not suddenly prioritize their thoughts and your perspective on females attending Ball State University will not generalize every single young woman attending that college. Now excuse me, I have to go write my next masterpiece: “56 Reasons Why Jay Z totes cheated on Queen-Bey”.

theodysseyonline sucks By Garrett Kluever Staff Writer opinion pieces or list articles on very specific things, like “7 Feelings Every Ball State Girl Loves” or “10 Signs You Grew Up In The NorCal Sierra Nevada Foothills.” I’ll keep these things in mind when I go there never. And being that there are virtually no guidelines to putting up articles on this site, the result is unchecked, unaltered and uncanny drama/ emotional posts dripping with first world problems and the need for attention. Don’t believe me? May I present to you some of my favorite titles:: “An Open Letter To The Boy Who Never Loved Me,” “16 Sex Positions For Poets,” “Goodbye To The Best Friend Who Chose Her Boyfriend Over Me,” and my personal favorite, “On Being A Potato.” Yes, there is an article where a man compares

his existence in the world to a starch, it doesn’t make sense to me either. They say every time a millennial decides to feel entitled, a fairy loses his/her wings. Congratulations, you’ve killed Tinkerbell. The entire site is one big opinions melting pot written by a generation that needs to feel important. Proof being that according to their website, theodysseyonline.com, 58 percent of their writers are 18-24 years old. The Odyssey is built for young adult millennials who come to complain and share useless information about their not so hard lives. Some of these creations are shockingkly bad. (I have yet to show you the plethora of “I’m not racist, but-” articles I saw). Yet some creators and constituents of this website dare call it journalism.

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opinions - editor’s column

there’s no such thing as rich kids

By Isabelle Genter 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief

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rowing up in public schools, it’s pretty easy to distinguish between the kids who come from money and the kids who don’t. There are the “rich kids:” the ones who live in the fanciest houses, have the shiniest new cars, wear the most expensive clothes, and probably have some type of yapping, pampered dog that they could crush like a grape under the sole of their $200 boat shoes. And then there are the “poor kids:” the ones who live off of the school’s free meal plan, have been wearing the same beat-up pair of shoes for years, and whose parents are working three jobs just to stay afloat. But I am here to

art by seren pellett

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tell you that there is no such thing as rich kids or poor kids. Kids are just kids. We are not rich or poor, because we haven’t gotten the chance to earn a living for ourselves and actually be able to lay name to our money and success. Now, before we proceed, let me just say that this column is not intended to bash “rich kids.” In the same way that “poor kids” don’t control the fact that their parents or guardians are poor, “rich kids” also don’t control the fact that their parents are rich. So since we don’t have any power over which family and corresponding lifestyle we are born into, no one should be judged based off of what type of lifestyle their parents provide for them. Even for us highschoolers with our part-time, minimum wage jobs, it is most likely still our parents who supply us with our lifestyles because that measly biweekly paycheck some of us earn is nothing compared to how much it actually costs to live. However, I’m sure there are some of you who are significant contributors to your family’s income, and kudos to you for that. But due to the fact that the majority of us are largely dependent on our parents, the stuff we have and the privileges we are allowed are more so a reflection of them, rather than ourselves. This is why you can’t really blame spoiled kids for being spoiled, because they are spoiled by their parents, not themselves. The same goes for kids on the opposite end of the spectrum. We all simply accept our parents’ generosity, whether it be letting them buy you a new car, paying for your college, or even just providing you with food. And allowing them to buy you things does not make you a selfish or bad person in any way. If put in a situation where your parents

were offering to buy something for you, I highly doubt any of us would reject the offer, so you shouldn’t make assumptions about people who are simply offered more stuff than others. If some kid has a brand new $50,000 car, it doesn’t automatically mean that they are an entitled, disrespectful snob. The stereotypes that have been ingrained into our minds for how different classes of people should act are not at all a valid basis for judging someone, because the amount of possessions someone owns does not determine the type of person they are. The thing that determines what type of person you are is how you treat others, because no matter who you are or how much money you have, you still have control of your attitude and actions. If you are one of the socalled “rich kids,” and you treat your peers as inferior to you because their parents don’t have as much money as yours, then this is when you start to fulfill the stereotype and give people a reason not to like you. By treating people this way, not only are you being rude and demeaning to them, but it also makes absolutely no sense at all coming from your end. You can’t shame people by comparing their parents’ success to your parents’ success,

because it’s your parents’ success, not yours. And honestly, what’s even the point of doing so in the first place? By waving your wealth around in everyone’s faces, you’re not proving anything, except for maybe the fact that you’re a pretentious little jerk. So unless you want everyone to hate you, stop trying to make yourself feel superior through your parents’ success because if there’s one thing that I hope you take away from this column, it’s that all kids are created equal (thanks Thomas Jefferson). There are no rich kids or poor kids or even middle-class kids. We are just kids, and one of the beauties of being a kid is not having to worry about jobs and money and all of the stressful things that go along with being an adult. Leave that up to your parents for now and wait until you actually go out into the real world and make something of yourselves before you categorize yourself as rich or poor. But for now, don’t worry about the petty titles of rich kid or poor kid, just worry about being a kid.

the norse star, may 2016


senior section

senior section

photo by joshua bausch

9 Jon Klingenberg 10 Ethan Genter 11 Meredith Melland 12 Brandon Lamberty 8

13 14 15 16 17

Mallory Giesen Julia Olson Gunnar Goetz Rachel DelPizzo Mikayla Frick

18 Connor Roisum 19-21 Crystal Ball 22-23 Senior Plans 24 Food Review the norse star, may 2016


THE INTRAVIEW

senior section

by the time you finish this article, the funk shall be within you

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eah, listen to that funk. The multisensory funk that is around you through the brutal four years of pre-college education. That funk that smells bad and whispers pre and postpubescent profanities into your ears while you trudge down the hallway to your next class. Getting through high school means listening and reading into the funk. I made it through all four years of the funk, and only now have I started to realize what it meant to me. The funk is like the force -- it is a field of energy that surrounds every high school student. It is unique to each person, and its composition differs depending on one’s approach to high school. For myself, the funk was (continue below)

By Jon “White Fang” Klingenberg Master & Commander shut myself in one of the SHS Alright. What friends from music wing’s very own practice high school have influenced rooms with an audio recorder you the most? And before you and twenty questions. My goal: answer that, I should note that to find my funk. when I was writing that ques[Disclaimer: Any additional tion to ask you, Jon, I wasn’t comments made by me are in really sure if I wanted to ask italics, and also due to space, only it, because I didn’t want our three of the twenty questions are friends to feel bad. So I guess, included on this page. If you, for answer it carefully? whatever reason, want to read the rest of this interview, call me, I would probably say, friends beep me, if you wanna read this. who I was in partnerships I will give you access to the docu- with (Ethan, for The Norse Star; ment. (I am serious.)] Connor and Bryan, for Dive In; Scott, for Band, and many others) What was the most impor- have influenced me a lot. But tant thing you learned from I could go on for hours about high school? all the different friends who shaped me in other ways. And I I’d have to say… time manguess, for people who are reading agement probably. I’ve learned a this, if you feel like you aren’t lot of things from a lot sure whether or not you have of really impacted me, then you probinfluenably have. The only people who tial haven’t influenced me are the people reading this who think “Yeah I definitely haven’t influenced him.” So, even if you’re questioning it, you’ve changed me. And I thank you for that. What will you find yourself missing the most when you leave for college? Last question.

shaped by all of my extra or co-curricular activities, by the people around me, and by all of the lessons high school taught me. But the funk is not something that can simply be unearthed with a brush and a chisel; it requires more. With that in mind, I approached my expedition to find my funk with a journalistic style. To find my funk, I needed to find myself. Thusly, I the norse star, may 2016

people, but I think the thing I learned about myself is that I can’t stretch myself too thin. I know Mr. Schmidt (the band director) pointed it out one time that I’m very ambitious, and sometimes I take on more than I can handle. So I can’t deliver everything, even though I always say ‘yes’. So I’ve learned that I need to consider what I am capable of doing versus what I want to be doing. art by seren pellett

I mean, from my physical home (my house), definitely

Harvey, my cat and best friend. Yeah, she’s a girl but her name is Harvey. That’s what happens when you pick a pet name before you pick your pet. If that makes sense. So Harvey, because I love her. But home can mean a lot of different things. Home can just mean who you’re with, it can mean where you feel safe and loved or where you spend the most time. It can mean a lot of things. But I guess, there are a lot of aspects of high school, and from my pre-college days, that I’m gonna miss, especially my families. Like my Norse Star family, my Dive In family, my band family, just my nonspecific friend family. There’s a lot of growing we’ve done through high school, and a lot of it has been because we’ve grown in the company of each other and because of the company of each other. And it’s a weird thought that I’m gonna be leaving that behind to go pursue new things, and I know that I’m gonna see most of them someday, but I won’t be walking into the SAC everyday, saying hi to most of my friends. And it’s gonna be different. I think I’m ready, but I’m not entirely sure. So folks, I hope that gave you an idea of my funk. Now it’s your turn to go find yours.

Ethan and Jon’s Axl Roses Ethan: People, sports, Norse Star, teachers, education, my mom, friends, Billy Crystal, park day, Mr. Kelley, Physics, slither.io, the pencils and pens that you chumps keep leaving on the ground, corned beef hash, bottled water, the floors of SHS (have you ever looked at how interesting those things are?) Jon: The Norse Star fam, my boys in Dive In, most aspects of Band, especially Drum Majoring, Madrigal Dinner (jesters and Maitre D are da bomb), slither.io, my cubby, tech booth squad for Theater, the other aspects of Theater, especially performing, my Max’s, Mad and McHone, AP Lit, saxophone choirs, my single quarter of AP Physics 9


senior section

friends with some benefits By Ethan Genter Assistant Editor

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igh school is a game. Learn the material, regurgitate, and repeat. Make friends, grow apart, repeat. Throw away all of the middle school Aeropostale clothing you own (except for that really comfortable pair of pajama pants), pick a new style, repeat. High school is a game, but it can also be your bulimic, self-concious, lost-in-translation friend you met while taking Culinary. High school can be confusing, fun, boring, and sometimes a little sticky, but at the end of the day you’re kind of glad the two of you met. You’re glad because your friendship‒yes, it became a friendship‒wasn’t just an adventure; it taught you something. High school didn’t just help you with your Calculus homework or your book report, it helped you navigate the maze of teenage angst, ignorance, jubilation, and indifference your parents never gave you a map to. I didn’t meet High School until my junior year. She’s been an okay friend (something of a chronic liar), someone I might enjoy in more of a group setting where we don’t have to talk for an extended period of time but still get the opportunity to feel each other out. Yeah, High School was okay--we got by relatively unscathed, but we’re going to different colleges next year so we probably won’t talk much.

Find the people you can be weird with.

Hugs are useful for a number of reasons including trapping tall people.

Buy tuxedo shirts. Find the lonely dog in corner and take him home.

Ethan and Jon’s BøRNS Ethan’s: Billy Crystal, that a----- that cut me off in the McDonald’s drive thru a few months ago, not being able to wear tuxedo shirts at prom Jon’s: Smart Music, Academic Homeroom and it’s respective [broken] system, all math classes (the teachers were pretty cool though), LCDs, the many smells of SHS, lack of sleep from doing too many things (don’t do that underclassmen), AP Lit., the three quarters after dropping AP Physics 10

art by seren pellet

You’re never too cool to dance; Prom isn’t stupid and neither is Homecoming. Monkey around a bit. photos courtesy of jill genter and that guy that took our photo at the beach

Love people, you’re not always going to see them everyday.

Never take yourself too seriously. Also, purchase a morph suit because it will come in handy more than you know. the norse star, may 2016


senior section

ahhhhhhhhhhh By Meredith Melland In-Depth Editor

My thoughts on high school, time, and expressing myself

“My thoughts are much more smooth-sounding than the actual words that come out of my mouth.” - Meredith Melland, March 12, 2012

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recently re-read the journal that I kept from the end of eighth grade to the end of freshman year, which was the equivalent of spiraling backwards in time for four years in a Tardis or Delorean. My past self narrates the entries and sounds like Ferris Bueller if he was a 14-year-old girl; some entries are even directed at an imaginary audience. I was fully prepared to look back and cringe at past nerdiness and bad spelling that still lives in me today, but I was also shocked by the amount of time that had passed since I last wrote in the journal. Where did all of high school go? How can time travel at a snail’s pace from day to day but travel at warp speed from year to year? My journal showed me that before I entered high school I wanted to express myself, but lacked a voice. Amidst the lollapalooza and hullabaloo of high school, as I struggled to keep my head above my workload and keep up with the current of time, I learned about the concept of identity and found my voice. And as tempting as it was to write this column using the tone of Tina Belcher, I decided

photos by thu mckenzie

the norse star, may 2016

that it wouldn’t fit. adventures with the Norse Stars, My whole life, I have been I learned that it was better to passionate about music, theexpose my inner ridiculousater, and writing, but I ness to the world than keep was isolated from my it buried beneath layers of interest and never felt like button-ups and cardigans. I could define myself by I have since accepted that I it. Before high school, I am perpetually dorky and was lucky enough to have indecisive and mumble spent years dancing and incoherently sometimes, playing piano, but I was but prefer to think of too stressed out to conmy dorkiness as an tinue them. I’m always endearing human trait sad when I have to stop and my indecisiveness doing things I love, but as a representation of I just have a desire to how much I care about do it all, and that isn’t decisions. I also realized practical or healthy. that it’s just as imporHowever, through tant to understand my involvement in the identities of choir and band in other people who high school, I have are different from had the pleasure me, whether it be of studying music in a in opinion, background, group setting and becoming interests, race, sexual oria member of the music comentation, or religion, as munity. As for my interest understanding my own in theater, there aren’t many identity. While writing for opportunities during a play the Norse Star, I have had production for a kid to take to put myself in the shoes power tools to the set or direct. of many other people, and High school finally offered have formed connections me a niche in the theater art by seren pellett and gained underthat wasn’t onstage, and and joshua bausch standing in doing so. gave me the opportunity In a way, the daily and privilege to student direct ups and downs of high school “Pride and Prejudice” this year. life have been wonderful Forensics allowed me to express because they have distracted my comedy and be more con- me from the idea of growing up fident, and this beloved paper and the passage of time. Now has given me a writing outlet, Roses valuable journalistic experiMallory Giesen’s chortle ence, and a real audience. These Snacks activities have all contributed Flopping with Thu to different but essential parts PBS/British TV shows of my identity. My parents As I navigated my life, I Mr. Schmidt, the Zen came face-to-face with my Master past identity and the identities Mr. Casey, the Blend Master of others. Because I grew up Trail Mix, both the food and my in a community with a lot of Forensics group smart older kids, I wanted to Phteven the deer and Stage Crew be just like them, which added Morning jam sessions in Courtney to my already mature nature. Moll’s car However, through backstage The tenor drums part to“Take On dance parties, odd but great Me” Forensics performances, and

that my years betwixt orientation and graduation are coming to a close, a thought occurs to me. Time is a paradox; it is steady and infinitely continuous, but also completely subjective, backwards, and messy. I have unconsciously become an adult, but I am still the off-kilter freshman who wrote that journal. That might not make sense, but that’s okay, I’m nonsensical and so is life. I have learned a lot during this clump of time that is high school, and I hope that will continue as I go to face the unexpected. To use an expression from one of my favorite fictional role models, Anne of Green Gables, I have reached an epoch in my life; there is a bend in the road, and I can’t see what is beyond the turn. Thorns The swim unit in gym Not having enough room in my schedule Constant indecision Band camp sunburn Online French class Losing touch with friends Walking to school when it’s icy out Brandon and Ethan, for convincing everyone I was going to Northwestern Brandon the rest of the time The soul-crushing weight of my backpack Netzler not taking N, Star to Saudi 11


wow, that went fast senior section

By Brandon Lamberty News Editor

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fter four years, you start to realize who is actually important to you. And there is no one more important than my mom. Somehow, with all of my siblings, she still finds the time to be completely supportive and come to almost every game I have ever played. No matter how sucky of a day she had, or how bad my day was, she is always there to sit down and just have a conversation about life and recap the day. She has been so supportive of my future that we took a road trip, in the middle of winter, to Washington, D.C. to tour a college. Then, a few weeks later, when I got into Temple University in Philadelphia, she got me a plane ticket so I could see the campus for myself. No matter what, she’s been there for me, and I appreciate it more than words can say.

An Ode to Mr. Kelley When I was but a wee freshman, and you put up posters for Ultimate I never knew what the next four years would hold So I showed up to a practice, and man was I bad But by the end of that first year, I wasn’t so mad When sophomore year came ‘round, it was time for Beast Mode And you kicked it up a notch, not messing around anymore You saw we had the talent, and that’s when the yelling started We hated the yelling, because it seemed like we weren’t doing anything right When we lost a huge part of our core, we had to regroup But you never lost hope, knowing there was a brighter future And you pushed me even harder, and I got really sick of it I didn’t understand how I was doing so poorly That all changed for this season, when it was my time to shine And the yelling disappeared as the new kids came, and we started losing This is when I realized a lot, mostly why you yelled so much It was all because of potential, something I cherish going on As I prepare for college, I am grateful for all the yelling And snarky comments you have made over four long years I hope you continue to yell, but not too much, because that’s obnoxious So thank you for your help, and hope to sky you soon

Ultimate The soccer boys slither.io My ‘perfect’ car Paychecks Fetty Wap 2 slice @ Yetis My Mom, Again

APS Smart Music McDonalds Soccer tryouts 1st hour study hall AP tests Busywork Middle school Freshmen

photos courtesy of my mom

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art by seren pellett

the norse star, may 2016


senior section

see you never By Mallory Giesen Features Editor

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ow am I so old? I’ve spent so many years thinking I was old before I finally came to realize and accept the idea that I was actually very young. But now I’m actually getting old. I’m going to move onto a college campus at the end of this summer, and I’ll be living there. That’s something I thought only my older brother did. Now I’m in the position he was in not that long ago. Everyone gets older-moving onto a college campus is something I’ve been expecting would happen for most of my life--but actually putting yourself through an anticipated comingof-age event is different than how you imagine it. I guess what I’m getting at is that I’ve gotten used to being the little kid. I’m fine with being an adult, but it feels bizarre. I can drive a car, which is weird. I can even drive a car to Pick n’ Save . . . by myself. Maybe even without crashing or hitting innocent pedestrians. I can even go to college and leave behind the life I’ve known for, well, my whole life. Yes, the child who is in partial disbelief, partial defiance, and partial terror, can uproot herself and go to college. By ‘the child’ I mean me, of course. Even though I’ve feared this change since it started to become a reality, I’ve gradually been growing more excited by the idea of leaving. My life is here in Stoughton, I can’t deny that--it would be stupid “um, where is my mimosa?!”

to try. Not only do I live here, but I’ve established myself here. I’ve learned to grow and spread my roots where I was planted, which is a skill, I believe. The last four years especially are what have had the biggest impact on me. I’ve met a lot of new friends, had some very interesting interactions, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone far enough to have a deeper sense of who I was. I honestly don’t regret any of it, because everything has helped me reach the point I’m at now, which really isn’t that bad. As for the rest of the drama . . . bye. I never really liked you anyway. What I will enjoy the most about leaving is the freedom. I don’t mean the sex and drugs type of freedom, but the kind of freedom one gains when they’re able to finally walk their own path with minimal interference from anyone else. And when I say I’ll have minimal interference from anyone else, I mean that I simply won’t let anyone infringe upon and suppress my space, because that’s what I’m looking the

most forward to and it’s what I most need. I will finally have the ability to work toward what I actually want instead of just doing stupid busywork in a high school classroom, busywork that becomes even more stupid in the last quarter of senior year. Dreams feel like they suddenly become more attainable, and it’s feeling like I will actually be able to do things that matter to where I want to be in the future. But I’m caged at this point. I need to leave to have space, which will allow me to be who I am with the people I choose to be with. This is what I hope is true for me in college, at least. I’m not going to miss the pettiness of high school, and all the social drama that I may not be involved with but still have the burden of observing. I’m done with it. Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll keep my distance. And from here it’s hard to tell how I’ll look back on my high school years once I’ve lived another decade or so. Will I shake my head at the memories or paint

Roses

them in a romantic light? I’ll probably just laugh. It’s been great. I’ll decide just how great it’s been at a later date. Even if I haven’t totally enjoyed the whole experience, I’m still so happy I had it. Too much growing and important changing happened for me to feel ungrateful for anything, no matter how many times I say I hated this or that. I honestly feel like everything that has happened up to this point is important. How else will I have learned? I guess that whenever something cringe-worthy, embarrassing, or disagreeable happened, I always just thought that it’s better that whatever it was happened now and not later. That’s what these years have been for. If you really want to learn something in life about yourself and the world around you, you have to be uncomfortable and you have to become embarrassed at some point, and don’t waste your whole life avoiding it. That’s my advice, folks.

Thorns My car, Baby Stealth, and her auxiliary chord Spending lots of money

“Pride and Prejudice” Forensics Making lots of friends

Interstate driving Buying gas Not having any money Freshman gym class Gym class

Tea Ruth the Acrobat (see above)

Bad selection of movies on Netflix

art by joshua bausch

the norse star, may 2016

photos courtesy of cheryl giesen

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senior section

as cliché as it sounds, high school has been the best time of my life . . . so far By Julia Olson Sports Editor

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hen trying to come up with a creative theme for my senior column, I had no real inspiration. There was always this looming fear of being too ordinary or giving off the same messages of how high school has changed you, and how you need to continue to be young at heart, all things you’ve read time and time again at the end of the year. But eventually, it dawned on me. It doesn’t matter how many people have attempted this before me. As long as this is something that I feel passionate about, previous attempts shouldn’t dissuade me from giving off a message that is important to my time here at SHS. So here it goes. High school was the best time of my life. And here are the two things that made it that way. The People You Become Friends With Keep High School From Sucking I can say confidently that the amount of friends I’ve

made during high school is directly disproportionate to the number of friends that I came in with. Eighth grade Julia could never have predicted who I would befriend or the people that walked into my life who mean the most to me now. Every new school year is a chance to meet people you’ve never talked to and throw away your previous misconceptions. The other writers on The Norse Star staffs that I’ve been a part of obviously make the top of this list, but everyone that I’ve befriended in high school is worthy of making this column. Theater friends, GSA friends, choir friends, soccer friends, ultimate frisbee friends . . . you have made high school something to remember, and I thank you for that. Clubs and Activities Made the School Week Go ‘Round High school gave me the opportunity to be a part of something, or many things, really. Student Senate, Key Club, GSA, Mock Trial, History and Archaeology Club, Environmental Club, Concert

A Thank You . . . Beth Anderson - You have shown me what it means to be passionate and dedicated to your work. Being able to work under you in Student Senate and see your devotion to not only the club, but to all of the kids in it, has made a bigger impact on my life than you will ever know. You have given me someone to look up to, someone to model myself after when times get tough, and someone to call whenever I need help or a friend. Ms. Schneeberger - I don’t know if you’ve ever questioned exactly why I am so appreciative of you and what you do. I mean, we only had class together for one year, and I wasn’t even that attentive of a student when I was in your class. But I have no idea either. Your dry sense of humor and wit have stuck with me throughout the years, and I have no other choice but to love it and you. Ms. Natzke - My family has had a longstanding relationship with you and leaving this year is going to be hard. Thank you for always starting up a conversation after I do the announcements and trusting me with anything you deem important enough to involve me in. Thank you most of all for believing in me and supporting me throughout high school, I couldn’t have done it without you. Chandler Hellenbrand - Hey Chandler, I just wanted to say that I love you a lot, you rock and always brighten my day. 14

Choir, Madrigals, Norse Star, Divine, JazzKor, musicals, plays, Link Crew, National Honor Society, soccer, ultimate frisbee, tennis, Prom Committee, SADD . . . shoot, I was even a part of a garage band that went onto state in the Launchpad competition. From Mock Trial to Student Senate to GSA, giving to these organizations over the years has given me back more than I had ever anticipated. Whether it be planning and throwing an entire high school Homecoming dance or planning a Die-In in the Exhibition Hallway to bring attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, I have never had an uneventful week at SHS. High school has made me cry numerous times over the years, sometimes for sad reasons, but mostly out of happiness, or the realization that it is going to end at some point. Now that I’m at the point in my high school career where everything seems to be a ‘last’, I’m crying a heck of a lot more, I’ll tell you that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for the future--going to college, and becoming a person separate from the small town of Stoughton, Wisconsin, but it’s going to be hard to leave. So yes, high school was hard--it was stressful, annoying, and downright infuriating at times, but was it worth it? Always. High school has been the best time of my life so far, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I

will never be a part of another group of people this big, in a school and in a community, that is so dedicated to being supportive of me and genuinely hoping that I succeed. I will never be able to be prom and homecoming queen again or have the chance to say the morning announcements one more time, but I will be able to reminisce forever. And that is what high school is all about-making memories that you’ll actually be able to remember in the years following your departure. Make high school count, because if you take the opportunities given to you and make the best of every bad situation, it will be the best time of your life, too. But the point of this column wasn’t to only glorify high school, but to also take it down a few pegs. Yes, it has been the best time of my life, but I’m hoping that it won’t always be. I hope that in a few years, after I’ve gone through four more years of education, I will be able to say that high school was great, but not the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Don’t let yourself stop growing after high school. Keep experiencing new things and making more memories, and keep taking steps to becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. High school has been great for me, but I’m not going to let it be the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me, and neither should you.

Roses - Ultimate Frisbee - POPS Concert - Spo0o0ky/Norse Star - Late night food runs - Retakes - Overnight field trips with Student Senate Exec Board - Adventures with friends - My dog, Ruby - Classes outside - Hashbrowns - When Leah or Phillip and I had classes together - People actually dancing at Prom

Thorns - Parking on the street - People who don’t care about school (you suck) - Being broke - Losing class review games - Paying for college - Swimming in gym class - Getting sunburnt - Having a crappy homestay family on the Costa Rica trip - The soccer warm-up lap - Not taking enough pictures freshman/sophomore year - Taking Basic Art 2D senior year the norse star, may 2016


these are my guts

By Gunnar Goetz Business Manager our years ago, a senior advised me not to blink. Well, I did, and boy has it been a hell of a millisecond. Here I am at the end of my own senior year, and I’m frightened. I entered high school, daunted by the warnings of heavy workloads and difficult course material. Though, I found that I excelled, through a combination of a love of learning and the necessary amount of effort I needed to achieve an A in all of my classes. Last year, I took the ACT with every other junior in the entire nation. I managed to pull a 32. This year I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts. I’m an Eagle Scout with a 4.0 and a 32 on my ACT, why should I be afraid? I’m terrified because the cloaked feelings that I’ve had for the majority of my

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senior section

- busy work, seriously it is agonizing - time is screwing me over - left my phone charger at House on the Rock - sarcasm, because I suck at it

high school career have sharply focused them- golf is life selves on my reality; - stompin’ around in New York with I’ve used my time to Concert Choir chase a future that was - All Shook Up, woot woot imprinted upon my - AP Lit and Norse Star shenanigans mind by everyone else - throwin’ sick pots in society, rather than - ticklin’ those ivory keys chase a dream that had always been my own. When someone asks me contrasts sharply with the fear what plans I have after college, and regret I currently feel. I’ll say I’m doing neuroscience. Looking back on my four If you truly want to know what years in high school has brought I’m going to do, I’ll spill my frustrated tears to my eyes. I guts: my goal since I could hold have improved my game very a club has always been to play little, due to my unwavering golf professionally. Am I insane focus on school and scattered for chasing after something that effort in golf. Do not misunappears infeasible? ‘You can’t do derstand me, I do value all of it’ or laughter are the responses the wonderful experiences in I receive most often for an aspi- school, as well as the reservoir ration like mine. Here’s my of knowledge that I’ve attained, problem: It’s my soul. It would but had I spent a little less cripple me if I didn’t reach it effort on my 4.0 and more on because I chose to direct my golf, I might have been going effort at securing something to school on a golf scholarship like a six-figure job, and achieve right now. a future that isn’t my own. I For the most part, I’ve could not live with myself; I resolved the regret that I’ve would have failed myself. held for the past, but the future Society rammed one idea of is a different story. It’s agosuccess into my head every nizing laying awake at night, day: work hard in school, unsure of whether I’ll be able go to college, and get to devote enough time to my a good job. Society game next year on top of my would say that I’ve classes, paying for college, and set myself up increasing my strength and flexfor an ibility for golf. It’s terrifying, optimal wondering if I’ve been walking future, a path that does not belong but it to me, a path that will lead to despair over what could’ve been. I’ve been at a loss of what my next step should be. I am now certain: I have begun taking steps to realize the dream I call my own. I will be

entering tournaments and the Wisconsin State Amateur this summer, I will be taking instruction and receiving advice from other golfers, and I will be practicing all summer long, practicing as many hours as I can fit into each and every day. In addition, I will be working my ass off to pay for my first year of college; depending on costs, my newfound path may lead me elsewhere. I will be taking a major with less academic strenuousness than that of neuroscience, potentially in the field of business and finance. My four years in high school have made me feel as though we, as bright young students with the whole world at our mercy, are rolling off an educational conveyor belt, conformed to fit a predetermined mold for success; it kills our passions and dreams. And this model of success works exceedingly well making the group succeed. But it did not fit me, despite the fact that I did exceptionally well; I have to break away. I’m sure of this, because I can say that I’ve felt an immense weight lift off my shoulders after my epiphany occurred. That feeling of dreadful anticipation, of going the wrong way, has evaporated, replaced with a solid certainty—my drive to be a professional at golf. So I ask you, my dear, dear reader, to please make damn sure that you are on, or eventually will be on, a path that you are certain is your own. You have one chance at life; arrive at the end with no regrets.

art by seren pellett

the norse star, may 2016

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senior section

how pure heroine got me through high school

Roses

-The SAC -Summer adventures -AP Lit & Mrs. Rousseau e Byeeeeee -Concert By Rachel DelPizzo Choir and theater Supreme Editor of Opinions -Pursuit of n 2013, Lorde released her debut album, “Pure Heroine,” a unique, cohesive, honest work of art. As time Happiness elapsed, and I ventured (struggled/survived) through high school, I listened to and absorbed the album (song) (really slowly). In retrospect, it has been with me, and held my interest through so many memories and life events. In 2016, I found out there were bonus tracks. Woah. Game changer. I like to think that this was -The bed Lorde’s extra little surprise gift to me, to help me get through these last weeks of high school (they’ve been -Bernie Sanders moving slower than a freshman in the hallway on their first day.) The music of “Pure Heroine” has been more -Puppers than just a jam for me. Lorde’s music has true meaning, and this is what it means to me. -The U.S. Women’s Na“400 Lux”: Enjoy It, Enjoy It All it is a metonymy for every underpass, every distant tional Team To me, “400 Lux” is about the joys of many explorable destination, where any teen, every teen, -Slither.io

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-Flannels and hats -Mr. Casey -Good books -Lana Del Rey -TV -The ocean -Concerts/live music -Star Wars -Comic Books -Walks in the woods w/J Kling -Performing at Carnegie Hall -Pokemon -Traveling

things. It’s a warm, reminiscent song that truly will wander to, to be with themself, to be with art by seren pellet and joshua bausch embodies and epitomizes all the best things. The their friends, to do nothing, and love it. best things are as follows: friends, nature, views, “Bravado”: Know Your Greatness long, meaningful car rides, killing time and talking If you know me, you know that I already have to someone who understands you. The vibe and enough bravado. If you don’t know me: bold, Thorns sound of this song is exactly what the warmth of a outspoken, audacious and forward are some great • Making choices setting summer sun feels like. words to hold in mind. Although the song is about • Bigots an introvert’s internal battle/dispute with grasping • Getting up early “White Teeth Teens”: Hierarchy Is Trash bravery and coming out of her shell , it spoke to • Golf Without really comprehending this song, it seems me on the theme of bravery, confidence, and per• AP Lit papers like an ode to good looks and dental hygiene. But sonal greatness, three things everyone could use • Senioritis to me, it has always felt like a song announcing more of. To me this song is empowerment. The • InDesign in the most charming way that it doesn’t matter lyrics “‘Cause I was raised up to be admired, to • LDCs who you are, what you look like; we are the same be noticed,” echo within me. I hear those words at heart. There is no hierarchy, it’s a lie. You “I’ll find my own bravado” and I know I will. This don’t have to worry about being the best, being taught me more about greatness, and it cool, being popular or known, that just doesn’t song spoke to the boldness and power I knew I had. exist. Throughout the song, Lorde repeats the chorus, envisioning for us these perfect white teeth In recalling my memories of high school, some fond, others not so much, there are many teens, then in a low croon she reveals to us, in a different things that come to mind. But what is, and has always been on the forefront of my way that seems perfectly personal, “I’ll let you in consciousness, is music. Whether it be the music I sang in choir, sang in the shower, jammed on something big, I am not a white teeth teen,” to in the SAC, played in orchestra, or heard on the radio, music consumed me and shaped and goes on to say “Their molars blinking like the me into who I am. I’ve found it holds true that music makes the memories. Needless to say, lights / In the underpass where we all sit / And do being someone who lives for music, it was tough for me to pick exactly what albums made my nothing, and love it.” Make of it what you will, high school career, and it was through a frustrating amount of deliberation that I was able to but for me, that underpass is life, just as much as choose: The Definitive Soundtrack of My Highschool Career.

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the norse star, may 2016


senior section

my vogue

By Mikayla Frick Staff Writer Breakthrough in Florence In 1962 Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani debuted his line in Florence, the Italian fashion capitol. In 2012, I made my high school debut in Stoughton, the only place I had ever known. I have made so many beautiful memories in this place. I can expect that I will be sent off to thrive and achieve a level of greatness that I have worked towards, similar to the success that Valentino discovered within the world of design. My dedication and commitment has often been inspired by my favorites of the fashion world and all of the beauty that they add to everyday life with their creative minds. They have morphed me and my taste to hold elegance and to always show gratitude. I took my first step into high school with the pride of Coco Chanel, the creativity of Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, the importance of Vera Wang, and the exuberance of Christian Dior.

Roses:

The Beehive SpooOOooky Grey’s Anatomy The Office The joy I found in Norse Star My puppy Izzy G

Thorns:

Pre-Calc Winter “How to Save a Life” episode of Grey’s Pickles Weak Immune System Getting circled in slither

two things: classy and FaBulous “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud,” is a quote fromCoco Chanel that I consider everyday. I have never been afraid to say what has been on my mind. The Norse Star allowed me not only to do just that, but to make what I had to say be heard by others, an opportunity for which I am forever grateful. This platform unsheathed the side of myself I would have never been able to expose without this amazing newspaper. I now realize that my artistic expression is not confined to art classes, but is capable of being shouted from the rooftops (journalistically). I had the chance to discover a new and interesting side of myself, plus some more of my strengths and weaknesses. The Norse Star has allowed me to speak my mind and make an impact, a rare gift. the journey, not the destination Vera Wang is one of the most successful bridal gown designers known. Her work represents an aspect of the idea of love. And love is exactly what I found here in this high school, in more ways than one. Here at this high school I have been blessed with some of the best friendships that I have known. This especially applies to The Norse Star. Although I was only able to spend a year with our 2015-2016 staff and our adviser, it is a year I will never forget. The only roadblock in that part of the journey was waiting too long to apply. My creative juices would have been stuck without these hilarious, motivating, and kindhearted people by my side all year. It took until about halfway through my high school journey to stumble upon one of the best encounters I have made in all four of these years, and that was the one where I found a best friend in my boyfriend. He motivates me everyday and helps me to become the best version of myself, and for that I am forever grateful. These people will always hold special places in my heart.

Pink, the color oF haPPiness “Happiness is the secret to all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without happiness”- Christian Dior. One word to describe the majority of how I felt throughout high school: radiant. I was surrounded by so many things, places, and people that I love; how could I not have been happy? While it saddens me to think of the fact that I will rarely get to see some of the friends that I have grown to be so fond of, I find joy in the sense that I had the opportunity to let them into my life in the first place. Their impacts on my life will forever remain. While more joyous days lie in the future, there is a great deal that will be missed. From sporting events to simple walks with my dog, there was always something in which I could find happiness within. Many of these things will begin to change for me, but there will always be something to be happy about.

art by joshua bausch

the norse star, may 2016

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senior seniorsection section

nnienst, u b f o ll ool efsu, and doeisceum-h c s h ig n aanhe summativConnor eRto help ins lunches. uilt a guid the tips h c s otol's me--hapsosbsible: leasrunrvive high tha do the im n how to youd tricks o an ool. sch

Connor’s d e fi i s s a l c De School Survival Guide

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Tip #1

y vary *Results ma Keep friends close, but teachers closer

photo by olivia lenz

Tips on: High School

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hile friends are important and will be part of another tip later, teachers you’re close with are critical. I’m not saying to be their friend, but answering questions in class and participating will, believe it or not, make you more appealing to your teachers. And if you have a nagging fear of being a teacher’s pet, don’t. In the long run, you are more than likely to have the same teachers in later years of high school, so it’s good practice to get on their good side instead of being someone who doesn’t participate or do any assignments. Because eventually, obligations are going to become unbearable, so having teachers there you can talk to can really help you release the stresses of high school. And at this early stage in your life, you don’t need that kind of stress, especially from something like high school.

Tip #2

Friends are still a necessity

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hat is high school without a little bit of shenanigans? A battlefield. That’s what. That’s why friends are important. High school is a time to figure out who your friends really are. Freshman year everyone is introduced to a crazy world of hormones and anxiety. You, the tiny newbie who is insulted for just being a member of the race known as ‘freshmen,’ are now in the same environment as the burly seniors who have to shave twice a day. So it’s very wise to assemble your crew as soon as possible in order to face any and all incoming battles high school will throw at you. You may lose some along the way, but that’s ok. Friends come and go, but the ones that have your back time and time again will last forever.

Tip #3

Relationships aren’t everything

Tip #4

Never Quit

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s one who has never actually had a high school relationship *cries internally*, I can say this about relationships from what I’ve seen: They’re waaaaay too much of a time commitment and they cause stress for the ones in the relationship as well as those surrounded by it. That being said, I don’t disbelieve in high school relationships entirely. If two people truly are in love, then by all means, be as happy as you can be and God-speed. But if you’re just looking into a relationship to just be in one, then you aren’t ready. I know it’s hard, but you’ll start to realize that there are more important things than trying to throw your heart out there just for a bite.

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igh school is only the beginning. As the years go by, you will be tasked with juggling more and more obligations that need to be handled swiftly and efficiently. The stress will build up until you may need to break down since you can’t handle what is expected of you. But that’s OK. You just need to take some personal time. And while it seems like high school is the biggest stressful thing in the universe (and sometimes it might be), it’s not. If you just take a step back to look at all your priorities, you can easily realize that a lot of the things you need to deal with are, in fact, tiny. Sure you have a big project coming up, but if you take a step back and look at it as a whole, it’s really not a big deal. That’s why you can never quit. Every assignment you see in high school is really just something that’s all bark and no bite. Meaning that really everything you are assigned to do is in your power to complete. Otherwise teachers wouldn’t assign you something you couldn’t possibly do. That is why you can never quit. Quitting is for things you can’t handle--things that outmeasure your will. High school is not one of those things, which is why you should never quit.

ROSES

-Making Concert Choir as a freshman -All the musicals and plays I've performed in -All my St. Ann's friends I've kept throughout these years -All my friends I've made along the way -Friends class (AKA CP Chem.)

-Joining Norse Star -Every teacher in my public school experience -Every teacher I've had at St. Ann's and now work with -The SAO marathon with friends -DARK SOULS 18

THORNS -AP World History (the class) -LDCs...all of them - WKCE testing -Second Semester Pre-Calc. (again, just the class) -Almost serving seven detentions -Academic Homeroom -DARK SOULS art by connor roisum

the norse star, may 2016


senior section

the crystal ball: hogwarts edition

t is our seventh and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and our dreaded N.E.W.T.s begin to approach faster and faster. The banquet hall is buzzing tonight with both anxiety and excitement as the close of our final year at Hogwarts means it is only a matter of months until all of us wizards and witches are sent off into the real world. Some of us will finish our seventh year and become Magizoologists, like Isaac Eugster to care for all

the crack of dawn studying. Some like Alison Beebe, started a study group in their corridors, terrified for what tomorrow’s exams will bring. Parker Kruckenberg and Trevor Pope barely make it to their assigned classrooms on time. Only minutes after time was called for all N.E.W.T.s, cheering and yelling was heard down every hall. Braeden Coleman, Max Ferguson, and Jeremiah Jimenez zoom through the halls on their Nimbus 2000’s shouting

of the chickens of the wizard world. Some will become live breaking news reporters for the Daily Prophet like Jakob Benson and Phillip Olson, already thriving in their apprenticeships. Who knows, maybe Kelly Cowan or Harrison Flescher could become the next Dragon Keepers. Or Kim Thompson and Erin Boettcher could end up as professors at Hogwarts one day. The wizard world is our oyster after we complete these N.E.W.T.s. All of the students leave the hall and wander off to their separate corridors, the seventh years mostly with fear in their eyes. Chandler Hellenbrand and Thu Mackenzie are two of the very few who get a restful sleep, unlike the rest of the class who stay up until

for joy on their last day at Hogwarts. Everybody stormed out to the courtyard to find Adam Krumholz and Tommy McGlynn already set up with kegs upon kegs of butterbeer to begin the celebrations. Lon Tremain- Woodcock and Alex Prak brought the Bertie Bott’s Jelly Beans and Chocolate Frogs, and now it is a real party. “The courtyard is totally lit!” shouted Joe Jensen. Some of the Quidditch players, Drew Bellefeuille, Jack Buckles, Austin Kotlowski, Ian Sutton, Kyle Krabbe, Gunnar Goetz and Mitchell Linerud are already beginning to set up a tournament. Collin Kraus and Eric Woods sign up as a twowizard team, ready to break some broomsticks. Gianna Dyer, Britney France, and Marissa Schimelpfenig are

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the norse star, may 2016

cheering on the sidelines. Having experience in the muggle world, Erik Hansen, Ben Stefanic, and Spencer Weeden set up a soccer tournament on the next field. Haven Polich, Gabby Saunders, and Carrie Aide start a dance party. Only an hour into the celebration, it all came to a halt. Mr. Kruse came barrelling in ready to bring an end to our fun. But instead of being greeted with his disappointment, he came into the courtyard with a smile on his face, inviting us all to the banquet hall for one final dinner together. Later that night, all of the seventh years came into the banquet hall expecting all of the younger wizards and witches to be there, but we were the only ones. James Browning and Tyler DeWitt thought it was some kind of joke. Others realized all of the extra food there would be and Rocky France, Kai Le Becker and Michael Gerber rushed to fill their plates, ready to feast. Minutes later, the feast was interrupted by Noah Krumenauer the class messenger. He announced that all of the seventh years would be spending an extra month here at Hogwarts, sort of like a summer camp. Grayson Cline and Sam Michel, the head boy and girl of their house were so excited about the news. The celebrations started again. There was so

art by mikayla frick

much to do in Hogsmead this summer. Maddy Brown, Tia Sundby, and Stephanie Hite were most excited about the shopping that was coming up. Alex Asleson, Josie Talbert, and Shaylee Kooima already began planning all of the places they would get to explore. Later, as we were all heading back to our corridors after the feast, Peeves the poltergeist was caught trying to flood the Hufflepuff corridor. A courageous Key Cook fought him off with a ridikulus spell. Scott Boland and Kaycee Peterson walk down a hall to find a thestral on the other side of the window and stared in confusion. It was the start to a very eventful night at Hogwarts ‘summer camp’. Elle Stokes, Hannah Hobson, Shelby Orcutt and Erik Skavlen started a game of exploding snap. It was a long night of games, fun, and discoveries at Hogwarts. The next morning at breakfast, Megan Boettcher and Josie Zientek proposed the idea that we set up a summer Triwizard tournament. Eva Anderson and Alex Golbach presented the idea to Mr. Kruse, who only requested teams compete instead of individuals, and that it be called the Team Wizard Tournament.

photos by julia olson, joshua bausch and ethan genter

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senior section

He sent Sam Dirks, Cullen McClosky and Connor Schlegel to send their owls to the guest schools and offer their invitations to the Team Wizard Tournament. The Goblet of Fire was out in the banquet hall later that day. Mandi Anderson drew the age line around the cup and Erik Haried and Jacob Groleau rushed to put in their names. They got spit out right away, along with many others. Adam Austin and Sean Shanahan were proud to be the first chosen for the Hufflepuff team. Dylan Childs, Dylon Webb, Brock McLain and Alex Smith were delighted to be chosen as the wizards to set up some of the obstacles in the tournament. Emma Olstad, Kaia Moe, and Coley Lankey began to plan all of the details for the next day. Mitchell Ace and Tyler Stormont brought the dragons out to the stadium as everybody else was staring in awe. Colin Koratko, Austin Sobojinski and CassyJo LaVanway were co-judging with some of the professors. Bailey Jerrick and Joseph Skotzke had been planning all night in hopes of bring the Triwizard Cup home to Gryffindor. Risi Eddy, Josie Silbaugh and Sophie Pitney were the team from Ravenclaw to compete in the Golden Egg task. The Gryffindor house was represented by Gabe Ross, Victoria Griffin and Mary Claire Mancl. Peter Janda, Matt Wagner, and Brody Trainor were playing for Hufflepuff. And for Slytherin in the first task, Zach Kirby, Max Quale and Josh Hitchock were

20

competing for the Golden Egg. Students from surrounding schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbaton were competing, as well. The guest schools were represented by Brady Anderson, Colton Sherven,

and Aaron Harring-Spoerl for Durmstrang. Liz Auby, Sammy Tepp, and Holly Brickson represented Beauxbaton. Maddie Beck was getting anxious in the stands as the competition became more and more intense. Andrew Beszhak was trying to shout advice to his teammates as the Gryffindor team was getting closer and closer to winning. After a long and intense half hour, the Gryffindor team came out victorious thanks to strong teamwork. Next up was the underwater task. Competing for Gryffindor was Lydia Gruben, Agron Heta and Calvin Vincent. Maddie Halverson, J Lee

Hanson, and Ed Zeichert were competing for Hufflepuff. Rose Thao, Bailey Vance, and Cameron Hauger were in the underwater task for Slytherin. They found themselves very nervous after realizing they had

three teammates to free from the bottom of the pond, Ian

Trautman, Andrey Duckert

and Arianna Ebert-Standard. Representing Ravenclaw, the team who was very confident that they would win, was Hunter Brekke, Devin Hahn and Julia Schoenthal. Buck Krueger, Jake Kissling and Ben Amera were proud to be representing Durmstrang in the challenge. For Beauxbaton, there was Chandler Hougan, Lily Bleiler, and Taylor Evenson. It was a nervewracking experience, even for those in the audience. Jack Anderson, Tristan Heisig, and Ethan Olson were yelling and screaming until their teammates of Durmstrang came out of the water and were named the winners of the challenge. The final and most unpredictable of all tasks was the maze. The fear and intensity was in the air, you could almost hear it over the Fetty Wap that was being played for all to hear by Brandon Lamberty. Emma Waldorf and Nick Woodstock were almost falling asleep in the stands, knowing their team was falling behind. Kyle Wilkinson was doing the complete opposite, pacing past Tommy Tobias and Gage White’s feet hoping

Durmstrang could pull out another win. “Sit down already, man,” said Amiel Flocca in frustration. Raven Poirier and Makaya Roberson stood up in the announcer box, waiting to announce those that would be competing. “Hurry up, already!” shouted Hannah Wood and Katy Reilly, anxious to see who would be put through the maze. After a silence hushed over the stadium, the girls started to announce the teams.

Hufflepuff was being represented by Aaron Rinden, Zana Swangstu, Michael Swenson and Austin Triggs. The Gryffindor team consisted of Austin Nowicki, Levi Robbins, Kelly Tribune, and Rachel Moore. Slytherin was Sam White, Jesse Mowery, Emma Crowley, and Kyle Freeman. Ravenclaw was Jenna Gardner, Maren Gryttenholm, Erik Herman and Jack Lonnebotn. Durmstrang was represented by Josh Burmeister, Pete Jorgenson, Erik Stensaas, and Harrison Flescher in the last task. The Beauxbatons were Kelsey Christainson, Athena Gates, Hannah Christopher, and Cassandra Babcock.

All of the competitors rushed into the maze at the same time. They were all frantically looking back and forth, attempting to navigate in the eerie arena. The Durmstrang team ran right into Ethan Genter, Mikayla Frick, and Connor Roisum, summoning snakes using the Serpensortia spell. They were nominated as roadblocks within the maze. The Durmstrang boys were incapable of warding off the abundance of snakes, and fell to the Slytherin spell masters. Next, the Beauxbatons ran into Nicole Bakken, Maddie Beck and Cheyanne Schueler who were all under the effects of Polyjuice Potion and were trying to distract the competitors from the Team Wizard cup. It ended up not working and the girls escaped. The Slytherin team stumbled upon Kurtis Bernier, Aaron Meyer, and Sam Hynek. The obstacle wizards were doing transfiguration spells on the competitors,

the norse star, may 2016


senior section

turning them into different animals trying to distract them and it worked, causing the team to fall behind. The Hufflepuffs were stopped by Julia Olson, Jon Klingenberg, and Meredith Melland, who were casting the wingardium leviosa spell on the wizards, stopping them dead in their tracks . . . well, air. The wizard roadblocks were stopped by four Hufflepuff wizards who had snuck into the maze in an attempt to help their team, Morgan Beck, Gracia Nauman, Brian Hinrichs and Lukas Christofferson succeeded in helping their teammates inch closer towards the Team Wizard cup. Bethany Buchwald and Dustin Hudson watched from their broomsticks above the maze hoping to get a better view. Noah Doll and Alex Morris used their wands to toss the floating wizards into the stands with everybody else, fearing that they were trying to cheat for their team. As the competition became more and more intense, Leah Olson began announcing play by plays over the loudspeakers for all to hear. Brianna Andreas, Katie Dinges, and Savannah Kopf were convinced that their team would win and were already ready for the celebratory banquet. As both Slytherin and Beauxbatons were neck and neck for the win, the audience became silent with anticipation. In a split second a green light jolted from the sky and the maze vanished. Natalie Breon and Christina Hardin stared at each other in amazement, confused as to what just

the norse star, may 2016

happened. Clayton Custer, Atticus Rust and Brennan Rust were shouting, angry that their team’s title had just been robbed from them. Stefan Butterbrodt and Malik Mitchell thought it was some kind of joke. Joe Mullen ran to find Dumbledore to try to figure out what had happened. “You’ve got to be kidding,” said Kaela Lyon to Kristina DeRose, “I was really looking forward to that feast.” Zach Dalsoren, Austin Debroux, and James Edgington started to find their way out of the stadium, starting to fear that maybe this had something to do with ‘You Know Who’. All of the commotion began to spiral more and more out of

control. Some were angry, some confused, and some frightened. Samara Ferrell and Megan Fisher were given orders by the professors to do their best to try and help calm the crowd down. Michelle Johnston and Skyler Klawitter cleared the path as Dumbledore and Kruse soared in on their hippogriffs. “I have an announcement,” Dumbledore’s loud voice boomed throughout the stadium. “What the heck is going on?” shouted Albion Misini and Kujitim Misini in unison. “Yea, is there even a winner now?” asked Jordyn Maurer. “Calm down, he’ll tell us,” said Courtney Moll. “Yes, please let me announce,”Dumbledore stated. Now another jolt came from the sky, this one much larger, shaking the stadium with its ferocity. “Syke!” shouted Dumbledore. Then, in an instant, every single wizard woke up in their bed, confused as ever. All of the students got up, dressed and headed to the banquet hall, wearing foggy and perplexed expressions. There was a loud murmur throughout the hall, everybody discussing the events of the exact same dream they had all had that night. It was silent, until . . .

“Got ‘eeem,” screamed Rachel DelPizzo. “We got you guys good,” said Mallory Giesen. “Wait, what did you do?” asked Sam Sargee. Colin Munz and Jesse Mowery were still too tired to figure out what was happening, while Jack Nelson and Nathan Varese were too focused on the delicious breakfast to worry about a strange dream. “Wait, this wasn’t occlumency was it?” asked Sam Neumeyer.

In fact, it was occlumency and had been cast upon all of the seventh years -- the whole tournament was a dream. It was the best seventh year prank in Hogwarts history. After a breakfast full of laughs and a feast, Dumbledore and Mr. Kruse walked into the hall. They announced the plans for a Hogwarts Summer Camp, and, you guessed it, a Team Wizard Tournament.

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senior plans Julia Olson Sports Editor

Tia Sundby - LaCrosse Bailey Vance - LaCrosse Mikayla Frick - LaCrosse WISCONSIN Gabe Ross - LaCrosse Eva Anderson - Madison Josie Talbert - LaCrosse Brian Hinrichs - Madison Alex Asleson - LaCrosse Stefan Butterbrodt - Madison Taylor Evenson - LaCrosse Nicole Bakken - Madison Isaac Eugster - LaCrosse Coley Lankey - Madison Kim Thompson - LaCrosse Kaia Moe - Madison Holly Brickson - LaCrosse Maren Gryttenholm - Madison Key Cook - LaCrosse AJ Rust - Madison Max Ferguson - Platteville Emma Crowley - Madison Alex Morris - Platteville Adam Krumholz - Madison Jack Lonnebotn - Platteville Emma Olstad - Madison Austin Nowicki - Platteville Mary Claire Mancl - Madison Lukas Christofferson - Platteville Clayton Custer - Madison Kyle Krabbe - Platteville Ian Sutton - Madison Tyler DeWitt - Platteville Jakob Benson - Madison Mitch Linnerud - Platteville Kurtis Bernier - Madison Gabby Saunders - Platteville Jack Buckles - Madison Sam White - Platteville Savannah Kopf - MATC Nathan Varese - Platteville Megan Boettcher - MATC Noah Doll - Platteville Carrie Aide - MATC Buck Krueger - Whitewater Samara Ferrell - MATC Parker Kruckenberg - Whitewater Skyler Klawitter - MATC Agron Heta - Whitewater Marissa Schimelpfenig - MATC Courtney Moll - Whitewater Malik Mitchell - MATC Josie Zientek - Whitewater Emma Waldorf - MATC Braeden Coleman - Whitewater James Edgington - MATC Scott Boland - Whitewater Hunter Brekke - MATC Kelly Cowan - Stevens Point Jaci Kreitling - MATC Athena Gates - Stevens Point Lucas Mohr - MATC Makaya Roberson - Stevens Point Kiley Fluckiger - MATC Gracia Nauman - Stevens Point Nick Woodstock - MATC Jordyn Maurer - Stevens Point Hannah Christopher - MATC Sammy Tepp - Stevens Point Morgan Beck - MATC Rocky France - Stevens Point Gabby Eith - MATC Brody Trainor - Stevens Point Erik Haried - MATC Rose Thao- Milwaukee Aaron Meyer - MATC Allison Beebe - Milwaukee Calvin Vincent - MATC Victoria Griffin - Milwaukee Ian Trautman - MATC Shaylee Kooima - Milwaukee Jeremiah Jimenez - MATC Cullen McCloskey - Milwaukee Tyler Stormont - MATC Kyle Zeimet - Milwaukee Brock McLain - MATC Kyle Wilkinson - Milwaukee Austin Sobojinski - MATC Erik Herman - Milwaukee Zana Swangstu - MATC Sam Dirks - Milwaukee Rachel Moore - MATC Levi Robbins - Milwaukee Teonvia Mahlum - MATC Alex Smith - Milwaukee Dustin Hudson - MATC Chandler Hougan - Milwaukee Institute Connor Schlegel - MATC of Art and Design Amber Brantmeyer - MATC Kelsey Christianson - Milwaukee Amiel Flocca - MATC Institute of Art and Design Sean Shanahan - MATC Brianna Andreas - Oshkosh Kujitim Misini - MATC Tommy McGlynn- Oshkosh Albion Misini - MATC Joe Jensen - Oshkosh CassyJo LaVanway - MATC Aaron Harring-Spoerl - Oshkosh Kelly Tribune - MATC Katie Dinges - Oshkosh Bethany Buchwald - MATC Grayson Cline - Green Bay Brooke Lease - MATC Haven Polich- Green Bay Tristin Heisig - MATC Mallory Giesen - Green Bay Linda Heta - MATC Noah Krumenauer - Green Bay Peter Jorgenson - Madison Media Maddie Halverson - Green Bay Institute Britney France - Edgewood Dylon Webb - Madison Media Institute Arianna Ebert-Standard - Edgewood Austin Triggs - Madison Media Institute Raven Poirier - Carthage Gunnar Goetz - Carthage

Andrew Beszhak - Carthage Bailey Jerrick - Ripon College Rhiannon Offerdahl - Ripon College Sam Hynek - Eau Claire Lydia Gruben - Eau Claire Jesse Mowery- Southwest Tech Erik Skavlen - Southwest Tech Colin Koratko - Stout Erin Boettcher - Viterbo Austin DeBroux - Blackhawk Tech Alex Golbach - UW Parkside Patty Salisbury - UW Richland Natalie Breon - UW River Falls Maddie Beck - Marquette University Julia Schoenthal - Beloit College Ben Stefanic - Carroll University Austin Sherwood - Nicolet Area Technical College Brittany Sturm - Aveda Institute Hailey Seils - Regency Beauty Institute-Madison Eric Woods - Lakeland College Erik Stensaas - Northland College

ALABAMA

Josh Hitchcock - Auburn University

CALIFORNIA

Lon Tremain-Woodcock - Los Angeles Valley College

COLORADO

Trevor Pope - Colorado University-Boulder Sam Sargee - University of Denver

FLORIDA

Sam Hanson - Master Tattoo Institute Harrison Flesher - Full Sail University

GEORGIA

Kaycee Peterson - Savannah College of Art and Design

ILLINOIS

Jack Nelson - Aurora University Tommy Tobias - Illinois State University Joseph Skotzke - Illinois State University Meredith Melland - DePaul University Megan Fisher - Illinois Central College Ben Amera - Blackhawk College

INDIANA

Brennan Rust - Valparaiso University

IOWA

Jenna Gardner - University of Iowa Kai Le Becker - University of Iowa Jacob Groleau - Loras College Jon Klingenberg - Drake University Connor Roisum - Luther College

KANSAS

Maddy Brown - University of Kansas

MICHIGAN

Hannah Hobson - Michigan Tech


MINNESOTA Risi Eddy - Twin Cities Chandler Hellenbrand - Twin Cities Hannah Wood - Twin Cities Katy Reilly - Twin Cities Joseph Mullen - Twin Cities Matt Wagner - Twin Cities Rachel DelPizzo - Twin Cities Gianna Dyer - Winona State Stephanie Hite - Winona State Austin Kotlowski - Winona State Drew Bellefeuille - Winona State Shelby Orcutt - St. Cloud State Collin Kraus - St. Cloud State Erik Hansen - Carleton College Spencer Weeden - Carleton College Leah Olson - Minnesota State University Mankato Peter Janda - Dunwoody College of Technology Gage White - University of Northwestern-St. Paul Jake Kissling - Hamline University

art by joshu a bau sch

MISSISSIPPI

WORK FORCE

Zach Kirby - Mississippi State University

MISSOURI

Ethan Genter - Washington University in St. Louis

GAP YEAR

Thu McKenzie Lily Bleiler Cassandra Babcock - New Mexico State University Zach Dalsoren - MATC Andrey Duckert - MATC NEW YORK Sam Neumeyer - MATC Josie Silbaugh - CUNY John Jay College Sam Michel - Florida State Sophie Pitney - CUNY John Jay College Christina Hardin - Whitewater Liz Auby - Colgate University Ed Zeichert - Oshkosh Michael Gerber - West Point Military Academy Cheyanne Schuler - Mid-State Technical College

NEW MEXICO

NORTH CAROLINA

James Browning - Appalachian State University

OHIO

Elle Stokes - Miami University Phillip Olson - Kent State University

OREGON

Julia Olson - University of Oregon Kaela Lyon - Phagans School of Hair Design

PENNSYLVANIA

Brandon Lamberty - Temple University

WORLD AID

Mandi Anderson - FEMA Corps - Southern Region Mitchell Ace - Peace Corps - Southwest Asia

Ethan Olson Jack Anderson Kyle Freeman Jon Moody Skylar Braaten Michael Swenson Dane Jensen Devin Hahn Cameron Hauger Courtney Smith Brett Deck Aaron Rinden Dylan Childs Alex Prak J Lee Hanson

OTHER

Max Quale Brooke Jensen MILITARY Halle Hack Josh Burmeister - Army National Guard Trevon Halverson-Williams - Army National Guard Nicole Young Kendra Miller Brady Anderson - US ARMY Adam Austin Branden Vitense - US ARMY Kristina DeRose Collin Munz - US NAVY Malik Johnson Colton Sherven - Marine Corps Zakari Lynn Josh Schires - Marine Corps Austin Moore Jonathan Yeadon - Air Force Alex Ripkey


senior section

our date at dotty dumpling’s dowry

By Rachel DelPizzo

Supreme Editor of Opinions

I

t was a warm windy evening in May. It could have been any day, but it wasn’t. It was senior night for The Norse Star staff, and I was accompanied by all the other senior staffers. Except for Mikayla, who sucks. Our destination was Madison (predictably). The establishment we had in mind? One Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry. Our visit would be prefaced by a small sign, informing us that there were, in fact, no dumplings to be found within. Not in any way deterred, we entered into the dimly lit, but still visually exciting restaurant. Our party of more than 10 people was seated in two roomy booths and was waited on by a polite and laid-back waitress. We were treated to a decent menu of reasonably priced,

photos by rachel delpizzo

quality pub food, ranging from tasty classics to unique concoctions. Furthermore, the menu offered a great variety of cool and unique drinks. The staff ordered a variety of foods, predominantly delicious burgers and savory sandwiches. The flavor was full and rich. Truly notable were the amazing fries, which we all enjoyed. Another ‘fan favorite’ of our visit had to be the mac ‘n cheese wedges-all the joy and glory of the cheesy dish, in a spectacular bite-sized snack with a crunch to it. The service was pleasantly quick, considering the busy and bustling environment of this busy borough of our beloved Madison. The environment in Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry was

just about as great as the food. With a collegiately-themed interior, plenty of Madison memorabilia, interesting art, and a fun ‘Sconny vibe, the large restaurant made us feel cozy and right at home. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry is pretty much the perfect place if you’re just tryna chill and chow down. Our final food review was a perfect ending to a great year in so many ways. In addition to being a fun and fulfilling night, the events leading up to our grand night out were unsurprisingly chaotic. In fact, our initial plan was to review a venue that was quite different than the delightful burger restaurant. In short, that didn’t work out, and the ensuing events were nothing

short of anarchy. I couldn’t help but see the confusing planning, conflicting calendars and changing plans as an amusing parallel to the nature of The Norse Star. As a matter of fact, between changing venues, bad timing, and forgotten cameras, the review could have been a disaster, but somehow, against all odds, we made it work, and the journey was hectic, dynamic, silly, and fun, not unlike us. Between the friendly service, great location, chill vibe, and great food, we give Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry four out of five stars. The jovial burger joint is located at 317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 5370.

The derpiest members of staff enjoy their meals. An antique print hangs on the wall in the Gunnar smolders knowingly at the camera, back. The man in the print bears a striking having just inhaled a multitude of fries. resemblence to SHS senior Gabe Ross. 24

the norse star, may 2016



art by ser en pe lle tt

entertainment

“I slept over on Main Street. . . there were a lot of drunk people and we stayed up till two a.m. terrified of the drunk people shouting.” -Bailey Jerrick (12)

What is your worst Syttende Mai memory?

“Once I got hit in the head at the street dance when I was younger with a silly string can.” -Nick Swenson (9)

“Dropping two things of cheese curds on the sidewalk.” -Paige Sager (10)

“Marching.” -Nathan Moll (11)

“I tipped over in the canoe race and cut my foot on the bottom of the lake. And I lost the rug that was on the bottom of the boat. Which [my father] asked about later. Then we finished third in the women's division, but we lost our number that was on the outside of the boat, so we were disqualified.” -Aubrey Killian (9)

By Kira Fields Staff Writer

“My friend almost got arrested.” -Helena Pope (10)

“I tripped over one of those barrier things.” -Maddie Weldon (10)

“Almost tripping over a child during the Syttende Mai race.” -Natalie Kratz (9)

photos by bergen gardner

“The canoe race, almost freezing to death... wearing a speedo and a tanktop.” -Chase Millam (10)

“I was watching the canoe race--I'm pretty sure I was seven--and then I got pushed into the water and my mom started freaking out . . . my dad started yelling at her. And then I was saved by a shirtless man.” -Isaac Eugster (12)

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“I was in the canoe race . . . I wore a big afro wig and everyone thought I was my brother.” -Clea Roe (11)

“I stepped on a fart bomb, and it went up my leg.” -Cameron Babcock (10)

“Last year, me and Sam Wahlin were doing the canoe race, and this lady helped her little kid portage the canoe . . . we didn’t slow down and hit her with the canoe.” -Garrett Herbst (9)

the norse star, may 2016






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