March Issue 2022 by LHS Statesman

STATESMAN

ISSUE ISSUE NO. NO. 55 : 2022 : 2022

MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

THE THE MARCH MARCH ISSUE ISSUE

COVER COVER

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GUNNAR GUNNARTHE THE STRUMMER STRUMMER veronica veronicaiseminger iseminger pg. pg.1313

BLACKHISTORY HISTORY BLACK MONTH MONTH joybilal bilal joy pg.3030 pg.

SPORTS SPORTS

PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES

CHEERINGTHROUGH THROUGH CHEERING THEYEARS: YEARS:UNIFORM UNIFORM THE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT lydianelson nelson lydia pg.4444 pg.

LHSBRAZIES BRAZIES LHS GROUPME GROUPME ellenmerkley merkley ellen pg.4848 pg.

NEWS NEWS

FEATUREs FEATUREs

THE THEDESIGNS DESIGNSTHEY THEYARE ARE A-CHANGIN’ A-CHANGIN’ daniel danielbethke bethke pg. pg.4 4

MY MYCLASSROOM CLASSROOM WITH WITH MS. MS.BRUNMAIER BRUNMAIER olivia oliviabrost brost pg. pg.1616

ARTWORK ARTWORK BY BY ANNA ANNA ENGELS ENGELS

Women’s History Month: women’s History through the years katie jensen

contents FEATURES

Energy drinks: invigorating to deBILITATING fisher meyerink

March ISSUE SPORTS 44

cheering through the years: uniform development lydia nelson

The ins and outs of Grub Club The designs they are a-changin’ lucas hiatt daniel bethke

37 46

Amazon dupesout for Who to look adrienne revier hannah cisar

10 5

The secret life of a wallflower statesbuds: burger battle 2022 margaret ann mickelberg leighton feltman

terrible 2s 39 COVID’s PERSPECTIVES emma forster

13 6 15

Gunnar the stRummer Women’s History Month: women’s History veronica iseminger through the years katie jensen Superior schedules

47 42

A different kind of pandemicto deBILITATING Energy drinks: invigorating clare heupel fisher meyerink

kate tollinger

LHS Brazies GroupMe ellen merkley

SPORTS

49 44

Best of the Brazies cheering through the years: laura heckenlaible uniform development lydiatoxicity nelson of the clothing industry the emma southwick Who to look out for hannah cisar

the mysterious Moth brooks houwman

News

ENTERTAINMENT CONT.

FEATURES my classroom with ms. Brunmaier

16 8 18 9

the mysterious Moth olivia brost brooks houwman brooklyn tennant: The trials and rewards of The ins and outs of Grub Club motherhood lucas hiatt anna anderson

10 20

The secret offour a wallflower Two seniors’life next years margaret ann mickelberg chloe houwman

13 22

Gunnar thedestinations stRummer and their stories volunteer veronica iseminger daisy larson

15 25

Superior schedules The LHS traffic jammer kate tollinger raina marty

16 26

my classroom ms.the Brunmaier On the other with side of lens olivia brost morgan sandness

18 28 29 20

brooklyn tennant:acquiring The trials and rewards of mr. Noordermeer: the love OF music motherhood vanessa timat anna anderson Meet the Office Two seniors’ elana bishop next four years chloe houwman

volunteer destinations and their stories daisy larson

The LHS traffic jammer raina marty

On the other side of the lens morgan sandness

mr. Noordermeer: acquiring the love OF music vanessa timat

Meet the Office elana bishop

Statesbuds: Pizza Edition henry haft & caleb hiatt

50 46

S t a t e PERSPECTIVES sman

ENTERTAINMENT 30

BLack History Month joy bilal

What’s Left? jada sandvall

Guess that teacher avery nelson

40 35

Statesbuds: Pizza Edition making your way to minimalism henry haft & caleb hiatt baily randall

ENTERTAINMENT 30

BLack History Month joy bilal

What’s Left? jada sandvall

Guess that teacher avery nelson

making your way to minimalism baily randall

PAPER EDITORS-IN-CHIEF - Anna Engels, Chloe Houwman & Adyson Sand A different kind of pandemic ONLINE EDITORS-IN CHIEF - Daniel Bethke & Kate McCartney clare heupel FEATURE EDITORS - Hannah Cisar & Jada Sandvall ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS - Baily Randall & Taylor Schmitz LHS Brazies GroupMe PERSPECTIVES EDITORS - Olivia Brost, Margaret Ann Mickelberg & Morgan Sandness ellen merkley SPORTS EDITORS - Gage Gohl & Caleb Hiatt NEWS EDITORS - Emma Forster & Kate Tollinger Best of the Brazies SATIRE EDITOR - Henry Haft laura heckenlaible STAFF WRITERS - Anna Anderson, Joy Bilal, Elana Bishop, Sarah Bomhoff, Claire Brown, Reese Duncan, Bella Engebretson,

47 48 49

Carter Ericson, Ashleigh Ericson, Leighton Feltman, Paige Gordon, Delaneythe Gramlick, Laura Clare Heupel, Lucas toxicity of Heckenlaible, the clothing industry Hiatt, Brooks Houwman, Veronica Iseminger, Katie Jensen, Allison Kolling, Daisy Larson, Raina Marty, Kate Matthes, Gabie emma southwick McConnell, Ellen Merkley, Fisher Meyerink, Avery Nelson, Lydia Nelson, Adrienne Revier, Lydia Sarbacker, Emma Southwick, Mara Tiede, Vanessa Timat, Kate Tollinger, Thompson Wakefield, Ariahna Wells, Samantha Zeeck

ADVISER - Katie Kroeze

Statesman

PAPER EDITORS-IN-CHIEF - Anna Engels, Chloe Houwman & Adyson Sand ONLINE EDITORS-IN CHIEF - Daniel Bethke & Kate McCartney FEATURE EDITORS - Hannah Cisar & Jada Sandvall ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS - Baily Randall & Taylor Schmitz PERSPECTIVES EDITORS - Olivia Brost, Margaret Ann Mickelberg & Morgan Sandness SPORTS EDITORS - Gage Gohl & Caleb Hiatt NEWS EDITORS - Emma Forster & Kate Tollinger SATIRE EDITOR - Henry Haft STAFF WRITERS - Anna Anderson, Joy Bilal, Elana Bishop, Sarah Bomhoff, Claire Brown, Reese Duncan, Bella Engebretson,

Carter Ericson, Ashleigh Ericson, Leighton Feltman, Paige Gordon, Delaney Gramlick, Laura Heckenlaible, Clare Heupel, Lucas Hiatt, Brooks Houwman, Veronica Iseminger, Katie Jensen, Allison Kolling, Daisy Larson, Raina Marty, Kate Matthes, Gabie McConnell, Ellen Merkley, Fisher Meyerink, Avery Nelson, Lydia Nelson, Adrienne Revier, Lydia Sarbacker, Emma Southwick, Mara Tiede, Vanessa Timat, Kate Tollinger, Thompson Wakefield, Ariahna Wells, Samantha Zeeck

ADVISER - Katie Kroeze

STATESBUDS: BURGER BATTLE 2022 by

DANIEL BETHKE

LHS students are by no means strangers to copious amounts of traffic, be it in the school’s hallways or its parking lots. Recently, however, the school and the city of Sioux Falls have initiated designs to ameliorate the latter issue. In 2020, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducted an I-229 Major Investment Study (MIS), which determined and prioritized the needs for the entire I-229 Corridor. Among its findings was the necessity of updating the I-229 Cliff Ave. interchange. The chief change may seem minor but will have significant effects; soon, I-229’s exit 4 at Cliff Ave., adjacent to LHS, will be reconstructed from its outdated 50-year-old current form. By lowering the ramp slope (thereby reducing the chance of a rollover) and shifting the interchanges to single-point diamond shapes, the city will better adhere to modern design standards. Similarly, by

the Cliff Ave. corridor with connections made to the existing bike trail on both sides of Cliff Ave.,” said South Dakota Department of Transportation Planning Squad Leader Steve Gramm. “Residents west of Cliff Ave. will no longer need to cross [the street] to access the bike trail system via a sidewalk.” By far the most significant change for LHS students concerns the southern entrance’s parking situation. The southernmost LHS driveway and parking access will be shifted slightly north so it can be controlled by a traffic signal. Simultaneously, the Cliff Ave. and 41st St. intersection will be shifted, making the LHS parking entrance the east leg of the new intersection. Potentially, this could increase the amount of parking in the southern lot, making entering and exiting the school a less difficult task. The final parking configuration, however, is still being discussed with Sioux Falls School District officials.

Leighton FeLtman

This year, a record 27 restaurants participated in the 2022 Downtown Burger Battle. This is the second record setting year in a row, with 24 restaurants participating in 2021. Since then, Boki European Street Food, M.B. Haskett, Monks Ale House and Remedy Brewing Company have joined the competition with Five Guys leaving the competition. Last year Papa Woody’s won the competition with their Uptowner Burger. Over 31,000 burgers were sold last year throughout the month of January. This is the 9th consecutive year that the downtown area has held their Burger Battle competition. This year it was sponsored by First Western Bank and Trust and featured the DTSF passport app for online voting. Throughout the month of January, the DTSF passport app featured a special Burger Battle voting area. Each burger was sold with a ticket that included a unique serial code used for the online voting. The burgers were scored on five categories: patty, bun, toppings, creativity and customer service. This year’s winner was from Chef Lance’s. The Tuscany Burger contained a half pound patty, with fontina cheese, genoa salami, basil pesto, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, a balsamic vinaigrette and garlic mayo served on a Breadsmith sundried tomato bun. Chef Lance’s sold over 1,800 burgers this year after coming in second place in the 2021 competition.

HERE ARE MY RATINGS: PATTY:

BUN:

TOPPINGS:

5/5

The masterminds at Chef Lance’s did a fantastic job at having a solid, full burger without having any elements completely overpower the burger. The fontina added a nice creamy flavor while still having a neutral aftertaste. The fresh heirloom tomatoes added a sweet acidic bitterness to the burger that helped cleanse any sort of aftertaste, making each bite taste just as good as the first. The arugula did not really add much to the flavor profile but when paired with the balsamic vinaigrette, it ensured that every bite was a full and satisfying experience. The basil pesto, oh man don’t even get me started on the basil pesto. This was hands down my favorite part of the burger.

5.25/5

I loved everything about this burger; however, it was not the only “Italy” themed burger with Bread and Circus having a similarly themed “When in Rome” burger. However, the addition of Chef Lance’s Tots on the side paired with sriracha ranch adds considerable creativity points in my book.

Chef Lance’s Tuscany Burger served with Siracha Ranch and Chef Lance’s Tots was voted as the best burger in the Sioux Falls 2022 Burger Battle.

DTSF Burger Battle website

DANIEL BETHKE DESIGN GROUP, INC.

DESIGN BY PHOTOS PROVIDED BY INFRASTRUCTURE

4.75/5

With a half-pound patty, it is crucial to make sure that the bun provided a solid foundation to keep this burger all together, and it did. The Breadsmith sundried tomato bun was a fantastic choice for this burger. The bread was nice and airy while still providing a semi-solid foundation for the rest of this beauty to sit on. I enjoyed this bun; however, my burger was slightly flimsy when it was time to eat. I will blame this on the transit time back home.

CREATIVITY:

reconstructing the street and widening lanes, Sioux Falls hopes to “While the majority of this work will likely occur in the summer diminish the congestion issues that occur after 3:15. Those traveling months when school isn’t in session, the time necessary to construct north on Cliff Ave. will have an individual ramp to turn left, rather this amount of arterial street (plus the utilities underneath) will more than simply turning onto I-229 at the stoplight and potentially than likely overlap some of the school year,” said Gramm. slowing down parallel traffic. This will make exiting LHS far easier. Doubtlessly, traffic will increase during intersection and ramp he For pedestrians, the southbound Cliff Ave. sidewalk will expand construction, which is expected to extend in phases past 2025. to 10 feet on both sides and connect to Spencer Park as per the city’s Nevertheless, both LHS and the ever-expanding city it calls home g ot request. will yield unparalleled benefits upon completion. d “This should all provide better pedestrian accommodations along

5/5

A half pound patty sounds overwhelming at first but trust me, this burger is so good you will finish the whole thing. My burger was cooked at a perfect medium-medium rare; fully cooked but definitely not dry. I am also going to include the salami in this category as it is the only other meat on this burger. I personally love the salami component to this burger. The salami adds a slight peppery level to the flavor profile of this burger without being overwhelming.

design by Leighton FeLtman photo by Leighton FeLtman

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

5/5

My customer service experience was honestly as expected for the best burger of burger battle. I tried to order take-out on my way after school, but the lines were full, an already solid sign. When I got to Chef Lance’s, I was pleasantly greeted by my host who directed me to the counter to take a seat. I was told the burger was going to be a 45-minute wait, but I will wait as long as it takes for the best burger in town, and man it was worth it.

from them. This made her a motherhood at once, experience the target, but she continued to lack of women in positions of power Inez Milholland led the great woman fight for what was right. and many other disadvantages every suffrage parade down Pennsylvania Ave. K J in the nation’s capital. day. By celebrating Women’s History Month, not only are past events appreciated but future generations BY KATIE JENSEN Kamala Harris made history as the first of women shown what Marchare is is Women’s History female, Ruth first black first Asian-American BaderandGinsburg was the first Month, which is a celebration and U.S. Vice President. The first women’s The rights first women’s rights possible. commemoration of important conference conference organized by women; organized by women; Jewish woman and the second woman BY

ATIE ENSEN

the Seneca the Falls Convention Seneca is Falls Convention is milestones for women throughout held in Newheld York. The convention in Newhistory. York. The convention This month is dedicated passed 12 resolutions passed designed to12 resolutions designed to to honoring the often-overlooked gain certaingain rights and privileges certain rights and privileges influential womenera who helped that womenthat of the era were women denied. of the were denied. shape the future. It is important to It served asIt the cornerstone served of the as the cor nerstone of the women’s suffrage women’s movement that suffrage movement that Malala Yousafzai was continue celebrating big milestones culminated culminated in the passage of the in the passage of theshot in the head by Taliban in women’s history because there 19th Amendment 19th in 1920. Amendment in 1920. terrorists in Pakistan for her are still milestones to complete; campaign for the education inequality and sexism are still very of girls. Malala fought for the much alive. Women still have to Pakistani women’s right for fight for equal pay, are expected free and complete education after the Taliban took it away to navigate their career and from them. This made her a motherhood at once, experience the target, but she continued to lack of womenled in positions of power Inez the g reat woman Inez Milholland led the greatMilholland woman fight for what was right. and many other disadvantages every down Pennsylvania Ave. suffrage suffrage parade down Pennsylvaniaparade Ave. in capital. the nation’s in the nation’s day. capital. By celebrating Women’s History

to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. During her time, she argued for over 300 gender discrimination cases and wrote notable majority opinions. Kamala Harris made history as theShe first also co-founded the Women’s Rights female, first black and first Asian-American U.S.Law ViceReporter, President.the first law journal in the U.S. to focus exclusively on women’s rights. She taught at Columbia Law School, where she became the first tenured woman and co-authored the first law school casebook on sex Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman and the second woman discrimination.

March is Women’s History fem Month, which is a celebration and U. commemoration of important milestones for women throughout history. This month is dedicated to honoring the often-overlooked influential women who helped shape the future. It is important to continue celebrating big milestones in women’s history because there are still milestones to complete; inequality and sexism are still very much alive. Women still have to fight for equal pay, are expected to navigate their career and motherhood at once, experience the lack of women in positions of power and many other disadvantages every day. By celebrating Women’s History Month, not only are past events appreciated but future generations of women are shown what is possible.

The 19th amendment became law. It is a misconception that this was when all women got the right to vote; this is not true. Many women, especially black women, had to continue fighting for March is Women’s History years in order to get this right. It took over 45 yearsMonth, which is a celebration and The first women’s rights after the 19th Amendment was passed for all womencommemoration of important conference organized by women; to earn voting rights. This points out that it is not the Seneca Falls Convention is only important to recognize women’s history but milestones for women throughout held in New York. The convention history. monthareispast dedicated particularly black women’s history. Month,This not only events passed 12 resolutions designed to but future generations toofappreciated honoring the often-overlooked women are shown what is gain certain rights and privileges possible. influential women who helped to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. that women of the era were denied. During her argued The 19thThe amendment 19th became law. It isamendment a became law . time, It she is afor over gender discrimination cases andgot the this future. It was is important to 300 this was when misconception that when all women Itmisconception served as the that cornerstone of theall women gotshape notable majority opinions. She thethe right to vote; this is not true. Manyvote; women, right to this is not true. wrote Many women, also co-founded the Women’s Rights especially black women, had to fightingcontinue forwomen, especially black to continue fighting for women’s suffrage movement thatcontinue celebrating had big milestones Yousafzai was Reporter,Malala theover first law journal years in order to getin this right. It took over 45to years get this right. ItLaw years order took 45 years in the U.S. to focus on women after the 19th Amendment passed for all women after the 19th Amendment was passed for culminated in the passage ofwasthe shotthat inShe theexclusively head all byit Taliban in women’s history becausepoints there women’s rights. taught at Columbia to earn rights.n Thisvoting points out that it is not tovoting ear rights. This out is not Law School, where she became the but only important toin recognize only important history 19th Amendment 1920. women’s history but to recognize women’s terrorists Pakistan for her first.tenured woman in and co-authored particularly black women’s history. particularly black history are stillwomen’s milestones to complete; the first law school casebook on sex campaign for the education discrimination. Black seamstress Rosa Parksand sexism are still veryThe Voting inequality Act ofof girls. Malala fought for the refused to give up her seat to a white much alive. Women still have to1965 allowed the 19thPakistani women’s right for man on a bus in Montgomery, AL. amendment to become aand complete education fight for equal pay, are expected free Rosa Parks Black seamstress Rosa Parks This wasBlack oneseamstress of the most influential The Voting Act of reality to millions19th ofafter black refused to give up her seat to a white to give up her seat to a white 1965 allowed therefused the Taliban took away in Montgomery, AL. to navigate their career and man on a bus in Montgomery, AL. man on a itbus moves that helped launch the Civil amendment to become a women, granting them This was one of the most influential one of the most influential reality to millionsThis of from blackthem. was This made her a helped launch the Civil moves that helped launch the Civil moves that Rights Movement. motherhood at once, experience the women, granting them the right to vote. DESIGN BY S ARAH B OMHOFF Rights Movement. Movement. 6 6 the right to vote.Rights target, but she continued to lack of women in positions of power Inez Milholland led the great woman fight for what was right.

DESIGN BY

SARAH BOMHOFF

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t h e MOTH M M YY SS T TE ER R II O OU U SS

by Lucas Hiatt Clubs at LHS are a way for students with unique interests to get involved in their school. LHS’s brand new Grub Club has brought food lovers from across the BY BROOKS HOUWMAN Foster uses eyeliner to outline their school together in a and potluck style BY BROOKS Foster uses eyeliner to outline their Teenagers areHOUWMAN judgmental. Within eyebrows for lipstick. They then Teenagers are judgmental. Within eyebrows and for lipstick. They gathering. seconds they immediately assume they finally put on their fake eyelashes. then The secondssomeone they immediately assume they finally put onand their fake eyelashes. The know based onClub their clothes, gothic style dramatic makeup that Grub meets once a month know someone they basedare on in, their clothes, gothic style are andbased dramatic makeup that what activities who their Foster uses on many of their what activities they are in, who their Foster uses are based on many of their with the purpose of simply getting friends are and maybe something as role models growing up. They based their friends andposture. maybe While something as role models growing up. They based theireat simple asaretheir passing style on people like The Hexand Girls from students together to bring simple posture. style on peopleDraculaura like The Hex from peers inas thetheir hall or hearingWhile from apassing friend, “Scooby-Doo,” fromGirls “Monster as much food as High” possible. Most peers in the hall or hearing from made a friend, “Scooby-Doo,” Draculaura “Monster teenagers can have their minds up and Lydia Detz fromfrom “Beetlejuice.” teenagers can have their minds made up High” and Lydia Detz from “Beetlejuice.” clubs areBeing a stared reason students about a person instantly. at Thesefor characters influenced Foster’s style,with about a person instantly.does Being at These characters influencedtheir Foster’s style, or specific hearing that someone notstared care for but what really grabbed attention and similar interests to get or hearing that someone does not care for but what grabbed their attention you based on how you present yourself or was Gwenreally from the cartoon series “Total together and talk or do something you based on howwith you peers present yourself was Gwen from the cartoon series “Total past experiences feels awful. or Drama Island.” past experiences with peers feels awful. Drama Island.” At LHS, there are a variety of “I relate to the goth girl on the show associated with the interest. So, At LHS, there arestereotypical a variety of “I relate the gothwegirl on the extremes ranging from to named Gwentobecause dress the show same with this club appealing to extremes ranging from stereotypical to being named because we dressonthe same extraordinary. These unique people tend and we Gwen have the same opinions things,” extraordinary. These unique people tend and we have“Ithe same opinions onbeing things,” such a large audience and itto to be the most judged around school, said Foster. actually wanted look like to be purely the most judged around school, said Foster. wanted look like based on looks. Not because people Gwen when“IIactually was a little kid,toso I was so new to LHS, there has been a lot basedhad purely looks. or Notexperiences, because people Gwen when I was a little kid, so I was have badon run-ins but inspired by her.” of buzz around the school itto has have hadthey bad run-ins orknow experiences, but inspired her.” how Gwenas because think they everything Fosterby admired was able because they think they know everything Foster admired how Gwen was able to from one glance. dress gained popularity . how she wanted but did not fit the from one glance. dress how she but did fit the LHS freshman Moth Foster is stereotype that wanted goth people are not rude. friends talking about LHS “My freshman Moth Foster is were stereotype goth Foster people aredefies rude. definitely one of the most judged people Anotherthatway the definitely of the gothic most judged Another way defies the [Grub Club] asked if at LHS. one Wearing clothespeople andand stereotypical ‘goth’Foster personI is their at LHS. makeup Wearing gothicthem clothes stereotypical ‘goth’ person their dramatic separates from and the extracurricular activities. One isactivity wanted to join. I liked the idea of dramatic makeupstudents separates them fromLHS the extracurricular activities. run-of-the-mill who crowd that they love is horse riding.One activity [the club],” saidthatLHS junior run-of-the-mill students whoFoster crowdwants LHS they loveofis horse hallways. Appearing the way “Outside schoolriding. I actually and show hallways. Appearing the way Foster wants “Outside of school I actually show Grub attender Joe to frequent present themself definitely draws Club horses,” said Foster. “I have been riding to present themself definitely draws horses,”since said IFoster. “I have been riding attention. horses was seven and have loved Osmundson. attention. horses since I was seven and have loved “Slowly I started just showing up it ever since.” Club turnout has quite “Slowly I started just showing up it ever since.” to things all dolled up and yeah, people Besidesbeen riding horses, Foster tries toa to mixed things dolled up and yeah, people Besides riding Foster club tries to stared, butall I did not care,” said Foster. focus on their grades. bag as a result ofhorses, the stared, but I did saidtheir Foster. focus on their grades. Foster’s looknotiscare,” one of many After coming out, Foster decided they being so new and its little and Foster’s look one of their many After coming Foster decided characteristics, butis there is much more wanted to changeout, their name. They they had characteristics, but there is much more wanted to change their name. Theyabout had Grub Club’s to mediocre it. To achieve their look, organization. Foster first watched a video that had talked to it. To achieve their look, Foster first watched a names, video that had talked about starts by washing their face and then nonbinary and one had caught January meetingnonbinary of this year, starts by washing their face and then names, and one had caught moisturizing. their attention. for example, a good moisturizing. their attention. “I then put on a headband and puthad on “When I decided todeal come out, I of knew “I thensaid putFoster. on a headband and putasona up I decided to a primer,” “I use show concealer that“When Moth was going to come be myout, name,” said students with only aI knew select afoundation primer,” said Foster. “I already use concealer as a that Moth was going to be my name,” said because I am very pale, Foster. few who actually brought food. foundation because I am already very pale, Foster. so I feel as if buying foundation would be Contrary to others’ negative opinions, so I feel as if buying foundation would be Contrary others’ negativeAs opinions, However, earlierFoster this school year, a waste of money.” loved to the name “Moth.” people a waste of money.” Foster loved the name “Moth.” As people Next, Foster uses black eyeshadowfirst as passmeeting Foster in the hall they stare, yet Grub Club’s brought Next,for Foster black eyeshadow as pass Foster in care. the hall they stare, yet contour their uses cheekbones and jaw and Foster does not tons of excited students who contour for their cheekbones and jaw and Foster doesdo notnot care. begins their eyeliner. “People always understand the begins their eyeliner. do always understand “Honestly, bigger eyeliner is actually than way“People I dress. Is not it worth it though? For the me to brought more enough food “Honestly, bigger eyeliner is actually way Isaid dress. Is it worth itdressing though?like Forthis, me so the much easier than smaller eyeliner,” said it is,” Foster. “I love meeting. so much easier than smaller eyeliner,” said it is,” said Foster. “I love dressing like this, Foster. “The bigger space leaves less room and I would not change anything for the Foster. “The bigger space leaves less room and I would not changehad anything for the “Our first meeting we too for mistakes.” world.” formuch mistakes.” food…[in world.” the January meeting] we had almost no grub.

by byLucas LucasHiatt Hiatt Clubs ClubsatatLHS LHSare areaaway wayfor for The last couple of [meetings] have students with students withunique uniqueinterests interests been last minute…so we’re trying totoget school. getinvolved involvedinintheir their school. to organize who brings what,” said LHS’s brand new Club LHS’s brand newGrub Grub Club has has LHS physics teacherby and Grub Club Lucas Hiatt brought food lovers from across the brought food lovers from across the advisor Brian Bechard. Clubs at LHSisare way forstyle school together potluck style school together ininto aaapotluck The purpose of the club gathering. gathering. bring food and eat food, but theinterests students with unique Grub Clubmeets meetsonce onceaamonth month Grub Club overall vibe of the club meetings to get involved in their school. with the purpose of simply getting with the purpose of simply getting is just a hangout for students to go students together to bringand and eat students together to bring to. Each meeting has had lots of LHS’s brand new Grub Club haseat as much food as possible. Most food as possible. students show up so as ifmuch there was Most no brought food lovers from across the clubs are a reason for students with clubs are a reason for students food at the meetings, the fun energywith specific andsimilar similarinterests interests to get get specific and to from the club alone is a together reason to style school in a potluck togetherand andtalk talkor ordo dosomething something together attend. gathering. associated with the interest. So, with the interest. “Hopefully we can associated get people to So, withthis thisclub clubbeing beingappealing appealing to to Grub meets once bring more food, butwith theClub point is a month such a large audience and it being such aIt’s large audience and it being to mostly get together. a good with the purpose of simply getting so new to LHS, there hasbeen been lot so new to LHS, there has aa lot opportunity to get out and meet of buzz around the school as it has of buzz around as iteat has students togetherthetoschool bring and some new people,” said Bechard. gained popularity. gained popularity. Despite all these organization as much food aswere possible. Most “Myfriends friends were talking about “My talking about problems and the lukewarm [GrubClub] andasked askedifif II [Grub and areClub] a reason for students with turnouts in terms ofclubs food, there wanted to join. I liked theidea idea of of wanted to join. I liked the is still a lot to look forward to for specific and similar interests to get [theclub],” club],”said saidLHS LHSjunior junior and and [the the club’s future. The club plans to Joe frequent Grub Club attender frequent and Grub attender Joe together talkClub or do something organize and put together Osmundson.a group Osmundson. of people to bring food well asquite associated with the So, a Clubas turnout hasinterest. been Club turnout has been quite a set up a theme for each meeting. mixed bag as a result of the club with thisbagclub appealing to mixed as abeing result of the club This will help guarantee each being so that new and its little and being so newfood and its little meeting will have enough to such a largeorganization. audience and itand being mediocre organization. Grub Club’s mediocre Grub Club’s feed the members. The club planned January meeting of this year, sofornew tomeeting LHS, there has year, been a lot of this an international foodJanuary theme for example, had a good deal of for example, had a good deal ofhas ofstudents buzz and around schoolonly asto their February meeting plans show the up with aitselect students show up with only a select make themes for more few meetings. who actually brought food. gained popularity. who actually brought food. However, earlier this school year, For those looking few to join, the club However, earlier this school year, “My friends were talking about Grub Club’s first meeting brought is always open to new members. Grub Club’s firststudents meetingwho brought tons of excited They meet once a month during ad [Grub Club] and asked if I tons of excited students who moreA306. than enough food to room on club days in brought room brought food wanted tomore join. than I likedenough the idea of to the meeting. For any extra info about bringing the “Our meeting. first meeting we had too food or joining, ask the club [the club],” LHS junior “Our firstsaid meeting we had and too much food…[in the January founders Raina Marty and Bentley much food…[in the January frequent Grub Club attender Joe meeting] we had almost no grub. Hillman. BB B HH H meeting] we had almost no grub. B H M F DESIGN BY

ROOKS

OUWMAN

DESIGN BYBYROOKS ROOKS OUWMAN OUWMAN ARTWORK

BY ROOKS ARTWORK PHOTO PROVIDED BY PHOTO PROVIDED BY

OUWMAN OTH OSTER

MOTH FOSTER

Osmundson. Club turnout has been quite a

The [meetings] have have The last last couple of [meetings] been trying been last minute…so we’re trying to what,” said said to organize organize who brings what,” LHS Grub Club Club LHS physics teacher and Grub advisor advisor Brian Bechard. TheThe lastpurpose couple ofof [meetings] The the club is to tohave bring food and eat food, but the bring the been last minute…so we’re trying overall vibe of the club meetings overall meetings toisis organize who brings what,”totosaid just a hangout go just for students go to. Each Each meeting has had lots of to. ofClub LHS physics teacher and Grubwas students show up so if there students was no no advisor Brian Bechard. food at the meetings, the fun energy food energy from the club alone is a reason to meeting from reason to in Grub GrubClub’s Club’sfirst first meetingininJames JamesJarovski’s Jarovski’sroom room The purpose of the club is to Grub Club’s first meeting James Jarovski’s room earlier this school year. attend. earlier this school year. attend. earlier this school year. bring food andwe eatcan food, the toto “Hopefully we can get people “Hopefully getbut people bring more more food, but the point bring point is is overall vibegetoffood, thebut clubthemeetings to mostly together. It’s a good to mostly get together. It’s a good isopportunity just a hangout forout students to go opportunity to get get and to out and meet meet some new new people,” people,” said Bechard. some said Bechard. to. Each meeting has had lots of Despite all these organization Despite all these organization students up solukewarm if there was no problemsshow and the the problems and lukewarm turnouts in in terms terms of food, turnouts of the food, there food at the meetings, funthere energy is still a lot to look forward is still a lot to look forward to to for for from the club alone is a reason to the club’s future. The club plans the club’s future. The club plans to to Grub Club’s first meeting in James Jarovski’s room organize and put together a group earlier this school year. organize and put together a group attend. of people to bring food as well as of people to bring food as well as “Hopefully weforcaneach getmeeting. people to set up a theme set up a theme for each meeting. This will help guarantee that each bring morehelp food,guarantee but the point is This will that each meeting will have enough food to will have enough food to tomeeting mostly get together. good feed the members. The It’s cluba planned feed the members. The club planned an international food theme for opportunity to getfood outtheme and meet an international for their February meeting and plans to their February meeting and plans some people,” said meetings. Bechard. to makenew themes for more make themes for more meetings. For those looking to join, the club Despite alllooking these organization For those to join, the club is always open to new members. is always open to new members. problems andonce thealukewarm They meet month during ad They once a month room meet on club days in roomduring A306.ad turnouts in terms of food, there room on club days in room A306. For any extra info about bringing extra info about bringing isFor stillany a lot to look to for food or joining, askforward the club food or joining, ask the club founders Raina Marty and Bentley the club’s future. The club plans to DESIGN BY LUCAS HIATT founders Hillman. Raina Marty and Bentley PHOTO PROVIDED BYH RIATT AINA MARTY DESIGN BY LUCAS Hillman.and put togetherDESIGN organize a group BY LUCAS HIATTPHOTO PROVIDED BY RAINA MARTY PHOTO PROVIDED BY

of people to bring food as well as set up a theme for each meeting.

RAINA MARTY

9 9

very day, people are expected to present themselves loudly and clearly to anyone who is in their vicinity, on the internet or in “real life.” Newspapers, magazines and broadcasters are always featuring the booming voices of today, or the greatest and most influential people — to no fault of their own; those people certainly deserve recognition for the genuinely great things they do. However, the majority of the population are not the most popular in the world and they are not selling out stadium venues or presenting a lecture to entire nations. Honestly, most people do not even talk to more than one person at a time here and there and that is okay. Loud voices are often overpowering to an ear, but by using your eyes and heart, it is still possible to experience people’s quieter expression of themselves.

THE SECRET LIFE

OF A WALLFLOWER by

Margaret ann Mickelberg

LHS senior Jessica Flores considers herself one of those people. She defines herself as quiet — a wallflower type — and speaks to those who speak to her first. She was not always as such. “I know in my freshman friend group, I was a very loud person. As time went on, that part of myself wasn’t really needed anymore,” said Flores. “My friends and I didn’t have the same classes, or some transferred to different schools.” Just like many teenagers do over these short four years, Flores has matured as her life has changed and her relationships have grown and grown apart. “I [am not extroverted] anymore. I think the attention I would get from being that way drew me away,” said Flores. “Now, I don’t feel that I need to be loud because there are fewer people I feel obligated to entertain.” It is sometimes difficult, Flores thinks, to really get to know people at LHS as a senior because even though she has been here since freshman year, everyone has already found their group of conversation partners. She does not think that people confine themselves to a clique on purpose or because they

are rude or judgmental but rather that people are just more comfortable that way. Flores predicts that the clique atmosphere will go away as she gets older and goes to college because everyone is unfamiliar with each other while being more comfortable as individuals, and they are trying to expand their relationships. She sees many LHS students having tight friend circles, and though she sometimes wishes for one of her own, she enjoys being alone. Relationships and friendships are draining for people with more introverted tendencies like Flores, but that does not mean she is cold hearted. “I’m a kind person; I get along with people well, even if I don’t get close to them or talk that much,” said Flores. Flores plans on attending Madison Area Technical College for nursing. She hopes to make other people’s lives better in her future in a way that means the most to her: actions. “Helping other people and being able to connect to people on a more personal and emotional level is a big pull factor [of nursing] for me,” said Flores. Communication and presentation are not always

done best by speaking, as we all know but often forget to acknowledge. Sometimes voices are heard through movement, actions, art or music. “Singing can make anyone feel powerful. It does take more than just voice, though,” said Flores. Flores, though she does not consider herself religious, participates in a worship choir team. “Being on a worship team that can put their emotions into the music really helps [my expression],” said Flores. “I don’t think of the words I’m singing; I think of what I’m feeling because of the music. The emotions that can be evoked from voice and song transcends the words.” In the end, Flores does not rely on a resonant speaking voice to express her inner emotions and kindness for people. She connects most to people who take notice of her secret language. “I rely on emotions to express myself, not words,” said Flores. Flores seeks comfort in herself because, although she is not broadcasting herself constantly to everyone, she knows she is living her own truth. She and people like her

deserve to be highlighted just as much as an award-winning performer because they are the ones who most people can relate to. “Sometimes people just don’t really like to be talked to. Not because we’re mean or don’t like you, but sometimes silence is better for us,” said Flores. This world takes all types of people — loud, quiet and everywhere in the middle — but one trait is essential over any other: an ability to care for people and be yourself. Flores does just that in her own ways without words.

photos provided by Jessica

Flores

“I rely on emotions to express myself, not words.” design by

Margaret ann Mickelberg canva

artwork provided by

GUNNARG be playing guitar in this big basement that houses playing tunes on one of his nine guitars, Wilson all the family guitars at my grandpa’s house and I can be seen strolling down the hallways of LHS in a remember him playing ‘Wish You Were Here’ by classic old band-tee, his Beats headphones and a pair Pink Floyd a lot,” said Wilson. “On the other hand, of his many vans. But it is clear to anyone who has GUIDING QUESTIONS when I would be with my mom going to school I’d met Wilson that his appreciation for music goes far WHATjust AREhis THE MAIN be listening to rap galore. I remember hearing ‘My beyond clothing. GOALS & FOCUSES Name Is’ by Eminem for the first time on the way to “To music is theOFmost meaningful and FORme, THE FUTURE [ORGANIZATION]? Daisy Larson school in kindergarten so that is how my love of rap important way of expressing yourself,”bysaid Wilson. Sioux Falls is a city of many opportunities. Despite where most of us feel we stand, music alsomany started. Twoorganizations parents, twothatgenres.” “MyVreason loving music is because thereno is other always a place in one of the volunteer our city holds. It is WHATfor ARE SOME BY ERONICA ISEMINGER understandable that going to a place to help people who are strangers to you is scary. But there OF THE BIGGEST Introduced to both sidesvolunteer of the hours. spectrum of music art form can give me goosebumps, shiver or benefits make to helping those are more in need than just the Breaking down the CHALLENGES YOU FACE unnar Wilson is a 17-year-oldstigma LHS of senior the unknown is prominent in building up a stronger community amongst EVERY DAY? Paintings, HOW DO drawings, photographs and harmonies, Wilson was able to find a deeper all of us. me emotional. and musical artist. His friends describe him as A few places that are great to start at are the St. Francis House, The Banquet and the Boys and YOU MANAGE THEM? Girls IClub of the Sioux Empire. Here are of the our city meaning forsome artists thanorganization just a goodleaders beatthat andmove rhythm. passionate, type, charismatic just cannot adoglass-half-full it for me. However, when hear forward in hopes of inspiring the future of our youth. and carefree, butWOULD he is most well-known for his WHAT ADVICE While becoming more engrossed in the music that he people strike a chord orand something it justWhen makesnot me imaginable. When I would be with my dad, he would infatuation with music songwriting. YOU GIVE TO OTHERS be playing guitarhe indeveloped this big basement thatadmiration houses knew and loved, a newfound playing tunes of his nine guitars, Wilson feel relaxed andonSEEKING atone home. I probably feel this way WHO ARE T H E B A N Q U E T . all the family guitars at my grandpa’s house and I canOPPORTUNITIES be seen strolling down the hallways of LHS in a TO and respect for their drive and heartfelt meanings because I was raised around music for 17 years now, remember him playing ‘Wish You Were Here’ by classic old VOLUNTEER? band-tee, his Beats headphones and a pair HELP Pink Floydbehind a lot,”many said Wilson. “On themusical other hand, that came of his favorite of clearwithout to anyone who Even has INTERVIEWEE: andhisI domany not vans. think But I goitanis hour music. whenPartnership I would be with my mom going to school I’d Coordinator met HOW WilsonWOULD that hisYOU appreciation forbrain musicMajerus, goes far Community artists’ work.to rap galore. I remember hearing ‘My that six-minute frame of walkingThe to another DEFINE VOLUNTEERISM? be based, listening beyond just his time clothing. Banquet is a locally non-profit organization that provides meals to the WHY ISme, IT music CRUCIAL Name by Eminem the first way “PinkIs’ Floyd isFriday, a bigfor [inspiration] foronme,the and I to on “Togives is the most to meaningful class me time toTO listen a song thatand can community, lift Sioux Falls Monday through breakfast andtime dinner, with a lunch school in kindergarten so that is how my love of rap and importantOUR way WORLD? of expressing yourself,” said Wilson. Saturday. Not only is food provided for guests, but they also provide a welcoming do not mean the basic, ‘ A nother Brick in The Wall’ me up and carry me to the next class without feeling music also started. Two parents, two genres.” safe no environment to each and every person that walks through their doors. They have “My reason for loving music is because other Introduced toofboth sides thethey spectrum music locations on both the Eastbut and Westlike sides Sioux Falls. more their story of ofhow becameofthese art form can give me goosebumps, shiver or make so stressed.” and harmonies, Wilson was able to find a deeper me emotional. Paintings, drawings, photographs Ibeyond admire their drive and power while Wilson’s fascination music started from our focusgreat is to musicians. move and get groups back to meaning forthings artists than COVID just a good beatourand rhythm. just cannot do it for me.for However, when heara 1 I“Short-term, serving and back to regular operations.” While more engrossed the music that he stayingbecoming hungry and continuing toindevour. Another people strike a chord or just makes me young age; immersed in something all types ofitmusic growing knew and loved, he developed a newfound admiration feel relaxed and at home. I probably feel this way “The biggest challengeone is the day a [volunteer] group calls up anditsays, can’t be there.’ isvolunteers Tupac,” saiddinners Wilson. “I know ismeanings a‘wepretty up, he quickly found his adoration lyrical poetry forfortheir drive because I was raised around musicfor for2 17All years of anow, sudden I haveand no respect andand haveheartfelt to start working to find the volunteers. Long term,that our came challenge is someof volunteers, somemusical of whom behind many his favorite basic answer, butthatdespite cultural boundaries withhave been and do not thinkHis I go an hour without music. Even and Iinstruments. music tastes have not strayed us for over 30 years, are aging. So, [we need to figure out how to] make volunteering artists’ work. that six-minute time frame of walking towith another my race I can relate to [inspiration] a lot [ofagewhat] he’s saying. I at The Banquet appealing to a young group of people, far from those of his young impressionable years, “Pink Floydand is more a bigdiversified for me, and Iand to a class gives me time to listen to a song that can lift population that is less tied to a church or to a service club.” do notup mean basic, mom ‘Another The Wall’ grew withthe a single whoBrick wouldincome home me and carry to thesongwriters next class without feeling withupmany of hisme favorite and bands but more like their story of how they became these so stressed.” “Take the chance. It may seem scary to come here and volunteer, but it doesn’t cost you and spend her last dollar to buy me a candy bar, 3 having meaningful backstories and memories. anything to come and help. That’s sort of a misconception that’s out there. Just come to great musicians. I admire their drive and power while Wilson’s fascination for music started from a volunteer, whether you’re 16 or 90. There is something to be gained in getting staying continuing to devour. Another which ishungry whythat theand song ‘Dear Mama’ hitsmake hard for beyondin young age; immersed in all types growing “I remember being about three ofor music fouryour years comfort level in life. By taking chance, you hopefully can a difference one is Tupac,” said Wilson. “I know it is a pretty up, he quickly found his adoration for lyrical poetry their lives so that theseme. people in a homeless situation and but gain independence Wedon’t werestaydefinitely struggling given he was by old I was exposed to every music basic answer, but despite cultural boundaries with and when instruments. His music tastestype haveofnot strayed gaining their own place and their own job.” my relate to a lot [of what] andrace is myI can mom’s favorite musical artist,he’s his saying. music I far from those of his young impressionable years, “I define volunteering as a two-way street. It’s not just that I’m giving, but I’m getting grew up with a single mom who would come home with many of his favorite songwriters4and bands is always going to remind me of how strong of ahere. You something in return as a volunteer. I always walk away with something from and spend her last dollar to buy me a candy bar, having meaningful backstories and memories. more than what you ever give. Andthe crucial‘Dear to the Mama’ world because organizations like which isshe why hits hard for woman is.”it’s song “I remember being about three or fourget years us don’t have the funds to staff this operation. But by having volunteers here, we can do me.ItWe were definitely struggling and given hebut was old when I was exposed to every type of that music on a limited budget. Over sounds like we are taking advantage someone, there is the years, Wilson’s interestartist, inof all things and is my mom’s favorite musical his music something you get in return from being a volunteer. One thing is, you get to meet other always to remind me of how strong a music hasgoing only from increased, allowing him togetfind new and expand the is people you know other backgrounds. You toof broaden your “TO ME, MUSIC IS people THE group of friends and acquaintances woman she by is.”volunteering, but also broaden your experiences in outlets to express himself. Given that his father and by meeting our guests.” Over the years, Wilson’s interest in all things MOST MEANINGFUL lifeAND music has only increased, to find new grandfather were musicallyallowing inclinedhim themselves outlets to express himself. Given that his father and IMPORTANT WAY OF (as avid players of the guitar), Wilson took up the grandfather were musically inclined themselves EXPRESSING YOURSELF.” (as avidpractice playersand of the guitar), Wilson took up family started to teach himself howtheto family practice and started to teach himself how to play every type of guitar and overtime collecting ARTWORK BY ANNA ENGELS play every type of guitar and overtime collecting A E 22 LHS S STATESMAN S STAFF 13 DESIGN BY LHS them them too. too. Additionally, Additionally, he he learned learned how how to to play play

VOLUNTEER DESTINATIONS AND THEIR STORIES

“TO ME, MUSIC IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL AND IMPORTANT WAY OF EXPRESSING YOURSELF.”

ARTWORK BY DESIGN BY

NNA

NGELS

TATESMAN

TAFF

STRUMMER

open, I think it is a good idea,” said Wilson. “I think a big regret of mine is not doing the variety show, so if you got the musical talent to show off, go for the piano and viola as well. Whether it be through it man. It is going to be scary no matter what. I was online tutorials, testing out new chords himself or terrified when I put the first video of me singing challenging himself to learn a new song, Wilson’s T H E B O YS A N D G I R L S C L U B . up on Instagram, but people liked it (I think), so dedication to music has always been indestructible. I just kept pumping out more, and now I got like INTERVIEWEE: “I have about nine [guitars]. I used to have around Kiley Metz, Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator fifty of them. You do not need to be pressured to thirteen or fourteen, but I decided to sell two of them The Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire is a heavily child-based, non-profit or organization. They provide such behealth in a band, orchestra choirsports to express yourselfresources as workforce development, character and leadership programs, and wellness programs, and recreation programs and and pass two on to people who I knew wanted to learn education in STEM and the arts. Their program reaches out tomusically. children ofJust all ages in theyou Sioux area, with do what areEmpire comfortable with.locations Go on bothBY VERO music like me. I havesides so many guitars because a lot of the East and South of town. out and talk to people, and do not be afraid to step u them have been passed down by my grandpa on my “Our focus is always our mission statement: to nurture, educate and enrich the lives of children and youth for lifelong success. We really want and mus out of your comfort zone. It is actually kind of fun.” to support children all way from infancy through the age of eighteen. So really meeting them where they’re at and where their needs are,passiona dad’s1side,” said Wilson. “Ithe started writing down some and then trying to help them be successful in life- like providing them with opportunities to learn new skills or to be excited about something and care songs/poems injust likehelping 7th grade, whichasIthey never social media, thecollege.” variety show or anything that is new. Also, guide them get shared ready to go to college or think about infatuati open, I think it is a good idea,” said Wilson. “I think with anybody, frankly Ibeen stilladohugenotchallenge. really know playing “COVID and has obviously Partially becausea of the restrictions of freezing volunteering, then unfreezing and back and of mine is not doing the variety show, 2 forth. The other piece is the staffing crisis that’s been going on. Webigloveregret to have people come in and volunteer but if they want to work, wecan be s iftheI’m comfortable with it. IWhether think it started when I so if you got the musical talent to show off, go for want them to work too. So, just trying to fill those staffing holes and making sure that we have everything covered to care for the kids and notclassic o piano and viola as well. it be through it man. It is going to be scary no matter what. I was have to close for families.” realizedtutorials, I could put words chords andornotes online testing outover newthese chords himself of his m terrified when I put the first video of me singing challenging himself toquestions. learn a What new song, Wilson’s met Wil “Start asking the I like to do when people contact me about volunteering is sit down with them and have a conversation about Idedication was3 playing, and I figured I’d try it out.” up on Instagram, but people liked it (I think), so musictohas always whatto it means them. Then,been I justindestructible. try to match up what they’re looking for with what we need. Not everything is a good fit, and that’s ok. Ifbeyond I just kept pumping out more, and now I got like you start volunteering somewhere andto feel that it’s not something for you, try something else.” Once heabout realized creativity flow through “I have ninehis [guitars]. I could used have around “To m fifty of them. You do not need to be pressured to thirteen“I or fourteen, but I decided to sell two of them importa wouldWilson define volunteering as doing a service that doesn’t necessarily your needs, or with the intention to meet your needs. It actually songwriting, started to Iwrite hiswanted own songs be in ameet band, orchestra or choir to express yourself and 4 pass onsomething to peoplewithin who you, knew willtwo fulfill but that’s not to thelearn goal. The goal is to serve a need that isn’t your own, but that’s out there the community.“My rea musically. Just do what you are comfortable with.inGo and connect chords known music like me. Iservice havetoso manyWilson because afor lot of we need to rely on each other to get through. Everybody has hard times, everybodyart form Being of tothem. others isguitars crucialisto our world because out and talk to people, and do not be afraid to step has challenges, no one knows do everything on their own, and I think that’s a huge part of human nature. Relating to others and helpingme emo them have been passed down byhow my to grandpa on my posting anything from song covers to instrumentals out of your comfort zone. It is actually kind of fun.” otherssaid is just part of “I ourstarted basic needs in thisdown world.” dad’s side,” Wilson. writing some just can and pieces of his own7thwork to his Instagram, and he songs/poems in like grade, which I never shared people s with anybody, and frankly I still do not really know feel rela does that part hisE life anytime Hnot E plan S T .onF closing R with ANC H OitofUstarted S . when if T I’m comfortable it. IISthink I because soon. I could put words over these chords and notes realized and I do INTERVIEWEE: I was playing, and I figured I’d try it out.” that six“There is no way I’m going to stop playing music, Julie Becker, Executive Director Once he realized his creativity could flow through class giv and IThe willSt.probably putting it on his social media songwriting, Wilsonkeep started write own songsandthat moves people from “homelessness to hope.” Guests that stay here comeme up a Francis House is to a non-profit organization all kinds of backgrounds, with is a majority coming from battles of addiction. The St. Francis House provides shelter, while alsoso stress andfrom connect chords to them. Wilson known for stuff,” said Wilson. “I don’t really know if I want providing a supportive environment rebuild the lives of those who are the most vulnerable. posting anything from song covers totoinstrumentals Wilso to in itwork because feel like if Iand were andpursue pieces aofcareer his own to hisI Instagram, he young a “There able to meet the budget so we can make sure we are keeping our doors open. Fundraising is does1not plan are on several closinggoals: that Operationspart of hisbeing life anytime to make money off music I would not really put as are needing financial support. Guest Needs- consistently listening to the guests toup, he q challenging during the pandemic since many agencies soon. and inst make sure the services we are providing are what our guests are needing. We hope to implement a remote GED lab for our guests to complete much passion into it, but of course everyone wants “There is no way I’m going to stop playing music, far from their education to obtain their GED. We also want to implement training opportunities for our guests such as ServSafe Training, a food and and I will probably keep putting it on social media and certification program. Community- making sure we continue to be an active member of the community by supporting our Whittier with ma to be a alcohol star.”Wilson. stuff,” said “Iwell don’t really I want Neighborhood as as the needsknow of theifcommunity.” having m advice to Wilson pursue aenjoys careersharing in it because Ifor feelaspiring like if Iartists were “I rem “There are many challenges, especially during the pandemic. [We] need to make sure we are keeping our guests and staff safe and healthy. We to make money off music I would not really put as 2 old back tocoming wearing masks and have in-home COVID tests for our guests. Some guests do not want to stay in our program because we have whe that arearefreshly into LHS. Wilson believes much passion into it, but of course everyone wants of this pandemic. Addictions continue to grow in our community. Currently, 97% of restrictions and they do not understand the seriousness getting yourself outanthere andtobeing able to express to be a our star.” guests have addiction alcohol, drugs, gambling or a dual addiction. Many of our guests have mental health issues, with some of this “TO Wilson enjoys adviceuse forofaspiring artists being caused sharing by the continual drugs, such as meth, which impacts an individual’s cognitive thinking. Onboard and retaining employees yourself plays a oflarge part inLHS. discovering what onecoming the most difficult times in our community. So many employers are short-staffed, and employees do not always handle working that areduring freshly into Wilson believes MOS additional shifts motivates you for thewell.” future.andHebeing encourages getting yourself out there able to others express yourself plays a large in discovering what “We are blessed to part have each volunteer who chooses to take on the opportunities in front of them afterto give their time to the house. Many of our volunteers come to give back to others but IM 3 motivates thethan future. He encourages others leaveyou withfor more they gave.” wishing hethe hadopportunities himself. in front of them after EXPR to take on “Our volunteers are the backbone of our agency. We typically have over 800 volunteer hours each month. Our volunteers are individuals, wishing he had himself. 4 groups and/or families who choose give back to others to give them hope!” “I think incoming freshmen shouldto think about “I think incoming freshmen should think about D L putting themselves themselves out there there musically. musically. IfIf it’s it’s on on putting out 13 1423 LHA C h

THE

STRUMMER

photos by

aisy

Design by

hLoe

arson

ouwman

ARTWORK BY DESIGN BY

KATE

TOLLINGER

KATE TOLLINGER

r , there are a variety of ways When looking ahead toy the next school our year, there are a variety of ways your ses you have left to take, your schedule may look. Depending upon what classes you have left to take, your o e xplore other options. W schedulehether may be full or you might have room to explore other options. Whether er load or are looking for some you want to challenge yourself, take on a lighter load or are looking for some or schedules that may be the fun class ideas, here are some of LHS’s superior schedules that may be the r schedule for ne xt fall. inspiration you are looking for to liven up your schedule for next fall.

During sixth and seventh period, Nieman goes and works at Tr ucks-NTr ykes. Market Coop II allows you to not be at school and instead go to work. This is a smar t option for someone that has a stable job and is looking to make money .

During sixth and seventh period, Nieman goes and works at Trucks-NTrykes. Market Coop II allows you to not be at school and instead go to work. This is a smart option for someone that has a stable job and is looking to make money.

BY KATE TOLLINGER

LHS offers a variety of AP and accelerated classes. Challenging yourself with a few of these courses can help to prepare you for the college level.

When looking ahead to the next school year, there are a variety of ways your schedule may look. Depending upon what clas es you have left to take, your schedule may be ful or you might have room to explore other options. Whether you want to challenge yourself, take on a lighter load or are looking for some fun clas ideas, here are some of LHS’s superior schedules that may be the inspiration you are looking for to liven up your schedule for next fal . If you have worked ahead over the years and have received the credits you need, there are plenty of ways to simplify your senior year. Taking an online class is a way to lighten your load.

DESIGN BY

KATE TOLLINGER

During sixth and seventh period, Merkley takes a biomedical class at the CTE Academy. These classes can be specific to what you plan to pursue in the future or be something that simply interests you. A CTE class can be very fun and help break up your day.

without feeling like we all have to agree in order for the conversation to be worthwhile.” Do Do you you have have any any collections collections in in your your room? room?

my classroom. my classroom. with

MS. BRUNMAIER

“I do have a growing collection of origami birds, boxes, butterflies, etc. accumulating in my room, which “I dohumorous. have a growing collection of origami birds,swan I find Sometimes I’ll notice an origami perched in the most inconspicuous place. I’ll laugh and boxes, butterflies, etc. accumulating in my room, which wonder how long it’s been there, like finding a [wellIhidden] find humorous. Sometimes Easter egg in July.” I’ll notice an origami swan

with MS. BRUNMAIER BY

OLIVIA BROST

BY Oof LIVIA BROST What is your favorite part your room?

perched in the most inconspicuous place. I’ll laugh and wonder how long it’s been there, like finding a [wellhidden] Easter egg in July.”

“The feel of it. I try to make it feel like someplace that I would like to live or wouldn't mind living in because I probably spend more awake time here than I spend in my own home. But also, with speech and other things like that, if students feel comfortable in a place, they are much more likely to speak freely and share more.”

What is your favorite part of your room?

What is your favorite class to teach? “I don’t have a favorite class per se. I have favorite elements I weave into whatever subject I’m teaching casual conversations with students, helping students realize how much knowledge and insight they already have then helping them connect it to the topic at hand and providing a space where we learn how to talk to each other without feeling like we all have to agree in order for the conversation to be worthwhile.”

What is your favorite class to teach?

What classes do you teach? “English III and speech. This will be my fourth year teaching at What classes do you teach? LHS.”

1616

“I don’t have a favorite class per se. I have favorite elements I weave into whatever subject I’m teaching casual conversations with students, helping students realize how much knowledge and insight they already have then helping them connect it to the topic at hand and providing a space where we learn how to talk to each other without feeling like we all have to agree in order for the conversation to be worthwhile.”

“English III and speech. This will be my fourth year teaching at LHS.” DESIGN BY OLIVIA BROST PHOTOS BY OOLIVIA LIVIA BBROST ROST DESIGN BY PHOTOS BY

OLIVIA BROST

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Brooklyn Tennant: the trials and rewards of motherhood.

ANNA ANDERSON

unior year - the year to get things in order, to make a name for oneself, to start the craft of one’s self-identity for a life beyond high school. This is the year most commonly referred to as the “hardest year of high school” but often the most rewarding, to some for different reasons than others. Defying all the odds and the stereotypes pushed against her, Brooklyn Tennant, who is currently a senior at LHS received the grappling news shortly

before beginning her third year of high school that she was pregnant; she would be given the role of a mother. At the mere age of 16, Tennant began a journey many may never feel equipped for. Through much perseverance and determination, Tennant was able to remain confident and level-headed in her capability to provide the best life and maximum care for her daughter Aisley; along with her large support network. Supporting Tennant

financially, emotionally and everything in between, it is no doubt that Tennant’s family and friends have rallied around and blessed her in every way possible. “My parents have always played a huge role in Aisley’s life. If they don’t see her for a day, they almost feel like they’re missing out,” said Tennant. “Any advice I would give to young moms is to be accepting of support; there are people who are willing to be helpful and you just have to be willing to

accept that help.” Something many high school students are not aware of is the immense challenges that come with being a child’s primary caregiver. Teenagers often do not think twice about parents waking up at all hours of the night to calm a screaming baby, change a dirty diaper or sanitize an array of bottles. But this is the reality for Tennant. Along with her other responsibilities such as being a student and continuing to work, she is also managing the

full-time job of being a mother. “There’s a lot of things that people don’t really think about. Everything is much harder with a baby, even just leaving the house,” said Tennant. “There’s always that added aspect of being a mom that is constantly there.” Often talked about throughout psychology and echoed throughout child development classes is how to raise children. Tennant experiences the joys and difficulties of motherhood firsthand and is able to develop and nurture into the next generation directly. “I want to give her a more stable childhood than I did. I want to do whatever I can to ensure that for her,” said Tennant. Most seniors are able to look forward to the anticipation of standing in the student section, driving around late at night with friends and finally getting a larger chunk of freedom, but for Tennant this is not necessarily the case. “If there is something I want to do, my parents are usually very helpful, but even if my parents do watch her, there’s still a lot of stuff to do before I can go out,” said Tennant. “There are

plenty of times I’ve had to say no to going out. Sometimes teenagers forget that I’m a mom and that I can’t just do whatever they can do.” Over the course of

“Sometimes teenagers forget that I’m a mom and that I can’t just do whatever they can do.” time, teen pregnancy has remained a taboo subject, not often talked about or discussed. However, over the years as society has continued to progress, more empathy and curiosity is being shown to young mothers. Many have been eager to listen to and inquire about Tennant’s story, but this is not always the case. However, Tennant remains confident that her child was an extreme wakeup call to face the inherent flaws in society head on. “Usually people are pretty supportive, but they are always very curious just because it isn’t something that’s talked about very often,” said Tennant. “Being

a teen mom has made me realize I had to stop caring so much about what other people think of me. I used to be really self-conscious, and I was always so scared of what other people were saying or thinking about me. I learned to stop thinking that way very fast.” There is no doubt that being a young mom is and will continue to be a struggle, but it also comes along with so much beauty and love in its truest form: the love of a mother and child. “My daughter has opened my eyes to how much life is worth it,” said Tennant. “Every time I’m going through something difficult, I just remember I need to do what’s best for her and always keep her in mind.”

DESIGN BY OLIVIA BROST PHOTO PROVIDED BY BROOKLYN

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Two Two Twoseniors’ seniors’ seniors’ next next nextfour four fouryears years years byby Chloe by Chloe Chloe houwman houwman houwman

ext ext year ext year , year LHS , LHS , LHS senior senior senior Carter Carter Carter Bitz Bitz will Bitz will bewill be be attending attending attending Embry Embry Embry Riddle Riddle Riddle Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical University University University in in in Daytona Daytona Daytona Beach, Beach, Beach, Florida. Florida. Florida. HeHe will He willwill be be majoring majoring be majoring in Aerospace in Aerospace in Aerospace Engineering Engineering Engineering with with an with an Astronautics/ Astronautics/ an Astronautics/ potentially potentially potentially Rocket Rocket Rocket Propulsion Propulsion Propulsion focus. focus. focus. “The “The main “The main thing main thing thing that that brought that brought brought meme tome to thisthis to this decision decision decision waswasawas love a love a for love forexploration for exploration exploration andandand wanting wanting wanting to to expand expand to expand where where where humanity humanity humanity cancan go,” can go,”go,” said said Bitz. said Bitz. “[Embry Bitz. “[Embry “[Embry Riddle] Riddle] Riddle] hashas really has really really good good good programs programs programs forfor myfor my major my major major andand itand is it relatively isit relatively is relatively close close to close to Cape Cape to Canaveral, Cape Canaveral, Canaveral, so so a lot asolot ofa lot of students students of students areare able are able toable get to get to internships get internships internships working working working forfor places for places places likelike NASA.” like NASA.” NASA.” Bitz’s Bitz’s Bitz’s interest interest interest in in space space in space sparked sparked sparked when when when he he he gotgot hisgot his first his first telescope first telescope telescope a few a few years a few years years back. back. back. “Seeing “Seeing “Seeing things things things likelike the like the Great the Great Great RedRed Spot Red Spot of Spot of of Jupiter Jupiter Jupiter andand the and the rings the rings of rings of Saturn Saturn of Saturn with with my with my own my ownown eyes eyes iseyes something is something is something that that still that still blows still blows blows mymy mind my mind to mind to to thisthis day,” this day,” said day,” said Bitz. said Bitz. Bitz. AA couple couple A couple of ofmonths of months months ago, ago, Bitz ago, Bitz did Bitz did not did notnot know know know where where where he he would he would would endend up end up next up next next year. year. year. However, However, However, he he methe met a met group a group a group of of friends of friends friends online, online, online, andandthey and they they helped helped helped make make make hishisdecision his decision decision more more more straightforward. straightforward. straightforward. “Most “Most “Most of oftheof the colleges the colleges colleges I used I used I had used had group had group group chats chats chats through through through an an appan app called app called called ZeeMee,” ZeeMee,” ZeeMee,” said saidsaid Bitz. Bitz. “That’s Bitz. “That’s “That’s where where where I started I started I started talking talking talking to to and, and, to and, even even though even though though I live I live I3,000 live 3,000 3,000 miles miles miles away, away, away, became became became friends friends friends with with with them. them. them. Especially Especially Especially since since since thisthisthis school school school is so is so far is far so away, far away, away, it isitnice isitnice isknowing nice knowing knowing that that I that I I have have people have people people I can I can talk I can talk totalk once to once toIonce get I get there I get there and there andand

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notnot benot be completely completely be completely alone.” alone.” alone.” After After After college, college, college, Bitz Bitz would Bitz would would likelike tolike to be to be anbe an an engineer engineer engineer at at either at either either NASA NASA NASA or or at or at a private at a private a private company company company such such as such as SpaceX. SpaceX. as SpaceX. “While “While “While I would I would I would love love tolove work to work to at work NASA, at NASA, at NASA, thethethe private private private space space space industry industry industry [has [has many [has many many benefits,]” benefits,]” benefits,]” said said Bitz. said Bitz. Bitz. “Due “Due “Due to to all all to theall the new the new possibilities new possibilities possibilities that that the that thethe funding funding funding from from private from private private space space space companies companies companies gives gives gives us,us, tons us, tons of tons ofnew of new missions new missions missions areare able are able to able to take to taketake place place place forfor a much for a much a much lower lower lower cost cost than cost than previously than previously previously andand are and are able are able toable to getget to done get done much done much much quicker.” quicker.” quicker.” ToTo attempt To attempt attempt to to make make to make hishis dreams his dreams dreams a reality, a reality, a reality, Bitz Bitz plans Bitz plans plans on on joining on joining joining thethe school’s the school’s school’s rocket rocket rocket club club and club and isand looking is looking is looking forfor internships for internships internships as he as he gets as gets he gets further further further into into college. into college. college. LHS LHS LHS Senior, Senior, Senior, AvaAva Bouwman, Ava Bouwman, Bouwman, willwill attend will attend attend Augustana Augustana Augustana University University University in in Sioux in Sioux Sioux Falls. Falls. Falls. SheSheShe willwill bewill be majoring majoring be majoring in Biology in Biology in Biology with with an with an emphasis emphasis an emphasis on on ecology on ecology ecology andand environmental and environmental environmental science. science. science. HerHerHer decision decision decision to to attend attend to attend Augustana, Augustana, Augustana, however, however, however, waswaswas notnot annot an easy easy anone. easy one.one. “I had “I had “Ibeen had been looking been looking looking at many at many at many other other other schools schools schools beforehand beforehand beforehand andand wasn’t and wasn’t wasn’t even even completely even completely completely sure suresure what what Iwhat wanted I wanted I wanted in aincollege. aincollege. a college. However, However, However, I knew I knew I knew that that I that wanted I wanted I wanted to go to go to ato goschool atoschool a school on on thethe on smaller the smaller smaller side, side, so side, so I kind so I kind I of kind ofstarted of started started there there there andand kept and keptkept looking,” looking,” looking,” said said Bouwman. said Bouwman. Bouwman. Initially, Initially, Initially, Bouwman Bouwman Bouwman waswas strongly was strongly strongly against against against attending attending attending a school a school a school in Sioux in Sioux in Sioux Falls. Falls. Falls. Despite Despite Despite herherher expectations, expectations, expectations, sheshe fellshe fell in fell love in love inwith love with Augustana. with Augustana. Augustana. From From From thethe small the small small campus campus campus to the to the to individualized the individualized individualized learning learning learning environment, environment, environment, sheshe knew she knew knew sheshe found she found found a place a place a place that that would that would would suitsuit her suit her and her and provide and provide provide herherher room room room to to grow grow to grow as as an an individual. as individual. an individual. “While “While “While being being being so close so close so to close home to home to home right right out right out of out of of high high school high school school might might might notnot benot be what what be most what most seniors most seniors seniors want, want, want, I know I know I know there there is there still is still issostill so much much so much that that waits that waits waits forfor mefor me asme as an as an undergrad, an undergrad, undergrad, graduate graduate graduate student student student

andand beyond,” and beyond,” beyond,” said said Bouwman. said Bouwman. Bouwman. focusing focusing focusing on on discovering on discovering discovering more more more Bouwman Bouwman Bouwman waswasdrawn was drawn drawn to to to about about about thethe environment the environment environment around around around thethe biology the biology biology field field at field at a young aatyoung a young us,”us,” said us,” said Bouwman. said Bouwman. Bouwman. “I “I would would “I would age. age. She age. She would She would would spend spend spend many many many absolutely absolutely absolutely love love tolove to be be to a marine be a marine a marine hours hours hours outdoors outdoors outdoors with with with herherher biologist, biologist, biologist, since since since thethe ocean the ocean ocean hashashas family family family going going going on on adventures on adventures adventures been been been an an interest an interest interest of ofmine of mine mine forfor for andandexploring andexploring exploring thethenatural thenatural natural a long a long a long time. time. time. It’sIt’s almost It’s almost almost like, like,like, world world world around around around her.her.her. SheSheShe since since since I live I live I inlive in South South in South Dakota, Dakota, Dakota, credits credits credits these these these experiences experiences experiences forfor for marine marine marine animals animals animals areare asare as mystical mystical as mystical instilling instilling instilling a love a love a for love for nature; for nature; nature; andand breathtaking and breathtaking breathtaking as as dinosaurs, dinosaurs, as dinosaurs, thisthis love this love grew love grew grew as as sheas she went she went went so so theso the goal the goal is goal is to to isat to at least least at least be be be through through through herher schooling. her schooling. schooling. involved involved involved in insome insome some kind kind kind of of of “I’ve “I’ve always “I’ve always always hadhad a had lot a lot a lot marine marine marine case casecase study study study at atsome at some some of of curiosity curiosity of curiosity andand drive and drive to drive to to point.” point.” point.” problem problem problem solve, solve, solve, which which which waswaswas Bouwman Bouwman Bouwman plans plans plans to to make make to make herherher channeled channeled channeled into into science into science science more more more dreams dreams dreams a reality a reality a reality by by pursuing by pursuing pursuing andand more and more throughout more throughout throughout mymymy summer summer summer internships internships internships as as well well asaswell as as life.life. My life. My freshman My freshman freshman opportunities opportunities opportunities in inthein thethe Biology Biology Biology class class class biological biological biological sciences sciences sciences (shoutout (shoutout (shoutout to to Mr.Mr. to Mr. through through through Augustana. Augustana. Augustana. Dietz!) Dietz!) Dietz!) especially especially especially “The “The “The Augustana Augustana Augustana I know I know I know there there there opened opened opened mymy eyes my eyeseyes biology biology biology department department department is is still is still still soso so takes to to all all of to of all thethe of the takes takes a agroup agroup group of of of much much much that that that students possibilities possibilities possibilities forfor a for a a students students every every every year yearyear career career career in biology in biology in biology waits theto the Black the Black Black Hills Hills Hills to to to waits waits for for for to to andand ecology,” and ecology,” ecology,” said saidsaidmeme camp camp andandstudy and study study thethethe as me as anas anan camp Bouwman. Bouwman. Bouwman. “From “From “Fromundergrad, environment, environment, environment, which which which undergrad, undergrad, that that point that point point on,on, I on, I I would would would be beabeagreat agreat great graduate graduate graduate justjust decided just decided decided that thatthat chance chance chance to toactually toactually actually student student student and and andtrytry I wanted I wanted I wanted to to go go to go out try out some out some some of oftheof thethe beyond. beyond. beyond. into into those into those those fields fields fields things things things that thatthat I Ihope hope I hope after after high after high school, high school, school, to tobeto bedoing be doing doing forformy for mymy whether whether whether that thatthat career,” career,” career,” said saidsaid waswas aswas as a doctor, aasdoctor, a doctor, Bouwman. Bouwman. Bouwman. veterinarian, veterinarian, veterinarian, ecologist, ecologist, ecologist, or or or AsAs farAs far as far as internships internships as internships go,go, shego, sheshe otherwise.” otherwise.” otherwise.” plans plans plans on onlooking on looking looking into intogoing into going going Following Following Following herher graduation her graduation graduation outout ofout ofstate of state state andand interning and interning interning at at at from from from college, college, college, Bouwman Bouwman Bouwman marine marine marine wildlife wildlife wildlife institutes institutes institutes or or or eventually eventually eventually would would would likelike tolike work to work to work aquariums. aquariums. aquariums. as asanas anecologist an ecologist ecologist or orwildlife or wildlife wildlife “Above “Above “Above all,all,I’m all, I’mexcited I’m excited excited to to to biologist. biologist. biologist. finally finally finally delve delve delve deeper deeper deeper into intomy into mymy “I’d“I’d love “I’d love to love to be to be outbe out inout in thethe in the passions passions passions andandinterests and interests interests as asI as I I field field with field with awith team a team a of team of scientists, scientists, of scientists, begin begin begin thisthis new this new chapter new chapter chapter of of of collecting collecting collecting data, data, tranquilizing data, tranquilizing tranquilizing mymy life,” my life,” said life,” said Bouwman. said Bouwman. Bouwman. andand examining and examining examining animals animals animals andandand

”””

Senior Senior Senior year. year. Ah, year. Ah, what Ah, what awhat time. a time. a time. It is It aisIttime aistime a filled time filled filled with with decisions with decisions decisions that that will that will impact will impact impact us us forfor us years for years years to to come. come. to come. A time A time A where time where where wewe arewe are asked are asked asked to to look look toahead look ahead ahead andand ask and ask ourselves, ask ourselves, ourselves, “where “where “where do do I want do I want I want to to be be to be in 10 in 10 years?” in years?” 10 years?” ForFor some, For some, some, thisthis process this process process is completed is completed is completed sooner sooner sooner than than others. than others. others. Take Take aTake look a look aatlook how at how attwo how twotwo impressive, impressive, impressive, ‘soon-to-be’ ‘soon-to-be’ ‘soon-to-be’ LHS LHS graduates LHS graduates graduates will will spend will spend spend thethe next the next four next four years. four years. years.

”””

design design bydesign Cby hloe Chloe by hC ouwman hloe houwman houwman photos photos photos provided provided provided by bby ethany bethany by bn ethany oel noel photography npoel hotography photography & Carter & Carter &bCitz arter bitz bitz

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GU GIU DIID NIG NG QU QEUSETSI T OI N OSN S

WHAT WHAT ARE ARE THE THE MAIN MAIN GOALS GOALS & FOCUSES & FOCUSES FOR FOR THE THE FUTURE FUTURE OFOF [ORGANIZATION]? [ORGANIZATION]?

WHAT WHAT ARE ARE SOME SOME OFOF THE THE BIGGEST BIGGEST CHALLENGES CHALLENGES YOU YOU FACE FACE EVERY EVERY DAY? DAY? HOW HOW DODO YOU YOU MANAGE MANAGE THEM? THEM?

WHAT WHAT ADVICE ADVICE WOULD WOULD YOU YOU GIVE GIVE TOTO OTHERS OTHERS WHO WHO ARE ARE SEEKING SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES TOTO HELP HELP VOLUNTEER? VOLUNTEER?

HOW HOW WOULD WOULD YOU YOU DEFINE DEFINE VOLUNTEERISM? VOLUNTEERISM? WHY WHY IS IT IS CRUCIAL IT CRUCIAL TOTO OUR OUR WORLD? WORLD?

VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEERDESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS AND ANDTHEIR THEIRSTORIES STORIES by by Daisy Daisy Larson Larson

Sioux Sioux Falls Falls is aiscity a city of of many many opportunities. opportunities. Despite Despite where where most most of of us feel us feel we we stand, stand, there there is always is always a place a place in one in one of the of the many many volunteer volunteer organizations organizations thatthat ourour citycity holds. holds. It isIt is understandable understandable thatthat going going to atoplace a place to help to help people people whowho are are strangers strangers to you to you is scary. is scary. ButBut there there are are more more benefits benefits to helping to helping those those in need in need thanthan justjust the the volunteer volunteer hours. hours. Breaking Breaking down down the the stigma stigma of the of the unknown unknown is prominent is prominent in building in building up aupstronger a stronger community community amongst amongst all of all us. of us. A few A few places places thatthat are are great great to start to start at are at are the the St. Francis St. Francis House, House, TheThe Banquet Banquet andand the the Boys Boys andand Girls Girls Club Club of the of the Sioux Sioux Empire. Empire. Here Here are are some some of the of the organization organization leaders leaders thatthat move move ourour citycity forward forward in hopes in hopes of inspiring of inspiring the the future future of our of our youth. youth.

T HTEH B E ABNAQ NU QEUTE. T .

INTERVIEWEE: INTERVIEWEE:

brain brain Majerus, Majerus, Community Community Partnership Partnership Coordinator Coordinator TheThe Banquet Banquet is aislocally a locally based, based, non-profit non-profit organization organization thatthat provides provides meals meals to the to the Sioux Sioux Falls Falls community, community, Monday Monday through through Friday, Friday, breakfast breakfast andand dinner, dinner, with with a lunch a lunch on on Saturday. Saturday. NotNot only only is food is food provided provided for for guests, guests, butbut they they alsoalso provide provide a welcoming a welcoming andand safesafe environment environment to each to each andand every every person person thatthat walks walks through through their their doors. doors. They They have have locations locations on on both both thethe East East andand West West sides sides of of Sioux Sioux Falls. Falls. “Short-term, ourour focus focus is to is move to move things things beyond beyond COVID COVID andand get get ourour groups groups backback to to 1 1“Short-term, serving serving andand backback to regular to regular operations.” operations.” “The biggest biggest challenge challenge is the is the dayday a [volunteer] a [volunteer] group group callscalls up and up and says, says, ‘we ‘we can’t can’t be there.’ be there.’ 2 2“The All All of aofsudden a sudden I have I have no volunteers no volunteers for for dinners dinners andand havehave to start to start working working to find to find the the volunteers. volunteers. Long Long term, term, ourour challenge challenge is that is that some some volunteers, volunteers, some some of whom of whom havehave been been withwith us for us for overover 30 years, 30 years, are are aging. aging. So, So, [we[we need need to figure to figure out out howhow to] to] make make volunteering volunteering at The at The Banquet Banquet appealing appealing to atoyoung a young andand more more diversified diversified ageage group group of people, of people, andand to ato a population population thatthat is less is less tiedtied to atochurch a church or to oratoservice a service club.” club.” “Take “Take the the chance. chance. It may It may seem seem scary scary to come to come herehere andand volunteer, volunteer, but but it doesn’t it doesn’t costcost youyou anything anything to come to come andand help. help. That’s That’s sortsort of aofmisconception a misconception that’s that’s out out there. there. JustJust come come to to volunteer, volunteer, whether whether you’re you’re 16 or 16 90. or 90. There There is something is something to be to gained be gained in getting in getting beyond beyond youryour comfort comfort level level in life. in life. By By taking taking thatthat chance, chance, youyou hopefully hopefully cancan make make a difference a difference in in their their liveslives so that so that these these people people don’t don’t staystay in ainhomeless a homeless situation situation but but gaingain independence independence by by gaining gaining their their ownown place place andand their their ownown job.”job.”

define “I define volunteering volunteering as aastwo-way a two-way street. street. It’s It’s notnot justjust thatthat I’mI’m giving, giving, but but I’mI’m getting getting 4 4“Isomething something in return in return as aasvolunteer. a volunteer. I always I always walk walk away away withwith something something from from here. here. YouYou get get more more thanthan what what youyou everever give. give. AndAnd it’s it’s crucial crucial to the to the world world because because organizations organizations likelike us don’t us don’t havehave the the funds funds to staff to staff thisthis operation. operation. ButBut by having by having volunteers volunteers here, here, we we cancan do do thatthat on aonlimited a limited budget. budget. It sounds It sounds likelike we we are are taking taking advantage advantage of someone, of someone, but but there there is is something something youyou get get in return in return from from being being a volunteer. a volunteer. OneOne thing thing is, you is, you get get to meet to meet other other people people andand expand expand the the people people youyou know know from from other other backgrounds. backgrounds. YouYou get get to broaden to broaden youryour group group of friends of friends andand acquaintances acquaintances by volunteering, by volunteering, but but alsoalso broaden broaden youryour experiences experiences in in life life by meeting by meeting ourour guests.” guests.”

T HTEH B EO BYS O YS A NAD ND G IG R ILRSL S C LCULBU. B .

INTERVIEWEE: INTERVIEWEE:

Kiley Kiley Metz, Metz, Volunteer Volunteer andand Community Community Relations Relations Coordinator Coordinator TheThe Boys Boys andand Girls Girls Club Club of of thethe Sioux Sioux Empire Empire is aisheavily a heavily child-based, child-based, non-profit non-profit organization. organization. They They provide provide resources resources such such as workforce as workforce development, development, character character andand leadership leadership programs, programs, health health andand wellness wellness programs, programs, sports sports andand recreation recreation programs programs andand education education in STEM in STEM andand thethe arts. arts. Their Their program program reaches reaches outout to children to children of of all all ages ages in the in the Sioux Sioux Empire Empire area, area, with with locations locations on on both both thethe East East andand South South sides sides of of town. town. “Our focus focus is always is always ourour mission mission statement: statement: to nurture, to nurture, educate educate andand enrich enrich the the liveslives of children of children andand youth youth for for lifelong lifelong success. success. WeWe really really want want 1 1“Our to support to support children children all the all the wayway from from infancy infancy through through the the ageage of eighteen. of eighteen. So really So really meeting meeting them them where where they’re they’re at and at and where where their their needs needs are,are, andand thenthen trying trying to help to help them them be successful be successful in lifein lifelikelike providing providing them them withwith opportunities opportunities to learn to learn newnew skills skills or to orbe to excited be excited about about something something new.new. Also, Also, justjust helping helping guide guide them them as they as they get get ready ready to go to to gocollege to college or think or think about about college.” college.” “COVID hashas obviously obviously been been a huge a huge challenge. challenge. Partially Partially because because of the of the restrictions restrictions of freezing of freezing volunteering, volunteering, thenthen unfreezing unfreezing andand backback andand 2 2“COVID forth. forth. TheThe other other piece piece is the is the staffing staffing crisis crisis that’s that’s been been going going on. on. WeWe lovelove to have to have people people come come in and in and volunteer volunteer but but if they if they want want to work, to work, we we want want them them to work to work too.too. So, So, justjust trying trying to fill to those fill those staffing staffing holes holes andand making making suresure thatthat we we havehave everything everything covered covered to care to care for for the the kidskids andand notnot havehave to close to close for for families.” families.” “Start asking asking the the questions. questions. What What I like I like to do to when do when people people contact contact me me about about volunteering volunteering is sit is down sit down withwith them them andand havehave a conversation a conversation about about 3 3“Start what what it means it means to them. to them. Then, Then, I just I just try try to match to match up what up what they’re they’re looking looking for for withwith what what we we need. need. NotNot everything everything is aisgood a good fit, and fit, and that’s that’s ok. ok. If If youyou start start volunteering volunteering somewhere somewhere andand feelfeel thatthat it’s it’s notnot something something for for you,you, try try something something else.” else.” “I would define define volunteering volunteering as doing as doing a service a service thatthat doesn’t doesn’t necessarily necessarily meet meet youryour needs, needs, or with or with the the intention intention to meet to meet youryour needs. needs. It actually It actually 4 4“Iwillwould will fulfill fulfill something something within within you,you, but but that’s that’s notnot the the goal. goal. TheThe goalgoal is toisserve to serve a need a need thatthat isn’tisn’t youryour own, own, but but that’s that’s out out there there in the in the community. community. Being Being of service of service to others to others is crucial is crucial to our to our world world because because we we need need to rely to rely on each on each other other to get to get through. through. Everybody Everybody hashas hardhard times, times, everybody everybody hashas challenges, challenges, no one no one knows knows howhow to do to everything do everything on their on their own, own, andand I think I think that’s that’s a huge a huge partpart of human of human nature. nature. Relating Relating to others to others andand helping helping others others is just is just partpart of our of our basic basic needs needs in this in this world.” world.”

T HTEH S E TS. TF. RFARNAC NIC SI S HO HU OSUES. E .

INTERVIEWEE: INTERVIEWEE:

Julie Julie Becker, Becker, Executive Executive Director Director TheThe St. St. Francis Francis House House is aisnon-profit a non-profit organization organization thatthat moves moves people people from from “homelessness “homelessness to hope.” to hope.” Guests Guests thatthat staystay here here come come from from all all kinds kinds of of backgrounds, backgrounds, with with a majority a majority coming coming from from battles battles of of addiction. addiction. TheThe St. St. Francis Francis House House provides provides shelter, shelter, while while alsoalso providing providing a supportive a supportive environment environment to rebuild to rebuild thethe lives lives of of those those whowho areare thethe most most vulnerable. vulnerable. “There are are several several goals: goals: OperationsOperationsbeing being ableable to meet to meet the the budget budget so we so we cancan make make suresure we we are are keeping keeping ourour doors doors open. open. Fundraising Fundraising is is 1 1“There challenging challenging during during the the pandemic pandemic since since many many agencies agencies are are needing needing financial financial support. support. Guest Guest NeedsNeedsconsistently consistently listening listening to the to the guests guests to to make make suresure the the services services we we are are providing providing are are what what ourour guests guests are are needing. needing. WeWe hope hope to implement to implement a remote a remote GED GED lab lab for for ourour guests guests to complete to complete their their education education to obtain to obtain their their GED. GED. WeWe alsoalso want want to implement to implement training training opportunities opportunities for for ourour guests guests suchsuch as ServSafe as ServSafe Training, Training, a food a food andand alcohol alcohol certification certification program. program. CommunityCommunitymaking making suresure we we continue continue to be to an be active an active member member of the of the community community by supporting by supporting ourour Whittier Whittier Neighborhood Neighborhood as well as well as the as the needs needs of the of the community.” community.” “There are are many many challenges, challenges, especially especially during during the the pandemic. pandemic. [We] [We] need need to make to make suresure we are we are keeping keeping ourour guests guests andand staffstaff safesafe andand healthy. healthy. WeWe 2 2“There are are backback to wearing to wearing masks masks andand havehave in-home in-home COVID COVID tests tests for for ourour guests. guests. Some Some guests guests do not do not want want to stay to stay in our in our program program because because we we havehave restrictions restrictions andand theythey do not do not understand understand the the seriousness seriousness of this of this pandemic. pandemic. Addictions Addictions continue continue to grow to grow in our in our community. community. Currently, Currently, 97%97% of of ourour guests guests havehave an addiction an addiction to alcohol, to alcohol, drugs, drugs, gambling gambling or aordual a dual addiction. addiction. Many Many of our of our guests guests havehave mental mental health health issues, issues, withwith some some of this of this being being caused caused by the by the continual continual use use of drugs, of drugs, suchsuch as meth, as meth, which which impacts impacts an individual’s an individual’s cognitive cognitive thinking. thinking. Onboard Onboard andand retaining retaining employees employees during during oneone of the of the most most difficult difficult times times in our in our community. community. So many So many employers employers are are short-staffed, short-staffed, andand employees employees do not do not always always handle handle working working additional additional shifts shifts well.” well.” “We are are blessed blessed to have to have eacheach volunteer volunteer whowho chooses chooses to give to give their their timetime to the to the house. house. Many Many of our of our volunteers volunteers come come to give to give backback to others to others but but 3 3“We leave leave withwith more more thanthan theythey gave.” gave.”

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“Our volunteers volunteers are are the the backbone backbone of our of our agency. agency. WeWe typically typically havehave overover 800800 volunteer volunteer hours hours eacheach month. month. OurOur volunteers volunteers are are individuals, individuals, 4 4“Our groups groups and/or and/or families families whowho choose choose to give to give backback to others to others to give to give them them hope!” hope!” photos photos by Dby aisy Daisy Larson Larson

Design Design by Cby hLoe ChLoe houwman houwman

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is most important. With over 500 parking spaces at LHS, just monitoring the parking situation takes a fair part of my day. All staff does our best to help LHS be a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” said long before I worked here and will be here long Wegner. after I retire. The school administrators help Students do not necessarily get upset with Wegner, just the fact that they clarify these situations with students,” said got caught for parking in a spot they know they were not supposed to park. Wegner. BY RAINA MARTY He’s the first face they see when students walk into LHS, whether he greets the students He did not make the rules, he makes sure everyone follows them. lot of hethelooks necessities have, or they just glance at him. When they arrive late toAschool, at theirthat IDsstudents and checks them in. He is always observing and making sure everything is going smoothly in the morning. “Almost all of my student interactions are positive. There are times when but Douglas parking passeshasand IDs,to come from Many do not know who this very familiar face is,including Wegner more his day than students may think. students don’t understand that most rules of the school have been in place Wegner without students even realizing it. Growing up, Wegner went to WHS which is now the Washington Pavilion downtown Sioux MARTYstudent “Most of my day isBYspentRAINA monitoring Falls. There were not very many considered “staff but see the when churches nearby welcoming and the helping those He’sparking” the firstspots, face they students walktraffic, into LHS, whethervisitors he greets students would charge students only 50 cents. “My wife attended in the same time latevisitors LHS. orframe theyand, justyes, glance at LHS him. When they arrive to school,makehe their looksconnection at their IDswithin and checks there were parking issues then, too. LHS workplaceand for making nearly sureMaking student identification them in. Hehasisbeen alwaysmyobserving everything is going smoothlycards, in theselling morning. three school years. I previously worked at the CountydoTreasurer’s Office bus passes school Many not know who thisandveryat Washington familiar face is,monthly but Douglas Wegnerandhaspatrolling more to the his day than High School,” said Wegner. students think.in staff parking, Wegner parking lots are also my duties,” said Wegner. When young drivers push their limits may and park is there to make sure that those students know they are in the wrong. Many His job is not only writing on the “warning” think they will get away with it, but they usually do not. Except, Wegner is Growing up, Wegner went to WHS which is not trying to be the bad guy. slips as he drives around in his Gator golf cart, “Providing security, checking visitors in and observing student traffic now the Washington Pavilion downtown Sioux is most important. With over 500 parking spaces at LHS, just monitoring checking license plates and parking passes are the parking situation takes a fair part of my day. All staff does our best to Falls. There were not very many considered help LHS be a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” said long before I worked here and will be here long also onI retire. his listThe of jobs. Wegner does get to Wegner. school administrators help “staff parking” spots, but the churches nearby after Students do not necessarily get upset with Wegner, just the fact that they clarify these situations with students,” said connect with students in more ways than many got caught for parking in a spot they know they were not supposed to park. Wegner. would charge students only 50 cents. He did not make the rules, he makes sure everyone follows them. A lot of the necessities that students have, think. “Almost all of my student interactions are positive. There are times when including parking passes and IDs, come from “My wife attended LHS in the same time Wegner without students don’t understand that most rules of the school have been in place students even realizing it. “Part ofof mymyjobday isistospent help monitoring students withstudent “Most frame and, yes, there were parking issues then, traffic, welcoming visitors those requestsmake for anytheirvariety of and itemshelping or services the connection within LHS. too. LHS has been my workplace for nearly visitors Making student identification cards, selling school provides. If I don’t know the answer, bus passes and patrolling the school three school years. I previously worked at the monthly lots are also my duties,” said Wegner. Iparking will find it. notIt feels good to learn something His job only writing on the “warning” County Treasurer’s Office and at Washington slips as he isdrives around in his Gator golf cart, new and pass it along. Inandthatparking way, Ipasses hope are checking license plates High School,” said Wegner. also on his list of jobs. Wegner does get to students will help students, myself and other connect with students in more ways than many think. with our day-to-day efforts at LHS,” said When young drivers push their limits and park in staff parking, Wegner staff “Part of my job is to help students with requests for any variety of items or services the is there to make sure that those students know they are in the wrong. Many Wegner. school provides. If I don’t know the answer, will find it. It feels good to learn something Before students park in spots they know they think they will get away with it, but they usually do not. Except, Wegner is Inew and pass it along. In that way, I hope students will help students, myself and other are not supposed to park, they need to think of not trying to be the bad guy. staff with our day-to-day efforts at LHS,” said Wegner. Wegner and the administration for just trying to “Providing security, checking visitors in and observing student traffic Before students park in spots they know they are not supposed to park, they need to think of the traffic situation and parking lot safer is most important. With over 500 parking spaces at LHS, just monitoring make Wegner and the administration for just trying to DESIGN BY RAINA MARTY make the traffic situation and parking lot safer and easier for everyone. ARTWORK BY RAINA MARTYthe parking situation takes a fair part of my day. All staff does our best to and easier for everyone. 25 PHOTO BY RAINA MARTY help LHS be a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” said long before I worked here and will be here long RAINA MARTY RAINA MARTY PHOTO BY RAINA MARTY

DESIGN BY

ARTWORK BY

“I love going out there and shooting whatever I can get my hands on. And the school has been benefiting me in that way,” said Baker. Baker is most known for his awardwinning C-Span video in 2021. Living in a family of musicians, Baker decided to take the “Explore the Issue You Most Want the President and New Congress to Address in 2021” themeless politically and more on the issues that affect him and his family. “I felt like it would be true to my family and myself to do something on an issue that directly impacts me and especially because in that sense I do have personal connections to the issues,” said Baker. “I saw all this first-hand but also I wanted to get more perspectives on it.” The short documentary focused on the art community when musicians were proposing a second stimulus package and how they were affected by COVID-19. His video was recognized internationally and was used by the artist to explain the issues they were faced with in Pierre. “I learned a lot about the artist and how art impacts society. I feel like, in that regard, I put a lot into it and got a lot out of it,” said Baker. Throughout the documentary, many different artists were seen and got to share their struggles impacting them specifically. He interviewed many musicians including Many hours have gone into the work a violinist for the South Dakota Symphony Baker has done for the people around him. BY MORGAN SANDNESS MAfter ORGAN SANDNESS Orchestra and a jazzBY musician. many Baker finds videography is more than interviews and backstage videos, Baker was cutting clips and them together. There is a person behind the camera. A person There is a person behind the camera. Apiecing person able to create a widely noticed art piece. “You can tell a story, but you could also who receives a sliver of recognition yet has the who receives a sliver of recognition yet has the “I am very happy that I won the award, but do it visually. when you combine two ability to construct a piece of art that amazes ability to construct a piece of art thatAndamazes I am also very happy with the implications things,encompasses it creates this different medium many. Creating a brilliant video that encompasses many. Creating a brilliant video that that came from that. I got to spread it to altogether. It’smastered something that is much more someone’s life is a talent that hasn’t been mastered someone’s life is a talent that hasn’t been different places and my message of ‘artists are powerful than just or painting,” said by many, yet LHS junior, Sean Baker has defied by many, yet LHS junior, Sean Baker has writing defied struggling’ and ‘artists need help’ was heard on Baker. this statement and continues to create authentic this statement and continues to create authentic a bigger scale because of that,” said Baker. pieces of art that capture more than what meets pieces of art that capture more than what meets the eye. the eye. Baker has been perfecting his craft throughout Baker has been perfecting his craft throughout many years of his life. From the age of seven, many years of his life. From the age of seven, Baker knew he had a passion and talent for Baker knew he had a passion and talent for videography. He has done projects throughout videography. He has done projects throughout LHS and his community. In his videos, he reaches LHS and his community. In his videos, he reaches out to more than just the target audience to out to more than just the target audience to explain problems that impact the world around explain problems that impact the world around them. them. At a young age, Baker filmed whatever he could, At a young age, Baker filmed whatever he could, whenever he could. His first project consisted of whenever he could. His first project consisted of a stop-motion video with his stuffed animals, but a stop-motion video with his stuffed animals, but after messing around one day in a car dealership, after messing around one day in a car dealership, his recording talent was quickly noticed. his recording talent was quickly noticed. “I had“I an iPad at the time, and I just into a car dealership I was bored with my parents. They a were searching and had an iPad atbrought theittime, and Iwhen just brought it into car dealership when I was bored with my parents. They were searching and buying a car. I just around, and they paid me $40,” said Baker. “I and was kindthey of takenpaid in by the me artistic$40,” intention behind making buying afilmed car. I just filmed around, said Baker. “I was kind of taken in by the artistic intention behind making videos.” videos.” BakerBaker has done many projects with LHS sports teams, including doing hype LHS videos for sports the LHS volleyball and gymnastics teams. has done many projects with teams, including doing hype videos for the LHS volleyball and gymnastics teams. DESIGN DESIGN BY M BY ORGAN M SANDNESS ORGAN

SANDNESS

PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED BY MORGAN SANDNESS BY M & SORGAN EAN BAKER

SANDNESS & SEAN BAKER

MEET

MR. NOORDERMEER: acquiring the love of music

ELANA BISHOP

VANESSA TIMAT

LHS opens doors for new teachers every year. As some transition to different schools, others arrive here. Being new to a specific setting can always be difficult, however one teacher has really executed it well. Jacob Noordermeer, a.k.a. the choir teacher, was brand new to LHS last year. He had the difficult task of transition during the pandemic and faced challenges throughout the year with the new precautions. But even with these struggles, he found a way to make the most of his first year. Noordermeer’s musical background has always been a big part of his life; he has felt connected with the music and inspired by those around him. He has been heavily influenced to feel the music from within and has gained understanding of other life skills along the way. “My love of music began in elementary school. One of my biggest role models is my elementary music teacher, Ms. Laura. She fostered a love of music in me and taught me what it means to care about students in a genuine way,” said Noordermeer. Because of his enjoyment of music, he eventually led to starting a career in music. “My inspiration for becoming a choir teacher comes from the singing experiences I had in high school and college,” said Noordermeer. “I attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota for four years and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music degree in vocal music education.” One interesting fact students have picked

up about Noordermeer while attending his class was his sock collection. Students were amazed with how many different pairs of socks he had and how they were all unique in their own way. “I’m particular about having my socks match the color of my shirt or tie, which led me to expand my sock selection to have options for the shirts I wear to school,” said Noordermeer. Students have gotten so engaged and amused by his socks that they even made an Instagram account about it. Many wonder how many he has and why he has so many. “I’m not sure [how many pairs of socks I have], but I probably have at least 40 pairs of socks for school,” said Noordermeer. “Some of my favorite socks are the ones that others have given to me as a gift. I always think about the person on that day when I wear a particular pair.” Though he has only been teaching for a small amount of time, Noordermeer has acquired a lot of information about himself and the people around him. Ultimately, his job has connected him to the things he loves, and he is grateful for the experiences he has come across. “I find singing in a choir to be one of the most satisfying, connecting, and moving experiences possible for a person. Being a choir teacher allows me the chance to craft experiences for students to know the power that singing together can have,” said Noordermeer. “I love working at Lincoln and getting to make music every day with awesome students. I’m a big believer that a positive attitude of optimism can make a huge difference in everything you do.”

Kristin Brown What is your position? Activities Secretary How many years have you been working at LHS? Six Years What is your favorite part of your workday? The variety of my Machelle Koch position – every day is a little What is your posit different. ion? Receptionist How many years ha ve you been working at LHS? Sta rted working at LHS in Dec. 20 21 What is your favor ite part of your workday? I enjoy the afternoons when I have less telephone calls and more tim e to learn the other asp ects of my job.

"I ﬁnd singing in a choir to be one of the most satisfying, connecting, and moving experiences possible for a person."

ATTENTION

This feature acknowledges each of the smiling faces that greet you from Student Services. Let’s take time to show our gratitude for the people who provide our student body with precision and safety to ensure us all an exceptional high school career.

e Hurley Dominiqu

? ur position What is yo y ar et Secr Discipline you years have How many Five S? H L at ing been work years part of ur favorite What is yo I am en day? Wh your work d I get an t, en d u a st excited for and p u t face ligh to see their smile.

Kory Klaahse

n What is your position? Att endance Cle How many ye rical ars have you been working LHS? 13 year at s What is your favorite part of your workd I enjoy intera ay? cting with th e students w they come in hen to the studen t service offi ce.

DESIGN BY ELANA BISHOP PHOTO BY ELANA BISHOP

VANESSA TIMAT VANESSA TIMAT DESIGN BY VANESSA TIMAT

PHOTO BY

ARTWORK BY

JURE OKENE 1.

“Black History Month to me is a month of remembrance. It’s a month of celebration of black excellence and resilience. It’s also a month where we can encourage the future generations into doing better for themselves.”

JURE OKENE

“Black“IHistory Month to me is a month of remembrance. a month of celebrationblack of black excellence would like to acknowledge Marsha P. Johnson.It’s She was a transgender woman who was known

also a month where we can encourage the future generations into doing better for 1. and for beingIt’s a leader for the gay liberation movement. Homeless herself, she created the Street Transvestite 2. resilience. themselves.”

2. BY JOY

BILAL

From Feb. 1 to March 1, U.S. Black History is honored. Black History Month is a time in the U.S. when we acknowledge and celebrate the successes of African Americans in our country. This year’s 2022 theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” This is an important theme because African Americans BY JOY BILAL have not always received proper treatment, and if they were given the opportunity, they were put last in line. From Feb. 1 tohealth Marchprofessionals, 1, U.S. Black History is honored. Black History Month a time in the U.S. acknowledge and celebrate We acknowledge black scholars, practitioners, especially withisCOVID-19’s thirdwhen yearwe around. the successes of African Americans in our country. This year’s 2022 theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” This is an important theme “This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on not only physical, but mental and emotional health, how many communities have because African Americans have not always received proper treatment, and if they were given the opportunity, they were put last in line. of remained resilient in the face of healthcare inequities and how cultural and ancestral traditions have informed our understanding We acknowledge black health professionals, scholars, practitioners, especially with COVID-19’s third year around. wellness,” said the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA. “This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on not only physical, but mental and emotional health, how many communities have Outside of health and wellness, the U.S. has honored “The Black Family: Representation, Diversity and Identity’’ last year, “African remained resilient in the face of healthcare inequities and how cultural and ancestral traditions have informed our understanding of Americans and The Vote” in 2020Emergency which celebrated the 19th andalso 15thknown amendments and “Black Migration” in 2019. wellness,” said the Federal Management Agency, as FEMA. African Americans in the U.S. have been through multiple ups and downs in this nation withDiversity slavery,and the Identity’’ Civil Rights Movement Outside of health and wellness, the U.S. has honored “The Black Family: Representation, last year, “Africanand the fightAmericans for equality stillwhich witnessing in this generation, seen with the Matter’ movement and riots. Black andthat Thesociety Vote” inis2020 celebrated the 19th and 15thasamendments and ‘Black “Black Lives Migration” in 2019. AmericansAfrican in today’s age areineven morehave fearless and confident inups their forinequality in all areas of this ThisMovement time around, Americans the U.S. been through multiple andfight downs this nation with slavery, the nation. Civil Rights and we thethe fight forto equality that society still scholars, witnessingphysicians in this generation, seen with ‘BlackAmericans. Lives Matter’ movement and riots. Black are taking time acknowledge our isblack and the as wellness of the African Americans in today’s age are even more fearless and confident in their fight for equality in all areas of this nation. This time around, we are taking the time to acknowledge our black scholars, physicians and the wellness of African Americans.

Action Revolutionary, also known as ‘STAR,’ which provided housing for the LGBTQ youth and black youth.” “I would like to acknowledge Marsha P. Johnson. She was a transgender black woman who was known for being a leader for the gay liberation movement. Homeless herself, she created the Street Transvestite “Resilience.” Action Revolutionary, also known as ‘STAR,’ which provided housing for the LGBTQ youth and black youth.”

“One of the most profound moments would be the Harlem Renaissance, which was from the 1920s to black actors, playwrights in American theaters. It laid the groundwork for later African American literature.”

4. mid-1930s. It was a movement that increased the involvement of 3. “Resilience.” 4.

“One of the most profound moments would be the Harlem Renaissance, which was from the 1920s to mid-1930s. It was a movement that increased the involvement of black actors, playwrights in American theaters. It laid the groundwork for later African American literature.”

BETELHEM ZERIZGHI

“Black History Month is a chance for the history of a marginalized group to actually talk about issues that

BETELHEM ZERIZGHI and to appreciate all that we have done throughout history as well as what we 1. are seen as controversial 1.

to do and isbe.” “Blackaspire History Month a chance for the history of a marginalized group to actually talk about issues that are seen as controversial and to appreciate all that we have done throughout history as well as what we people personal to me like my mom, just because I know she went through a lot to aspire“Itomostly do and acknowledge be.”

“I mostly to metolike my mom, just because I know she went through a lot to scale’acknowledge difference, people it’s stillpersonal important acknowledge them.” get me here, and I feel like people like her need to be more recognized even though it is not seen as a ‘large scale’“Powerful.” difference, it’s still important to acknowledge them.”

get me here, and I feel like people like her need to be more recognized even though it is not seen as a ‘large

3. “Powerful.” “The LA Riots because I feel it was a way for people to see what was really going on. Those kinds of Does Black History 1. What Mean to you?

Does Black History 1. What Mean to you?

Who is someone you would Who is someone would like2. to acknowledge foryou Black like to acknowledge for Black History Month? History Month?

you could choose one word 3. Ifto describe could choose one word 3. If youBlack History to describe Black History

what would be? it be? what it would

What do you do think the is the What you is think 4. most profound moment in in most profound moment American History? AfricanAfrican American History?

always Ishow America is at,to rather thanwas where thinkson.it Those is.” kinds of “The moments LA Riots because feel itwhere was a way for people see what reallyitgoing moments always show where America is at, rather than where it thinks it is.”

LAURA JIMMA

LAURA JIMMA 1.

“Black History Month is like a time for remembrance of African Americans in the past and also a time to

“Blackappreciate History Month is like aof time for remembrance of African Americans in theand pastconfidence and also a time to people have the amount growth and successes we’ve had; excellence black appreciate the amount of growth and successes we’ve had; excellence and confidence black people have gained over time.” gained over time.”

isn’t someone famous but probably my mom. My mom is a person who doesn’t put up with anything. 2. She 2. “This hasthrough been through a lot the with system, withhere, getting here,and with jobs and finances.” She has been a lot with thewith system, getting with jobs finances.”

“This isn’t someone famous but probably my mom. My mom is a person who doesn’t put up with anything.

3. “Bravery.” 3. “Bravery.” “Malcolm X and X also a lot of amoments even in our lifetime the George Floyd murder and riots in and riots in “Malcolm and also lot of moments even in ourlike lifetime like the George Floyd murder Minnesota. For ourFor generation, that wasthat a huge history and something cannot forget. That forget. That Minnesota. our generation, wasmoment a hugeinmoment in history andwe something we cannot is literally generational trauma being passed down.” is literally generational trauma being passed down.”

4. 4.

DESIGN BY

ADYSON SAND BY ADYSON SAND ADYSON SDESIGN AND

ARTWORK BY

ADYSON SAND

BY JADA

SANDVALL While the cold depths of winter are coming to an end, the events at LHS are quickly picking up. As spring sports begin and the culmination of the school year nears, you may be left asking, “What is left?” Here is a glimpse into the last quarter of the school year and what events you can expect to hear chatter about through the LHS hallways.

Although altered last year due to COVID-19 protocols, this spring prom is back into full swing. It will be held like usual at the El Riad Shrine in Downtown Sioux Falls.

All year, AP students work towards one test, the AP test. Ranging from AP Chemistry to AP Human Geography, it will be a busy (and very stressful) two weeks for many Patriots.

With a very talented returning team, the boys tennis team looks to bring home their eighth consecutive title. This year, the State meet is in Rapid City at Sioux Park and Parkview Tennis Complex.

To recognize all the hard work done within the classroom, students will be awarded several certificates and awards at this yearly assembly. This year, the girls State basketball tournament for Class AA is in Rapid City at the newly refurbished events center, The Monument.

This year, the boys State basketball tournament for Class AA is here in Sioux Falls at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

With a lot of returning talent on the team this season, the Pats look to bring home their 16th boys title, ninth girls title and sixth consecutive combined title. This year, the State meet will be here in Sioux Falls at Howard Wood Field.

Although a bittersweet journey, everyone’s high school experience must come to an end. To celebrate all they have accomplished, seniors will have their annual ceremony at the Arena and at night will have the senior party. The party will be from 10-5, cost $50 dollars and be at Air Madness in Harrisburg. This year, the two events are on May 29.

DESIGN BY JADA

SANDDVALL

Avery NelsoN

making making makingyour your yourway way wayto toto making your way to

m i n i m a l i s m m i n i m a l i s m i n i m a l i s mm by baily Randall byby baily baily Randall Randall ideaRof “self-help” has been a huge movement byThe baily andall

Able to be seen at almost any time of the day on the football field, this teacher specializes in growing his circle beard in an attempt to validate his daily gym teachings.

Ask any of her students what her two personalities are and without a doubt, they would say her obsession with Drake and her kids.

A Chile native who loves the outdoors, this new teacher began her teaching career as an intern for the Spanish Immersion Program.

True crime and running are just two of this math teacher’s most defining hobbies as she navigates her new life as part of the LHS community. While spending the week teaching English to newbie freshmen, she leads a double life when she spends her Friday nights tearing it up on the soccer field.

Working hard behind the register for a couple of class periods a day, this LHS staff member had his kids create his Bitmoji for him.

Doubling as a classroom and an LHS community who seemingly knows everything about everything is always stocked with snacks.

Before coming to LHS, this teacher spent her days being a proud UNO Maverick followed by teaching immature middle schoolers.

desigN by

Avery NelsoN lhs stAff

photots provided by

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Within recent years, there has beentoa massive influx more productive, useful and valuable society. Within Within recent recent years, years, there there has has been been a massive a massive influx influx of Within “self-care” content hashas spewed networks recent years,that there been asocial massive influx of of“self-care” “self-care” content content that that hashas spewed spewed social social networks networks and into the minds of the people. These platforms take of and “self-care” content that has spewed social networks and into into the the minds minds of of the the people. people. These These platforms platforms take take on a wide range of mind, body and soul ideals. Many and into the minds of the people. These platforms take on on a wide a wide range range of of mind, mind, body body and and soul soul ideals. ideals. Many Many of the most popular include fitness wellness, on wide range of mind, body and souland ideals. Many of ofathe themost mostpopular popular include include fitness fitness and andwellness, wellness, body positivity, healthy eating habits and life lessons/ of the most popular include fitness and wellness, body body positivity, positivity, healthy healthy eating eating habits habits and life life lessons/ lessons/ tips. Many of these influencers workand to promote an body positivity, healthy eating habits and life lessons/ tips. tips. Many Many of of these these influencers influencers work work to to promote promote anan overall uplifted and renewed lifestyle. One of the tips. Many of these influencers work to One promote anthe overall overall uplifted uplifted and and renewed renewed lifestyle. lifestyle. One of of the most interesting routes of self-improvement I have overall uplifted and renewed lifestyle. One of the most most interesting interesting routes routes ofself-improvement self-improvement I have I have come across has been theof of minimalism. Living most interesting routes oflife self-improvement I have come come across across has has been been the the life life of of minimalism. minimalism. Living Living in a world of has excess most feel the need come beenwhere the life of people minimalism. Living in in aget world aacross world of ofexcess excess where where most most people people feelarticles feel the the need need to the newest, coolest pair of shoes or of in to aget world ofnewest, excess wherepair most people feel the need to get the the newest, coolest coolest pair of of shoes shoes or or articles articles of clothing, minimalistic has stood out likeofaof to clothing, get thethe newest, coolest lifestyle pair of shoes or articles clothing, the the minimalistic minimalistic lifestyle lifestyle has has stood stood outout like like a a sore thumb. in the world would want less clothing, theWhy minimalistic lifestyle haspeople stood outwant like a sore sore thumb. thumb. Why Why in in the the world world would would people people want less less in their life?Why Whyinwould someone to want live with sore thumb. the world wouldwant people less in in their their life? life? Why Why would would someone someone want want to to live live with with so little? in their life? Why would someone want to live with so so little? little? My first step in understanding minimalism was to so My little? My first first step step in in understanding understanding minimalism was was to to understand gluttony. According to minimalism Merriam-Webster, My first step in understanding minimalism was to understand understand gluttony. gluttony. According According to to Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, gluttony is defined asAccording greed or excessive indulgence. understand gluttony. toexcessive Merriam-Webster, gluttony gluttony is is defined defined asis as greed greed or or excessive indulgence. indulgence. Many times, gluttony used to refer to habitual greed gluttony is defined asisgreed orto excessive indulgence. Many Many times, times, gluttony gluttony used is used to refer refer to to habitual habitual greed greed in eating; however, the concept of gluttony can be Many times, gluttony isthe used to refer to habitual greed in in eating; eating; however, however, the concept concept of of gluttony gluttony can can bebe used in our everyday lives as well. Many of us have in eating; however, the concept of Many gluttony can be used used in in our our everyday everyday lives lives as as well. well. Many of of us us have have grown ineveryday a countrylives where goodsMany and services are used inup our as well. ofservices us have grown grown up up in in a country a country where where goods goods and and services are are continuously produced in front our eyes. grown up in abeing country where goods andof services are continuously continuously being being produced produced in in front front of of our our eyes. eyes. Through societal pressures, people have created continuously being produced in front ofcreated ourhabits eyes. Through Through societal societal pressures, pressures, people people have have created habits of constantly wanting the next best thing. Yethabits once Through societal pressures, people have created habits of of constantly constantly wanting wanting the the next next best best thing. thing. Yet Yet once once we finally attain that thing, it just becomes a matter of constantly wanting the next best thing. Yet once we we finally finally attain attain that that thing, thing, it it just just becomes becomes a matter a matter of time before the excitement is in becomes the past aand it is we finally attain that thing, it just matter of oftime time before before the the excitement excitement isto is in the in thethe past past and and it it is is time to shove those new shoes back of your of time before the excitement isto into the past and it your is time time to to shove shove those those new new shoes shoes the the back back of of your closet while you shopnew for ashoes new to pair… and the cycle time to shove those the back of your closet closet while while you you shop shop forfor a new a new pair… pair… and and thethe cycle cycle continues. closet while you shop for a new pair… and the cycle continues. continues. The minimalist lifestyle is all about embracing continues. The Theminimalist minimalist lifestyle is isand allallabout aboutembracing what you thelifestyle most value letting goembracing of any Thebrings minimalist lifestyle is and alland about embracing what what brings brings you you the the most most value value letting letting gogo of ofany any excess. By focusing on maintaining just a few things what brings you the on most value and letting gofew of any excess. excess. By By focusing focusing on maintaining maintaining just just a few a things things that bring you the most joy, you are able to things be rid excess. By focusing onmost maintaining just aable few that that bring bring you you thethe most joy, joy, you you are are able to to bebe ridrid of temporary happiness based on materialism that bring you happiness the most joy, youonare able to be and rid of of temporary temporary happiness based based on materialism materialism and and instead be present with what you have, because,and in of instead temporary happiness based on materialism instead be be present present with with what what you you have, have, because, because, in in reality, it’s really all with you need. According Becoming instead beit’s present what you have,to because, in reality, reality, it’s really really all all you you need. need. According According to to Becoming Becoming Minimalist, this simplistic wayAccording of living has been said reality, it’s really allsimplistic you need. tohas Becoming Minimalist, Minimalist, this this simplistic way way of ofliving living has been been said said to increase focus and productivity, helping reduce Minimalist, this simplistic way of living has been said to to increase increase focus focus and and productivity, productivity, helping helping reduce reduce stress and make daily less cluttered. I understand to increase focus andlife helping reduce stress stress and and make make daily daily lifeproductivity, life less less cluttered. cluttered. I reach understand I understand that this way of life may seem a bit out of as we stress and make daily life less cluttered. I understand that that this this way way of oflifelife may may seem seem aourselves bit a bit outout ofon ofreach reach as as wewe have been conditioned to pride how much that this way of life may seem aourselves bit out ofonreach as much we have have been been conditioned conditioned to to pride pride ourselves on how how much stuff we can accumulate, but doourselves not fear; on your journey have been conditioned to pride how much stuff stuff wewe cancan accumulate, accumulate, butbut do do notnot fear; fear; your your journey journey to minimalism may be closer than think. stuff we can accumulate, but do notyou fear; your to to minimalism minimalism may may bebe closer closer than than you you think. think.journey to minimalism may be closer than you think.

01 01 01

Analyze By going through your possessions and analyzing why Analyze Analyze By By going going through through your possessions possessions and and analyzing analyzing why why you bought them, how much you use your them and what value the items bring Analyze By going through your possessions and analyzing why you you bought bought them, them, how how much much you you use use them them and and what what value value the the items items bring bring to your life, you can begin to declutter and be free of what truly isn’t worth

you bought them, how much you use them and what value the items bring to to your your life, life, you you can begin begin to to declutter declutter and be be free free of ofwhat what truly truly isn’t worth worth keeping around. Bycan being conscious ofand what you have, it makes it isn’t easier to to your life, you can begin to declutter and be free of what truly isn’t worth keeping keeping around. around. By By being being conscious conscious of of what what you you have, have, it makes it makes it easier it easier to to be more selective on what you want. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing keeping around. By being conscious of what you have, it makes itiseasier to be be more more selective selective on on what what you you want. want. Don’t Don’t get get me me wrong. wrong. There There nothing is nothing wrong with buying items that bring value toget you. Minimalism doesn’t mean be more selective on what you want. Don’t me wrong. There is nothing wrong wrong with with buying buying items items that that bring value value to to you. you. Minimalism Minimalism doesn’t mean nothing; it just means less. Bybring reducing impulse buying,doesn’t you aremean one wrong with buying items that bring valueyour toyour you. Minimalism doesn’t mean nothing; nothing; it just it just means means less. less. By By reducing reducing your impulse impulse buying, buying, you you are are one one step closer only owning that have use,impulse value and purpose. nothing; it to just means less.goods By reducing your buying, you are one step step closer closer to to only only owning owning goods goods that that have have use, use, value value and and purpose. purpose. step closer to only owning goods that have use, value and purpose.

Prioritize Prioritize Prioritize Prioritize

02 02 02

This step is less about the goal of minimalism and This This step step is decluttering is less less about about the the goal goal of ofminimalism minimalism and and more about overall happiness. the attachment to material This stepAs isAs less about the goal of minimalism and more more about about overall overall happiness. happiness. As decluttering decluttering the the attachment attachment to to material material items is a minimalist ideal, beingAsriddecluttering of relationships that feel liketoemotional more about overall happiness. the attachment material items items is aisjust minimalist a minimalist ideal, ideal, being being ridrid of ofrelationships relationships that that feelfeel like like emotional emotional clutter is as necessary. Recognizing the value in your time and emotional items is a minimalist ideal, being rid of relationships that feel like emotional clutter clutter is just is just as as necessary. necessary. Recognizing Recognizing the the value value in in your your time time and and emotional emotional energy highlight the people’s energy feelinbest around. clutter iswill just as necessary. Recognizing theyou value your time and emotional energy energy will will highlight highlight thethe people’s people’s energy energy you you feelfeel best best around. around. energy will highlight the people’s energy you feel best around.

Simplify Simplify Simplify Simplify

03 03 03

Try taking out a few steps of your day in order to Try Trytaking taking outouta Setting afewfewsteps steps ofyour yourdaydayin order to to prioritize a few moments to yourself. timeof yourself toinorder focus on Try taking out a Setting few steps offor your day in order toon prioritize prioritize a few a few moments moments to to yourself. yourself. Setting time time for for yourself yourself to to focus focus on your goalsa isfew another great ofSetting decluttering. It’syourself just done prioritize moments tomethod yourself. time for to mentally focus on your your goals goals is is another another great great method method of of decluttering. decluttering. It’s It’s just just done done mentally mentally this time. Try takinggreat your method skincareofroutine from five steps to two steps. your goals isTry another decluttering. It’s just done mentally this this time. time. Try taking taking your your skincare skincare routine routine from from five five steps steps to to two two steps. steps. Figure out what you’re wearing for tomorrow to save a little time today. By this time. Try taking your skincare routine from fivea little steps totime two steps. Figure Figure out out what what you’re you’re wearing wearing for for tomorrow tomorrow to to save save a little time today. today. ByBy doing these small things, you are able to section out more time for yourself, Figure out what you’re wearing for tomorrow toout save amore little time today. By doing doing these these small small things, things, you you are are able able to to section section out more time time for for yourself, yourself, essentially decluttering parts of your day.section As I mentioned, minimalism is a doing these small things, you are able to out more time for yourself, essentially essentially decluttering decluttering parts parts ofyour your day. day. AsAs I mentioned, I mentioned, minimalism minimalism is a a lifestyle; therefore, it’s not justof your possessions. Allowing for timeis essentially decluttering parts ofabout your day. Aspossessions. I mentioned, minimalism isto a to lifestyle; lifestyle; therefore, therefore, it’s it’s not not just just about about your your possessions. Allowing Allowing for for time time to plan realistic goals it’s willnot helpjust manage your daily personalAllowing expectations. lifestyle; therefore, about your possessions. for time to plan plan realistic realistic goals goals will will help help manage manage your your daily daily personal personal expectations. expectations. plan realistic goals will help manage your daily personal expectations.

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Everyone dreams of living that lavish lifestyle portrayed by celebrities and popular influencers online. These people constantly flaunt their luxurious products, clothes and gadgets, leaving others with a feeling of unavoidable desire. The gap between average salaries made by celebrities, YouTube influencers and the average American is quite wide. It is simply unrealistic for the majority of people to live a life with products of equivalent values purchased by those higher up who can afford it. That being said, why should someone not do what they can to make themselves feel a bit more bougie and special? These Amazon dupes of luxurious items are unnoticeable and sure to help one live their finest life without breaking the bank. 01 CLARISONIC MIA CLEANSING BRUSH This product is for those who love having a nice skincare routine. The original retails for $109 while this dupe on Amazon is only $23.

02 YOGALICIOUS LEGGINGS If someone is into working out or just loves trendy athleisure, then they need to get their hands on these Lululemon Align dupes as soon as possible. The infamous Lululemon Aligns sell for $98, while the Yogalicious leggings from Amazon are about $20. If someone is just looking for a nice pair of leggings that double in style but are not in the mood to splurge, then these are for them. 03 AMAZON SUNGLASSES Here is a great gender-neutral item. Soon enough winter will be leaving, and everyone is going to need a stylish pair of sunglasses. Instead of having to save up $213 just for a pair of Raybans, purchase this $14 pair from Amazon instead.

04 AMAZON LOVE RING This item is for those who need a little bling in their life. It is a dupe for the Cartier Love ring. This simple and classy ring retails for $3,637 on Cartier. For people who do not have the budget for this, no need to worry, because Amazon has a dupe. The ring is a perfect way to spice up any outfit and comes in a pack of two for $12.99.

05 COZY ROBE, PANTS AND TOP This is a dupe for the Skims cozy knit pants, top and robe. Skims is a brand owned by Kim Kardashian so, as one may imagine, it can get a little pricey. The top is $52, the pants $88 and the robe $128, all for a total price of $268. The threepiece set on Amazon comes with the top, pants and robe for a total price of $50. by

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experience is one of not only a loss of life but Morganstein, chair of the American progress forward. also a loss of meaning. The seemingly never13, 2020, the U.S. has instability and anxiety because we thought we Psychiatric Association’s Committee on the ending nature ofn Mar. the COVID-19 pandemic government declared a were a great country — the greatest country, ‘’ Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster. emergency prevented peoplenational from planning forconcerning the future. said Dr. Monica Schoch-Spana, a public health Over-belief in one’s views and a refusal the COVID-19 outbreak. expert at Johns Hopkins University. “And now to accept any other perspective only worsen Lockdowns began, schools shut down and the Weddings, family gatherings and funerals we see other countries doing a lot better than these violent and aggressive interactions. pandemic was in full swing. A year later, it felt we are. So, then the question is, who are we?” And while awareness is important, Instagram as thoughtothere was a lightVacations, at the endlife of events the In the U.S., the last two years have been stories and arguments in a Twitter thread are continue be postponed. tunnel, with the creation and distribution of littered with a racial justice reckoning, a not the key to racial justice, climate action or the vaccines. summer out of 2021 and COVID-19 simple pleasures suchTheas hanging with political insurrection, increasingly concerning increasing vaccination rates. marked the most ‘normalcy’ many had felt in natural disasters due to climate change, The key is understanding, trust and over But, as compassion. A lack of these elements makes friendsa year. or going outwetoapproach dinner areCOVID-19’s prohibited. an economic recession and the deadliest second birthday, with masks still covering the pandemic in U.S. history. “We’re just not arguments out of what could have been faces of many and rates of infection higher meant to live under this level of tension for conversations, and arguments will never As these restrictions continue to be necessary than ever, it may feel as though there is no end such a prolonged period,” said Vaile Wright, precede progress. As a nation experiencing to forthethevirus’s safety reign. of the public, the mental health senior director of health care innovation for a collectively traumatic event, Americans Physically, COVID-19 forced the world the American Psychological Association. So, must realize the importance of unity. And apart (sixisfeet, to be exact). in many of many wearing, and theBut effects are other citizens are acting out. Violence has increased when unity is not possible, the cruciality ways, the pandemic brought us together. on airplanes, at school board meetings and of understanding the other side grows And while essential workers and minorities countless other locations at the insistence of further. Civil conversations, a genuine desire showing. were disproportionately affected, an inequity masks, vaccination or mere social distancing. to comprehend the views of others and brought to lightphysical by the pandemic, COVID-19’s impact onevery the U.S. These acts of aggression and violence are compassion for the experiences of others are individual across the country and even the seen by many mental health experts as necessary elements to moving forward, not globe had similar experiences over the past is unprecedented, but its psychological effect representations of the lack of control many only as individuals but as a nation. So, as we two years. have felt throughout the pandemic. ring in COVID-19’s second birthday, let us Many psychologists refer to itthis Hyper-active social media feeds have done realize the necessity of loving those around is mostly overlooked, although is just as overarching social and emotional response nothing to aid in this, as an overwhelming us and caring for everyone, not just those as collective“The trauma. Collective amount of information often leads to tunnel who agree with us. Let us allow COVID-19 important. collective of thetrauma Unitedis defined by the Brown School at Washington vision. to bring us together, rather than further University in St. Louisaas “a psychological States is experiencing sense of tremendous “When people are presented with situations separating us. And when we ask the question

trauma experienced by a group of people… in response to a mass traumatizing event… impacting collective identity.” This traumatic experience is one of not only a loss of life but also a loss of meaning. The seemingly neverending nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented people from planning for the future. Weddings, family gatherings and funerals continue to be postponed. Vacations, life events and simple pleasures such as hanging out with friends or going out to dinner are prohibited. As these restrictions continue to be necessary for the safety of the public, the mental health of many is wearing, and the effects are showing. COVID-19’s physical impact on the U.S. is unprecedented, but its psychological effect is mostly overlooked, although it is just as important. “The collective of the United States is experiencing a sense of tremendous

that seem overwhelming, they are more apt to give up in a sense and lock more tightly to a single perspective and approach,” said Joshua Morganstein, chair of the American

“Who are we?” let us not allow the answer to be a society divided and stuck in inaction but instead a society which works together to progress forward.

BY EMMA FORSTER

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EMMA FORSTER

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throwback vibe. The arcade machines along with the red and Circus. Pizza Cheeks opens at 4 p.m. and is open until 1 of the restaurant is similar. Papa Woody’s can now be found have full pizzas off the menu, which they make fresh. Pizza and silver countertops give it that ‘90s diner feel. With a a.m. to give Sioux Falls pizza lovers a feel for the big cities. on the intersection of Phillips and Second Street. di Paolo can be found on Minnesota and 31st. BY H ENRY H AFT & C ALEB H IATT coolHopen concept kitchen, you canHseeIATT your pizza being BY ENRY HAFT & CALEB H rightHin front & Cof yourHeyes. The ovens radiate a made Caleb’s Review: Caleb’s review: Caleb’ s review: warm doughy aroma that proliferates throughout the shop. This was a pure New York style pizza place with slices Papa Woody’s has a wide variety of pizza styles including The pizza here is more my style, with a sourdough crust bigger than customers‘ faces. Pizza Cheeks crafts thin “thick and doughy,” “thin and crispy” and flatbread. Needless that is thick around the edges and gives the customer Caleb’s review: to say, we did not try every kind. I ordered the thick crust crust pizzas which have an airy crust that surrounds the I usually do not go for thin-crust pizza, but Sunny’s crust something to look forward to after the toppings have and enjoyed the crunchy outside which contained a doughy toppings. This type of pizza is what I would describe as pleasantly surprised me. It was thin, crispy and went well been consumed. The first pizza we ordered, the Primo interior. It was a quality crust but not quite as flavorful as foldable because the most efficient and popular manner of with the toppings. Sunny’s puts a creative twist on classic Carnera, included two meats: sausage and finocchiona, Pizza di Paolo’s. In addition to various crusts, they also have consumption is to fold it in half to reduce drooping. I ordered along with cherry peppers and pepperoncinis which pizza flavors. For example, we ordered the Pepperoni a good amount of topping combinations. They are similar the Hello Nasty which included a combination of sausage Playboy, which came with pizza rolls on top, and the BB- made for an excellent combination of flavors. The quality to Sunny’s in their more American style of pizza variety. I and pepperoni, along with what the menu calls “Mama Lil’s ofmarkets ingredients is clearly a point of emphasisinside for thisPizza di Paolo makes Peppers” andtoredtomost, onions. This pizzaisonwas awesome, probably Coo chicken, which included mushrooms and jalapeños. The atmosphere customers ordered the chicken bacon ranch which also had cheese and Unfortunately, we visited Papa Woody’s their last day Unfamiliar Pizza Cheeks aislocal pizza maker Sunny’s, which is located on 26th St. and Walts,The atmosphere inside Pizza di Paolo makes customers Unfamiliar most, Pizza Cheeks a local pizza makerat Unfortunately, we visited Papa Woody’s on their last day at The atmosphere inside Pizza di Paolo makes customers Sunny’s, which is located on 26th St. and Walts, markets Unfortunately, we visited Papa Woody’s on their last day at Sunny’s, which is located on 26th St. and Walts, markets feel as if they are in Italy, with many colorful Italian their old location. As far as the feel of the restaurant goes, selling pizza by the slice in the back of The Hello Hi bar itself as a thin-crust pizza place within walking distance feel as as if they are Italy, with many colorful Italian their oldold location. AsAs farfar as as thethe feelfeel of of thethe restaurant goes, selling pizza by theout slice in of The Hello Hi bar establishment, andareinitposters made mewith excited tothe make myItalian return my personal favorite ofThe allthe theback pies wecook tried. What stuck itself as as a thin-crust pizza place within walking distance feel if they in Italy, many colorful their location. restaurant goes, itself a thin-crust pizza place within walking distance Iofofespecially enjoyed the sauce bases which were the spicy diced tomatoes. At times I struggled to taste the ranch, but lining walls and a free jukebox in the corner. in downtown Sioux Falls. shop features classic cheese, it has a rustic vibe with chopped logs used to pizza on posters lining the walls and a free jukebox in the corner. Augustana and Sunny’s USF. Sunny’s gets its name from it has a rustic vibe with chopped logs used to cook pizza on in downtown Sioux Falls. The shop features classic cheese, Augustana and USF. gets its name from posters lining theThe wallspizza and a free jukeboxofin the corner. Italian style, advertised it has a rustic vibe with chopped logs used to cook pizza on inpepperoni of owner’s Augustanadog, and USF. Sunny’s gets being its nameafrom and the veggie pizzas, along with sixoven specialty pizzas Also view was the great stone pizza behind is more a classic as was display. Also in view the great stone pizzadisplay. oven behind The pizza isexplore more ofthe a classic Italian style, advertised as the with its logo depiction ofThe the out to me was quality of ingredients; was and further menu. Overall, I give Pizza di pepperoni and veggie pizzas, along withthe sixmeat specialty pizzas the owner’s dog, with its logo being a depiction of the display. Also in view was the great stone pizza oven behind pizza is more“the of a classic Italian style, advertised as I still really liked this pizza. Overall, I give Papa Woody’s a “Sunny’s Sauce” on the Pepperoni Playboy and the honey on the opening menu, including meatball, margarita and taco the owner’s dog, with its logo being a depiction of the thedetails counter customers order. While these details may artisan pizza the They counter sell where customers order. While these may where “theretro, freshest artisan pizzafreshest in South Dakota.” They sell in South Dakota.” pup’s face. restaurant lively, a kind of pup’s face. TheThe restaurant is lively, is with a kindwith of retro, on the opening menu, including meatball, margarita and taco the counter where customers order. While these details may “the freshest artisan pizza in South Dakota.” They sell pizzas. This shop was opened by the same owners of Bread the newthelocation, we can assume that the mood not bethey true of the new location, we can assumenot thatbe thetrue moodof delicious; pup’s face. The restaurant is lively, machines with a with kind of retro, pizza by the slice,but which is made to order, but also peppers offered a refreshingly sweet splash of pizza by the slice, which is made to order, they also Paolo an 8.3/10 throwback vibe. The arcade along with the red throwback vibe. The arcade machines along the red pizzas. This shop was opened by the same owners of Bread solid Pizza Cheeks opens at 4 p.m. is open 1 BBQ on thecountertops BB-Coo. Overall, Igive give‘90sSunny’s Pizzeria a aredfeel.havepizza be true ofPizza the new location, we can assume that the mood and Circus. the slice,have which is made tothey order, but they also restaurant is similar. Papa Woody’s canand now be until found of not the8/10. restaurant is similar. Papa Woody’s canof nowthe be found fullby pizzas menu, which make fresh. Pizza which they make full pizzas off the menu, fresh. vibe. The arcade machines along with the andthrowback silver give it that feel. With and silver countertops it diner that ‘90s diner With a off the and Circus. Pizza Cheeks opens at 4 p.m. and is open until 1 a.m. to give Sioux Falls pizza lovers a feel for the big cities. restaurantofis Phillips similar. Papa Woody’s can found flavor and on of thethe intersection and Second Street. on now thebe intersection of the Phillips and Second Street. have full offdion the menu,can which fresh. Pizza hot honey drizzle was a beautiful addition to di Paolo canpizzas be found Minnesota and 31st.makeon Paolo bethey found Minnesota and 31st. and silver countertops give itcan thatsee ‘90s diner feel. With apizza cool open concept kitchen, you your pizza being cool open concept kitchen, you can see your being a.m. to give Sioux Falls pizza lovers a feel for the big cities. 7.2/10 on the intersection of Phillips and Second Street. di Paolo made inconcept front ofkitchen, your The ovens radiate abeing radiate coolright open you caneyes. see your pizza made right in front ofeyes. your The ovens a can be found on Minnesota and 31st. Caleb’s Review: Caleb’s review: the flavor profile. Overall, I give Pizza Cheeks a 9/10. Caleb’s review: Caleb’s review: Henry’ s review: Caleb’s review: warm doughy aroma that proliferates throughout the shop. Henry’ s review: made right in front of your eyes. The ovens radiate a This was aReview: pure New York style pizza place with slices warm doughy aroma that proliferates throughout the shop. Caleb’s Papa Woody’s has a wide variety of pizza styles including Caleb’s review: Papa Woody’s has a wide variety of pizza styles including The pizza here is more my style, with a sourdough crust crust“thin and crispy” and flatbread. Needless bigger than customers‘ faces. Pizza Cheeksplace crafts thin warm doughy aroma that proliferates throughout the shop. Caleb’s review: The pizza here is more my style, with a sourdough “thick and doughy,” This was a pure New York style slices “thick and doughy,” “thin and crispy” and pizza flatbread.with Needless Papa Woody’s has a wide variety of pizza styles including that is di thick around the edges and gives the customer Pizza Paolo is definitely ranked higher on my list than Papa Woody’s was absolutely delicious. They have a wide Caleb’s review: that is thick around the edges and gives the customer The pizza here is more my style, with a sourdough crust crust pizzas which have an airy crust that surrounds the Caleb’s review: to say, we did not try every kind. I ordered the thick crust Henry’ s review: bigger than customers‘ faces. Pizza Cheeks crafts thin to say, we did not try every kind. I ordered the thick crust something to look forward to afterto thelook toppings have to after the toppings “thick have and doughy,” “thin and crispy” and flatbread. Needless toppings. This type of pizza is what I would describe as II usually do not go for thin-crust pizza, but Sunny’s crust something forward that is thick around the edges and gives the customer and enjoyed the crunchy outside which contained a doughy usually do not go for thin-crust pizza, but Sunny’s crust The first pizza we ordered, the Primo Henry’ spizzas Review: Caleb’s review: crust which haveefficient an airycontained crust that surrounds the and enjoyed the crunchy outside doughy been consumed. to say,Primo we didit not try every kind. Idepartment. ordered the thick crust selection when comes to the pizza You can Sunny’s. I love the thick sourdough crust with all of pleasantly surprised me. which It waspersonally thin, crispyisn’t andmy went well foldable because the mostwhich and popular a manner of been consumed. The first pizza we ordered, the interior. It was a quality crust but not quite as flavorful as something to look forward to after the toppings have The pizza is thin-crust, favorite, pleasantly surprised me. It was thin, crispy and went well I usually do not Sunny’s go for thin-crust pizza,twist but Sunny’s crust Carnera, included two meats: sausage and finocchiona, of Iaswould describe interior. It wasconsumption atoppings. qualityThis crust not quite flavorful asas anddienjoyed which contained a doughy is totype foldbut it phenomenal; inpizza half is towhat reduce drooping. I and ordered with the toppings. puts a creative on classic Pizza Paolo’s.the Incrunchy additionoutside to various crusts, they also have Carnera, included two finocchiona, This pizza is absolutely the ingredients been consumed. The firstand pizza we ordered, the meats: Primo sausage and even with the toppings. Sunny’s puts a creative twist on classic pleasantly surprised me. It was thin, crispy and went well foldable because the most efficient and popular manner of Pizza di Paolo’s. In addition to various crusts, they also have along with cherry peppers pepperoncinis which select one of the many types of crust they have. I theCarnera, deliciousincluded vegetables andmeats: greatsausage flavors. Thepeppers crust is and pepperoncinis the Hello Nasty which included a combination of sausage interior. It was quality combinations. crust but not quite pizza flavors. For example, we orderedtoppings the Pepperoni a good amount of atopping Theyas areflavorful similar as along with cherry which but they make up for it with delicious and two and finocchiona, pizza flavors. For example, we ordered the Pepperoni a good amount of topping combinations. They are similar is are to fold itwhat in half reduce drooping. I ordered with the toppings. Sunny’s puts a creative twistthe onBBclassic made for an excellent combination of flavors. The quality andconsumption pepperoni, along with thetomenu calls “Mama Lil’s Playboy, which came with pizza rolls on top, and di in Paolo’s. In addition to various alsoI have flavors to Pizza Sunny’s their more American style ofcrusts, pizzathey variety. of this pie life-changing. I loved the location, made for an excellent combination of flavors. The quality Playboy, which came with pizza rolls on top, and the BBalong with cherry peppers and pepperoncinis which tried the BBQ pizza and some chicken bacon ranch. I was to Sunny’s in their more American style of pizza variety. I of ingredients is clearly a point of emphasis for this Peppers” and red onions. This pizza was awesome, probably the Hello Nasty which included a combination of sausage cooked to perfection, and you can taste the flame through pizza flavors. For example, we ordered the Pepperoni Coo chicken, which included mushrooms and jalapeños. ordered chicken ranch which also They had cheese and a for goodthe amount of bacon topping combinations. are similar amazing sauces. The thin crust itself was above average ofmade ingredients isflavors. clearly aquality point of emphasis this Coo chicken, which included mushrooms and jalapeños. establishment, and it me excited to make my return ordered the chicken bacon ranch which also had cheese and my personal favorite out of all the pies we tried. What stuck made for an excellent combination of The and pepperoni, along with what the menu calls “Mama Lil’s I especially enjoyed the with saucepizza basesrolls which the the spicy diced tomatoes. times I struggled to taste ranch, but I Playboy, which came onwere top, and BBloved the small menu and loved the availability of single to Sunny’s in At their more American style ofthe pizza variety. establishment, and it made me excited to make my return delightfully surprised with how good they were. I think out to me was the quality of ingredients; the meat was I“Sunny’s especially enjoyed the sauce bases which were the spicy and further explore the menu. Overall, I give Pizza di diced tomatoes. At times I struggled to taste the ranch, but clearly awere pointtheofPrimo emphasis for this it. ofTheingredients pizzas thatisweand triedfurther Carnera Peppers” and red onions. This pizza was awesome, probably I still reallythe liked this pizza. Overall, I give Papa Woody’s Sauce” onthin-crust theincluded Pepperoni Playboy honey Coo chicken, which mushrooms and jalapeños. ordered cheese aand compared toSauce” other I’ve hadand in the my life.a Itand the explore the menu. Overall, I give Pizza dichicken bacon ranch which alsoIhad delicious; the peppers offered refreshingly splash Paolo an 8.3/10 and still really liked pizza. Overall, give Papa Woody’s “Sunny’s on thepizzas Pepperoni Playboy honey solid 8/10. BBQ on the BB-Coo. Overall, I give Sunny’s Pizzeria establishment, it made me excited to make my return slices. The entire pie is cooked to perfection and is relatively mythis personal favorite out of aIall the pies wesweet tried. Whatofa stuck I especially enjoyed the sauce bases which were the spicy diced tomatoes. At times I struggled tocooked taste the ranch, but flavor that the big wood fire oven that they are in adds so Paolo an 8.3/10 and the hot honey drizzle was a beautiful addition to solid 8/10. BBQ on the BB-Coo. Overall, I give Sunny’s Pizzeria a and the pepperoni. The hand-tossed crust was excellent 7.2/10 to me was the quality of ingredients; the meat was and further explore the menu. Overall, I give Pizza di I still really liked this pizza. Overall, I give Papa Woody’s a theout was“Sunny’s crunchySauce” yet chewy andPepperoni matched Playboy with theand flavors on the the of honey Henry’s flavor profile. INew giveYork-style Pizza Cheeks review: Henry’s review: large. The crust isOverall, refinedoffered withasweet a9/10. decent 7.2/10 delicious; the peppers a refreshingly splash of Paolo an 8.3/10 much flavor to the pizza. I tried both the “thin and crispy,” solid 8/10. BBQ on the BB-Coo. Overall, I give Sunny’s Pizzeria a Henry’s review: Pizza di Paolo is definitely ranked higher on my list than Papa Woody’s was absolutely delicious. They have a wide Henry’s review: and cooked to perfection. The ingredients were nicely Henry’s review: flavor and the hot honey drizzle was a beautiful addition to the toppings very well. We ordered a “BB-Coo” pizza and Henry’s Review: 7.2/10 selection it comes to the pizza department. You Woody’s can sourdough crust all of Pizza di Paolo iswith definitely ranked higher on my when list than Papa wasbut absolutely delicious. They have aperfectly wide flake isn’t flaky, and it is crispy but chewy and The pizza isreview: thin-crust, which personally isn’t my favorite, Sunny’s. I love the thick Henry’s thepizza flavorisprofile. Overall, I give Pizza a 9/10. which was very comparable Sunny’s, andthey theselection “thick absolutely phenomenal; the Cheeks ingredients and Henry’s review: Henry’s review: even select one of the many to types of crust have. Iand whenThis the delicious vegetables and This great flavors. The crust sourdough is it comes to the pizza department. You can Sunny’s. I love the thick crust with all of proportioned and arranged. was a truly well-crafted but they make upthin-crust, for it with delicious toppings andtheirisn’t my The pizza is which personally favorite, Pepperoni Playboy pizza which surprised me with flavors of this pie are life-changing. I loved the location, Pizza di Paolo is definitely ranked higher on my list Papa Woody’s wasand absolutely delicious. They have a wide oneblistered. tried the BBQ is pizza some chicken bacon ranch. Iselect was ismenu very rare offor me but overall, I give Pizza anddelicious you can taste the flame through Henry’s review: even of theThis many types crust they have. I vegetables andthan great flavors. doughy,” The crust amazing sauces. The itself delicious was above average but they make upthin forcrust it with toppings cooked and to perfection,the which I thought was definitely better. Papa Woody’s loved the small and loved the availability of single Henry’s Review: delightfully surprised with how good they were. I think selection when it comes to the pizza department. You can Sunny’s. I love the thick sourdough crust with all of it. The pizzas that we tried were the Primo Carnera tried the BBQ pizza and some chicken bacon ranch. I was pizza that would be great for dine-in or take-out. I liked The pizza is thin-crust, which personally isn’t my favorite, cooked to perfection, and you can taste the flame through compared tosauces. other thin-crust pizzas I’vepizza had in mywas It amazing The thin crust itself average slices. entire pie is cooked toCheeks perfection and is relatively very creative toppings. Who knew that rolls onlife.oftopabove ThisThe is absolutely phenomenal; ingredients that theselect big wood firethe oven thattypes they are cooked in adds so Cheeks apizza 10/10. Hot take, Pizza isthethe pizzaand in even one of many of crust they have. I andthe thedelicious pepperoni. The hand-tossed excellent vegetables andpizzas great crust flavors. The crust iswere the Primohas delightfully surprised with good were. Ibest think was crunchy yet chewy and matched with the flavors it. The thatwas we tried Carnera but they make up for it with delicious toppings and an amazing atmosphere, friendly employees and a menu large. Theof crust ishow refined Newthey York-style with a decent compared to other thin-crust pizzas I’ve had in my life. It much flavor to the pizza. I tried both the “thin and crispy,” flavors this pie are life-changing. I loved the location, and cooked to perfection. The ingredients were nicely tried the BBQ pizza and some chicken bacon ranch. I was thecooked casualoftoenvironment andtheyou ordering process; the staff that the big wood fireisn’t oven that are but cooked in adds so perfection, can taste theThe flame through the toppings very well. We ordered amatched “BB-Coo” pizza and andand pepperoni. hand-tossed crust which was excellent amazing sauces. Thechewy thin crust was above average flake but flaky, and they itand is change crispy chewy and perfectly was crunchy and with the ofPepperoni pizza would beyet good? Overall, Iitself give Sunny’s Pizzeria a flavors was very comparable to Sunny’s, and the “thick and Sioux Falls, no one will my mind. I was loved the and small menu loved the availability ofsuper single proportioned andthat arranged. This was a Primo truly well-crafted delightfully surprised with how good they were. I think much flavor to the pizza. I tried both the “thin and crispy,” Playboy pizza which surprised me with their it. The pizzas we tried were the Carnera that includes pizza, burgers and wings. Overall, I give Papa and cooked to perfection. The ingredients doughy,” were nicely This is very rare for me but overall, I give Pizza compared to other thin-crust pizzas I’ve had ain“BB-Coo” my life. It pizza which I thought was definitely better. Papa Woody’s blistered. the toppings very well. We ordered pizza and slices. The entiretopieSunny’s, is cooked to perfection and is and relatively that would be great for dine-inthe orcrust take-out. Isolid liked were friendly, engaging and overall, pizza is a which wassovery comparable and the “thick that the big wood fire oven that they are cooked in adds very creative toppings. Who knew that pizza rolls on top Cheeks a 10/10. Hot take,the Pizza Cheeks isthe the best pizza in and the pepperoni. The hand-tossed was excellent proportioned and arranged. This was a truly well-crafted has an amazing atmosphere, friendly employees and a menu 6.8/10. was crunchyPlayboy yet chewypizza and matched with the flavorsme of with pleased with the service, location and pizza itself. I Pepperoni which surprised their large. Theand crust isone refined New York-style with aWoody’s decent casual environment and ordering process; the staff doughy,” which I thought was definitely better. Papa Woody’s an 8.5/10 of pizza would be good? Overall, I give Sunny’s Pizzeria a theand much flavor to the pizza. I tried both the “thin and crispy,” Sioux Falls, no will change my mind. I was super cooked to perfection. The ingredients were nicely pizza that would be great for dine-in or take-out. I liked that includes pizza, burgers and wings. Overall, I give Papa the toppings well. We ordered a “BB-Coo” and very creativevery toppings. Who knew thatpizza pizza rolls on top were friendly, engaging and overall, the pizza is a solid flake but andthe it is crispy and but chewy and perfectly 8/10. an amazing atmosphere, friendly employees aitself. menu 6.8/10. pleased withisn’t the flaky, service, location theand pizza I which was very comparable to Sunny’s, andhas the “thick and would Woody’s 8.5/10 casual environment and ordering process; thean staff definitely recommend it. proportioned arranged. This was a truly well-crafted DESIGN BY HENRY HAFT & CALEB Hbe IATT of Pepperoni pizza would good? I give Pizzeria a andthe Playboy pizza whichOverall, surprised me with Sunny’s their 8/10. blistered. Thisrecommend isand verywings. rareit.for me but overall, I give Pizza thatPapa includes burgers Overall, I give Papa would definitely doughy,” which I thought was definitely better. Woody’spizza, 41 BY

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DESIGN BY

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pizza that would were be greatfriendly, for dine-inengaging or take-out.and I likedoverall, the pizza is a solid Cheeks a 10/10. Hot take, Pizza Cheeks is the best pizza in Woody’s an 8.5/10 has an amazing atmosphere, friendly employees and a menu 8/10.and ordering process; the staff the casual environment Sioux Falls, and no one will change my mind. I was super that includes pizza, burgers and wings. Overall, I give Papa were friendly, engaging and overall, the pizza is a solid

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ENERGY DRINKS: ENERGY DRINKS: ENERGY DRINKS: INVIGORATING INVIGORATINGTO TODEBILITATING DEBILITATING

INVIGORATING TO DEBILITATING BY FISHER MEYERINK BY F BYISHER FISHER MEYERINK MEYERINK

FISHER Myou EYERINK When think of drugs, what likely comes to are images of alcohol or Well, in When When youyou think think of of drugs, drugs, what what likely likely comes comes to mind mind to mind areare images images of of alcohol alcohol or marijuana. marijuana. or marijuana. Well, Well, in in reality there is one specific drug running rampant across our school and America as a whole. A drug more When you think drugs, what likely comes to mind are images of alcohol or marijuana. Well, reality reality there there is one isofone specific specific drug drug running running rampant rampant across across ourour school school andand America America as aaswhole. a whole. A in drug A drug more more widespread than alcohol and more dangerous than marijuana. A drug that I will be experimenting with today. reality there isthan onethan specific drug running rampant across our school America asbea experimenting whole. A drug more widespread widespread alcohol alcohol andand more more dangerous dangerous than than marijuana. marijuana. A drug Aand drug that that I will I will be experimenting with with today. today. I’m talking of course about caffeine, the most widely used psycho-active in world. I’mI’m talking talking of alcohol of course course about caffeine, caffeine, thethe most most widely widely used used psycho-active drug drug in the the in the world. world. with today. widespread than andabout more dangerous than marijuana. A psycho-active drug that Idrug will be experimenting When it comes to this substance, I’m most definitely a junkie. A without my fix is to me When When it it comes toabout this to this substance, substance, I’mmost I’m most most definitely definitely junkie. a junkie. A day day A day without without myworld. my fix fix is enough enough is enough to send send to send meme I’m talking ofcomes course caffeine, the widely usedapsycho-active drug in the into withdrawal, with aa nonexistent attention span and aa piercing headache. In fact, caffeine is much more into into withdrawal, withdrawal, with with nonexistent a nonexistent attention attention span span and and piercing a piercing headache. headache. In fact, In fact, caffeine caffeine is much is much more more When it comes to this substance, I’m most definitely aoverdoses junkie. A while day without my fix isnone. enough to send methese addictive than marijuana and has even been linked to marijuana has While one of addictive addictive than than marijuana marijuana and and has has even even been been linked linked to overdoses to overdoses while while marijuana marijuana has has none. none. While While one one of of these these into withdrawal, with a nonexistent attention span and a piercing headache. In fact, caffeine and is much more drugs is in states, the other is and abused daily by 85% of the population 83% of students. drugs drugs is banned banned is banned in 32 32 in 32 states, states, thethe other other is used used is used andand abused abused daily daily by by 85% 85% of of thethe population population andand 83% 83% of of students. students. addictive thanmajority marijuana and has evenstudents been linked to overdoses while marijuana hasare none. While one of coffee these While the of high school consume caffeine, the main methods split 50/50 with While While thethe majority majority of of high high school school students students consume consume caffeine, caffeine, thethe main main methods methods areare split split 50/50 50/50 with with coffee coffee drugs isenergy banned indrinks. 32 IIstates, the other used and of abused daily by today 85% ofI will the population andeye 83% students. and drinks. personally am aaisconsumer coffee, so II will shed an unbiased on which energy andand energy energy drinks. personally I personally amam consumer a consumer of of coffee, coffee, so today today so will shed shed an an unbiased unbiased eye eye onofon which which energy energy drinks the best and which are the worst. I’ll be these drinks on flavor, effectiveness and side While theare majority of high school consume caffeine, thethese main methods are split 50/50 with coffee drinks drinks are are thethe best best and and which which arestudents are thethe worst. worst. I’llI’ll be ranking ranking be ranking these drinks drinks on on flavor, flavor, effectiveness effectiveness andand sideside Let’s get started. andeffects. energy drinks. I personally effects. effects. Let’s Let’s getget started. started. am a consumer of coffee, so today I will shed an unbiased eye on which energy drinks are the best and which are the worst. I’ll be ranking these drinks on flavor, effectiveness and side DRINK TWO: Celsius Sparkling Orange DRINK ONE: Sugar-free Monster DRINK DRINK TWO: TWO: Celsius Celsius Sparkling Sparkling Orange Orange DRINK DRINK ONE: ONE: Sugar-free Sugar-free Monster Monster effects. Let’s get started.

I started out my week with a sugar free Monster

I started I started outout my my week week with with a sugar a sugar freefree Monster Monster Energy. II chose this flavor instead of original DRINK ONE: Monster Energy. Energy. chose ISugar-free chose thisthis flavor flavor instead instead of the the of the original original

The next drink I tried was Celsius, a newer energy

TheThe next next drink drink I tried I tried waswas Celsius, Celsius, a newer a newer energy energy DRINK TWO: Celsius Sparkling Orange drink that has been gaining popularity recently due to drink drink thatthat hashas been been gaining gaining popularity popularity recently recently duedue to its its to its

because, from my experience, you’d be pressed to supposedly healthier composition. While the flavor was because, because, from from my my experience, experience, you’d you’d be hard hard be hard pressed pressed to to supposedly supposedly healthier healthier composition. composition. While While thethe flavor flavor waswas find a single person who regularly drinks the original. not anything too special, reminding me a bit too much of Ifind started my week with aregularly sugar drinks freedrinks Monster The next drinktooI too tried wasreminding Celsius, a me newer find a single aout single person person who who regularly thethe original. original. notnot anything anything special, special, reminding me a bitaenergy bit tootoo much much of of To get the maximum effect from these drinks, I chose to iced tea for my liking, it felt much more effective with little Energy. I chose this flavor instead of the original drink that has been gaining popularity recently due to its To To getget thethe maximum maximum effect effect from from these these drinks, drinks, I chose I chose to to icediced tea tea for for my my liking, liking, it felt it felt much much more more effective effective with with little little drink my regular amount of coffee as well to side effects. Going in very skeptical because, from my experience, be beforehand hard pressed composition. While the flavor was drink drink my my regular regular amount amount ofyou’d coffee of coffee beforehand beforehand asto well as well supposedly to no no to negative negative no healthier negative sideside effects. effects. Going Going in IIinwas was I was very very skeptical skeptical to ensure that the drinks aren’t simply compensating for of an drink being healthy, but it seems that when to ensure that that thewho the drinks drinks aren’t aren’t simply simply compensating an of energy energy an energy drink being being healthy, healthy, butabut itbit seems ittoo seems thatthat when findtoaensure single person regularly drinks thecompensating original. for for notofanything toodrink special, reminding me much of when my previous addiction. With that being said, I found the consumed in moderation there are proven benefits. my my previous previous addiction. addiction. With With that that being being said, said, I found I found the the consumed consumed in moderation in moderation there there are are proven proven benefits. benefits. Toflavor get the maximum effect from thesewithout drinks,any I chose to iced tea for my liking, it felt much more effective with little of the Monster to be great, real acidity flavor flavor ofregular the of the Monster Monster to be to great, be great, without without any any realreal acidity acidity drink my amount of coffee beforehand as well to no negative side effects. Going in I was very skeptical or tastes. However, the actual effectiveness Flavor: 7/10 or unpleasant unpleasant or unpleasant tastes. tastes. However, However, thethe actual actual effectiveness effectiveness Flavor: Flavor: 7/10 7/10 to ensure that the drinks aren’t simplydidn’t compensating for of an energy drink being healthy, but it seems that when of the drink wasn’t great. I really experience of the of the drink drink wasn’t wasn’t great. great. I really I really didn’t didn’t experience experience myany previous addiction. With that being said, I found the consumed in moderation there are proven benefits. heightened focus or However, II did get anyany heightened heightened focus focus or anything. anything. or anything. However, However, did I did getget aa headache and aa bit nauseous, not to aatodebilitating Effectiveness: 6/10 flavor the Monster benauseous, great,but without real acidity headache aofheadache andand bitatobit nauseous, but but notnot toany debilitating a debilitating Effectiveness: Effectiveness: 6/106/10 or degree. unpleasant tastes. However, the actual effectiveness degree. degree.

of the drink wasn’t great. I really didn’t experience 9/10 any heightened focus or anything. However,Flavor: I did get Flavor: Flavor: 9/109/10 a headache and a bit nauseous, but not to a debilitating degree. Effectiveness: 5/10

Effectiveness: Effectiveness: 5/105/10

Flavor: 7/10

Side Effects: 9/10 SideSide Effects: Effects: 9/109/10

Effectiveness: 6/10

Average: 8/10 Average: Average: 8/108/10

Flavor: 9/10 Side Effects: 4/10

Side Effects: 9/10

Effectiveness: 5/10 Average: 6/10

Average: 8/10

SideSide Effects: Effects: 4/104/10 Average: Average: 6/106/10

Side Effects: 4/10 Average: 6/10

DRINK FIVE: 5-hour ENERGY DRINK DRINK FIVE: FIVE: 5-hour 5-hour ENERGY ENERGY DRINK FIVE: 5-hour ENERGY

DRINK THREE: Bull DRINK DRINK THREE: THREE: Red Red BullBull DRINK THREE: RedRed Bull Following up my surprisingly pleasant experience with

To finish off my plunge into the energy drink world, I

Following Following up up my surprisingly surprisingly pleasant pleasant experience experience with with To finish finish off my my plunge plunge into the the energy energy drink drink world, world, Following up mymy surprisingly pleasant experience with ToTo finish off off mywith plunge intointo the energy drink world, I 5I I Celsius by trying Red Bull may have been a mistake. Just to the one I'd been dreading the most: Celsius Celsius by trying by trying RedRed BullBull maymay have have been been a mistake. a mistake. JustJust decided decided decided to end end to end with with thethe oneone I'd I'd been been dreading dreading thethe most: most: 5 5 Celsius bythis trying Red Bull may have been a mistake. Just to end withI the one I'd been dreading the most: 5 to out of way, the effectiveness of drink hour ENERGY. explain why, but the tiny portion to get get to get thisthis outout of the the of the way,way, thethe effectiveness effectiveness of this this of this drink drink decided hour hour ENERGY. ENERGY. I can’t can’t I can’t explain explain why, why, butbut thethe tinytiny portion portion was actually good, II didn’t have any noticeable to get this out ofpretty the way, theand effectiveness ofhave thisany drink size scared me to death. II felt myself as can’t but cringing thecringing tiny portion waswas actually actually pretty pretty good, good, and and didn’t I didn’t have any noticeable noticeablehour sizeENERGY. size scared scared meIme to death. to explain death. felt I why, felt myself myself cringing as IIaslifted lifted I lifted effects. But the flavor. Red bull may be one of the the bottle to my lips and let the toxin pour into my mouth. wasside actually pretty good, and I didn’t have any noticeable scared metotomy I felt cringing as Iinto lifted sideside effects. effects. ButBut thethe flavor. flavor. RedRed bullbull maymay be one be one of the of the sizethe the bottle bottle todeath. my lipslips and and letmyself the let the toxin toxin pour pour into my my mouth. mouth. tasting drinks I’ve had. If this drink gave me here’s where I get confused. Objectively I know that sideworst effects. But the flavor. be drink onereally ofreally the theNow bottle to my lips and let the toxin pour into my mouth. worst worst tasting tasting drinks drinks I’veRed I’ve had.bull had. If may this If this drink really gave gave me me Now Now here’s here’s where where I get I get confused. confused. Objectively Objectively I know I know thatthat wings, II would fly right into the sun. II have heard some the flavor was godawful, but II think it been worst tasting had. this drink really gave me wings, wings, would Idrinks would fly I’ve right fly right intoIf into the the sun. sun. have I have heard heard some some Now where I get confused. Objectively Ihave know that thehere’s the flavor flavor waswas godawful, godawful, butbut think I think it may may it may have have been been people describe its as similar to starbursts. If in an way. It aa jolt of flavor that people people describe describe its flavor flavor itsinto flavor as assun. similar starbursts. to heard starbursts. If that that If that thedisgusting disgusting disgusting an in intriguing intriguing an intriguing way.way. Ititwas was It was jolt a jolt of flavor of flavor thatthat wings, I would fly right thesimilar Ito have some flavor wasingodawful, but I think may have been opinion is genuine, then I might actually believe the rucaught me off guard and left me curious. The aftertaste opinion opinion is genuine, is its genuine, then then Isimilar might I might actually actually believe believe the the ru- ru- disgusting caught caught me me off off guard guard and and left left me me curious. curious. The The aftertaste aftertaste people describe flavor as to starbursts. If that in usual an intriguing way. It was a joltdrinks of flavor that mors about people lacing Halloween candy. I’ve also heard wasn’t the bitter that other energy had left in mors mors about about people people lacing lacing Halloween Halloween candy. candy. I’ve I’ve also also heard heard wasn’t wasn’t the the usual usual bitter bitter thatthat other other energy energy drinks drinks hadhad leftleft in in opinion is genuine, then I might actually believe the rucaught me off guard and left me curious. The aftertaste that it’s an acquired taste, so hey, if you think you could my mouth. It started with the bad, and then grew sweeter, thatthat it’s it’s an acquired an acquired taste, taste, so hey, so hey, if you if you think think youyou could could my my mouth. mouth. It started It started with with the the bad, bad, and and then then grew grew sweeter, sweeter, mors about people lacing Halloween candy. I’ve also heard wasn’t theI usual bitter that other energy drinks had left in grow to the taste of piss, this drink might be Ultimately II feel that this drink’s flavor grow grow to love love to love thethe taste taste of horse horse of horse piss,piss, thisthis drink drink might might be be which which which I respect. respect. I respect. Ultimately Ultimately feel I feel thatthat thisthis drink’s drink’s flavor flavor thatfor it’s an acquired taste, so hey, if you think you could you. my mouth. It started with the bad, and then grew sweeter, was so that it around to good, like cough for for you.you. waswas so bad bad so bad thatthat it looped looped it looped around around to being being to being good, good, likelike cough cough grow to love the taste of horse piss, this drink might be drops or warheads. The side effects were not bad at all. which I respect. Ultimately I feel that this drink’s flavor drops drops or warheads. or warheads. TheThe sideside effects effects were were notnot badbad at all. at all. Flavor: 2/10 Flavor: Flavor: 2/102/10 than aa it small headache, none of regular for you. wasOther soOther bad that aroundIItonoticed good, Other than than small alooped small headache, headache, noticed Ibeing noticed none none oflikethe the ofcough the regular regular symptoms like heart racing and fidgeting, and the small drops or warheads. The side effects were not bad at all. symptoms symptoms like like heart heart racing racing and and fidgeting, fidgeting, and and the the small small Effectiveness: 7/10 Flavor: 2/10 portion meant that II didn’t have to the entire day. Effectiveness: Effectiveness: 7/107/10 portion portion size size meant meant thatthat didn’t didn’t have have to pee pee toofpee the entire entire day.day. Other thansize a small headache, II noticed none thethe regular Its effectiveness wasn’t too noticeable though, but overall, Its Its effectiveness effectiveness wasn’t too too noticeable noticeable though, though, but overall, overall, symptoms like heartwasn’t racing and fidgeting, and thebut small Side effects 7/10 aa surprisingly good experience. SideSide effects effects 7/107/10 Effectiveness: 7/10 surprisingly a surprisingly good good experience. experience. portion size meant that I didn’t have to pee the entire day. Its effectiveness wasn’t too noticeable though, but overall, Average: 5.33/10 Average: 5.33/10 5.33/10 Flavor: 5/10 SideAverage: effects 7/10 Flavor: Flavor: 5/105/10 a surprisingly good experience.

DRINK FOUR: Cotton Candy Bang DRINK DRINK FOUR: FOUR: Cotton Cotton Candy Candy Bang Bang5.33/10 Average:

Effectiveness: 5/10 Effectiveness: Effectiveness: 5/105/10

Flavor: 5/10

My teeth are so II feel so My heart racing, Side effects: 9/10 MyMy teeth teeth are are so smooth. smooth. so smooth. feel I feel so fast. fast. so fast. MyMy heart heart racing, racing, SideSide effects: effects: 9/109/10 my hands won’t stop fidgeting, I’ve never had to pee more Effectiveness: 5/10 my my hands hands won’t won’t stopstop fidgeting, fidgeting, I’veI’ve never never hadhad to pee to pee more more in life, and II feel great. As the bang spilled down my Average: 6.33/10 in my my in my life,life, andand feel I feel great. great. As As thethe bang bang spilled spilled down down my my Average: Average: 6.33/10 6.33/10 throat, I practically felt my ADHD meds disappearing throat, throat, I practically I practically feltfelt my my ADHD ADHD meds meds disappearing disappearing My teeth are so smooth. I feel so fast. My heart racing, Side effects: 9/10 as IIasreturned to my unmedicated, ungovernable state. II I returned I returned to my tofidgeting, my unmedicated, unmedicated, ungovernable ungovernable state. state. myas hands won’t stop I’ve never had to pee more Now finally my delve into the exhilarating world of see everything so now. This story doesn't matter. Now Now finally finally my my delve delve intointo thethe exhilarating exhilarating world world of of see see everything everything so clearly clearly so clearly now. now. This This story story doesn't doesn't matter. matter. energy drinks. Something I have neglected to mention in my life, and I feel great. As the bang spilled down my Nothing matters. There really is a god, and his name is Average: 6.33/10 energy drinks. drinks. Something Something I have I have neglected neglected to mention to mention Nothing Nothing matters. matters. There There really really is aisgod, a god, andand his his name name is is energy up until this point is fact that I’ve continued drinking throat, I practically felt my ADHD meds disappearing Fisher Edwin Meyerink. That being said, the taste was up until thisthis point point is the the is the factfact thatthat I’veI’ve continued continued drinking drinking Fisher Fisher Edwin Edwin Meyerink. Meyerink. That That being being said, said, thethe taste taste waswas up until coffee throughout this process which may have made the pretty awful. as Ipretty returned to my unmedicated, ungovernable state. I coffee coffee throughout throughout thisthis process process which which maymay have have made made thethe pretty awful. awful. negative side effects worse. In conclusion, I guess my Now finally delve into the ofmy my see everything so clearly now. This story doesn't matter. negative negative sidemy side effects effects worse. worse. In exhilarating conclusion, In conclusion, Iworld guess I guess Flavor: 3/10 main take away from this experiment is drugs are 3/10name 3/10 is energy drinks. Something Ithis have neglected to mention main main taketake away away from from this experiment experiment is that that is that drugs drugs are are Nothing matters. There really is a god, Flavor: andFlavor: his cool, in moderation. cool, cool, in moderation. in moderation.

DRINK FOUR: Cotton Candy Bang

Fisher Edwin Meyerink. That being said, the taste was Effectiveness: 10/10 Effectiveness: Effectiveness: 10/10 10/10 pretty awful. Side effects: 1/10 Side3/10 Side effects: effects: 1/101/10 Flavor: Average: 4.67/10

Average: Average: 4.67/10 4.67/10 Effectiveness: 10/10

Side effects: 1/10 Average: 4.67/10

up until this point is the fact that I’ve continued drinking coffee throughout this process which may have made the FINAL STANDINGS: negative side effects worse. In conclusion, I guess my FINAL FINAL STANDINGS: STANDINGS: main take away from 1st: Celsius: 8/10 1st:1st: Celsius: Celsius: 8/10 8/10 this experiment is that drugs are cool, in 5-hour moderation. 2nd: ENERGY: 6.33/10

2nd:2nd: 5-hour 5-hour ENERGY: ENERGY: 6.33/10 6.33/10 3rd: Monster: 6/10 3rd:3rd: Monster: Monster: 6/106/10 4th: Bang: 5.33/10 FINAL STANDINGS: 4th:4th: Bang: Bang: 5.33/10 5.33/10 5th Red Bull: 4.67/10 5th Red Red Bull: Bull: 4.67/10 4.67/10 1st:5th Celsius: 8/10

2nd: 5-hour ENERGY: 6.33/10 3rd: Monster: 6/10 4th: Bang: 5.33/10 5th Red Bull: 4.67/10

DESIGN BY FISHER MEYERINK DESIGN DESIGN BY FISHER BY FISHER MEYERINK MEYERINK PHOTOS BY FISHER MEYERINK PHOTOS PHOTOS BY FISHER BY FISHER MEYERINK MEYERINK

43 4343

2005-2007 An era of crisscross red and blue uniforms with pleated skirts that had a little V cut. These were one of the favorite uniforms for the cheerleaders.

..................................................... by

Lydia neLson

LHS has been known for sports like football and basketball; with those come cheerleaders. Over the years, the LHS cheerleaders have had many different uniforms, upgrading every couple of years. But how much have they really changed since 1990?

2007-2010

Finally getting into the red on red with the little bits of blue and white. The coaches, knowing they will have to repurpose these uniforms, used different tops and bottoms to make “new” uniforms, recycling the old ones.

............................................

2007-2010 1999-2000

1999 and early 2000s, where posing with glittery pom poms and disposable cameras were the rage.

The two girls on the left are wearing this uniform that was very popular because of the elastic band skirt and the skirt being cut into blue and red.

............................................. ...................................... 2000-2005 The 2000 and 2005 uniforms were called the “Coke” uniforms for their all red outfits with a little bit of white around the upper stomach and bottom of the skirt.

NOW

The two girls in the picture on the left have the newest white uniform from 2017, and the oldest white uniform from the late 2000’s. The picture on the right has all of the girls in the old all white uniform. Lhs yearbooks Lydia neLson

photos provided by design by

Shaun White

Anna Hasselborg

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR

Curling is the first event to take place in Beijing. Anna Hasselborg is a well-known Swedish curler who, along with her team, won BY HANNAH CISAR the gold medal for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. This 32-year-old curler from Vasterled, Sweden caught the attention of many as she was proclaimed the European Curling Champion in 2019, where she won a gold medal, and the World Mixed Doubles Curling Champion. In the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, she won yet another gold medal for Sweden. Hasselborg, an athlete on the Swedish The 2022 Winter Olympics were scheduled to take place in Beijing, beginning on Feb. 4. With 109 events this year, there will many curling team,being led held Sweden to their thirdbeplace, athletes competing, drawing in the eyes of people from all over the world. Beijing will be prohibiting international spectators for the Winter Olympics this year, due to COVID-19. However, there will be more than five million viewers watching on TV. Inmedal every event in the Olympics, there are bronze finish.heldSweden beat Switzerland always certain men and women to look out for, whether it is because of their age, gender, ethnicity or how many gold medals they are expected to win. 9-7Anna in the final match to win the bronze. Hasselborg Shaun White InShaun December 2021, the NHL announced that they will not be Curling is the first event to take place in White is a U.S. Olympic Beijing. Anna Hasselborg is a well-known snowboarder. in White has been snowboarding participating the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, Swedish curler who, along with her team, won professionally since 2000 when he made the gold medal for the 2018 Winter Olympics his firstplayers Winterfrom X Games debut and hasleagues have gotten hockey various professional When one thinks of an Olympian, they32-year-old usually picture themfromas in Pyeongchang. This curler participated in the last four Winter Olympics. Sweden caught the attention of Thisnodthree-time Winter Olympics goldplayers, who will be a young athlete whoVasterled, the to go instead. 13 of these hockey has been training this momentthetheir whole many as she was for proclaimed European medalist will be one of the 222 U.S. athletes Curling Champion in 2019, where she won participating the in the Winterthis Olympics. representing U.S.2022 in Beijing year, are from Minnesota. lives. However, Alexander did notand picktheup World a pair ofMixed skis until the a gold medal, Doubles White ended up completing the 2022 Winter Curling Champion. In the 2018 Winter Olympic Olympics with hockey a fourthteam placeis finish. The U.S. mens rankedWhite fourth in this year IIHF age of 32. This year, Alexander willyetbe another representing as Games, she won gold Jamaica medal for ended up falling on his last run on the halfHasselborg, an athlete on the Swedish pipe, bringing just short a medal. world rankings;himhowever, theyofhave not won a gold medal the first-ever alpineSweden. skier from competing in third the Winter curling team,Jamaica led Sweden to their place, bronze medal finish. Sweden beat Switzerland Ice the Hockey - Team USAAmericans are excited to Olympics. Alexander9-7hasinbeen since Winter Olympics of 1980. for thetopastwintwotheandbronze. a half the training final match In December 2021, the NHL announced that they will not be Benjamin Alexander see the resultsinforthethis year’s men’sOlympics and women’s hockey teams years as a full-time athlete and is more than ready to compete for participating 2022 Winter in Beijing. However, hockey players from various professional leagues have gotten When one thinks of an Olympian, they usually picture them as representing U.S. 13Theof UStheseicehockey hockeyplayers, teams who represented year’sathlete WinterwhoOlympics, to this an interview with whole Haley the nod to gothe instead. will be athis young has beenaccording training for moment their representing the U.S. in Beijing this year, are from Minnesota. lives. However, Alexander did not pick up a pair of skis until the both U.S. the men womens in thefourth 2022 Winter Olympics. Yamada, Tommy Brooksbank, Jonwill Schlosberg and Andrea Amiel.as The mensand hockey teamteams is ranked in this year IIHF age of 32. This year, Alexander be representing Jamaica world rankings; however, they have not won a gold medal the first-ever alpine skier from Jamaica competing in the Winter The U.S. teamoflost1980. 3-2 toAmericans Slovakia are in aexcited shootout.to Olympics. Alexander,Alexander being a firsthastime livedforoutthehispast dreamtwoofandskiing in since the men’s Winterhockey Olympics beenskier, training a half see the results for this year’s men’s and women’s hockey teams years as a full-time athlete and is more than ready to compete for However, the theU.S.U.S.Women’s Hockey Teamteams earnedrepresented the silver this the Olympics. Having this be his second year ever,with Alexander representing The US ice hockey year’s Winter Olympics, according to anskiing interview Haley both the men and womens teams in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Yamada, Tommy Brooksbank, Jon Schlosberg and Andrea Amiel. medal at themen’s 2022hockey Winterteam Olympics winning 3-2 against Canada. finished 46thbeing overall, being onlylived manout everhistodream represent Jamaica.in The U.S. lost 3-2 to Slovakia in a shootout. Alexander, a first timethe skier, of skiing Shaun White is a U.S. Olympic snowboarder. White has been snowboarding professionally since 2000 when he made his first Winter X Games debut and has participated in the last four Winter Olympics. This three-time Winter Olympics gold medalist will be one of the 222 U.S. athletes participating in the 2022 Winter Olympics. White ended up completing the 2022 Winter Olympics with a fourth place finish. White ended up falling on his last run on the halfpipe, bringing him just short of a medal.

Ice Hockey - Team USA

Benjamin Alexander

However, the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team earned the silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics winning 3-2 against Canada.

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the Olympics. Having this be his second year skiing ever, Alexander finished 46th overall, being the only man ever to represent Jamaica. DESIGN BY HANNAH CISAR HANNAH CISAR

ARTWORK ARTWORK BY BY H HANNAH ANNAH C CISAR ISAR

DESIGN BY

BY CLARE HEUPEL

ver the past couple of years, it has become increasingly apparent that mental illnesses have been on the rise. From this comes the increase in demand for BY CLARE EUPEL professionals to Hhelp people treat these illnesses, and it has been difficult for communities all over the U.S. to meet this demand. It should be noted as to what is causing such a dramatic ver the past couple of years, it has become increase overapparent the yearsthat in mental diagnoses. increasingly mentalillness illnesses have been on the rise.to From the increase in demand for According a pollthisbycomes the American Psychological professionals to help people treat these illnesses, and it has Association, of psychologists around the U.S. havethis been difficult74% for communities all over the U.S. to meet demand. reported an increase in the number of patients with It should be noted as to what is causing such a dramatic anxiety since inthemental start ofillness the pandemic, increasedisorders over the years diagnoses.and 60% According to a pollan byincrease the American Psychological have also reported in patients with depressive Association, 74% of psychologists around the U.S. have disorders. This may bein due to the increase in mental reported an increase the number of patients with health anxiety disorders since the awareness and openness, butstart thereof isthe nopandemic, doubt thatand it 60% have also reported an increase in patients with depressive also is the This resultmay of the trauma thatincrease has come from living disorders. be due to the in mental health awareness and openness, there is no doubt that it during a pandemic. As farbut as availability goes, therapists also is the result of the trauma that has come from living and psychiatrists allAsover country havegoes, spoken out during a pandemic. farthe as availability therapists and all overand theoverworked. country have spoken out aboutpsychiatrists being overbooked

about being overbooked and overworked. DESIGN BY CLARE HEUPEL DESIGN BY CLARE HEUPEL

While this wing has been a step in the right direction towards guaranteeing that everyone has access to the care that they need, there is still more to be done in South Dakota, especially when considering the lack of mental health rural areas. study published in The facilities shortagenear of mental healthAservices has definitely not limited to outside the of community Sioux Falls. 2018been by the American Journal Preventiveof Medicine Avera announced last year that they were adding a new statedmillion that about ofBehavioral the rural counties in the $28 wing two-thirds to the Avera Health Center. This wing is being built to increase the centers capacity U.S. did not contain any kind of psychiatrist. Obviously, for children, youth struggling with addiction and 24 this concerning.urgent Southcare Dakota is Health a mostlyofficials rural state, hourispsychiatric space. had especially stressed the need for this wing because of and while there is still always the option of contactingthe apparent increase in mental illnesses among the youth. helplines, this vice is notpresident an efficient long-term way toHealth, deal The assistant of Avera Behavioral Thomas Otten,illness. has stated that the rise in depression with a mental diagnoses and suicidal thoughts in teens is likely Fortunately, have been recent developments correlated withthere the pandemic. wing been step in the direction thatWhile couldthis prove to has lessen thea struggle thatright people have towards guaranteeing that everyone has access to the with that finding thoseto inberural care theycounselors, need, thereespecially is still more done areas. in South Dakota, especially when considering theOnline lack of virtual mental This development is virtual counseling. health facilities near rural areas. A study published in counseling BetterofHelp and TalkSpace 2018 by theplatforms Americanlike Journal Preventive Medicinehave stated that about two-thirds of the rural counties become more popular recently and can provide aidintothe U.S. did not contain any kind of psychiatrist. Obviously, those are having difficulties findingrural professionals this isthat concerning. South Dakota with is a mostly state, and while there is still always the option of contacting locally. People are able to seek professional help through helplines, this is not an efficient long-term way to deal video on these platforms, which may also be with ameetings mental illness. Fortunately, been recentbydevelopments helpful to thosethere who have are intimidated in-person therapy. that could prove to lessen the struggle that people have Overall, this counselors, type of development another example with finding especially isthose in rural areas.of This is virtual virtual steps development that society should takecounseling. to combat Online the inadequate counseling platforms like Better Help and TalkSpace have supply ofmore professional help for and thosecanthat are struggling. become popular recently provide aid to those that illnesses are having finding Mental maydifficulties not seemwith as crucial toprofessionals treat locally. People are able to seek professional help through as physical illnesses, but platforms, they can certainly be just video meetings on these which may alsoas be helpful to those who are intimidated by in-person therapy. debilitating and should therefore be held to the same Overall, this type of development is another example of importance. Considering that to suicide is one the leading steps that society should take combat the of inadequate supply professional for those thatU.S., are it struggling. causes ofof death amonghelp teenagers in the should Mental illnesses may not seem as crucial to treat be a priorityillnesses, to keep counseling as open as physical but they canopportunities certainly be just as debilitating and should therefore be held to the same as possible and to maintain adequate funding for mental importance. Considering that suicide is one of the leading health all parts of the country. causes services of deathin among teenagers in the U.S., it should be a priority to keep counseling opportunities as open as possible and to maintain adequate funding for mental health services in all parts of the country.

47 47

ELLEN MERKLEY

like deciding sporting event themes and school announcements, but it is also, unfortunately, a home for lots and lots of arguing. The Brazies group chat includes 585 LHS students in various grades and with varying opinions. It is no shock that misunderstandings and arguments transpire when this group chat is used as a platform for conversational banter versus just getting information out to a large group. The lack of a clear purpose for the group chat has left some people feeling isspelled targeted, some people feeling extra powerful and others feeling voiceless. One group that has been left feeling as though they don’t have a voice is the underclassmen. “I have never said anything in the GroupMe because a lot of the time the upperclassmen will tell you not to talk, so I’m scared to say stuff I guess,” said LHS freshman Ella DuBois. Being an under versus upperclassman in this group chat is a very different experience.

would stand up for those underclassmen, saying that they should be able to have an opinion in [the GroupMe],” said LHS senior Gage Gohl. Gohl is Student Council president and was awarded the 12th man this year, alongside fellow senior Charlie Mickelson. This caused them to be the unofficial leaders of the student section and gave them the power to in original decide themes. Gohl did not make many friends in the group chat as the leader. He ended up leaving the group chat to hopefully avoid many unneeded arguments and the stress and distraction the group chat caused; however, even with Gohl gone from the GroupMe, the fighting continued. A large group text, like the “Lincoln Brazies,” is not ideal for a conversation but is better for just sharing specific information. Most

this solution, there will be fewer people to start stupid, unnecessary fights. Everyone will get a voice because every grade representative will be able to include their class’s thoughts. Also having a list of rules that must be followed wouldn’t be a bad idea either. This would ensure that everyone knows what the group chat’s purpose is for and what should be said in it.

*misspelled in original

MATTHEW KRUEGER ELLEN MERKLEY

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DESIGN BY

DESIGN BY LAURA HECKENLAIBLE

LAURA HECKENLAIBLE PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED BY BY GROUP ROUPMEE DESIGN BY

G M 49

Disclaimer: Al of the quotes and memes are chosen by myself thus making it my opinion. This tory is not meant o f end anyone. The piece is purely for fun.

If you go to LHS, you DuBois “knows her place” about what the themes will people are multitasking as BY LAURA HECKENLAIBLE ade levels are able to most likely know of the as an underclassman. Her they text, and every person be for upcoming games,” said One of the unique aspects of the high school experience is how students from different grade levels are able to witty , through the app group chat, “Lincoln Brazies banter “place” is that she should not is living a unique experience Gohl. communicate with each other. When it comes to themes for games, wins and losses and even some witty banter, through the app 21-22.” For those who are be commenting. This rule The arguing needs to that can bleed into their GroupMe, students of LHS are able to converse with a large portion of the school’s student body. uneducated on GroupMe, no it contributes to a lot of the replies and tones. come to a that stop; it is getting re is doubt some In a huge group chat called the “Lincoln Brazies 21-22,” reaching almost 600 members, there is no doubt that some is a free group messaging download arguing that takes place in “[Even] with all of its tiring. Having a couple of just the app onto interesting, yet hilarious comments are posted. If you are not a part of the “Lincoln Brazies 21-22” just download the app onto app and a simple way to get the chat. students from each class flaws, it is a really good Act,” a win for a spor ts team or your phone and ask a friend to add you into the group so that next time there’s a play like the “One Act,” a win for a sports team or information to the masses “One of the reasons I resource for people who don’t to “represent” their year s out. So , without fur ther ado , quickly. This particular think a lot of arguments communicate with others at could be a helpful way to cut a heated debate about whether the theme should be winter wonderland or white lies, you won’t miss out. So, without further ado, *misspelled in original chat is used for things started were because I back on the fighting. With school here are some of the most memorable quotes from the LHS Brazies group chat.

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d memes are chosen by myself thus making it my opinion. Disclaimer: This All of the story quotes and memes is not are chosen meant by myself tothus offend making it my anyone. opinion. ThisThe story is not piece meant tois offend purely anyone. The for piecefun. is purely for fun.

BRAZIES LHS BRAZIES GroupMe

BY E BY MMA EMMA SOUTHWICK SOUTHWICK

often often the the sizesize of their of their clothes, clothes, women womenmattress mattress companies companies for example: for example: tendtend to feel to feel more more confident confident when when the the theythey follow follow a universal a universal measurement measurement number number on their on their clothes clothes is asissmall as small as as system system so that so that when when someone someone orders orders it can it can be. be. a new a new queen queen sizesize bed,bed, it will it will fit into fit into herehere are are many many factsfacts thatthat According According to Penny to Penny Goldstone, Goldstone, their their queen queen sized sized sheets sheets thatthat theythey everyone everyone knows knows about about themselves themselves a Digital a Digital Fashion Fashion Editor Editor highly highly already already have. have. If clothing If clothing companies companies off off of the of the top top of their of their head: head: their their involved involved in the in the clothing clothing industry, industry, were were the the same, same, their their customers customers would would age,age, weight, weight, height height andand many many other other “Placing “Placing a smaller a smaller sizesize labellabel on aon a know know exactly exactly what what sizesize theythey are are characteristics characteristics thatthat taketake almost almost garment garment withwith larger larger measurements measurements getting getting when when purchasing purchasing a size a size 14 14 no thought no thought to identify. to identify. ButBut when when satisfies satisfies consumers’ consumers’ psychological psychological shirt shirt without without having having to wonder to wonder if itif it asked asked “What’s “What’s youryour size?” size?” chances chances needneed to feel to feel slimslim andand thisthis positive positive willwill be the be the sizesize theythey need. need. are,are, nobody nobody willwill be able be able to give to give a a emotional emotional response response is then is then directed directed Aside Aside from from the the confusing confusing aspect aspect single, single, straight-up straight-up answer answer duedue to to towards towards the the brand brand in question.” in question.” ForFor of the of the sizing sizing of individual of individual clothing clothing the the clothing clothing industry’s industry’s biggest biggest flaw:flaw: clothing clothing companies, companies, thisthis means means thatthat brands, brands, the the wayway thatthat clothing clothing is is the the lacklack of aoftruly a truly universal universal sizing sizing making making what what would would actually actually be abesize a size labeled labeled withwith sizes, sizes, whether whether thatthat be be standard. standard. 10 into 10 into a size a size six six willwill tendtend to draw to draw in in a number a number or aordescription a description suchsuch as as ThisThis problem problem became became increasingly increasingly more more customers, customers, as many as many feelfeel better better “small,” “small,” “medium” “medium” or “large” or “large” can can taketake prevalent prevalent withwith the the practice practice of of about about purchasing purchasing newnew clothes clothes when when a toll a toll not not onlyonly on the on the confidence confidence but but vanity vanity sizing: sizing: the the practice practice of of theythey fit into fit into a size a size or two or two down down from from alsoalso the the mental mental health health of many. of many. It It assigning assigning smaller smaller sizes sizes to articles to articles what what theythey would would usually usually wear wear which which has has beenbeen determined determined thatthat the the sizes sizes of of of manufactured of manufactured clothing clothing thanthan is is is very is very insecurity-provoking insecurity-provoking andand clothes clothes people people wear wear tends tends to correlate to correlate really really the the case,case, in order in order to encourage to encourage often often is a issource a source of body of body image image issues issueswithwith their their body body confidence confidence andand self-selfsales. sales. ThisThis toxic toxic yet yet sadly sadly normalized normalized among among thisthis generation. generation. esteem, esteem, which which demonstrates demonstrates whywhy sizing sizing system system waswas brought brought about about by by To make To make matters matters eveneven worse, worse, no no the the clothing clothing industry’s industry’s use use of vanity of vanity the the clothing clothing industry industry as the as the sizesize of of twotwo clothing clothing companies companies havehave the the sizing sizing andand inconsistent inconsistent sizing sizing systems systems the the average average woman woman increased increased overall overall same same exact exact sizing sizing measurements measurements takes takes suchsuch a toll a toll on the on the mental mental within within the the pastpast fewfew decades. decades. TheThe which which causes causes bothboth confusion confusion as well as well health health of so of many. so many. In fact, In fact, a survey a survey average average woman woman in the in the 1950’s 1950’s weighed weighedas insecurities. as insecurities. Someone Someone could could easily easily conducted conducted in 2020 in 2020 by The by The Women Women 136136 pounds, pounds, hadhad a 27.5 a 27.5 inchinch waist waist andandbe abesize a size fourfour in jeans in jeans at American at American andand Equalities Equalities Committee Committee waswas ableable wore wore a size a size 10, 10, whereas whereas the the average average Eagle, Eagle, but but a size a size six six at Gap at Gap andand a size a size to conclude to conclude thatthat “Many “Many people people [said] [said] woman woman today today weighs weighs 154154 pounds, pounds, twotwo at PacSun. at PacSun. ThisThis makes makes shopping shopping thatthat their their body body image image hadhad impacted impacted has has a 34a inch 34 inch waist waist andand wears wears a size a size for something for something as simple as simple as aaspair a pair their their physical physical andand mental mental health. health. 16. 16. TheThe point point is the is the average average woman woman of pants of pants unnecessarily unnecessarily puzzling puzzling People People toldtold us that us that poorpoor body body image image has has increased increased in size in size within within the the lastlast andand inconvenient, inconvenient, leaving leaving people people hadhad contributed contributed to their to their development development 70 years. 70 years. Because Because of this, of this, andand duedue to to wondering wondering whywhy there there cannot cannot justjust be abe aof eating of eating disorder[s], disorder[s], body body the the factfact thatthat many many women women frequently frequently universal universal sizing sizing standard standard for clothing for clothing dysmorphia dysmorphia andand other other mental mental health health feelfeel insecure insecure about about their their bodies bodies andand thatthat all companies all companies can can follow. follow. Take Take conditions.” conditions.”

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With With thatthat being being said,said, there there is no is no to create to create a place a place [where] [where] we can we can doubt doubt thatthat the the plethora plethora of varying of varying celebrate celebrate ourour bodies.” bodies.” labels labels on clothing on clothing labels labels havehave the the NotNot onlyonly is Noor is Noor creating creating a a power power to cause to cause suchsuch a negative a negative impact impactfashionable fashionable clothing clothing line,line, she she is is on confidence on confidence andand body body positivity. positivity. making making a change a change for the for the better better in in However, However, initiatives initiatives havehave beenbeen taken taken ourour society society which which is surrounded is surrounded by by to minimize to minimize these these detrimental detrimental effects. effects. toxicity toxicity andand judgment judgment involving involving Entrepreneur Entrepreneur andand designer designer Nabela Nabela beauty beauty standards, standards, ideal ideal body body types types Noor Noor has has taken taken a huge a huge stepstep in helping in helpingandand unrealistic unrealistic expectations. expectations. to decrease to decrease the the insecurities insecurities thatthat TheThe clothing clothing industry industry is filled is filled are are produced produced duedue to inconsistent to inconsistent withwith a jumble a jumble of multiple of multiple different different andand toxic toxic labels labels placed placed all over all over problems, problems, which which leaves leaves ourour society society ourour favorite favorite brands. brands. In 2019, In 2019, Noor Noor wondering wondering where where to even to even begin begin introduced introduced her her “self-love “self-love revolution” revolution” when when trying trying to solve to solve these these issues issues clothing clothing brand, brand, Zeba, Zeba, withwith the the goalgoal of ofthatthat impact impact so many so many people people in today’s in today’s creating creating a movement a movement thatthat encourages encourages world. world. While While there there maymay not not be one be one body body positivity positivity andand making making youryour certain certain solution solution to these to these issues, issues, the the clothing clothing “size” “size” something something thatthat youyou oneone thing thing thatthat society society can can do to do to can can be proud be proud of. Instead of. Instead of using of using counter counter their their effects effects is toisknow to know thatthat what what Noor Noor refers refers to as tothe as the “old“old youryour body body is perfectly is perfectly finefine justjust the the standard standard of sizing,” of sizing,” which which usesuses labels labels wayway it is.itItis.isItclear is clear thatthat the the clothing clothing suchsuch as small, as small, medium medium andand large, large, she she industry industry has has thrived thrived off off of society’s of society’s has has created created “the“the Zeba Zeba standard” standard” which whichinsecurities insecurities through through the the creation creation of of replaces replaces “old” “old” labels labels withwith words words of of the the vanity vanity effect effect andand manipulation manipulation of of affirmation. affirmation. ourour want want to fit toin fitwith in with the the “standard.” “standard.” “We’ve “We’ve invented invented a new a new [sizing [sizing In other In other words, words, clothing clothing retailers retailers system] system] thatthat is really is really coolcool because because it’s it’squite quite literally literally profit profit off off of society’s of society’s all about all about empowering empowering andand supporting supporting insecurities insecurities thatthat theythey havehave placed placed eacheach other other andand loving loving ourour bodies. bodies. So, So, upon upon us. Without us. Without ourour insecurities, insecurities, in the in the world world of Zeba, of Zeba, youyou know, know, if if these these problems problems would would be negligible. be negligible. youyou are are an extra an extra small small traditionally, traditionally, Every Every height, height, shape, shape, size,size, width, width, you’d you’d be passionate. be passionate. If you’re If you’re small, small, length length andand measurement measurement of every of every you’d you’d be brave, be brave, andand so on so and on and so so single single body body should should be celebrated be celebrated forth,” forth,” saidsaid Noor. Noor. “I want “I want Zeba Zeba to be to be to bring to bring communities communities together together to to a place a place where where youyou can can proudly proudly share share minimize minimize the the toxicity toxicity of the of the clothing clothing youryour size,size, andand youyou know know thatthat youryour sizesizeindustry. industry. doesdoes not not define define whowho youyou are.are. I wanted I wanted

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DESIGN DESIGN BY EMMA BY ESMMA OUTHWICK SOUTHWICK