October Issue 2020 by LHS Statesman

the october issue the october issue

GREAT PLACES, BAD FACES

molly wetsch pg. 38

PHOTO BY DEAN FRANKLIN ARTWORK BY CARLY WHEELER

05 Brining it home on homecoming-Gage Gohl 06 LHS homecoming 2020-Avery Blackman 30 COVID-19 changes to sports-Carson Woods sports preview: 20-21 edition42 Fall Ree Baireddy & Kaden Fossum

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08 10 16 18 22 24 34 39 46

LHS survives COVID-19-Madeleine Kemper Online vs. in-person school-Emma Johnson Online vs. in-person school-Emma Johnson Homelessness in Sioux Falls-Abbie DeKramer Homelessness in SiouxlandscapeFalls-Abbie DeKramer South Dakota political Thompson Wakefield South Dakota political landscapeThompson Wakefiadmist eld Finding harmony chaos-Alexis Miller

Finding harmony admist chaos-Alexis Miller Doomsday-Lilli Eppinga The silver linings of COVID-19-Chloe Hartje The of COVID-19-Chloe Hartje Howsilver local linings musicians have adapted to the ongoing pandemic-Daniel How local musicians have Bethke adapted to the

ongoing Bethke The new pandemic-Daniel faces behind the masks-Hannah Cisar The new faces behind the masks-Hannah Cisar

White out “fits” at Presidents BowlKate McCartney White out “fits” at Presidents BowlTop 10 horror movies to watch this HalloweenKate McCartney Madyson Lawson Top 10 horror movies to watch this HalloweenWhat yourLawson masks says about you-Olivia Brost Madyson

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04 14 Statesbuds: Wingssays editionyour masks about you-Olivia Brost 26 What Charley Lockwood-Powell & Jamison Vetter Wings edition28 Statesbuds: Charley Lockwood-Powell & Jamison Vetter

12 For better or for worse-Paige Gordon 20 Rumor or reality-Veronica Iseminger 32 The Standing Patroitte-Chloe Houwman 36 We’re all Heathers-Margaret Ann Mickelberg 38 Great places, bad faces-Molly Wetsch 40 What matters(?)-Sara Croghan 44 Rating teachers-Henry Haft

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pg. 36

S t a t e s m a n Paper Editors-in-Chief: Sara Croghan, Cameron Rhode and Carly Wheeler Online Editors-in-Chief: Madeleine Kemper and Molly Wetsch Feature Editors: Lilli Eppinga and Alexis Miller Entertainment Editors: Avery Blackman and Adyson Sand Sports Editors: Gage Gohl and Caleb Hiatt Perspectives Editors: Daniel Bethke, Henry Haft, Chloe Hartje and Chloe Houwman News Editor: Abbie DeKramer Staff Writers: Olivia Brost, Claire Brown, Hannah Cisar, Anna Engels, Carter Ericson, Mara Fendrich, Kaden Fossum, Paige Gordon, Veronica Iseminger, Emma Johnson, Madyson Lawson, Charley Lockwood-Powell, Kate McCartney, Margaret Ann Mickelberg, Bailey Plourde, Lydia Sarbacker, Gavin Solomon, Katie Tollinger, Jamison Vetter, Thompson Wakefield, Jazlyn White and Carson Woods Adviser: Katie Kroeze

The Statesman’s purpose is to inform and entertain with an honest and accurate approach. The opinions of students, staff members and faculty are expressed in a tasteful manner. The Statesman is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association. The Statesman was awarded a Pacemaker in 2007 and was nominated for the 2012-2013 year. The Statesman has received Superior and best newspaper in the state of South Dakota. The editors and adviser take responsibility for the content of the Statesman.

BRINGING IT HOME ON HOMECOMING by Gage Gohl

BY KATE MCCARTNEY The annual Presidents Bowl football game is an LHS holiday that each student excitedly anticipates for months. There is always something to be said about the creative white out “fits” that people pull off. Here are some of the 2020 favorites: Gus Sargent, a junior at LHS, is definitely the male fashion inspiration for the back-to-schoAt the event of the year. Sargent was stylish in layers on top, repping the Minnesota Twins with a trendy unbuttoned baseball jersey revealing a basic, yet timeless, white tank top. His bold black and white striped shorts are not easily obtained off of a store shelf, but they actually were found in a drum show. Sargent’s favorite part about the Presidents Bowl is not what most would expect — he loves watching the actual football game above all else. This was LHS freshman Anna Leuning’s first high school Presidents Bowl and she definitely came in with a bang. Her motto towards fashion is “you never know until you try it on,” and she is most excited to experience the lively cheers during this year’s football season. Leuning was decked out in white heart-shaped sunglasses, a thrifted USA cropped t-shirt, beaded necklaces and staple white jean shorts. She also painted star designs and the words “LHS” and “PATS” onto her legs, showing adamant school spirit. Sassy, show-stopping LHS sophomore Sophie Siegel seized the opportunity to show off her spunky style with more than just her clothes during this year’s Presidents Bowl. The highlight of her look is her hair, which was french braided into two space buns with glitter sprinkled in the middle. Siegel also added a touch of glitter to each side of her face. As for her outfit, she cropped a vintagelooking LHS basketball t-shirt and wore white Champion brand shorts with a red and blue band.

LHS senior and fashion icon Johana Brower did not disappoint with her look at this year’s Presidents Bowl. She thrifted her trendy white cargo pants from Goodwill, cropped an LHS t-shirt and as for her unique platform high tops — you would never guess that they are from the brand Converse. Brower accessorized with white bracelets, a blue belt, red and blue beaded necklaces and, of course, a Bang energy drink in hand. Her self-made approach to fashion is “not caring what anyone else thinks about you” and needless to say, it pays off. LHS senior Nick Lounsbery incorporated his passion for athletics and specifically his LHS baseball team with this white out “fit.” Head to toe in athleisure brands, Lounsbery’s jersey was patterned with cool red and blue stars and stripes, while he wore both white Nike shorts and socks and, lastly, white adidas shoes. His catchphrase when it comes to clothes is “whatever looks fly,” and he loves the energy of the big crowd that is always sure not to disappoint at Presidents Bowl. “Look good, play good” are the words that athlete and LHS sophomore Jack Hilgenberg lives by and represented well during President’s Bowl weekend. Hilgenberg made a statement with his simple look consisting of a backwards white baseball cap, a traditionallooking LHS basketball T-shirt and white Nike shorts with black designs on the side that he found in New York. His favorite part about Presidents Bowl is just getting to hang out and have a good time with his classmates.

After getting a victory against WHS in the LHS homecoming game last season, the Patriots looked to gain another victory in this year’s homecoming game against their cross-town rivals, the OGHS Knights. In the 2019 season, the Pats upset the Knights during the OGHS homecoming game, and LHS was determined to continue their dominance against the Knights this season for their own homecoming game. On Friday, Sept. 19, the Pats defended their homecoming winning streak and defeated the Knights 17-7 in an impressive victory with the defense leading the way. After a highly anticipated game with two powerhouse offenses, the first quarter did not exactly live up to its expectations. During the first 25 minutes of the first half, the game stayed scoreless with both defenses controlling the game. But with just under four minutes left in the first half, the Patriots got the ball with one last chance to take a lead going into halftime. The possession started at the Patriots’ own 30 yard line, with a 14-yard reception across the field to junior wide receiver Gage Gardner. Following the first down reception, senior running back Isaiah Robinson had two powerful runs down the field, one of which was 35 yards bringing the Patriots offense all the way down to the Knights’ four yard line. With 2:38 remaining in the second quarter, Robinson surged through the defensive line of the Knights and rushed into the endzone to put the Patriots ahead 6-0, trucking a defender on the goal line in the process. Following the score, freshman kicker Tate Schafer finished off the drive with the extra point to bring the lead to 7-0. After yet another defensive stop to end the half, the Patriots held the opposing Knights scoreless at the halfway mark. The Patriots kicked off to the Knights to open the second half at Howard-Wood Field. Continuing their defensive dominance, the Pats held the Knights offense to four straight plays for less than 10 yards, causing an immediate turnover on downs. This gave the Patriots excellent field

position for their opening drive of the second half, starting at the Knights’ 27-yard line. The offense took no time picking up where they left off in the first half. On just the third play of the drive, senior quarterback Tommy Thompson threw a beautiful pass right into the hands of sophomore wide receiver Robert Hutchinson to extend the lead to 13-0. Again, Shaefer trotted onto the field and drilled the kick through the goalpost to make it 14-0, Patriots. The Pats held the Knights scoreless all the way to the fourth quarter, until finally giving up their first score of the night to bring the game to 14-7. Just when OG seemed to be gaining some momentum, the Pats offense marched right back down the field all the way to the end zone. Already two for two on extra points today, Shaefer lined up and drilled the 20-yard field goal to put the Patriots back ahead by two scores. With the game already being late in the fourth quarter, the two-possession lead was too much for the Knights to overcome, and the rock solid defense of the Pats held the Knights scoreless the rest of the way. After a long game, a victory is always a sweet feeling. Against a rival on homecoming, the victory is just that much better. “Anytime you can beat a Sioux Falls team, it’s key to moving in the right direction,” said Trey Naasz. “These kids have grown up playing against those guys all the time and obviously they want to beat them. The energy was super high and we are super happy with where we are at 3-1 this far into the season. It’s really good to beat a city team.” The number three ranked Patriots defended their streak against the number five ranked Knights and improved to 3-1 on the season. After an impressive showing by the offense, along with an outstanding defensive effort holding the opposing team to just one score, LHS snatched a victory against their cross-town rivals for the second consecutive season and secured another victory in their homecoming game. DESIGN BY GAGE GOHL

Pictured in photos (from top to bottom): Johana Brower, Gus Sargent, Sophie Siegel, Anna Leuning, Nick Lounsbery and Jack Hilgenberg

PHOTO BY AVERY BLACKMAN

4 ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTNEY DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN, LILLI EPPINGA & CARLY WHEELER

The Patriots defense lines up to stop the Knights offense from driving down the field on Friday, Sept. 17 at the LHS STATESMAN 5 homecoming game at Howard Wood Stadium.

PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS BYBY AVERY BY AVERY AVERY BLACKMAN BLACKMAN BLACKMAN

LHS LHS LHS LHS LHS LHSHOMECOMING: HOMECOMING: HOMECOMING: HOMECOMING: HOMECOMING: HOMECOMING:2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020

Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Josephine Josephine Josephine Josephine Josephine Josephine Hultgren Hultgren Hultgren Hultgren Hultgren Hultgren

Senior Senior Senior TyTy Schafer Ty Schafer Schafer

6 6SPORTS 6SPORTS SPORTS

Junior Junior Junior Angel Angel Angel Jurshge Jurshge Jurshge Junior Junior Junior Angel Angel Angel Jurshge Jurshge Jurshge DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN BY BY BY AVERY BY AVERY BY AVERY BY AVERY AVERY AVERY BLACKMAN BLACKMAN BLACKMAN BLACKMAN BLACKMAN BLACKMAN

Senior Senior Senior Tommy Tommy Tommy Thompson Thompson Thompson (kicking) (kicking) (kicking)

Junior Junior Junior Gavin Gavin Gavin Sturm Sturm Sturm

7 7 7 STATESMAN STATESMAN STATESMAN

LHS SURVIVES COVID-

In the five-month period that students and teachers were gone from school, we all participated in some form of quarantining to protect ourselves and others from the ominous pandemic that was spreading worldwide. Personally, I did not know anyone who had fallen ill to the virus and was curious as to how they actually spent their isolation time. As it turns out, while most of us were at home trying to find unique ways to cure our boredom, many LHS students and teachers had actually gotten COVID-19 but have now recovered and are here to share their experiences. LHS junior Grace Ellis tested positive in late June while on vacation with her friend’s family in the Black Hills. Turns out everyone on the vacation had COVID-19 as well, so they quarantined together and had to spend the rest of their vacation away from others. Ellis described her symptoms as like having a cold without taste or smell. Along with not being able to finish her trip as planned, Ellis had to miss a lot of preseason soccer workouts. Another patriot that experienced the virus was senior Mason Endsley. He tested positive in mid-July, but had only a runny nose and slight cough, symptoms more similar to the common cold. He spent his time in quarantine playing music and watching YouTube. Fortunately for him, the only activity he missed out on was work. More recently, LHS junior Arianna Carlson got COVID-19 two weeks before school started from her step mom who tested positive on Aug. 13. Similar to Endsley, her symptoms were very mild, including a cough and a hoarse voice. She also lost only her sense of smell, and she has yet to fully get it back. The only symptom that seems to set her apart

by Madeleine Kemper, Online Editor-in-Chief

from the others is that she experienced back pains, but only at night. While she was awake, Carlson spent her time watching anime movies and playing Minecraft over the computer with her friend. She spent most of her time, however, trying to sleep through the two weeks as fast as she could. “I would stay up really late in hopes of sleeping all day and just being able to fast pass my two weeks of quarantine,” said Carlson. “There was something about being awake in the daytime that was just really, depressing, I guess.” Unfortunately, some students were not lucky enough to experience only cold and flu like symptoms for two weeks. LHS senior Summer Stoll tested positive for COVID-19 the third week of April. She lost all of her taste and smell and had a 103 fever. “I couldn’t get out of bed or climb the stairs for three weeks after,” said Stoll. Following the end of her quarantine, Stoll had four unrelated medical procedures on her kidneys and her lungs, which are still recovering. Some activities that helped her get through this tough time were embroidery, reading, baking and spending a lot of time with her sister. Even now, nearly five months later, Stoll still feels the physical effects of the virus. She has not been able to return to softball and is just starting to run again. Instead of joining the majority of students for in-person learning this

fall, she opted to take all online classes to allow for extra time for recovery. “Online school has been enjoyable because I can sleep in and I have peace of mind knowing that I’m not going to get sick again,” said Stoll. Students were not the only ones who had the misfortune of catching COVID-19. A few weeks ago, LHS secretary Janet Lensegrav tested positive after her daughter’s wedding. Like most, her symptoms were very mild as she only experienced a slight cough and was mostly tired. Her quarantine activities included sleeping, working from home and watching “Wheel of Fortune.” The one activity Lensegrav missed most was attending her weekly Sunday morning worship service. “I missed being around people; they are my anchor,” said Lensegrav. Hopefully these survivor stories help to put your mind at ease. Even the students who did not experience mild symptoms, such as Stoll, found a pleasant way to stay occupied. While some of these activities do not seem like the most exciting way to spend your time, just know that the time will pass either way. You might as well make the most of it. Even if you do not catch the virus yourself, but rather end up being a “close contact” to someone who does, it might be nice to have a plan in mind for how you will spend the next 14 days.

8 FEATURES DESIGN BY CARLY WHEELER

STATESMAN 9

by Emma Johnson

Online vs. in-person in-person school school Online vs.

10 FEATURES

As fall approached, students across the state of South Dakota had a decision to make: students could come to school and risk the possibility of catching COVID-19, or they could stay at home and attend school online. At LHS, around 241 students have made the choice to social distance from school and further their education at home through the Sioux Falls School District Virtual Academy (SFSDVA). Senior Tyler Bitz is not only a student enrolled in the SFSDVA, but he is taking dual credit enrollment classes as well. The SFSDVA is not very different from the remote learning that the Sioux Falls School District took part in this past spring. In fact, remote learning helped Bitz prepare for this school year. “Although it was a difficult end to the year, I learned some new strategies such as time management and prioritization that are helping me succeed through my classes this year,” said Bitz. “It gave me a hint to the all online lifestyle.” A regular day of school that occurs at LHS, such as walking through the hallways to the next 50-minute class period, is different from Bitz’s day. “A typical school day for me consists of reading through a few lessons for each class, taking the quizzes that come along with them and working through the packets that I need to email to the teacher,” said Bitz. “I spend about two hours per day working on those classes.” Bitz has two classes with the SFSDVA and he spends the rest of his day taking dual credit classes: two from South Dakota State University and one from Dakota State University. The benefits for Bitz of working at home is being able to work at his own pace and even work ahead when he is feeling ambitious. “The beauty of doing a dual credit online class is that I have the whole week to get my work done, so I can pick which days work best for me to do my work,” said Bitz. “I try to get my homework done in about three to four days of the week, but it’s actually really fun so I don’t even mind spending my whole day on it. I would not have that flexibility if I were taking classes in-person. I just work when I feel like it and want to get everything done.” Bitz believes that his time spent in online school is helping him work towards his future goals in a substantial way. The flexibility given to him through online classes has proven to be helpful, guiding him to what he calls his “timeline for success.” “[In-person school] and Virtual Academy both allow for one to learn very interesting material as long as they are willing to put in the effort. Taking dual credit

DESIGN BY EMMA JOHNSON DESIGNBY BYKATE EMMA JOHNSON PHOTOS MCCARTNEY PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTNEY

classes allows me to take pride in the fact that my work can transfer to colleges,” said Bitz. “However, where Virtual Academy shines is the complete freedom on how far you want to work ahead.” As much as Bitz misses aspects of going to school in-person, such as asking teachers questions and getting responses right away, he has taken a liking to attending school online and now prefers learning virtually. “Personally, I find Virtual Academy to be way better than [in-person school],” said Bitz. “The ability to work at my own pace along with the flexibility of where I get the work done makes it much more fun to learn. Also, the ability to work ahead or even know what is coming next in the week is not something that [in-person school] allows for.” While Bitz is one of the few who have had to adjust to doing school at home, senior Katie Kersey, who is attending classes in-person this fall, has had to make adjustments to her senior year as well. Coming back to school for the first time since March, she has noticed the significant changes LHS has put in place. “Everything has changed. It’s weird not being able to be near people and do the same things we have always known to do,” said Kersey. “The biggest struggle is keeping distance from everyone, especially in the hallways with the arrows. You’re so close to everyone and clumped together.” One of the reasons that Kersey chose to come back in the midst of a pandemic is because of the daily interactions with teachers and friends. “I just missed seeing everyone. I think I needed that social interaction,” said Kersey. “You get so lonely when you are quarantined, but it’s nice to see everyone’s faces.” As much as Kersey enjoys being back to in-person school, she enjoyed some aspects of remote learning. She enjoyed pacing herself, much like how Bitz does. “I liked that I could go at my own pace,” said Kersey. “I didn’t have to spend exactly 50 minutes in each class. I could do what I needed to right away.” Whatever situations a pandemic could throw at them, LHS students are willing to take on the challenge. Whether the changes have been doing remote learning from the comfort of home or strapping on a mask and obeying the one-way hallways, it does not matter how a student receives their education. As long as everyone stays safe, that is all that really matters.

STATESMAN 11

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

by Paige Gordon The pandemic has brought about many changes. Everyone has been changing their routines or work schedules, and some of us have made an additional change in efforts to stay healthier Since March, many Americans have been turning their homes into makeshift gyms. With plenty of free time, more and more people have felt compelled to attempt at home workouts, or at the very least going out for a walk. The fitness company Mindbody reports that 75 percent of their users have started attending more virtual workout sessions. Gyms have closed in the midst of COVID-19 causing home fitness to take off. Plenty of fitness gurus have been growing in popularity on social media platforms, sharing exercise plans, personal experiences and making home exercise easier than ever. With

a simple search, it is easy to find online exercise advice for different fitness goals a person may have. There can be a lot of variety to eating plans and exercise schedules that help people focus on their health and embrace their body types. Despite the probability that most have started exercising out of fear that their poor health will cause them to catch the virus, that fear may push more Americans into healthier lifestyles. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can boost your immune system in multiple ways, such as flushing out bacterias from the airways or increasing blood circulation, which in turn increases the circulation of illness-fighting white blood cells. In addition to the obvious physical benefits, getting up and moving around can be a great stress reliever. Another aspect of the

pandemic that is often overlooked is how it has impacted mental health. Living through a global pandemic can be a bit traumatic. Most people have all gained some more stress; unemployment has been rising and paranoia has been seeping in. Not to mention, being trapped in quarantine can be mentally draining. Humans are social creatures, and going an extended amount of time without diversiﬁed human contact can put a strain on the brain. It is easy to spiral into a hopeless state when the world is in turmoil. That anxiety felt has also been a main motivator for people to start focusing more on their health, which in turn, has eliminated stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can pump up the brain’s endorphin production, also known as “feel good” neurotransmitters, making one

feel generally happier. A decent diet of fruits and vegetables can contribute to feeling better as well, as vitamin and protein intake can reduce the risk of fatigue and lethargy. Unfortunately, the pandemic can make it much easier to stay sedentary. Though it seems physical ﬁtness and eating in moderation has been becoming more normalized in “quarantine life,” being at home all day can be a big adjustment. It can be very tempting to use the time spent at home lounging around. People are starting to become complacent and spend most of their days glued to a screen, letting their brains go numb after rewatching “Tiger King” on Netﬂix and snacking on unhealthy food. The U.S. currently has the highest infection rate and the most deaths worldwide, with nearly 70,000,000 active cases and more than 20,000 deaths

according to WorldOMeter live tracking it is no wonder. The main issue here is that it is not just healthy individuals who have become sluggish. The obesity epidemic has plagued the U.S. since long before COVID-19 came into the picture, and now with these two health catastrophes, there could be more trouble. According to the CDC, aproximately 42 percent of the American population is obese. The CDC also lists having a BMI of 40 or higher as a high risk factor for severe COVID-19 especially in young children. A recent study of patients treated for COVID-19 in the Southern California health system pointed the ﬁnger at extreme obesity for higher fatality rates and is far from the only study to do so. Due to the fact that obesity can restrict breathing and limited activity weakens the immune system, that 42

most d nearly and m

percent of the population faces extreme risks. Of course, all bodies are beautiful. Humans come in all shapes and sizes and people can be happy with any body type as long as they are relatively healthy. There are severe health risks connected to extreme obesity that have been largely ignored by Americans for years. So where does this leave us? Throughout this nightmare, national health has been teetering between making progress and getting much worse, aside from the direct eﬀect of the pandemic. Still, a large percentage of our population is at risk of being fatally aﬀected by COVID-19, yet so many still have not taken the opportunity or even considered that there needs to be a health revolution. Eating better and taking care of oneself is not a quarantine trend; it is essential to surviving this pandemic.

DESIGN BY PAIGE G

12 PERSPECTIVES

STATESMAN 13 DESIGN PAIGE GORDON SARA CROGHAN DESIGN BYBY PAIGE GORDON && SARA CROGHAN

nightmares.

doors- you are in for a treat.

asleep after watching this you on your toes with every scene. movie.

BY MADYSON LAWSON LAWSON BY MADYSON

Halloween is is just just around around the the corner corner and and horror horrormovies movies Halloween will soon be everywhere. Skip the movie theater and host will soon be everywhere. Skip the movie theater and host your own movie movie marathon marathon with with these these 10 10 classics classicsthat thatwill will your own guarantee you a scare. Gather your bravest friends and guarantee you a scare. Gather your bravest friends and some popcorn popcorn and and get get ready ready to to “Scream.” “Scream.” some

“HALLOWEEN” “HALLOWEEN”

IfIfyou youare areaafan fanof of horror horrormovies, movies,this this movie movie should shouldbe beat atthe thetop top of of your yourlist. list.“Halloween” “Halloween” is is not notyour youraverage averagescary scary movie: movie:there thereis isaagreat great storyline storylineand andcharacter character development developmentalong along with with the themost mostcrucial crucialpart part of ofaahorror horrormovie, movie,the the jump jumpscares. scares.Grab Grabyour your popcorn popcornand andlock lockthe the doorsdoors-you youare arein infor for aa treat. treat.

“SCREAM” “SCREAM”

“Scream” “Scream” is is all all about about the the jump jump scares. scares. A A serial serial killer killer who who seemingly seemingly has has aa history history with with his his victim victim will will most most deﬁ deﬁnitely nitely jump jump out out at at you you when when you you are are least expecting it. You least expecting it. You will will want want to to hold hold on on to to your your popcorn popcorn extra extra tight tight while while watching watching “Scream,” “Scream,” otherwise otherwise you you might might lose lose aa couple couple kernels. kernels.

14 “SCARY MOVIE” “SCARY MOVIE”

“Scary is aa “Scary Movie” Movie” is light-hearted movie that light-hearted movie that is those who who is perfect perfect for for those don’t horror movies movies don’t love love horror but still want to get in the the but still want to get in Halloween spirit. During During Halloween spirit. this that mocks mocks this movie movie that the Halloween the classic classic Halloween movie you movie “Scream,” “Scream,” you are jump are guaranteed guaranteed aa jump alongside a laugh, laugh, and and alongside a most importantly no most importantly no nightmares. nightmares.

“A NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE “POLTERGEIST” “A ON ELM STREET” STREET” “POLTERGEIST” Thismovie movieisisfor for ON ELM This You are are deﬁ deﬁnitely nitely You not going going to to want want to to fall fall not asleep after watching this asleep after watching this thriller. “A “A Nightmare Nightmare thriller. on Elm Elm Street” Street” is is all all on about creating creating the the kind kind about of fear in viewers that of fear in viewers that might linger linger in in their their might thoughts and and dreams dreams thoughts after watching. watching. II highly highly after recommend not not falling falling recommend asleep after after watching watching this this asleep movie. movie.

thosewho whodo donot not those necessarilylike likethe thejump jump necessarily scares.“Poltergeist” “Poltergeist” scares. raisesinteresting interesting raises psychologicalissues issues psychological in the form of ghost in the form of aaghost story.It Itdemonstrates demonstrates story. thepower powerand andeﬃ eﬃciency ciency the of aastory storytold toldfrom fromthe the of pointof ofview viewof ofaachild. child. point “Poltergeist”will willkeep keep “Poltergeist” youon onyour yourtoes toeswith with you everyscene. scene. every

14 14

“FRIDAY THE 13TH” “Friday the 13th” did not only capture the interest of its fans with its head turning scenes and “FRIDAY THE “FRIDAY revengeful plot, THE it also 13TH” 13TH” “Friday the inspired other fi13th” lmmakers “Friday the13th” did not only capture the did not only capture the to create their own horror interest of its fans with interest of its fans with its its head turning scenes and head turning scenes and movies leading to the revengeful revengefulplot, plot,ititalso also inspired other fifilmmakers 1980’s horror inspired otherboom. lmmakers to create their own horror to create their own horror movies moviesleading leadingto tothe the 1980’s 1980’shorror horrorboom. boom.

ENTERTAINMENT 14 14 ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

“THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE” Inspired by a true story, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” “THE TEXAS “THE TEXAS is defi nitely one of the CHAINSAW CHAINSAW scariest movies on this MASSACRE” MASSACRE” by list,Inspired consisting some Inspired by aaoftrue true story, “The Texas story, “The Texas of the mostMassacre” gruesome Chainsaw Chainsaw Massacre” is defi nitely one is defi nitely one of of the the scenes and disturbing scariest movies on scariest movies on this this list, consisting of characters. If that does list, consisting of some some of of the the most most gruesome gruesome scenes and disturbing not scare you, you will scenes and disturbing characters. If that characters. If that does does love everything about this not not scare scare you, you, you you will will love everything about this love everything about this movie. movie. movie.

“THE SHINING” “THE SHINING” Inspired by the eerie Stephen King novel, “The Shining’’ builds an “THE SHINING” “THE SHINING” atmosphere and feeling “THE “THE of unease for its viewers; SHINING” SHINING” Inspired by the thepop eerie something Inspiredcould by eerie Stephen King novel, Stephen King novel, out atShining’’ any second. “The “The builds an “The Shining’’ builds an atmosphere and feeling atmosphere andonly feeling Shining’’ is not of its viewers; viewers; of unease unease for for its something could pop scary, but also portrays something could pop out second. “The “The out at at any any second. Shining’’ not only aShining’’ hopefulisisperspective not only to scary, but also portrays scary, but also portrays and death in its own alife hopeful perspective to a hopeful perspective to life and death in its own own life and death in its odd way. odd way. odd way.

“THE EXORCIST”

“THE RING”

Although “The Ring” does not have as many “The Exorcist” is one jump scares as the others, of the most memorable you are still going to want Hollywood movies. It is a blanket to hide under, may notRING” even want claimed to still be one of the and“THE “THE RING” “THE Although “The Ring” “THEever made, to answer Although Ring” scariest movies the“The phone after doesnot nothave have asmany many EXORCIST” does as EXORCIST” jump scares as the others, providing the audience “The Exorcist” is onewith jump watching it. as the others, scares “The Exorcist” is one you are still going to want

of the most memorable you are still going to want of the most memorable blanketto tohide hideunder, under, Hollywood movies. It is aa blanket Hollywood movies. It is claimed to still be one of the and may not even want claimed to still be one of the and may not even want scariest movies ever made, to answer the phone after scariest movies ever made, to answer the phone after providing the audience with watching it. providing the audience with watching it. a terrifying experience that a terrifying experience that will make them jump while will make them jump while watching, not to mention watching, not to mention ﬂinch at any noise they hear ﬂinch at any noise they hear after the movie is over. after the movie is over.

a terrifying experience that will make them jump while watching, not to mention ﬂinch at any noise they hear after the movie is over.

DESIGN BY MADYSON LAWSON SARA CROGHAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY IMDB DESIGN BY LAWSON &&&SARA DESIGN BY MADYSON MADYSON LAWSON SARA CROGHAN CROGHAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY IMDB PHOTOS PROVIDED BY IMDB

STATESMAN 15

Homelessness in Sioux Falls 16 FEATURES

by Abbie Dekramer I arrived at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House selfishly nervous about what I would find beyond the back door. Subconsciously, my privilege as a middle class, financially stable high school student had caught up to me. I watched as a flock of people from The Banquet, a local soup kitchen, made their way to the front gates of the shelter, all carrying white styrofoam dinner trays. Some also held the hands of their children, some carried duffle bags and some were smoking cigarettes; but all were making their way to the same place, where each guest would be greeted by name. The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House is shaped like a horseshoe. On one side there is a women’s center; parallel to that is the men’s center and in the back there are family rooms. In between, one could find the kitchen, laundry rooms and medical rooms. Towards the end of my tour of the shelter, I saw a man in the outdoor men’s center that was playing cornhole alone; my attention was immediately brought to the fact that he was wearing some

of the longest shorts I’d seen in my life that could arguably just be pants. I approached this man and told him about my legendary track record at cornhole. Travis introduced himself while shaking my hand and immediately noticed the camera wrapped around my neck. He told me about his sister who loved photography, saying that if there was one thing in the world that he could do again, it would be to take photos with his sister down south one more time. I watched as tears formed in his eyes while he proceeded to give me pointers on finding the perfect angle for not only my camera but also for my cornhole toss. While walking through the hallways, all I could notice were the endless bulletin boards overflowing with fliers. Full of schedules, nurse visits, resume building sessions, businesses that were hiring, shuttles and other forms of transportation, church services, food donations and sign up sheets for the laundry room; I initially thought this showed how many available opportunities there were but I later realized that I was

ignorant to the true complexity of escaping homelessness and poverty. “For many people, homelessness is a tragedy,” said Madeline Shields, the Executive Director of The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. “There are people with mental illnesses, and they may be doing great for months or even years while they stay on their medication and then something happens or they run out of money and can’t afford their medication, then they lose their house, then they have a poor rental history because they couldn’t pay their rent for a couple of months. Then it starts all over. It’s a vicious cycle that is very very difficult to make your way out of.” The overall homeless population on a single night represents 0.2 percent of the U.S. population or 17 people per 10,000 people. According to data from the U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sioux Falls had 219 people who qualified as homeless for every 100,000 residents in the city in 2018. The Augustana Research Institute says efforts are failing

“Compared to other communities, people experiencing homelessness in Sioux Falls are more likely to be sheltered than unsheltered,” the report said. “This finding is consistent with findings of the capacity of Sioux Falls to house people experiencing homelessness.”

PHOTOS & DESIGN BY ABBIE DEKRAMER

in response to the once created goal of eradicating homelessness in Sioux Falls, SD. “Compared to other communities, people experiencing homelessness in Sioux Falls are more likely to be sheltered than unsheltered,” the report said. “This finding is consistent with findings of the capacity of Sioux Falls to house people experiencing homelessness.” Homelessness and poverty also affect students at LHS. Amber Pollman, a social worker at LHS, addresses the process of student homelessness at the high school level and opportunities available for their peers to help. “We first start by identifying them as homeless, we provide transportation support, referrals to all different areas of the community and are able to immediately provide free school lunch with no paperwork,” said Pollman. “Lincoln has the Club 17 closet, which signifies the 17 hours where students are not at school. Students can donate school supplies, new hygienic products and new clothes that will later be distributed to

struggling students at LHS.” One of the many contributing factors to the seemingly endless cycle of homelessness and poverty is the stigma surrounding the lower class. These stigmas can be at the employment level and also social level when it comes to our perception of the homeless population. “Absolutely [the homeless] are stigmatized but I don’t fault people for being afraid of what they don’t know,” said Shields. “In our minds, we see them as unpredictable but I challenge people to sit down

and have a conversation and learn very quickly that there is so much more that we have in common with one another than differences. Volunteering is a gift to whoever seeks it. You will leave so happy because you were able to come and make a difference in someone else’s life.” Eradicating homelessness and efforts to do so all begin with the deconstruction of stigmas around homelessness. Homelessness is a cycle that the majority of people do not choose to be a part of. YOU can take action; whether that be by assisting guests at a shelter with resumes or donating to Club 17, take advantage of the endless opportunities to help those around you. On the off chance that we attempt to understand our previous biases and we come with an open hand and mind, at that point, and only that point, will we start to comprehend the plight of individuals who are trapped in an endless cycle of poverty.

STATESMAN 17

SOUTH DAKOTA’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE by Thompson Wakefield South Dakota has been in the news frequently over the last year for some rather negative reasons, including a failed meth campaign, a questionable COVID-19 response, the President hosting a rally at Mount Rushmore, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and quite a few more. How did South Dakota go from being a no-name state to one that sparks national outrage through countless controversies? In 2019, South Dakota’s first female governor, Kristi Noem, took office. Noem was a controversial figure who only won by a small margin, beating Democrat Billy Sutton. While Noem has had her disagreements with current president Donald Trump, she has frequently spoken positively regarding the president. As the country becomes seemingly more and more divided, some South Dakotans are concerned about the condition of the state, while others believe South Dakota is headed in a positive direction. When debating these issues, many South Dakotans will bring up Governor Noem, whether it be good or bad. “I think every elected official in SD does the very best to do what they think their constituents need,” said LHS government teacher, Barry Foster. “We have limited resources of revenue in SD, so they need to prioritize what they think is important.” However, some South Dakota residents would disagree when looking at the Coronavirus rates in the state. According to KELOLAND, South Dakota had 201 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus on Sept. 13, bringing the total up to 16,638. “It has to be difficult as the governor of South Dakota to look at a city like Sioux Falls and think that shutting it down for a few weeks would help minimize the spread, but then you are also governing a place like Buffalo and they might not need to be shut down because of COVID right now,” said Foster. “She has tried to balance the idea of local control with limits.” In addition to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, state and national politics have also had an impact on South Dakota farmers, a large career field and source of income in the state. 18 FEATURES

“I think trade will be a major factor in the next four years for South Dakota. The farmers and ranchers took a big hit on the trade war,” said Foster. “I think China is playing the wait and see game on who wins this fall’s election.” Although South Dakota is seeing problems, not all consequences of recent elections have been bad for the state. Partisan conflict, or disagreement between political parties, is much less present in South Dakota than in other states in the U.S. “As much as people want to believe the two parties disagree on everything, that is simply not true. Most of the issues in the state legislature are small populated areas vs larger populated areas. The ones we tend to hear about or pay closer attention to are the Republican vs Democrat because that is what we hear about from the national level,” said Foster. “Very little bipartisanship takes place simply because it does not need to.” The amount of spotlight South Dakota has been getting recently, however, could even be seen as a good thing, especially in Sioux Falls. Over the years, as the population of Sioux Falls has grown, more and more people across the country are becoming aware of the city. In turn, this brings new businesses, young adults, and everyday workers to Sioux Falls, making the city bigger and attracting more people. This process creates a never-ending cycle of increasing population and urbanization. “Sioux Falls will continue to grow in its influence both financially and politically within the state as it grows,” said Foster. “As family farms are turned over to corporate farms, Sioux Falls influence will even become greater.” Whether the growth in population has resulted in a better climate for Sioux Falls and South Dakota as a whole is up to the citizens to decide. For now, it is likely the state will continue to see large scale changes influencing both the social and political sides of South Dakota. DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT SOUTH DAKOTA

S Read stories online at lhsstatesman.com

Scan QR code to sign up for a monthly subscription STATESMAN 19

RUMOR OR REALITY? RUMOR OR REALITY? RUMOR OR REALITY? RUMOR OR REALITY?

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FINDING

harmony

AMIDST CHAOS

Ferguson. “A world without singing and choir would be devastating for our students.” Choir presents many issues in relation to COVID-19, but the LHS band has struggled for months, trying to re-work their system to benefit the recent changes. Implementing bell covers, masks and COVID-19 screenings is only the beginning. Unfortunately, similar to choir, there have been continuous cancellations; concerts, competitions and committees have been put on hold indefinitely. “It’s not what I was expecting, I’m disappointed, of course. This wasn’t how our senior year was supposed to go, especially for us drum majors,” said LHS Drum Major, Emily Krueger. ‘Disappointing’ has been a recurring theme for the 2020 school year. Students and staff alike, are struggling to cope with the changes. For seniors, there is no ‘next year,’ and there is no ‘do-over.’ “I am cautiously optimistic that a vaccine will develop and allow these kids some normalcy,” said

Kathy KathyFerguson, Ferguson,Choir ChoirDirector Director

by Alexis Miller “A year ago today, I couldn’t ever envision this conversation taking place,” said Dan Carlson, LHS Band Director. For all students, this year is a change. But, for music students, this year is catastrophic. Every day holds another set of unknowns and another round of cancellations. Disappointment lurks around the corner, sabotaging their hope for a normal year of band, choir and orchestra. “The last six months have dragged on. It feels like I’ve been waiting months for my students to catch a break,” said Kathy Ferguson, LHS Choir Director. When COVID-19 first made an appearance in the U.S., there was little information about the precautions and safety measures that were to be placed upon the schools. But now, after many months, rules and regulations have ensued, and musically inclined students are struggling. After numerous studies 22 FEATURES

began and research was done, singing was projected as a ‘superspreading activity.’ “Researchers say that the coronavirus can spread in respiratory aerosols, which may linger in the air for an hour or more, floating farther than the six feet commonly prescribed for social distancing,” said Richard Read, staff writer for the LA Times. “They say that choir members are particularly vulnerable to infection from airborne particles, because they exhale and inhale deeply to sing, often at close quarters in poorly ventilated rooms.” Unfortunately, the information that was released has changed many aspects of the LHS Choir. From a new routine to an entirely new classroom, it has been an adjustment. Along with this, the National Anthem singers have been prohibited from any sporting events. Nationwide and statewide choral events have been canceled [specifically the National ACDA Convention and Junior Honor Choir]

and concerts, trips and any largegroup events have been postponed. The most apparent loss among the choir is the lack of connection. Choir is meant to be a collective, group event, but when standing six feet apart, students feel desperately alone. They are challenged to blend, create and express with one another, but how can they be expected to do so under these conditions? “There’s a concern about students feeling like they’re part of [the choir]” said Ferguson. “We can’t force them to create that connection with the modifications we’ve been given. I want kids to feel like they’re still involved in something big and great, even during this time.” Despite the hardships and trials that this school year holds, many participants are thankful for the opportunity that this year presents. Although there are many unknowns, it is a blessing to be able to sing at the very least. “We get to sing, we’re allowed to sing and we should be grateful,” said PHOTOS PHOTOSBY BYALEXIS ALEXISMILLER MILLER&&MOLLY MOLLYWETSCH WETSCH

Izak Benitez-Lopez, 12 Carlson. “We’re taking it one day at a time; that is the best I can offer our students.” Among cancellations, there is a large concern about the marching band season. With a timeline almost impossible to beat, the band is struggling to complete their routine. Upcoming competitions and football half-time shows, have them racing. COVID-19 forced the June spat camp to be put on hold until July, effectively putting them a month DESIGNED BY CAMERON RHODE

behind schedule. On top of that, rehearsals have been minimalized, creating a spiraling season. “We have only completed the opener, through the break for the drumline,” said Krueger. “Currently, we are trying to get it learned, but I am not sure if that will happen,” It was an unfortunate beginning to a season. Thankfully, there is a positive perspective and outlook surrounding this team; students, staff and directors alike have optimism and encouragement on their side. “I just pray that things get back to normal around here… the kids need it, honestly, I need it,” said Carlson. Both band and choir directors expressed deep concern about the well-being of their students, but the orchestra has been troubled with the stability of their program. The changes that this year has brought for the music curriculum were too much for some students to handle, resulting in a loss of members. “I lost 17 kids in the first month of school,” said LHS Orchestra Director, Mario Chiarello. “I can’t tell you whether they will come back or quit for good. This year isn’t going to be easy, and some students just didn’t understand that.” Not only has the orchestra lost members, but they have lost crucial parts of their program. Often, orchestra is pegged as a place of involvement and excitement, but this year, it has been a struggle to create the connection between essential elements of the orchestra. “Often orchestra is a place to blow off steam, but so much of that social aspect is gone,” said Chiarello. “You want them talking to each other to a point, and when they’re this far apart, it’s hard to do.” Although the students are a main component of this program, we cannot ignore the challenges that directors are facing. There is an abundance of work and new changes on a daily basis. From seating charts to concert arrangements, it all begins to pile up. “There’s always a plan, but if I am being honest, it changes from day to day,” said Chiarello. Regardless of these trials,

Chiarello still remains calm and collected. As always, his students remain his pride and joy; it is more than obvious that he values his job, and the patience that he displays throughout this chaotic time is inspiring. Amidst the trials and tribulations, each director has

Dr. Mario Chiarello, Orchestra Director presented themselves in a poised manner; their students continue to be their priority and they strive to present a “normal” school-year. “I can’t live without [my students],” said Chiarello. “They give me my energy. I need these kids; it’s scary to think about my retirement.” The support that these groups provide one another is compelling. These programs have one aspect in common: each student involved feels the change, but together, they want to be the change. Their dedication to this school year, and overcoming these trials, is nothing less than incredible. And most inspiring of all, many of these students will say they owe this attitude to their music program.

“‘Disappointing’ has been a recurring theme for the 2020 school year.” STATESMAN 23

BY LILLI EPPINGA March 13, 2020 came as a surprise to many LHS students and staff, as well as the rest of the district, as COVID-19 triggered a halt to not only all school activities, but school as well. The biggest reaction students had to the sudden cancellation was simply confusion as to what the next step was. On March 13 at the beginning of the day, the state of South Dakota, streamed a live video informing all staff and students that all activities were cancelled until further notice, however, classes were not — yet. By the end of the day, all families and staff got a phone call announcing that school was cancelled. For how long? That was where the confusion lied. “Half of my teachers believed we were going to come back, but the other half thought it would be cancelled for the rest of the year,” said sophomore Katie Jensen. “Some were prepared to switch to online, but some weren’t, and that’s why it was so hard to know what was happening.” There were many mixed emotions about how to proceed safely, but another big question was how school was going to continue. Teachers were struggling to apply the curriculum to online assignments and tests, especially elective teachers who needed to cover subjects like art or

24 FEATURES

gym, all through a computer screen. Students scrambled to keep up with unknown assignments and started to digress from learning. Martha Winklepleck (formerly Ms. Stai), the accelerated English II and l teacher at LHS, had many instances when COVID-19 negatively impacted the learning of her students. “The hardest part about online education was knowing that there were some students falling through the cracks for whom the Internet wasn’t readily available, or whose parents were working and weren’t able to help them,” said Winklepleck. “So, realizing that was a daily heartbreak as a teacher.” While many teachers were struggling to provide the curriculum, they still strived to use every online resource available to them. Tools such as Zoom, WebAssign, Google Classroom, and e-mail, all served a huge purpose during quarantine and online learning. Students were able to turn in essays, math problems and any school work that they would do within the school building, with a few modiﬁcations. “The best way I reached students was daily Zoom calls, and I taught Shakespeare to regular and accelerated English students, which most people

thought was a huge mistake, but I found the tool to be very helpful,” said Winklepleck. Although online education was a new experience for everyone involved and many students found it to be a hassle, there were a few advantages teachers found to help their students a step further in their learning. “In some ways, I was able to take it a little slower or go a little more in depth than I normally would have in the classroom,” said Winklepleck. With the school year beginning so normally, no one could have guessed the curveball known as COVID-19 that not only took over school, but impacted each of our day-to-day lives. In the end, the Sioux Falls School District’s cautious measures and safety rules have allowed for the reintroduction of in-person classes, however, the “close contact” regulation is quarantining students left and right. “With everything going on, I’m just glad we’re back at school,” said senior Philip Baker. But for how long will students be in the Lincoln halls? That is where the confusion lies.

PHOTOS & DESIGN BY LILLI EPPINGA PHOTOS & DESIGN BY LILLI EPPINGA

STATESMAN 25

26 ENTERTAINMENT

ARTWORK & DESIGN BY CARLY WHEELER ARTWORK & DESIGN BY CARLY WHEELER

This mask was either found in the bottom of your car or it is the only one you can breathe out of. Your family may have bought a few boxes of these when COVID-19 first began in March and you are still getting good use out of them. Although they seem waste free and disposable, they are not environmentally friendly. Either way, you are staying safe.

For some people matching your mask to your outfit is a great way to look on the bright side of this chaotic time. This new outlook on your daily outfit turns a basic mask into a coordinated accessory. Whether it is matching color to color or pattern to pattern, this new addition to our daily lives can be made into a stylish new trend.

If you wear this mask you are no doubt the coolest person in the school. Not only are these masks safe and protective, but they are also stylish and comfortable. If you see someone walking in the halls wearing this mask, they are either on their way to complete an amazing story or simply sporting fire fashion.

This tiny piece of fabric attached to some elastic will actually do you some good when it comes to protecting yourself and others. Someone in your family with sub-par sewing skills probably made this mask along with a few others when the COVID-19 pandemic first began. Or, they were made by someone itching to find a few hobbies while in quarantine, resulting in a tightly fitting mask filled with intricate patterns. These masks were handy for a few weeks, until you started losing them in bags or cars. Now, ordering one just seems easier.

These masks are very popular amongst the LHS halls. You are bound to see at least one person wearing a mask from this brand in one of your classes. These masks are effective and are easy to wear for long periods of time, with adjustable ear straps and nose wiring for a perfect fit. Although these masks are labeled for everyday use they are especially perfect for weekly Target runs, PTO meetings, daily soccer practices or whatever else the yoga-avid mother who bought this for you prefers to do during their free time.

These face shields are a safe alternative to the annoying foggy glasses and nasty dragon breath. Although they are not as popular as the regular masks, they are beginning to pop up more in public. Unfortunately, these convenient and comfortable face shields are not CDC recommended for everyday use, and they recommend wearing the typical face mask along with a face shield.

Although this mask is very cute and stylish, you definitely discovered it while scrolling through Instagram and seeing the eye-catching pattern on an ad. These cotton masks are no doubt breathable, easy on the ears and convenient to wash after a few wears. For the first time you can finally thank those annoying Instagram ads for showing you this game-changing mask.

If this is your go-to COVID-19 shield, you probably have some sort of association with the LHS football team, or just find it convenient. Although some masks are more effective than others, this does not mean that wearing this stretchy piece of fabric is worse than wearing nothing at all. These masks are perfect and easy for any type of athletic activity that requires a mask to be handy. Even though studies show that it is not as effective, it is better than nothing at all.

STATESMAN 27

STATESBUDS:WINGS EDITION BY CHARLEY LOCKWOOD-POWELL & JAMISON VETTER

Everyone has their go-to when it comes to restaurants, sports bars, diners, etc. Whether it is your go-to food or not, you cannot go wrong with some boneless wings. You can find wings at almost any restaurant in Sioux Falls. Some places, however, are known for their wings more than anything else on their menu, further there are a select few that are superior to the others. In this review, we sampled wings from four different locations: two wing-specialized places, a sports bar and a gas station.

6.9

BUFFALO WILD WINGS:

Everyone knows Buffalo Wild Wings to be one of the better wing spots in the upper Midwest. Yes, it was good, but personally I do not think it’s the best option in the area. In Sioux Falls, we have three locations at the moment, one of the locations is on Louise Avenue, one of the locations is on the corner of North West Avenue and West Madison Street and the other is on the east side right off highway 11. Of course, the atmosphere at B-Dubs is outstanding for someone who loves being in a loud room and watching sports with their friends. The wings on the other hand are subpar. Yes, I know I will probably be bashed for that, but it is the truth. Over the last couple months, I think they have not used nearly as much sauce, so it tastes like you are eating a dry chicken nugget. I personally ask that my wings be drenched so I can actually taste the honey barbeque sauce on my wings. The wings are still pretty good but have room to improve when it comes to the sauce, although the meat inside is magnificent. But the amount of sauce is just a letdown, and that is why I do not believe it is very good. If it did have more sauce, I would reconsider my rating. The wings are served on a silver platter and it looks very tasteful when they first bring it out. B-Dubs has many flavors and many different sizes of wings, so you can order off how hungry you really are. Just remember to ask for the wings drenched, or else you might be disappointed.

STUBBIES:

7.3

6.5

Stubbies is a little gem right on the corner of 57th and Cliff Avenue. It is not very well-known throughout the city, but in my opinion is one of the best spots for wings in town. Stubbies is a bar and grill but is still very family-friendly. They have games in the back of the restaurant and the servers are first class. The atmosphere is sort of like Buffalo Wild Wings. It is a semi-loud restaurant and sports on TVs all around you. These wings are delicious and with the combo of the sports atmosphere, it is a must-have for football Sunday. The wings come in amounts of: 6, 12,18 or 24 wings and a plethora of flavors. The wings are pretty close to perfect in my eyes, but some wings did not make the cut. They are a perfect amount of sauce and meat but some of the wings are too big so you have to cut them in pieces. Overall, I think these wings are a great option for anyone who is craving wings and is not looking to get letdown by some gross wings. Personally, these are my favorite wings out of the four locations that we stopped at, and I think this bar deserves more credit than it gets.

WING STOP: With locations all over the country, the city of Sioux Falls holds only one Wing Stop location. You can find this restaurant on Minnesota Ave. right off of 26th St. immediately south of Walgreens. Right when you walk in the door you see four TVs around the room, and to the right is where you order your wings. When you look at their menu, you will be astounded by how many flavors they have available and how many wings you can actually order. They have multiple family packs heading up to 100 wings! The service was a little slow to get out wings but that is to be expected because there were a whole bunch of people there. Also, Wing Stop’s diner is still closed due to COVID-19, so there are only walk-in orders. When you get your order, you are greeted with your wings alongside some French fries to go with. Their wings are a good amount of sauce but at times they seem like they do not have as much flavor. The wing itself is alright as well; the meat is sometimes a little thicker which makes it harder to get through and they were not the best-tasting wings in my opinion. Overall, I love the variety of sizes and sauces they provide, and I love the kindly service when you walk in the door. I would say these wings are pretty good for the most part but there are some in the batch that are questionable. I recommend you go give this a try sometime.

CASEYS:

7.9 28 ENTERTAINMENT

Near almost any main road, you can find a Casey’s gas station. Personally, I ordered from the east side location on 26th St. directly east of Rosa Parks Elementary. Casey’s, other than the obvious gas station portion of the business, also contains a kitchen section where they make an array of different styles of pizza, along with wings. Not many have had or even known of the wings that Casey’s produces. Unfortunately, they only feature one flavor of sauce, buffalo. Casey’s maintains a very friendly atmosphere and a very cozy setting. When you walk in you are presented with smiles and greets as if you are a usual Casey’s shopper. Whether you call Casey’s or you order from inside the store, the wings only take 10 minutes to make. The wings come in an orderly package with the inside holding the wings, your choice of sauce and the silverware. Additionally, the wings are wrapped in tinfoil to keep the wings warm after receiving them. The wings are a near-perfect size, being not too big and not too small. The texture of the wings is very satisfying, with a very moderate crunch. The wings hold a rich taste and although the wings are buffalo, they do not make you reach for your drink. To sum things up, you will definitely have to give these a try.

STATESMAN 29 PHOTOS & DESIGN BY CHARLEY LOCKWOOD-POWELL & JAMISON VETTER

COVID-19 CHANGES TO SPORTS

BY CARSON WOODS BY CARSON WOODS

On March 14, 2020 all professional sports were postponed due to COVID-19. Since then sports On March 14, 2020 professional sports were due to COVID-19. Since sports around the world are all starting to get back into thepostponed swing of things with new rules and then protocol to around the world are startingprotect to get back into the swing things with new rules and protocol to the teams and theirof families. protect the teams and their families.

NNFFLL

The NFL kicked oﬀ its regular season on Sep. 20 and plans to play The NFL kicked oﬀ its regular the whole NFL season onseason Sep. 20out. andThe plans to play will allowing fans but it will the be whole season out. The NFLbe a limited stop spread will be amount. allowing To fans butthe it will be a of COVID-19 the NFL hasthe come limited amount. To stop spread out with new gear like built in face of COVID-19 the NFL has come shields that cover of out with new gearthe likelower builtpart in face the players while playing. In shields thathelmet cover the lower part of order to limithelmet the contact players, the players while of playing. In the NFL their of preseason order tocanceled limit the all contact players, games and did a virtual draft. As the NFL canceled all their preseason of now, and theredid is anovirtual change to the games draft. As regular-season andtothey of now, there isschedule no change the are planning to playschedule it out all and the way regular-season theyto are the Super Bowl initTampa Florida planning to play out allBay, the way to on 7, 2021. theFeb. Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida on Feb. 7, 2021.

MMLLBB

The start of the 2020 MLB season looked muchofdiﬀ The start theerent 2020compared MLB season to previous years new looked much diﬀwith erentseveral compared rules and empty Thenew to previous yearsballparks. with several athletes have beenballparks. asked to stay rules and empty The at home buthave therebeen is noasked ordertorequiring athletes stay at them quarantine at order home.requiring While hometobut there is no playing game, the two teamsWhile them toaquarantine at home. cannot six two feet teams of each playingbea within game, the other before, during the cannot be within sixand feetafter of each game. teamduring personnel who are other All before, and after the not playing are required towho wearare game. All team personnel anot mask and are to socially playing areasked required to wear distance themselves. are a mask and are askedPlayers to socially required use their own equipment distanceto themselves. Players are when pitching warming up in required to useortheir own equipment the on-deck circle. Also, if a up ballin when pitching or warming isthe touched bycircle. multiple players, it on-deck Also, if a ball will be switched out with another is touched by multiple players, it one then sanitized. The MLB willand be switched out with another postseason looks to be played in one and then sanitized. The MLB apostseason restricted bubble southern looks toinbe played in California and Texas. a restricted bubble in southern California and Texas. PHOTO BY JON SUPER?AP PHOTO BY JON SUPER?AP

NNHHLL

On Mar. 12, 2020 the NHL suspended season On Mar. its 12,regular 2020 the NHLplay due to the outbreak of COVID-19 suspended its regular season playin the Theoutbreak NHL hasofsince startedin dueU.S. to the COVID-19 back up and bystarted going the U.S. Theresumed NHL hasplay since straight theresumed playoffs.play In order for back upto and by going itstraight to be fair the teams, theyfor to for the all playoff s. In order expanded the format it to be fair fororiginal all the playoff teams, they from 16 teams to 24 teams. As format for the expanded the original playoff seven teams who not selected from 16 teams towere 24 teams. As for the to play teams in the who playoff s, they seven were not were selected automatically tothey be inwere the NHL to play in the picked playoffs, draft lottery. The NHLtoisbe also automatically picked in playing the NHL in a quarantined set up draft lottery. Theenvironment NHL is also playing in Canada and Toronto, inEdmonton, a quarantined environment set up Canada. Like most sports, NHL in Edmonton, Canada andthe Toronto, isCanada. also notLike allowing fansthe and has most any sports, NHL resorted to allowing having virtual fansand who can is also not any fans has tune into games. resorted to having virtual fans who can tune into games.

30 SPORTS 30 SPORTS

NNBA BA

MMLLSS

After postponing the season on Mar. 12 postponing due to a COVID-19 outbreak, After the season on the MLS returned on Jul. 8 with Mar. 12 due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the is back Tournament”. the“MLS MLS returned on Jul. 8 with The composed of the tournament “MLS is backwas Tournament”. 24 teams in a group format. of The tournament wasplay composed The Portland wonformat. the 24 teams in aTimbers group play tournament and a prizewon of $1.1 The Portland Timbers the million. Afterand the atournament, tournament prize of $1.1the MLS decided ﬁnish out the rest million. Aftertothe tournament, the of their regulartoseason the rest MLS decided ﬁnish and out the postseason. The season MLS will bethe allowing of their regular and fans but withThe a limited capacity. postseason. MLS will be allowing fans but with a limited capacity.

The normal day to day life of a professional basketball athlete The normal day to day life oflooks a much different now thanathlete it did alooks professional basketball year ago. theitplayers much diffSince erentJul. now22, than did a have excluded theplayers outside year been ago. Since Jul. from 22, the world, playing insidefrom a quarantined have been excluded the outside environment in inside Orlando and world, playing a quarantined Bradenton, Florida. The athletes have environment in Orlando and had to live inFlorida. isolation without their Bradenton, The athletes have families andinfriends. Every athlete has had to live isolation without their their ownand rooms and is not allowed to families friends. Every athlete has break the quarantine, something theto their own rooms and is not allowed sports refers to as ‘the bubble’. break world the quarantine, something the The NBA playoff s started Aug.bubble’. 17 and sports world refers to as ‘the ifThe needed, of the NBA NBA game playoffseven s started Aug. 17 and fiifnals will be no later than Oct.NBA 13. The needed, game seven of the players, coaches finals will be no and laterteam thanstaff Oct. are 13. the The only people allowed players, coaches andinside team the staffbubble, are the and coming into the bubble they onlywhen people allowed inside the bubble, must quarantine forinto 14 days. and when coming the bubble they must quarantine for 14 days.

DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN

STATESMAN 31

THE STANDING PATRIOTTE should student athletes be required to take gym classes? by Chloe Houwman

This year, the LHS Statesman has decided to bring back an old tradition. The Standing Patriot (or Patriotte) is an athletics-based, opinion article written by a staff member.

DESIGN BY CHLOE HOUWMAN

32 PERSPECTIVES

Eight AP classes, 28 credits, nine of those credits being accelerated courses, two seasons of athletics, seven extracurriculars, nine years of competitive swim team, eight years of high-performance triathlon training, and yet by the time I graduate, I still can’t get my high school diploma unless I have a semester of physical education on my transcript. As for why I don’t want to take a gym class, it is not because running around a gym in sweaty old clothes doesn’t sound appealing to me; it is because I simply don’t have the time in my four years at this school to be successful in and complete all of the classes I want to take

and take a gym class. I am involved in sports in school and outside of school. I have completed two seasons of a school sport and workout 4 to 5 times a week on my own, so why should I have to be required to include more activity to my schedule at school? I am all for a health-based lifestyle, but even in a high school gym class, a majority of our time is spent standing around, waiting in lines or listening to directions. In fact, according to a report by Cornell University, researchers found that during a 45-minute gym class students are active for an average of 16 minutes, which means that students are only active for about a third of the

class. This can be seen as a complete waste of time for both the student and the teacher. It is nice to have a couple of ‘easy’ classes in your schedule, but you should at least learn something or be productive during that time. Many student-athletes, including junior Leah Derenge, see the gym class requirement for high school graduation as unreasonable. Derenge is a varsity cross country athlete and is avidly involved in advanced classes and band. “If a student has not formed a healthy desire for being active through yearlong gym classes required throughout elementary and middle school, a few extra months of mild activity in high school will not make a difference,” said Derenge. “It simply takes up space in schedules where an actually beneficial class or interesting year-long class might be. A required semester of a gym class is less of an opportunity to form good habits by staying active and more of a burdensome waste of time.” There are, however, some benefits to physical education courses. According to Lisa Mooney of LiveStrong, physical education courses can teach individuals valuable physical skills, help one set a pattern for long term fitness and help encourage social relationships. These are great skills that one can benefit

from if they have the time for that class in their schedule. For students who don’t have room in their schedule to fulfill the gym class requirement, there are other options available for you. LHS offers Team Sports a class for students over the summer, and there is also an online gym class available for students during the school year and also over the summer. “I took summer Team Sports because that was the only way I would be able to fulfill my gym credit requirement without disrupting my planned schedule,” said Derenge. “I already knew that I wouldn’t be able to have a lunch period my sophomore year in order to take my desired classes, so making room for a semester of meaningless courses wasn’t an option. Taking Team Sports over the summer was the easiest way to get an insignificant credit over with.” The school should take into consideration the involvement of students in sports and activities when they are requiring classes. They should also present options for offering an equivalent completion for physical activity. These alternatives could include granting credit if a student has been in a sport for more than two

seasons, a varsity letter qualifying as a required credit, a way to “submit” a completed workout plan as a substitute for that requirement or a thesis on the benefits of an active lifestyle in addition to one year of a sport.

STATESMAN 33

“This year, since I was homebound, I decided to have an adventure in my own backyard. I’m pretty much a novice gardener and did little to no research on the types of seeds I bought. I LOVED seeing them grow. It has been awesome eating organic meals right from the backyard. Talk about farm to table.” Sarah Winterscheidt LHS Photography Teacher

“My daily commute to Sioux Falls was cut thus giving me almost two hours extra a day to work on my garden. It was grand to spend more time with nature and with my husband who also worked from home.”

“Despite all the changes to our original plans, my husband Dale and I were able to have a small backyard wedding ceremony on June 6. We look forward to celebrating again next June with a vow renewal with friends and family!”

Kim Bowman Counseling Secretary ¨I did participate in the mayor’s [100 miles in 100 days] challenge. I found a great podcast or two to listen to and found routes I liked. It was fun to count my miles and meet that goal. I think I made it before the July 31st cutoﬀ date! Woohoo!”

Lynae Dadisman Van Den Top LHS Math Teacher

Tanya Bjerke Special Education Teacher

THE

“[I had] extra time to build scale model airports for my model aircraft, in addition to collecting additional model aircrafts I’ve always wanted.”

Jordan Raddatz LHS Junior

“My siblings found an abandoned kitten running by railroad tracks, so we adopted her in July! She is 3 months old now and the love of my life!” Mollie Reiners-Douglas LHS Senior

“I was able to have my wedding! It was deﬁnitely smaller than we had envisioned (and we had to politely uninvite people), but we were able to pull it oﬀ safely during a pandemic and still had the most wonderful day!” Martha Winklepleck (formerly Ms. Stai) LHS English Teacher

34 FEATURES

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOURCES IN STORIES DEISGN BY CHLOE HARTJE

SILVER LININGS COVID-19

BY CHLOE HARTJE There is no doubt that this year has been difficult for everyone, whether that be because of school cancellations, loss of loved ones or time in quarantine. Although COVID-19 has made it hard to maintain a positive attitude, it is worth pointing out that some good news has emerged within these past few months. For one, the global lockdowns caused a significant decline in carbon emissions. With less air travel and fewer cars on the roads, air quality has improved. The water in the Venice canals was clear for the first time in years, bringing back wildlife like swans and dolphins. While this is only a temporary change as the world starts to return to normal, it shows that we are capable of small adjustments in our consumption habits that can better the environment. Another upside of quarantine was the boost in adoptions at animal shelters. With people out of work for extended time, it was the perfect opportunity to bring a pet into their homes. Although many shelters, including the Sioux Falls Humane

Society, were only allowing curb-side adoptions, they were overwhelmed with applications to foster and adopt pets. Some shelters even ran out of adoptable animals thanks to COVID-19. Also, online school has allowed many people to ﬁt extra activities into their schedule that they could not do before. This may be working more, getting in some needed sleep or spending time with family at home. While social distancing did not allow for face-to-face gatherings, many found that with extra time on their hands, they were able to reconnect with friends and family online. Others were even able to start up a new hobby, such as gardening or journaling. Most people also found themselves saving quite a bit of money: canceled vacations, less gas usage, eating out less or not at all, etc. Consumer spending plummeted during quarantine, and perhaps it is a moment of opportunity to form better spending habits. It is safe to say that this year has been a challenge for us all, yet there is also some good to focus on. If not anything else, we will have an interesting story to tell future generations.

STATESMAN 35

36 PERSPECTIVES

DESIGN DESIGNBY BYSARA SARACROGHAN, CROGHAN,CARLY CARLYWHEELER WHEELER&&MARGARET MARGARETANN ANNMICKELBERG MICKELBERG

Joshua Jackson

Kseniya Halverson

Alannah Bade

It has been known for years that social media is one of the most significant causes of teenage insecurity. I promise this will not be one of those articles though. I am on TikTok — a social media app for video creativity — probably more than I should be. One of the latest TikTok trends is to post videos of conventionally attractive people to the song “Heather” by Conan Grey, a song expressing the want to be somebody else who is “prettier” or “more popular.” There have been positive videos, creators uplifting themselves or their friends or family members, but the vast majority of videos for this trend are people putting themselves down, wishing they could be someone else and essentially discrediting their worth as a person in a silly, superficial TikTok. “It’s hard [for me] personally to see past perfection and look at the beauty within. And it’s hard to not compare myself to others,” said Jada Sandvall, a sophomore at LHS. It’s true, especially when it seems as if everyone else is comparing themselves to influencers on social media, it is so hard not to compare yourself to them too. Quitting is even harder. But the solution is pretty simple in writing: We have to accept and appreciate ourselves. Where the complications lie, however, is in the spectrum of self-appreciation. Of course, we don’t want to seem conceited or cocky, but that doesn’t mean we cannot love ourselves and show ourselves off to whoever wants to see. The sweet spot is relative to the individual though; whatever makes them feel happy about themselves and their life is where they need to be on the spectrum. Who are we to tear someone down who wants to show off the parts of themselves that they deeply appreciate? I see a lot of people, myself included, sometimes

Nicholas Hajal

BY MARGARET ANN MICKELBERG

judging others for highlighting their favorite assets how they want to. This does not help with our own selflove, as it oppresses the appreciation for uniqueness in general. How absolutely amazing would it be if everyone loved to see everyone else love themselves? The world would be one puddle of acceptance. I’ve gotten into the habit of when I see someone showing off their body, I not only congratulate them on their outward confidence, but I also notice the beauty in outside differences. Many stories like this one focus on loving the inside no matter the outside. I say both are extremely important to love. We will most likely never live in a society where looks have absolutely no effect on our perception of self-worth. We should always strive to love our inner selves, and we have been taught that for years. But what most people don’t talk or think about is their outer self-appreciation. Social media forces a standard for superficial looks so people often forget and fail to see the beauty of individuality. Whether your stomach isn’t toned, your legs have cellulite, you have a skinny waist, big hips, small hips, broad shoulders, big muscles — whatever you have or don’t, it is absolutely part of the human being you are. So unbelievably special. Your DNA and cells are just different enough from everybody else’s to make you, you. That alone is what we should be celebrating. “We are all unique and for that reason, everyone should love themselves for who they are,” said Sandvall. It’s so easy to see thousands of different faces, bodies and personalities with social media. It’s time we recognize that and use it to our advantage. The next time you see a TikTok of someone wishing they were anyone but themselves, remind them that they are perfect how they are; they are one in 7.6 billion. Conventional or not, we need to fall in love with ourselves inside and out.

Johana Brower

Katherine Jones

PHOTOS BY SARA CROGHAN

STATESMAN 37

BY MOLLY WETSCH, ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF For years, South Dakota has been a flyover state and the rest of the country has paid us little mind. We were a virtually invisible part of America (save for a few national parks and monuments) for a long time. However, over the past few months, South Dakota has become one of the faces of America’s most pressing issue. It began in May, when the Smithfield Foods meatpacking plant located in Sioux Falls experienced the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. at the time. More than 1,200 cases were identified as employees or contacts of employees at Smithfield. Four employees died. The media was eager to jump on the idea that governor Kristi Noem was the sole reason for this outbreak; she had refused to initiate a stay-athome order, which was the method that most states were using to control and contain COVID. Noem retaliated with the fact that because Smithfield was a food-processing plant and therefore an essential business, it would not have closed either way. Our next controversy was on the 38 PERSPECTIVES

Fourth of July, when Governor Noem decided that it would be a fantastic idea to host a celebration at Mount Rushmore headlined by President Trump. Now, this would be fine if it were not for the fact that this celebration was going to be hosted in the middle of a pandemic. Noem stood firm in the fact that masks would not be required, and despite the fact that over 3,000 people would attend, social distancing would not be maintained. Upon arriving in the state, both Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend and one of the President’s top campaign officials, Kimberly Guilfoyle, would test positive for COVID-19. The straw that broke the camel’s back was just over a month ago. The 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that takes place in the Black Hills every year had not been canceled. In fact, Noem encouraged the 10-day event to continue as planned. Over 250,000 bikers from across the country invaded the small town of Sturgis and its surrounding area, the largest public gathering since the pandemic began, and

without a mask mandate, COVID-19 cases spread like wildfire. The Argus Leader recently published that a San Diego study estimated over 260,000 cases can be traced to the motorcycle rally. At the time of writing, South Dakota has the highest number of COVID cases per capita in the nation, and the trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The White House recently sent a letter to Governor Noem citing our statistics as “deeply concerning,” according to the Argus Leader. For the first time in a long time, my fellow South Dakotans and I have been scrutinized by the entire country for our state’s many mistakes. My friends from the East and West coasts text me constantly, telling me that I must be so exhausted, and for a while, I was. However, something to note is the common thread between all of these stories. South Dakotans did not choose for any of these events to happen - rather, the actions of a select few have created these issues. In the cases of Sturgis and the Mount Rushmore celebration, thousands came from out-of-state and not within South Dakota itself. I know, my fellow South Dakotans, that you may be frustrated, and you feel that your voice is not being heard by our representatives. This is your reminder that we are not defined by the actions of our leaders, and that you can do your part to make sure that South Dakota is perceived as the great state that it is, whether that means staying inside, wearing your mask or just being kind to your neighbor. Our state is a great place; we just have some bad faces in charge that are giving us a bad rap. All of us have the ability to change that in some way or another. Elect representatives that respect their constituents’ wishes, call your local leaders. Change is not only possible, but probable if all South Dakotans work together to change the current national perception of our state. ARTWORK AND DESIGN BY CARLY WHEELER

BY DANIEL BETHKE For many, music is the primary form of recreation, especially if it involves playing rather than just listening. Recently, however, musicians across the globe have been jolted into a radical shift of how they perform or compose music, and this includes many musicians right here in Sioux Falls. Since mass gatherings and contact with others has been rightly limited over the past few months, performing in-person live music or collaborating to produce new music has become much more diﬃcult. Whether it is to make a living or just a hobby, musicians across the city and world have had to come up with alternatives to their usual routine. One such musician is Thomas Hentges, singer and songwriter of Burlap Wolf King. Hentges has not seen his full group together since the last time they rehearsed, which was the second week of March. “My creativity has been completely stunted by the pandemic but also just the state of and division of our country right now,” said Hentges. “It’s hard to ﬁnd the energy to try and be super creative right now.” Although they have released multiple albums and have been together for much time, Burlap Wolf King is presently not an active band. Still, Hentges has publicly performed three times since March. Early on in spring, Hentges performed on his front porch for the neighborhood; then, he performed in a livestream with Megan DeBoer (who does backup vocals for the band). Furthermore, in April the band digitally released a new single. But pro tempore, Hentges wishes to avoid public performances. “I don’t feel good about it—I don’t want to be part of the reason why people congregate in larger groups right now,” said Hentges. “The more we try to push this to happen too fast, the longer it’ll take for everybody.” The most recent performance of Burlap Wolf King was at 605 Made Night on Aug. 25, outside of Cherapa Place, which was organized by some close friends of Hentges. Had that not been the case, Hentges would have been strongly inclined DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN

to cancel. However, he feels like such a performance was a unique opportunity. “With everything that’s been going on in the country, it has weighed extremely heavily on me,” said Hentges. “That gig, I didn’t feel like my vocal was strong… the emotions of what’s been going on definitely were coming out; it was therapeutic in a way.” In spite of all this, Hentges still gets songwriting ideas, but his biggest struggle is deciding what the song is about or what it is getting at subconsciously. “[Getting] at the root of all that, with everything that’s been going on… doesn’t feel important right now,” said Hentges. “I’m not a ‘working musician.’ I empathize with [musicians] who are without a paycheck now, but I’m also envious of all that time. It’s tough just trying to find a balance.” However, none of this is to say that Hentges and Burlap Wolf King are completely impeded right now; as mentioned prior, Hentges conjures songwriting ideas often, principally through what he calls ‘moments of inspiration.’ He keeps a digital recorder full of constantly evolving song ideas. Therefore, Burlap Wolf King still has many prospects ahead, and they will continue developing new, constantly evolving pieces. “Some of the best things I’ve recorded take me four or five years to go from when it was first just a little seed and eventually it becomes a full song,” said Hentges. Another musician in the Sioux Falls community and, in fact, our school is Isaac Shelton, under the label SlowDown. He has spent the past few months working on an album which is set to come out in spring 2021. “I use this music as more of an emotional outlet… it’s my way of dealing with my own inner thoughts and way of getting something out there,” said Shelton. Shelton believes that music, especially in his studio, has been the best way to deal with everything. “Having my own creative space where I could go in and nothing mattered except what I was working on really helped,” said Shelton. Since school has started again, Shelton

believes the composition process has been facilitated. It has also allowed him to incorporate a vast array of previously less used elements into his music, such as strings and synthesizers. “The goal for me personally is to release some anxieties I have and get my thoughts out there. Another one is so people can maybe hear it and be inspired to start a discussion,” said Shelton. Shelton started working on the previously mentioned album at the beginning of this summer, where he had one song idea but quickly realized it could not be contained in only one song. Shelton views this upcoming album as cerebral and psychedelic. “You go into this dreamworld and you’re like, ‘Wow, there’s something inside of me that’s better than what’s out here. So, if I could just stay here, that’d be great,’” said Shelton. Later in the album, which is set to have 12 tracks upon completion, Shelton explores the human psyche, trying to tell a story through the music about how futile running from one’s problems is. This complex idea has been in the works for months, since Shelton ﬁrst came up with the concept; in fact, the whole idea arose because of the pandemic. “[Early on,] I had a lot more time with myself. I was really struggling with who I was,” said Shelton. “I had a dream that felt like nothing else. So, this idea of living in this dream state and not actually facing my issues came up. It helped me get through that while also making a story. It killed like seven birds with one stone,” said Shelton. Given that Shelton has not done many live shows in the past, he was not too severely hit by that aspect of the pandemic. “It made a few things easier… I started to think a lot more about music. I loved having time to myself if it was in short little doses,” said Shelton. Shelton remains optimistic but cautious about the future of music, especially local bands, which he believes rely primarily on live performances. “Thinking of amphitheaters of like 10,000 people is terrifying. It’s crazy that used to happen. Now we’re just terriﬁed of people, and that’s a topic I want to talk about [in the album],” said Shelton. We do not know if music will ever be what it once was, in its ‘normal’ state. Local musicians, clearly, have reacted to the past few months in their own ways, but the one common factor is that all hope for a safer, normal-again future wherein human health and music alike can prosper. STATESMAN 39

BY SARA CROGHAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If we do not already have enough circumstances to deﬁne 2020 by, I’ve got another one: the year of the Instagram activist. The type that reposts one or more call to arms/call out or some other sort of graph displaying a worldly injustice on their Instagram story on the daily. This practice is not necessarily a “new” development but one that has recently grown signiﬁcantly in participants. I’m not here to accuse people of misdoings or to pressure them to stop, nor to question or refute the merit of these issues/movements. I have abstained from posting in this way. I feel, however, my/ this silence on social media is undeserving of being deemed (or

BY SARA CROGHAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

an observatory standpoint this resulted in a ﬂood of Instagram stories related to the incident, other instances of racial inequality and posts about what can be done to create change. There even was a day (June 2) where all of Instagram appeared to be dedicated to the cause, dubbed Blackout Tuesday. Following this came June, which is Pride month, with according posts. In what I believe was mid-July, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen attracted some of the spotlight. Throughout late July and August came COVID-19 related posts about mask wearing, going back to school, governmental policies and more. Sex traﬃcking (especially with children) and the Uyghur crisis in China appeared numerous times on my feed throughout the summer as well. Posts about voter registration, the presidential election and the happenings with USPS have recently taken a rise in popularity. Immigration policies and anything related to Trump have been frequent as well. This isn’t a dead on or precisely accurate timeline by any means, since there hasn’t been as much of a rise and fall of topics but more of a constant stream with new topics joining in. I state all of these not to belabor any frustrations

an observatory standpoint this If we do not already have enough resulted in a flood of Instagram circumstances to define 2020 by, stories related to the incident, I’ve got another one: the year of other instances of racial inequality the Instagram activist. The type and posts about what can be done to create change. There that reposts one or more call to arms/call out or some other sort even was a day (June 2) where “I feel, however, my/ all of Instagram appeared to be ofthis graph displayingona worldly silence social media undeserving injustice onistheir Instagram story dedicated to the cause, dubbed of being deemed (or onone the daily. Thiseven practice say is not Blackout Tuesday. Following could stereotyped) ‘violent’ this came June, which is Pride necessarily a “new” development but oneand that ‘unjust.’” has recently grown month, with according posts. In one could say stereotyped) what I believe was mid-July, the signifi cantlyevenin participants. “violent” and “unjust”. I write this in the understood I’m not herenewly to accuse people of humanitarian crisis in Yemen and adapted atmosphere of this “Instagram activist” that, misdoings or to pressure them to attracted some of the spotlight. as I understand it, is all about usingnor one’s and or sharing stop, to voice question refute the Throughout late July and August perspectives. Allow me to finally participate in my own way. came COVID-19 related posts merit of these issues/movements. Let me take thefrom liberty to mark about mask wearing, going back to IMay have abstained posting 26, 2020 as the beginning of this of Instagram inactivists. this movement way.ForI feel, however, my/ school, governmental policies and some context, on May 25, George Floydmedia died. is From more. Sex trafficking (especially this silence on social 40 undeserving of being deemed (or with children) and the Uyghur crisis in China appeared numerous PHOTO PROVIDED BY PHIL ROEDER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PERSPECTIVES

or annoyances, but instead in an attempt to display the magnitude and diversity of posts I and any other Instagram users have been faced with. In the quantity and diversity of posts lies a dilemma. It feels as if I am being urged to care about so many different issues and even threatened with being put in a negative light if I, myself, do not in turn advocate for them. This is a frustrating, overwhelming and daunting task. Reposting or posting something is relatively harmless; it is just putting words out there that can be read or ignored. Each post, however, contributes to a bigger social media “environment.” An environment that is filled with so many perspectives (that are often actually contradictory) united under the same titles and buzz words. It is this environment and each issue or movement, not the individual post and its contents, that I hesitate to attach my name to. A “movement” or issue cannot be defined or encompassed within a single post. Instead it is a contribution and a subsection of that issue/topic. A particular post can be compelling, but that is not where the line ends. Behind each issue or under these buzzwords and movements lie many different contributing opinions that are in no way uniform, regulated or agreeing. Let’s take the “Black Lives Matter” movement for example. I think a pretty unanimous agreement can be made that the violent protests which took place around the country throughout May and June are not what the

or annoyances, but instead in an attempt to display the magnitude and diversity of posts I and any other Instagram users have been faced with.

In the quantity and diversity of posts lies a dilemma. It feels as if I am being urged to care about so many diﬀerent issues and even threatened with being put in a negative light if I, myself, do not in turn advocate for them. This is a frustrating, overwhelming and daunting task. Reposting or posting something is relatively harmless; it is just putting words out there that can be read or ignored. Each post, however, contributes to a bigger social media “environment.” An environment that is ﬁlled with so

“This multitude of different voices changes the focus away from the issue and shifts it towards a political popularity contest of whoseopinion-is-right”

it towards a political popularity contest of whose-opinion-isright, and further, which-sideof-politics-approaches-it-right. This is in no way conducive to the large change that these issues demand, and it instead transforms the issue at hand to a means to not actually enact change but instead assert one’s opinion above others. Not only does nothing get done, but it drives diverging sides towards becoming more and more polarized. (Isn’t the best way to outdo someone else’s opinion by making emotional appeals and approaches more and more radical?). The more polarization, the closer society ﬂoats towards this idea of “civil war,” or at the very least a massively fractured society.

it towards a political popularity majority of supporters of the contest of whose-opinion-isBLM movement condone. Yet, protestors both peaceful and right, and further, which-sideviolent still found their coinage under the “Black Lives Matter” of-politics-approaches-it-right. name. The distinction between these two groups was largely made This is in no way conducive to later. I think we have the large scale media coverage of protests the large change that these issues to thank for that, giving people the means to publicly separate demand, and it instead transforms and distinguish themselves from other behaviors taking place under the issue at hand to a means to the name of the same movement. This provided clarity and also a not actually enact change but common defined goal for all to unite under. Other issues do not instead assert one’s opinion above get such media coverage when they are debuting primarily others. Not only does nothing get through social media, where a uniform definition or goal is not done, but it drives diverging sides placed at of the helm of the majority supporters of issue. the Social media is used to shed light towards becoming more and more on these issues using blanket BLM movement condone. Yet, names and buzz words; but after polarized. (Isn’t the best way to that, the consistency dwindles. protestors both peaceful and The agreement can usually be made outdo someone else’s opinion that there an issue the world violent stillisfound theirin coinage (for example the humanitarian by making emotional appeals crisis in but under that under theYemen), “Black Lives Matter” issue people are able to attach and approaches more and more their own solutions, name. Theperspectives, distinction between definitions and approaches radical?). The more polarization, that are no means these twobygroups was uniform largely made Now, is your Instagram story or agreeing. This multitude of causing war? Thattowards is a the closera civil society floats different voices later. I think wechanges have thethe largefocus hefty conclusion to jump to over away from the issue and shifts a thissocial ideamedia of “civilshare, war,”andor frankly at the scale media coverage of protests very least a massively fractured to thank for that, giving people society. PHOTO PROVIDED BY INSTAGRAM.COM/ FUTUREEARTH

one post seems to affect very little in a grander scheme. It is the grander scheme, however, that is concerning. It seems all political advertising and advocating is feeding into the polarization of the political spectrum -- isn’t this how political parties outdo each other? As much of a blanket statement as that seems, it provides a lot of room for flexibility, in particular for Instagram activists. Luckily(?) for us, the trend of Instagram activism stretches far past the bounds of LHS student social media accounts. A few hundred, or even thousand, people posting or not posting about issues isn’t going to further polarize U.S. politics. Frankly, whether you or I post or not, we would not be contributing something to society that is not already out there (most of these things are resposts right?). When it comes down to it, it’s all a matter of principle, and what you want to support. If you want to publicly support any said movement on social media, so be it. Will your post single handedly create change? No. The same principle applies to voting: will your vote single handedly change the result of an election? No, but it supports the greater ideology of democracy this country was founded on. Will my refraining from posting about said issues on my social media stop the polarization of politics? No, but, it is my principle, in the same way that it is someone else’s principle to post. By not posting on social media I’m not refusing to advocate, I’m just choosing to advocate for a different issue. Is that violent?

DESIGN BY SARA CROGHAN

STATESMAN 41

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

SOCCER SOCCER

same overall goal: to win the State championship. Hungry to get back on top, In both boys the and girls LHS‘19-20 soccer teams share the same season, overall goal: to win the State the championship. In the ‘19-20 season, the ated 0-6 in their semifinals game against Aberdeen boy’s team fell short to WHS 3-1 Central. in the quarterfinals, while the girls were defeated 0-6 in their semifinals game against Aberdeen Central. st chance to compete with their teammates. Which Both teams are eager to raises be dominant, and for many expectations seniors, this is their last chance to compete with their even teammates. Which raises expectations even higher. a ring for 13 of us, so we are all business,” said “This season LHS we are coming insenior with a different mindset, it’s Xavier our last shot at a ring for 13 Sullivan. of us, so we are all business,” said LHS senior Xavier Sullivan. e girls. The substantial number of seniors on For each the boy’s team, there team are 13 returning seniors, will and five returning help for the girls.them The substantial number reach of seniors on each team will help them reach their overall goal. ID [- 19] affects us but I am still happy we have “This year wea want to season,” have a winning record and ultimately said win State, COVID LHS [- 19] affects us but I am still happy we have a season,” said LHS sophomore Mariah Siem. ve their teams are up for the grueling task that Winning lies a State championship ahead. is no easy task, but Sullivan and Siem believe their teams are up for the grueling task that lies ahead.

VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL

‘19-20 season. Finishing 8th in the State tournament The LHS volleyball team had different the expectations than team the outcome of the hopes ‘19-20 season. Finishing 8th for in the Statea tournament better the team hopes for a better BY KADEN FOSSUM & REE BAIREDDY nn Temple. Four seniors return for their final result this season year. The team is returninglooking older and wiser with two-year coach to Erinn go Temple. Four out seniors return with for their final season a looking bang. to go out with a bang. KADEN FOSSUM & REE BAIREDDY on an equal playing mily Ekstrum. “All BYteams are “We have some fi really eld strong upperclassmen so this it year,” will said LHS senior just Emily Ekstrum.come “All teams are on an equal down playing field so it will to just come down to who wants it most and who works the hardest.” make the road to a state championship easy. It isThis anyone’s game in Class year’s AA; teams like OGHS, teams WHS and others will nothave make the road to a state new championshipchallenges easy. This year’s teams have new challenges to face dealing with the effects of COVID-19. r a mask off the court, as well as sanitize going “I can defi in nitely see and the effects of COVID,” out said Ekstrum. of“You the need to weargames. a mask off the court, as well asThe sanitize going inrisk and out of the games. of The risk of losing teammates to quarantine is also a major effect and worry this season.” r season rolling and make a championship run Even within the obstacle the of COVID, Ekstrum State and the team tournament. hopes to keep their season rolling and make a championship run in the State tournament.

Fall sports are back, despite the constraints that COVID-19 has Fall sports are back, despite the constraints that COVID-19 has put on the season. LHS athletes have put in hours of work and time put on the season. LHS athletes have put in hours of work and time preparing for this ‘20-21 year of sports, and are ready to do what it preparing for this ‘20-21 year of sports, and are ready to do what it GIRL’S TENNIS GIRL’S TENNIS TENNIS takes to have a successful season. takes to have a successful season. ccessful ‘19-20 state championship winning season. The LHS tennis team plans to continue The their dynasty team this year after their is successful coming ‘19-20 state championship winning oﬀ season. aThefourteam is coming oﬀ a four-

year. Expectations are always high for LHS tennis, year state championship winning anything streak and is chasing their fifth other straight this year. Expectations than are always high aforState LHS tennis, anything other than a State championship will not be enough. Avery Blackman, Johana Brower, Ava Leonard, The team has many junior returning key varsity players Elle like seniorsDobbs Ree Baireddy, Avery Blackman, and Johana Brower, freshman Ava Leonard, junior Elle Dobbs and freshman art of past successful seasons. It is evident that Bergen Quello. they These players have know been on the team and have how led and been a part to of pastcompete successful seasons. It is evident thatand they know how to compete and they can to accomplish everything they want. win a state title. The team understands what is at stake and will do everything they can to accomplish everything they want. varsity members that left and graduated, but “TheI expectations hope are way higherwith this year than the last the with the loss new of two varsity members members that left and graduated, but I hope on with the new the members on the aid Quello. team we can achieve what we have always been able to achieve: a state title,” said Quello. finished the last four, and they have the players Quello and her teammates and plan tocapability finish off the ‘20-21 season like they haveto finished the get last four, and it they have done. the players and capability to get it done.

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

SOFTBALL SOFTBALL SOFTBALL

The ‘19-20 LHS football season ended in heartbreak after losing in the first round of playoffs against WHS by a score of 6-21. The LHS football Thehopes ‘19-20 LHS seasonwill ended heartbreak team that thefootball 20-21 season endindiff erently. after losing in the first round of playoffs against WHS by a score of 6-21. The LHS football team hopes that the 20-21 season will end diff erently. With the large number of seniors that graduated in thein class of 2020 and that 20-21’ are graduating in the classseason. of 2021, there are a lot of shoes to be ke the one to beat the With Following the their loss State championship of in 2019,numerous the LHS softball team looks like the one tostarting beat in the 20-21’ season. With the varsity loss of numerous starting varsity With the number ofof seniors thatan graduated in the class of sophomore, 2020 and that are graduating the class of 2021, there are aof lot of shoes be filled by the large underclassmen LHS. One of these underclassmen, London Kolb, hasin shown an exemplary amount success on to and not look like easy road ahead for the team. players, the self-proclaimed title of “super six,” in the season of ‘19-20, it does not look like an easy road ahead for the team. filled the underclassmen of LHS. One of these underclassmen, sophomore, Londonsaid Kolb, has shownjunior an exemplary amount ofGabrielle success on and thebyfield. hatoff State championship,” “Even though McConnell. we lost a lot of seniors, I think we have the same goal to get that State championship,” said junior Gabrielle McConnell. off “I the field. feel like we’re going intoto this yeardo as a redemption season and want to prove everybody wrong,” said Kolb. sh has a all lot in their approaching season. With the necessary rebuilding of strategy and the team, coach Trent Dlugosh has a lot to do in their approaching season. “I feel with like we’re going into this year as a redemption and want towhat prove everybody wrong,” said Kolb. Along manyall other underclassmen, Kolb looks to theseason seniors and coaches for leadership, such as senior Andy Blazevich. f seniors that picked up they left behind,” “We lost asaid lot of leadership and Dlugosh. production on the field, but we have a lot of seniors that picked up what they left behind,” said Dlugosh. Along with manyofother underclassmen, Kolb looks the this seniors and forIleadership, such senior Andy McConnell and other juniors and With the returning, JV softball team placing third in their State the tournamentteam in 2019, McConnell and may other juniors and be sophomores able returning, the team to may be able to “The comradery the team is unlike any other andtowith being mycoaches last year, hope nothing butassuccess for sophomores theBlazevich. team and I,” said Blazevich. “The comradery of the team is unlike any andfootball with this being my last year, I hope nothing but success for the team said Blazevich. secure another State title for LHS once again. Blazevich and Kolb, along with the rest of other the LHS team, believe that with enough hard work and dedication, theyand areI,” destined for Blazevich and Kolb, along with theone rest of the LHSbig football team,team believe that with enough hard work we and dedication, they are destined for a family,” rsity are just and are all “My favorite part about being said on the team isMcConnell. the culture because JV and varsity are just one big team and we are all a family,” said McConnell. greatness this season. greatness this season.

CROSS CROSS COUNTRY COUNTRY

BOY’S GOLF GOLF BOY’S GOLF

placed fourth individually last season. The team The LHS boys’ hopes golf team placed third asto a team and rekindle senior Nash Stenberg placed fourth that individually last energy season. The team hopes to rekindle and that energy and y want. commitment to the team for their 20-21’ season in order to get the results they want. Both the LHS girls and boys cross country teams have been the team to beat in the Class AA State meet. In their 19-20’ season, they swept the cross ry in the upcoming season for team and himself. With the loss of two seniors in the class of 2020, Stenberg hopes for a victory in the upcoming season for the team and himself. Both the LHS and boys cross country teams team beatyears. in theSenior Class AA meet. Inthe their place 19-20’inseason, theyState sweptmeet, the cross country titles for girls the second consecutive season and have thirdbeen time the in the lasttofour ZebState Mendel took third the 19-20’ and lly country intitles an individual-based sport like golf,” said “HavingStenberg. others to keep yourself accountable is extremely beneficial especially in an individual-based sport like golf,” said Stenberg. for the second consecutive season and third time in the last four years. Senior Zeb Mendel took third place in the 19-20’ State meet, and Mendel has a lot to offer in this season. COVID-19 rules, the team hopes they can reach With a wholethe new outlook onState the season due to thetournament restrictions that follow COVID-19 rules, the team and hopes they can reach see the State tournament the and see the Mendel hasaalot lotof tomiles offer in this season. “We ran over the summer, and we feel really prepared,” said Mendel. season to its end. “We ran a lot of miles over the summer, and we feel really prepared,” said Mendel. After their ‘19-20’season, the LHS boys cross country team lost a total of four seniors, meaning a whole new team has formed for their 20-21’ season. RG, SARA CROGHAN, ZEB MENDEL, SIERRA BROWN, REE BAIREDDY, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NASH STENBERG, & SARA CINDY CROGHAN, ZEB MENDEL, SIERRA DANIELSON BROWN, REE BAIREDDY, & CINDY DANIELSON After leads their ‘19-20’season, the LHSof boys crossthe country total of four seniors, meaning a whole new team has formed for their 20-21’ season. Mendel the new team in hopes having same, team or an lost evena greater, energy and bond between all the runners. Mendel leads the new teamthe in hopes of having same, an the eventeam,” greater, energy and bond between all the runners. “I love to hang out with boys and have a the good timeor with said Mendel. “I love to with the the boys andgirls havecross a good time with said enough Mendel.to only have the loss of one senior, Caroline Sudbeck. They in turn Unlike thehang LHSout boys team, LHS country teamthe wasteam,” fortunate Unlikea the boys team, LHS girls cross country team was fortunate enough only have the open loss of one by senior, Caroline They in turn received newLHS addition to the the team, LHS sophomore Ali Bainbridge. Brainbridge was to welcomed with arms the rest of the Sudbeck. girls on the team and received newwith addition to the team, LHS sophomore Alithis Bainbridge. Brainbridge was welcomed with open arms by the rest of the girls on the team and hopes to ahelp the team make history once again at year’s State meet. hopes to help with thefrom teamLennox, make history onceup again at this meet. “I just transferred so moving a class wasyear’s a littleState difficult for me but as a team, I think we have a good chance for a State title,” said “I just transferred from Lennox, so moving up a class was a little difficult for me but as a team, I think we have a good chance for a State title,” said Bainbridge. Bainbridge.

ON 42 SPORTS 42 SPORTS

‘20-21 EDITION

DESIGN BY KADEN FOSSUM & REE BAIREDDY DESIGN BY KADEN FOSSUM & REE BAIREDDY DESIGN BAIREDDY

STATESMAN

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For decades we have been rating restaurants, doctors, lawyers, uber drivers and many others in hopes of improving quality of work and the quality of our communities. There is no reason we should not be rating our teachers at the end of each semester. This would improve the quality of learning for the students, and it would motivate teachers to work hard and do their jobs. I propose that at the end of each semester, a mandatory teacher review survey is sent out to all students via email. Some people would disagree and say that students will be biased or too picky. Students may not value the privilege that they are being granted and take advantage of it or make it a joke. They may be angered or annoyed with their teachers and grade them badly due to their own poor performance in class: “this class and this teacher suck,” or “my teachers don’t teach me to where I can understand, so my teachers don’t do their jobs.” Not to mention that younger students, or students in general, aren’t known to be the most honest or fair. Younger students may try to bend the rules on grading or not even pay attention to the task at hand. Even though they might not be the most reliable, students may admit or say things that another supervisor may not. The students are with their teachers far more than any administrator, so why not give them a shot at catching a mistake. Every student should be required to take the survey because if it was optional, the only students that would complete the survey are the ones who have strongly negative opinions about one or multiple teachers. The survey would be anonymous to the teachers so the students feel safe and secure when sharing their honest opinions. The only people who would have access to the answers are administrators higher up in the school district. The teacher review survey would include multiple choice questions in which the students can rate each of their teachers on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being terrible and 10 being absolutely phenomenal. If a student gives a teacher a score below 6, the student will be required to give reasoning on why they chose the score they gave their teacher. This 44 PERSPECTIVES

feedback could be very helpful for the teachers so they could learn from their weaknesses and create a good learning environment for their students. There could potentially be a monetary bonus for the teachers who receive an average rating above or equal to 8.5 out of 10. This would be an incentive for the teachers to work extra hard to educate the students. If I had a dime for every time I have heard someone say, “I got a bad grade because the teacher didn't teach us what was on the test,” I could afford to personally pay a bonus to all of the teachers who receive above the 8.5 average rating. Another topic of discussion is what exactly that bonus would be. We would need a year to experiment with the survey and see how many teachers receive over an 8.5. Then we would need to figure out what the budget would be for the school district and divide it between all the teachers who accomplished the rating of 8.5 or above. Teachers that receive an average rating below 4 and have a semester test average below 75 percent should have to go to a summer training program to learn how to better relay the information that the students need to know to succeed in their class. The survey should be taken by the students before they take the semester test because their score could potentially change how they feel about the teacher. If they do poorly, students would potentially give the teacher a bad score even if the teacher went to great lengths to make sure that they were prepared for the semester test. When the students take the survey before the semester test, there can be a section of the survey that says, “how prepared do you feel for the semester test?” If the average of this question is below a 4 out of 10, then the teachers definitely need to rethink their teaching strategies. A survey administered at the end of every semester would give the teachers important feedback that could indicate whether their teaching strategies are effective or not. The feedback from the surveys would improve the quality of learning and could potentially bring up GPA and semester test averages. In modern day society we rate everything. How long will it be until we grade our teachers?

ARTWORK & DESIGN BY CARLY WHEELER

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THE NEW FACES BEHIND THE THE MASKS MASKS BEHIND by Hannah Cisar LHS has a lot of new teachers each and every year. Many teachers even have to share rooms throughout the day due to all the staff and students crowding the halls and filling up the classrooms. However, LHS is a highly academic and successful environment for all of its staff and students. Brooke Weber is a first-year English 1 teacher at LHS. Weber has never taught her own class until this year. She student taught at LHS in an English class last year and loved it so much that she wanted to come back to teach officially. “I just always liked English when I was in school, and then I just got placed at Lincoln for student teaching and I fell in love with the school,” said Weber.

ABBY BERKE english 46 FEATURES

Abby Berke is also an English teacher. This year, she is teaching regular English I and accelerated English I at LHS. However, unlike Weber, this is Berke’s ninth year of teaching. She had been at Patrick Henry Middle School for the past eight years until she noticed a job opening at LHS. Since a lot of PHMS students end up going to LHS after they finish middle school, Berke loves seeing familiar faces walking around the halls every day. “Lincoln is a lot bigger and I get to work with a lot of different teachers, that’s really fun,” said Berke. “It’s also really cool to see so many of my old students all grown up. I don’t know if you’ve heard of Hannah Cisar, but she is a Patrick Henry alumna that was adored by all, and now I get to see her all the time.” Travis Schafer has been teaching for 22 years. He has taught all the classes that fall under the categories of physical education, personal finance, sheltered personal finance, English Language Learners personal finance and world geography. This year at LHS, he is teaching world geography and physical education classes. Schafer enjoys seeing the students around the halls every day and working with the extraordinary staff. “I love all of the camaraderie with the staff and the students and just the smiles on people’s faces,” said Schafer. Being a new teacher is not always easy. While being in a new environment with new staff and students can cause many obstacles, it can also be very enjoyable and easy-going. “There are no difficulties, life is smooth here,” said Berke. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brings on a whole new set of difficulties that no teacher has had to deal with in the past. Teachers are not able to have students work together, play games, move around the classroom or even sit in groups together. PHOTOS SARA CROGHAN PHOTOS BYBY SARA CROGHAN DESIGN HANNAH CISAR DESIGN BYBY HANNAH CISAR

“Normally we want kids to talk together because it’s better when they are able to do so, and we are just trying to not do a bunch of that,” said Schafer. Weber is trying to play it safe and spread as little germs as possible. She has come up with a great idea of assigning the students assignments and homework on their Chromebooks rather than passing papers out throughout the class. “Some of the activities that we would normally do, we have to adjust a little bit to not have people touch the same things. I am trying to use less paper and do more stuff online so I don’t have to touch the papers,” said Weber. Throughout the past month of teaching at LHS, Berke, Weber and Schafer have all found joy and comfort in being an LHS Patriot. They love working with the teachers around them, expanding their students’ minds and seeing their smiling faces walking around the halls every day. “I like the other teachers,” said Weber. “I think the staff here is super awesome and the students are very high academically here. I think that a lot of students care about their grades here.” Although students may not see all these new teachers’ faces hiding behind their masks, they are still smiling ear-to-ear because of how proud they are to be at school every day calling themselves an LHS Patriot.

TRAVIS SCHAFER

world geography & pysical education

OTHER NEW LHS STAFF Lynae VanDenTop- Math Jacob Noodermeer- Choir Stephen Oswald- RISE EA LeeAnn Rave- RISE EA Kyle Muhlenbeck- SPED Lindsay Erger- EA Benjamin Cotus-EA

BROOKE WEBER english

Josh Mueller- Chromebook Office Darcy Rokusek-Sign language interpreter STATESMAN 47

S “The your future “The best best way way to to predict predict your future is is to to create create it.” it.” Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln