December Issue 2024

Statesman

Lincoln High School

December Issue 2024

Back to back PG. 42 Lucas Hiatt

design by Josie Tollinger phoTo by Ashlyn hoffmAn

contents contents sports sports

features features 66

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88

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From Fromcity cityhall halltotosummitsummit-CHRIS CHRISTAO TAO&& LUCY LUCYHENNIES HENNIES

Hoops Hoops&&hireshires-COOPER COOPERSCHULTZ SCHULTZ&& LOGAN LOGANSANBORN SANBORN

Hunting HuntingStatesman StatesmanBaddiesBaddies-LILY LILYGRUBER GRUBER

Chasing Chasinggreatness: greatness:LHS LHScross crosscountry countrypunches punchestheir their ticket tickettotoPortlandPortland-JOSEPH JOSEPHTUNGE TUNGE

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Home Homefor forthe theholidays?holidays?-JOSIE JOSIETOLLINGER TOLLINGER&& ELYSSE ELYSSEWEBER WEBER

Fall Fallsports sportsrecaprecap-ASHLYN ASHLYNHOFFMAN HOFFMAN

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Back Backtotobackback-LUCAS LUCASHIATT HIATT

InInFlower: Flower:A ASioux SiouxFalls Fallshidden hiddengemgemABBY ABBYANDERSON ANDERSON

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perspectives perspectives

Dear DearSantaSanta-ADELINE ADELINETHEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS

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Braving Bravingthe theBadlandsBadlands-VIVIAN VIVIANKIESOW-KNUDSEN KIESOW-KNUDSEN

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Where Wheredid didChristmas Christmasgo?go?-ADDISON ADDISONREMME REMME

Campus Campustotocollegecollege-SYRI SYRICASTILLEJA CASTILLEJA&&BETHEL BETHEL WOCHE WOCHE

statesman statesmanstaff staff

entertainment entertainment

Paper PaperEditors-In-Chief: Editors-In-Chief:Eloise EloiseGeraets, Geraets,Lucas Lucas Hiatt, Hiatt,Naomi NaomiJespersen, Jespersen,Josie JosieTollinger Tollinger

20 20 BibiSolBibiSol-COOPER COOPERSCHULTZ SCHULTZ

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Online OnlineEditors-in-Chief: Editors-in-Chief:Vivian VivianKiesowKiesowKnudsen, Knudsen,Leah LeahMannes, Mannes,Grace GraceMiner Miner

AIAItotoreal reallifelife-LUCAS LUCASHIATT HIATT&&JAMES JAMESPLORDE PLORDE

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News NewsEditors: Editors:Ellie EllieQuinn Quinn&&Katya KatyaSurendran Surendran

Christmas Christmasgifts giftsfor forhim/herhim/herPORTER PORTERSTANGELAND STANGELAND&&JULIA JULIAHEDRICK HEDRICK

Feature FeatureEditors: Editors:Joseph JosephTunge Tunge&&Elysse ElysseWeber Weber

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LHS LHSCrazies Crazies(Chapstick)(Chapstick)-ELLIE ELLIEBOEHRNS BOEHRNS

Entertainment EntertainmentEditors: Editors:Lily LilyGruber Gruber&&Bobby Bobby Parker Parker

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Target TargetCenter CenterStatesbudsStatesbuds-GRIFFIN GRIFFINETRHEIM ETRHEIM&& MADDOX MADDOXRAPH RAPH

Sports SportsEditors: Editors:James JamesPlorde Plorde&&Cooper CooperSchultz Schultz

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Which WhichChristmas Christmascharacter characterare areyou?you?KINSLEY KINSLEYERNSTER ERNSTER

Perspectives PerspectivesEditors: Editors:Laila LailaMiller Miller&&Nadia Nadia Schneider Schneider

Worst WorstChristmas Christmasgiftsgifts-GRACE GRACEMINER MINER

Social SocialMedia MediaCoordinator: Coordinator:Stella StellaSonnichsen Sonnichsen

Best BestChristmas Christmasgiftsgifts-LAILA LAILAMILLER MILLER

Staff StaffWriters: Writers:Abby AbbyAnderson, Anderson,Ellie EllieBoehrns, Boehrns, Syri SyriCastilleja, Castilleja,Mason MasonDean, Dean,Kinsley KinsleyErnster, Ernster, Griffin GriffinEtrheim, Etrheim,Will WillHansen, Hansen,Julia JuliaHedrick, Hedrick, Lucy LucyHennies, Hennies,Ashlyn AshlynHoffman, Hoffman,Maddox MaddoxRaph, Raph, Addison AddisonRemme, Remme,Logan LoganSanborn, Sanborn,Selah SelahSeymour, Seymour, Porter PorterStangeland, Stangeland,Chris ChrisTao, Tao,Adeline AdelineTheophilus, Theophilus, Bethel BethelWoche, Woche,JD JDYunag Yunag

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Mouthwatering Mouthwateringmerrimentmerriment-NAOMI NAOMIJESPERSEN JESPERSEN&& NADIA NADIASCHNEIDER SCHNEIDER

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Christmas Christmasplaylistplaylist-WILL WILLHANSEN HANSEN

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Spotlight SpotlightTheatre TheatreCompany Companypresents: presents:‘Mean ‘MeanGirls Girls Jr.’Jr.’-LEAH LEAHMANNES MANNES&&STELLA STELLASONNICHSEN SONNICHSEN

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March MarchtotoMacy’sMacy’s-ELOISE ELOISEGERAETS GERAETS&& BOBBY BOBBYPARKER PARKER

Adviser: Adviser:Dr. Dr.Katie KatieKroeze Kroeze

EE

Band members went sight-seeing around NYC, including eating Band members went sight-seeing around NYC, including eating Thanksgiving dinner a yacht visiting World Trade Thanksgiving dinner onon a yacht andand visiting thethe World Trade Center Memorial and Statue Liberty.

Center Memorial and thethe Statue of of Liberty.

byby EloisE GEraEts , E,ditor -in-i-C hiEf &b ParkEr EloisE GEraEts Editor n-C hiEf &obby bobby ParkEr

This year’s theme was “The BigBig Apple”.

A large apple prop waswas used during This year’s theme was “The Apple”.

A large apple prop used during the parade and thethe color guard sported redred outfits andand apple flags. the parade and color guard sported outfits apple flags.

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The LHS marching band at the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving, Nov. LHS marching band at the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28,The 2024.

28, 2024.

The weather at the parade included rain and a low temperature of 42 The weather at lasted the parade included rain and awith low temperature degrees.

The route 2.5 miles and concluded a performanceof 42 degrees.

The route lasted 2.5 miles and concluded with a performance on the Macy’s Star. on the Macy’s Star.

very year, 32 million people watch the Macy’s to the Future”. The band will perform in a concert very year, 32 million people watch the Macy’s to the Future”. The band will perform in a concert Day Parade through a streaming service or in Central Park where they will perform once again, Day Parade through a streaming service or in Central Park where they will perform once again, within the streets of New York City.

The Macy’s Day “America North.”

Finalizing their trip, thewill band will within the streets of New York City. The Macy’s Day “America North.”

Finalizing their trip, the band Parade is held on Thanksgiving and thousands of people embark on a cruise ship on the Hudson River where they Parade is held on Thanksgiving and thousands of people embark on a cruise ship on the Hudson River where they march down the streets on floats, guiding balloons or will eat their Thanksgiving meal and end their night with march down the streets on floats, guiding balloons or will eat their Thanksgiving meal and end their night with performing musical and theatrical talents.

This has a celebration of their hard work. performing musical and theatrical talents. This has a celebration of their hard work. a tradition making this98th the year 98th year The marching band season end after beenbeen a tradition sincesince 1924,1924, making this the The marching band season would would usuallyusually end after of the annual parademissing out on 1942-1944 due to their final competition in Saint Louis, MO; but, this year of the annual parade- missing out on 1942-1944 due to their final competition in Saint Louis, MO; but, this year shortages World War II. theycontinued have continued practice after school in preparation shortages fromfrom World War II. they have practice after school in preparation parade begins by marching Central the parade.

A typical practice the regular The The parade begins by marching downdown Central Park Park for thefor parade.

A typical practice duringduring the regular to West Street, thento east 6th Avenue the marching band consists of building WestWest to West 59th 59th Street, then east 6thtoAvenue and and seasonseason for thefor marching band consists of building finishes where Macy’s headquarters is located.

In total, fundamentals and growing in the skills necessary to finishes where Macy’s headquarters is located. In total, fundamentals and growing in the skills necessary to each act marches for a distance of two and half miles, compete.

Because of Macy’s, the band has had to alter each act marches for a distance of two and half miles, compete. Because of Macy’s, the band has had to alter lasting a total of three half hours.

The parade their rehearsals to better equipfor them fora such lasting a total of three and aand halfa hours.

The parade their rehearsals to better equip them such large a large begins at 8:30 a.m.

EST with actress Alison Brie cutting performance.

Many band members are not begins at 8:30 a.m. EST with actress Alison Brie cutting performance. Many band members are not used toused the to the the ribbon to start the festivities and will end at 12 endurance alone to play their instrument and march 2.5 the ribbon to start the festivities and will end at 12 endurance alone to play their instrument and march 2.5 p.m.

EST with Santa on a float ringing in the spirit of miles. p.m. EST with Santa on a float ringing in the spirit of miles.

Christmas. entire parade] is 2.5 miles, Christmas. “[The “[The entire parade] is 2.5 miles, the LHS Patriot so getting everybody’s endurance ThisThis year year the LHS Patriot so getting everybody’s endurance Marching has the level up toforplay that[islong [is Marching BandBand has the level up to play thatfor long opportunity to march yet again.

Butbeing also, able being opportunity to march yet again. vital]. vital].

But also, to able moveto move appeared the parade be athletic that long TheyThey have have appeared in theinparade and beand athletic enoughenough for thatfor long times, first making [requires a substantial of threethree times, first making their their [requires a substantial amountamount of attendance in 1994, 2000,2000, then then skill],”skill],” said marching band director, attendance in 1994, said marching band director, againagain in 2008.

In theInspring of of Drew Balta. in 2008. the spring Drew Balta.

2023,2023, the band accepted their their Budgeting alone for Macy’s the band accepted Budgeting alone for Macy’s 4th invitation to the Macy’s has been nothing short of time4th invitation to the Macy’s has been nothing short of timeThanksgiving Day Parade. consuming and difficult.

Thanksgiving Day Parade. consuming and difficult.

SinceSince theirtheir performance in 1994, “The cost that every pays is pays is performance in 1994, “The cost thatkid every kid the band has maintained high high $1,710.$1,710.

That’s That’s the most thethat the the band has maintained thethat most membership of around 300 300 districtdistrict can allow, the most membership of around can or allow, or thethat most that participants through the 2024 the district will allow to charge participants through the 2024 the district willus allow us to charge season.

EachEach year, year, the band kids. So, it actually costs about season. the band kids.

So, it actually costs about correlates the theme of the $2,000$2,000 per kidper to go, the all the correlates the theme of the kid so to that’s go, soall that’s showshow with with the event.

TheirTheir showshow moneymoney that needed to be raised the event. that needed to be by raised by in 2000 being, “Strike Up the the band said Balta. in 2000 being, “Strike Up the theparents,” band parents,” said Balta.

Band,” in 2008, “Don’t Rain on To raise the necessary amountamount Band,” in 2008, “Don’t Rain on To raise the necessary My Parade” and this of money for thefor trip, band My Parade” and year this with year with of money the trip, band a show titled, “New York, New members worked numerous jobs jobs a show titled, “New York, New members worked numerous York” / “Empire State of Mind” throughout the summer and regular HannahHannah Basel, directs the band during York” / “Empire State of Mind”Head drum throughout the summer and regular Headmajor, drum major, Basel, directs the band during featuring songs such as, “Toxic” season.

Many of these jobs were a performance at Central Park on Nov. 27, 2024. featuring songs such as, “Toxic” season. Many of these jobs were a performance at Central Park on Nov. 27, 2024.

by Brittany Spears, “Gravity” by by concessions at the Denny SanfordSanford

by Brittany Spears, “Gravity” concessions at the Denny Sara Sara Bareilles and many more PREMIER Center and LHS Bareilles and many more PREMIER Center andhome LHS home NewNew YorkYork inspired songs. games.

Other fundraising opportunities have been car a car inspired songs. games. Other fundraising opportunities havea been Throughout the parade, the band will perform raffle, where they sold a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Throughout the parade, the band will perform raffle, where they sold a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SE “America North” or “America the Beautiful” in various and a mattress sale.

“America North” or “America the Beautiful” in various and a mattress sale. locations. They will perform four or five times before When it comes to travel, many members of the band locations. They will perform four or five times before When it comes to travel, many members of the band their performance on the star and four more times after and guard have never traveled outside the state of South their performance on the star and four more times after and guard have never traveled outside the state of South that performance. Before the parade, the band will get a Dakota, other than for competitions. Hence why making that performance. Before the parade, the band will get a Dakota, other than for competitions. Hence why making 10-minute rehearsal to clean up any loose ends they may the trek on a bus to the Macy’s Day Parade is a big leap 10-minute rehearsal to clean up any loose ends they may the trek on a bus to the Macy’s Day Parade is a big leap have before they perform. of faith for many students. The anticipation had the band have before they perform. of faith for many students. The anticipation had the band The band also plans to participate in New York directors and students patiently waiting for the day to The band also plans to participate in New York directors and students patiently waiting for the day to activities including a visit to the World Trade Center come when they would leave and begin their travels. activities including a visit to the World Trade Center come when they would leave and begin their travels. and the 9/11 memorial. In addition, they will see the “[I’m just excited for] all the memories that they’re and 9/11 and memorial.

In of addition, they will see the “[I’m just the excited the that they’re Statue of the Liberty members the marching band gonna make along way for] and Iall get tomemories watch them Statue of Liberty and members of the marching band gonna make along the way and I get to watch them will also be attending a Broadway show titled, “Back experience it firsthand,” said Balta. will also be attending a Broadway show titled, “Back experience it firsthand,” said Balta. dEsiGn by EloisE GEraEts & bobby ParkEr Photos dEsiGn

by EloisE GloisE EraEts

by E GEraEts & bobby ParkEr

Photos by EloisE GEraEts

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The treacherous hike of Mount Kilimanjaro is a monumental feat that less than 0.005% of the world has accomplished. A recent addition to this exclusive group of people who have completed the hike is Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.

Standing at a staggering 19,341 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro and the journey to its summit require extensive training and a high fitness level even to begin dreaming about undertaking this daunting climb. TenHaken, however, is no stranger to challenges that push his body and mind to the limits, possessing an extensive record of impressive athletic endeavors.

Every year, TenHaken commits himself to training for a new, demanding physical challenge.

“When doing these big, hard challenges, I learn a lot about myself, [specifically], my limits of what I can and can’t do… all while finding new things that I enjoy. This year, I just happened to decide on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro,” said TenHaken.

Committing oneself to the strenuous routine of consistent training requires willpower and an unyielding sense of motivation. TenHaken keeps himself motivated throughout his training by reminding himself of his goals and the purpose of pursuing these challenges.

“It is… hard to exert [myself] for these challenges [but] I tell myself that these are the moments that develop character, focus and perseverance,” said TenHaken.

For the majority of people who decide to attempt this climb, drastic changes in routine and intensive shifts in training are required to be physically capable of completing this feat. However, TenHaken lives by a motto that allowed his preparations and change in routine to be less extreme.

“There’s a saying that goes ‘stay ready to be ready,’ meaning, if you’re always ready, [and] if you always stay in shape, you’re ready for whatever comes at you versus if

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you get out of shape… now you have a lot of work ahead of you [to get to that same point],” said TenHaken.

This mindset he carries with him facilitated a relatively straightforward transition in his training for the hike, and aside from a few small adjustments to his routine to focus on cardiovascular strength, it remained the same.

However, this does not mean the training was not mentally and physically taxing. Somewhere along his journey, he came to a jarring realization: the mind is what shuts his body down even when it is capable of more. “[For me], I always use the 40% number. On my bike, I have a little 40 right on the stem of it, so when I look down… I focus on [the number]. This reminds me that when my body says, ‘I’m done, I can’t bike another pedal, I can’t go another step,’ [I am] only 40% done.

I still have another 60% in the tank, but it’s [my] mind that makes [me] quit a lot sooner,” said TenHaken.

On Oct. 8, 2024, his weeklong trek, scaling up and down Mt. Kilimanjaro began with 13 fellow climbers who had arrived from four continents and 61 staff members ranging from cooks to guides to sherpas. After spending eight lengthy, cell service-free days together, TenHaken formed many close relationships with his fellow climbers who came from all places of the world, including India, England and Australia. Hearing about peoples’ stories and backgrounds helped TenHaken put into perspective and grasp how large the world truly is.

“When you fly halfway around the world… you feel insignificant, almost tiny. And what I’ve taken from this is that the more we can get out of our comfort zones and experience the world and experience other people with their different cultures… [the] deeper our respect for the diversity in our own communities [becomes],” said TenHaken.

design by Lucy Hennies & cHris Tao | pHoTos used wiTH permission by pauL TenHaken | arTwork used wiTH permission by canva

After enduring six extensive days of arduous hiking, they reached Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit and experienced sights and sensations unable to be fully captured by words. “[I] was standing so high up [with] the clouds beneath me; the air was really thin and even breathing was really hard. That euphoric feeling of knowing that [I] just [did] something that only a fraction of this world has ever done was really cool,” said TenHaken.

During the journey up the mountain, with altitude levels increasing dramatically, the air thinned rapidly, and as TenHaken approached the summit, breathing and persisting through the conditions were not untroubled.

“I underestimated how physically demanding and challenging the altitude would be on my body. When [I] got to the top, I was not in a good place: I had a terrible headache, and… I was starting to feel sick and ill,” said TenHaken.

However, a person’s lowest moments brought out through new challenges, are also the moments that bring out the most growth and self-improvement within a person. As a species, we live for new experiences, but the inner drive to purposefully take on new challenges with the intention of self-growth is what distinguishes Paul TenHaken.

“Too many times we quit and run away from hard things. We say this is too hard or this is too uncomfortable… But where you really find out who you are and start to ‘stretch’ your canvas to become a better version of yourself is when you tackle those hard things… Stick with that job that’s difficult. Take that class that is really beating you down and you want to drop… [Just remember] that it is okay when you feel uncomfortable. It is okay when you feel beat down… all it means is that you are growing,” said TenHaken.

by Lucy Hennies & cHris Tao

Left: Paul TenHaken holding up the Sioux Falls flag at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

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1. Meghan Archer was on staff from 2005 to 2007. She loved working on stories and taking photos, especially meeting the subjects of her photographs. Her advice? “Enjoy all of it! Working together on a newspaper staff is a unique experience!” Her favorite aspect of high school was the social one. Today, Archer is the general manager at the Great Outdoor Store in Sioux Falls. “I get to help people find perfect items for their daily lives, upcoming trips and gifts for their friends and loved ones. I also get to be involved and play a part in the outdoor industry,” said Archer.

2. Joel Thompson was also a part of Statesman between 2005-2007, throughout his sophomore to senior years of high school. He loved his Statesman advisor, Virginia Olson, and all the friends and the memories he made in the Statesman room. “My first piece of advice is don’t take the advice of the people I was on Statesman with too seriouslywe had too much fun,” said Thompson. “Second, try all of the things. You’re a writer? Pick up a camera. You’re a photographer? Try to sell an ad.” Thompson believes being comfortable is good, but you can learn so much more about yourself and your passions if you embrace being uncomfortable. Thompson loved being goofy throughout high school.

He loved that high school allowed you to be with friends all day and participate in extracurriculars. “School is important, but not all-consuming. High school rules,” said Thompson. Thompson currently resides in New York, where he has lived since 2019. This past Spring, he started a biotech company and welcomed a baby with his wife.

by LiLy Gruber

According to ChatGPT, a baddie is someone “who is considered attractive, confident, stylish, and empowered. The term is often associated with individuals who exude self-assurance and a bold attitude, often showcasing a strong sense of personal style or charisma.” Looking through the LHS yearbook, many Statesman alum fit this criteria, but what are these baddies doing now?

3. Maddy Ryan was a part of Statesman from 2011-2014, which holds a special place in her heart. Her favorite aspect of Statesman was “Learning that journalism is critical to our world- however big or small.” She graduated with a degree in journalism from Arizona State and currently resides in Minneapolis, working for USA TODAY. Ryan’s career is something she feels only happened because of Statesman. “Had I never signed up for a journalism class in high school, I don’t think I would be where I am today.” Her advice to current staff writers? “Keep writing!” Ryan was a very involved LHS student and continues to be involved in activities such as learning ASL, Glass Lampworking or hitting a PR at the gym. “Always keeping my mind and body strong!” said Ryan.

4. Joe Hiatt was on staff from 2014 to 2016. He loved all the friendships and involvement he had. “Also, those three years I was on staff taught me how to write, and I am forever grateful for that,” said Hiatt. His advice is to stay curious.

“Know that slowly is the fastest way to get yourself to where you want to be,” said Hiatt. His favorite aspect of high school was being on the Statesman and Student Council because they helped him emerge from his comfort zone. Hiatt recently moved back to Sioux Falls from New York. He is starring as the lead actor in a film that comes out in the Spring of 2025, titled “Fall Is a Good Time to Die.” 5. Carly Wheeler was on the Statesman from 2018 to 2021. She loved writing opinions and designing creative spreads for each issue. “Dr. Kroeze’s room became my home away from home during high school and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” said Wheeler. The Statesman room and all the fun activities done in it hold a special place in her heart. She reminds current students, “Don’t underestimate how powerful your voice is.” Wheeler encourages students to use writing to share their opinions and beliefs and to make themselves heard. Her favorite thing about high school was the lifelong friends she made. Currently, she’s studying public health and social welfare systems in Norway. When she returns to Sioux Falls in January, she’ll finish her semester at Augustana University and graduate with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and medical humanities. Then, she plans to take a gap year and work at Falls Community Health.

6. William Hannemann worked on the Statesman staff from 2014-2015. He enjoyed pretending to be Kroeze’s assistant during class. “I tried to end it every time with a saying that went: ‘Think Pulitzer people.’ The motto was meant to get people riled up, but it didn’t,” said Hannemann. His friends Lizzie Archer and Anna Stritecky are an important part of his memories. His biggest piece of advice is to “Get to know people there because working with them every day is something you treasure later on,” said Hannemann. Hannemann loved sporting events at LHS and participating in sports such as basketball. “I was so into the Lincoln Crazies that I made the Lincoln Crazies Instagram and Twitter,” said Hannemann. Once he graduated college, he moved to Washington DC and worked in the capital for a few years. Now, Hannemann teaches government and economics at WHS.

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photos useed with permission by Lhs yearbook & Linkedin desiGn by LiLy Gruber

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by Josie Tollinger, ediTor-in-Chief & elysse Weber

by Josie Tollinger, ediTor-in-Chief & elysse Weber

1. I’m from Spain, I’d love to go forback the for the 1. I’m fromand Spain, and I’d loveback to go holidaysholidays but I’m but not I’m surenot if Isure willifbeI able to. will be able to.

2. Spending time with mywith family friends is always 2. Spending time myand family and friends is always what I look forward to the most.

I have a big family what I look forward to the most. I have a bigand family and on the 24th over 40 over of us40get and celebrate. on the 24th of together us get together and celebrate.

One of the cousins dresses dresses up as Santa brings Oneolder of the older cousins up asand Santa and brings the presents for the younger cousins.cousins.

That’s my favorite the presents for the younger That’s my favorite Christmas memorymemory from when Christmas fromI was whena Ikid. was a kid.

3. It’s pretty whatto you do here.

We spend 3. It’ssimilar pretty to similar what you do here.

We spend more time outside with ourwith friends family. too It’s too more time outside our and friends and It’s family. cold here to do that.

Wethat. usually have a friend’s dinner dinner cold here to do We usually have a friend’s during the holidays.

Something we celebrate that youthat you during the holidays.

Something we celebrate don’t here is the celebrate the don’t hereThree is theMagic ThreeKings.

MagicWe Kings.

We celebrate the arrival of the three kings Bethlehem on Jan. on 6. Kids arrival of the threetokings to Bethlehem Jan. 6. Kids get presents on this day andday there’s big parade Dec.on Dec. get presents on this and athere’s a big on parade 5.

5.

4. I’m skipping this onethis because I’m not I’m doing 4. I’m skipping one because not doing anything. anything.

5. Having people to celebrate and have funhave withfun will 5. Having people to celebrate and with will be good.be good.

1. I'm from yes,and I’llyes, be going 1. I'mSpain, from and Spain, I’ll be back goinghome back for home for the holidays!

I can’t wait to see my family and catch with the holidays! I can’t wait to see my family andup catch up with friends—it’s been too long. especially lookinglooking forward to friends—it’s been tooI’m long.

I’m especially forward to the bigthe family dinners and our traditions. big family dinners and our traditions.

2. Some2.ofSome my favorite holidayholiday memories are justare simple of my favorite memories just simple moments, like gathering aroundaround the table whole family,family, moments, like gathering thewith tablemy with my whole sharingsharing stories stories and laughter. and laughter.

3. The 3.

Christmas holidayholiday seasonseason has a few traditions The Christmas hasunique a few unique traditions that differ U.S.the For example, we celebrate Nochebuena thatfrom differthe from U.S. For example, we celebrate Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with big dinner, and Reyes (Three(Three (Christmas Eve)a with a big dinner, and Magos Reyes Magos Kings’ Kings’ Day) inDay) earlyinJanuary is wheniskids traditionally get their early January when kids traditionally get their gifts. There’s also Elalso Gordo, a hugeaChristmas lotterylottery everyone gifts. There’s El Gordo, huge Christmas everyone watcheswatches live; hoping to win!to win! live; hoping 4. Being from try toI keep family traditions 4. far Being farhome, from Ihome, try tomy keep my family traditions alive byalive cooking some ofsome our of dishes like "Tortilla de patatas" or by cooking our dishes like "Tortilla de patatas" or "Paella".

"Paella".

5. I always try to be with my family and friends as 5. I always tryconnected to be connected with my family and friends as much as possible.

I tried Itotried Facetime my grandma even though much as possible. to Facetime my grandma even though she doesn't really know tohow use the phone.

She is She always she doesn't reallyhow know to use the phone. is always happy to hearto news favorite grandson. happy hearabout news his about his favorite grandson.

As the holiday season approaches, studentsstudents and staffand arestaff eager get home spend time with As the holiday season approaches, aretoeager to getand home andquality spend quality timetheir withfamily their family and friends.

There are alsoare many arewho looking forwardforward to jumping on a plane traveling across the country to and friends.

There alsowho many are looking to jumping on aand plane and traveling across the country to make it make home ittohome their to loved Here at Here LHS,atweLHS, havewe a handful of teachers from different parts ofparts the of world theirones. loved ones. have a handful of teachers from different the who world who enjoy returning home forhome the holidays and keeping their own traditions alive. We asked foreign language teachers enjoy returning for the holidays and keeping their own traditions alive.

Wethe asked the foreign language teachers questions on how on they plan to spend holiday break this year. questions how they plan totheir spend their holiday break this year.

1. are Where you from and plan do you to go backfor home for the holidays?

If so,are what you looking to most?

1. Where you are from and do you to plan go back home the holidays?

If so, what youare looking forwardforward to most?

What have been your favorite memories the holidays in previous 2. What2.have been some ofsome youroffavorite memories during during the holidays in previous years? years?

3. Can you describe way your country celebrates the holidays and it’s different from 3. Can you describe the waythe your country celebrates the holidays and how it’show different from the US?the US? What some ways the traditions your while familybeing whileso being so far away?

4. What4.are someare ways you keepyou thekeep traditions of youroffamily far away?

What somethat things thatthe make the holiday seasonfor easier youbeing whileaway beingfrom awayhome? from home?

5. What5.are someare things make holiday season easier you for while 1. I Mannheim, am from Mannheim, 1. I am from Germany.Germany.

I have notI have been not been Xmas since 2011.

I am planning toto go back to home for home Xmas for since 2011.

I am planning to go back Xmas year in 2025.

GermanyGermany for Xmas for next yearnext in 2025.

2. I love Christmas German Christmas markets.

It is fun so much fun 2. I love German markets. It is so much to walkeat around, a lotfood of good and to socialize with to walk around, a lot ofeatgood and food to socialize with friends and family. friends and family.

3. Xmas German Xmasholidays is more and holidays and traditions 3. German is more traditions the U.S. Every has a Christmas comparedcompared to the U.S.toEvery city has acity Christmas market, market, meetfriends up withand friends and family. where youwhere meet you up with family.

There is aThere lot is a lot of good food and some rides for kids.

It is a big of good food and some rides for kids. It is a big part of part of GermanWe culture.

We also celebrate St. Nikolaus German culture. also celebrate St. Nikolaus on Dec. 6.on Dec. 6.

Kids receive a small gift that day and candy.

Kids receive a small gift that day and candy. Every kidEvery also kid also gets an advent calendar, every has an advent gets an advent calendar, and everyand family hasfamily an advent wreath.

We celebrate onand Dec.not 24on and not wreath. We celebrate Xmas on Xmas Dec. 24 the 25.on the 25.

We decorations keep the decorations up until Jan. 6 is a holiday We keep the up until Jan. 6. Jan. 6 is6.aJan. holiday (three kings' day).day On we thattake dayall wethe take all the decorations (three kings' day).

On that decorations down. Traditionally for Christmas, we or eatgoose duck or goose down. Traditionally for Christmas, we eat duck and not ham or turkey. and not ham or turkey.

Myan kids get an advent calendar, andmake we also make 4. My kids4.get advent calendar, and we also a Christmas wreath together.

We celebrate St. Nikolaus's a Christmas wreath together. We celebrate St. Nikolaus's day together.

The community German community in Sioux day together.

The German in Sioux Falls has Falls has German Christmas at adowntown church downtown a GermanaChristmas service atservice a church every every year.German We sing Christmas German Christmas songs, and everyone year. We sing songs, and everyone brings cookies Germantocookies brings German share. to share.

5. Sometimes family members comeWe to visit.

5. Sometimes family members come to visit. met We met upparents with myand parents and to celebrate up with my sisters in sisters FloridaintoFlorida celebrate able to Facetime also helps ChristmasChristmas together. together.

Being ableBeing to Facetime also helps during this time. Also having a German community in during this time. Also having a German community in Sioux Falls helps me feel less lonely.

Sioux Falls helps me feel less lonely.

10 10

1. I am from Chile, dogo plan to go back 1. I am from Chile, and yes, and I do yes, planI to back home forhome the for the I am most forward looking forward to spending time my family, holidays.holidays.

I am most looking to spending time with mywith family, seeing dogs, enjoying traditional foods, and celebrating Christmas at seeing my dogs,my enjoying traditional foods, and celebrating Christmas at It has beenfour almost four years since I was last for the holiday home. It home. has been almost years since I was last there forthere the holiday season, so this feels especially meaningful and needed. season, so this visit feelsvisit especially meaningful and needed.

2. Growing up, I remember largegatherings family gatherings filled with 2. Growing up, I remember large family filled with time spent together, playingpreparing games, preparing and enjoying time spent together, playing games, food, andfood, enjoying each each other’s company. of my memories favorite memories here in the other’s company.

Another Another of my favorite was herewas in the US, experiencing a white Christmas and traditions I had only seen US, experiencing a white Christmas and traditions I had only seen in movies, it was truly magical.

I also feel fortunate that my in movies, it was truly magical. I also feel fortunate that my mom hasmom has able to spend Christmas here with in town One been ablebeen to spend Christmas here in town me.with Oneme. year, weyear, evenwe even celebrated Christmas in New York, fulfilling a dream we had celebrated Christmas in New York, fulfilling a dream we had shared. shared.

3. In Chile, December is a summer month, so the weather 3. In Chile, December is a summer month, so the weather is quite is quite different.

The night of the 24th is the most important; people prepare different. The night of the 24th is the most important; people prepare festivedress dinner, up, and often stayuntil awake until midnight a festive adinner, up,dress and often stay awake midnight to open to open While some to open giftsmorning on the morning of the 25th, presents.presents.

While some prefer toprefer open gifts on the of the 25th, it’s common begin celebrating as Christmas soon as Christmas Eve transitions it’s common to begin to celebrating as soon as Eve transitions into Christmas On the 25th, manyhead people headbeach to theorbeach into Christmas Day. On Day. the 25th, many people to the go or go (a traditional barbecue) andtime spend time camping camping and enjoyand an enjoy asadoan (a asado traditional barbecue) and spend with their families. with their families.

4. My for two Christmases, so helped she hasme helped me 4. My mom hasmom beenhas herebeen for here two Christmases, so she has with decorations, preparing meals, and the making the season holidayfeel season feel with decorations, preparing meals, and making holiday like home. try to recreate the traditional dishes, like home.

We try toWe recreate the traditional Chilean Chilean dishes, and she and she brings that comforting brings that comforting sense of sense family.of family.

Being away from homethe during the season holidayhas season been very 5. Being 5. away from home during holiday beenhas very challenging.

I tryconnected to stay connected withthrough family through video challenging.

I try to stay with family video calls, it calls, it helps me feel close to them despite the distance. Also creating my own helps me feel close to them despite the distance. Also creating my own holiday traditions and decorating my space also brings a sense of joy... holiday traditions and decorating my space also brings a sense of joy... retail therapy helps too. And Finding friends to celebrate with and just retail therapy helps too. And Finding friends to celebrate with and just being part of local traditions. being part of local traditions.

language teachers with their ForeignForeign language teachers with their family and friends the holiday family and friends duringduring the holiday season.season.

11 11

design by Josie Tollinger design by Josie Tollinger phoTos used WiTh permission by lhs sTaff phoTos used WiTh permission by lhs sTaff

The colorful aspect holds great importance to her. Thi wishes to draw attention to the flowers, and by doing so, she minimizes the usage of green.

“If you look at flower arrangements, a lot of people will use a lot of green,” said Thi. “I tend not to do that because I want it to look really flowery and colorful, and sometimes green can take away from that.”

In Flower offers various services such as weddings, events, custom bouquets and daily orders. There are options for fresh and dried flowers arranged in a way that beautifully presents their uniqueness. Thi pays extra attention to the details, creating eye-catching color palettes and displaying her attentive skills through her botanical art. The spunky nature of her brand can be found in her signature arrangements in disco ball vases, adding sparkle without taking away from the shine the flowers radiate. Others can be found in vases that complement the current season or interior design trend. Thi’s storefront also serves as a shop perfect for gifts.

“There’s candles, vases, prints, plants,” said Thi. “All sorts of cute things!”

The interior of In Flower perfectly pairs with her distinct style. There is no dull section to be found, and from the south end of the building, a wall made of windows illuminates the store, casting sunlight on the multicolored flowers. It is reflected off the disco balls that hang as decor from the ceiling and vases for the arrangements. Two pastel pink and lavender shelves lie on either side of the desk, framing the neon sign that says “Dream in flowers.” Thi let her imagination flourish when creating her store, and she did so in a way that would provide her customers with a safe space that would leave them with a positive mindset.

With a background in psychology, Thi has recognized the importance of mental health and the adverse effects it can have on not only a person but the whole world. Through In Flower, she wishes to spread joy and color to others, alleviating the stress and sadness that plague the community.

“I just think color is so important,” said Thi. “It invokes so much joy and creativity.”

She finds the lack of color in society as a driving factor for her work.

Through this work, she fills others with color, spreads optimism and paints happiness throughout Sioux Falls.

“My goal in life is to spread colorful and joyful things to people,” said Thi.

by Abby Anderson

Just on the outskirts of Downtown Sioux Falls lies a vibrant floral shop nestled in a suite with DayLily Coffee. It is impossible to miss the entrance to her bright pink door, and upon entering, the enchanting interior is enough to astonish anyone.

Stephanie Thi, owner and founder of In Flower, began her career as a florist long before her business opened. She initially believed she would become a fine artist, attending school at Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, Oregon, for painting and fiber arts. Thi remained in Portland for a time before returning to Sioux Falls to continue her education in the mental health field. She received a job at LHS, and from there, it was all a series of events that led her to In Flower. She discovered in the teacher’s lounge from a staff member that a floral shop was hiring, which led her to take the opportunity to work there, starting her passion for flowers.

“I got a job at a floral shop in town, and it kind of just took over my life,” said Thi. “I just love it so much.”

Right before the pandemic hit, Thi quit her job and began working with dried flowers. To her benefit, they were gaining rapid popularity with the lockdown.

“It got super popular because you could ship them anywhere, and we were all at home,” said Thi. “It just really took off during that time.”

She started by converting a bedroom into her studio; however, that small space could not quite meet the growing demands of her business.

“It just got so big that we turned our garage into a studio, and then it’s just been growing and growing ever since,” said Thi. “Now we’re here, and we have our own space.”

Thi was not actively searching for, nor planning on, opening a storefront for her business until she happened to drive by the vacant suite. The establishment had been redone, and she saw potential to expand there. She was unsure whether to take this opportunity or not; however, once she discovered that DayLily Coffee was going to be next door, she ultimately decided to do it.

“I found out that DayLily was going to be next door, and it seemed like it would be a really good partnership,” said Thi. “That’s what bolstered me forward.”

Thi’s floral designs and arrangements all have a flare of her distinct, multicolored style. Her brand is built around the flowers, enhancing their colors to provide a stimulating and eclectic art piece. She relies on her intuition and spontaneity to guide her when making these pieces, welcoming the full potential of her creativity.

“I lean towards Maximalism, but not all the way. It’s a little bit more subdued,” said Thi. “I like interesting shapes and textures. I like to use a lot of unexpected color palettes.”

12

design by Abby Anderson photos by Abby Anderson Artwork by CAnvA

13

BY ADELINE THEOPHILUS

BY ADELINE THEOPHILUS

There are many different ways to celebrate the holiday season, but one common tradition is to celebrate Christmas. Months leading Dec. 25, kids write with lists full of their wants, needs and wishes to send back to the Christmas.

North Pole.Months As Thereup aretomany different waysletters to celebrate the holiday season, but one common tradition is to celebrate childrenup gettoolder, their Christmas lists tend look lottheir different.

The Barbie youback oncetohad your Pole. number leading Dec. 25, kids write letters with to lists fulla of wants, needs anddream wisheshouse to send theas North As one pick, might betheir a wish for gas money, socks healing for a family The LHS students have a wide variety of wishes children getnow older, Christmas lists tend to or look a lot different.

Themember.

Barbie dream house you once had as your number one that will hypothetically getfor sent the North Pole and granted holiday season. pick, might now be a wish gastomoney, socks or healing for a this family member.

The LHS students have a wide variety of wishes that will hypothetically get sent to the North Pole and granted this holiday season.

Most students asked for items, including the latest technology, clothes and gadgets. Some requested more hours at work, a significant other or concert tickets.

The hope is that whatever put onrequested your Most students asked for items, including the latest technology, clothes and gadgets.isSome list is granted, but it is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Celebrate the time more hours at work, a significant other or concert tickets. The hope is that whatever is put on youroff, cherish family and and embrace the spirit oftrue generosity list is granted, but friends it is important to remember the meaningand of giving.

Christmas. Celebrate the time off, DESIGN BY ADELINE THEOPHILUS cherish family and friends and embrace the spirit of generosity and giving.

ARTWORK BY ADELINE THEOPHILUS

15 15

by ViVian Kiesow-Knudsen, editor-in-Chief

hile most distinguished for his position as an LHS guidance counselor, Matt W Meyers most recently pursued a series of significantly more dangerous endeavors in his solo backpacking excursion through the Badlands.

Meyers, inspired by a series of videos documenting a similar trip through the Appalachians, took interest in the concept roughly a year and a half prior to his first official attempt. Following extensive amounts of research and planning, he opted for the Sage Creek Loop trail in the Badlands given its proximity to Sioux Falls and relatively beginner-friendly demands. This trail can extend anywhere from 20 to 25 miles depending on one’s individual route and requires approximately three days to complete.

“I wanted to do something on my own just to see if I actually do like this,” said Meyers. “If I crashed and burned [it was] just a matter of hopping in my car and driving back home.”

In preparation for his excursion, Meyers made a point to account for every possible scenario. With his tent, sleeping pad, water, food, clothes and a plethora of other essentials, his backpack weighed a total of about 50 pounds. He departed for the Badlands on a Friday morning, equipped with just his phone, his supplies and his vast

16

design by ViVian Kiesow-Knudsen

photos used with permission by matt meyers

accumulated knowledge of the trail.

Once he arrived, Meyers was met with a series of circumstances that required his adaptation. Though he opted to pursue this experience during the autumn season to avoid the brutal summertime conditions of the Badlands, outdoor circumstances played a major role in the trajectory of his trip. He faced nighttime temperatures dipping into the 30s, daytime highs of around 70 degrees and constant winds at 30 mph.

“The badlands are just such a harsh, harsh environment,” said Meyers.

“There's just nowhere to hide from the elements.”

Among the challenges presented, however, the most apparent was the condition of the trail itself.

“There's a route that you can try to follow, but there isn't any welltrod trail,” said Meyers. “When you actually get out there, you look around and it looks nothing like a satellite view from the top; it's just ridges and Badlands all over the place.”

With the help of his phone and the established game trail, Meyers was able to successfully navigate, and he reached the end of the hike in just two days as opposed to the allotted three.

On the first day, he accounted for four miles of the hike, stayed overnight and decided to make up the remaining distance the next day.

Along the way, he navigated

artworK used with permission by CanVa

interactions with local wildlife including bison, coyotes, turkeys and prairie dogs, all while simultaneously attending to the demand of establishing a productive route.

“At one point I found myself on a ridge,” said Meyer. “I'm looking down on my left and there's a 20 foot drop there. Look [to] my right, there's a 20 foot drop there. That was all by myself.”

Meyers reached the end of the loop on Saturday and was home by about 10:30 p.m. that night.

“On the drive home I'm like, ‘Hey man, I don't really know if I like doing this,’” said Meyers. “It took probably two days and then I started talking about it with some of my friends and co-workers. Then I'm like, ‘Okay, I'm ready to do this again.’ It's fun to be able to do things all on your own

without anybody's help.”

Having made it successfully through the Sage Loop Creek trail, Meyers has no plans to give up any time soon.

“When you finish, you just feel like you've really accomplished a lot because you have,” said Meyers. “You only live once. You’ve got to go have fun while you can.”

As for upcoming backpacking plans, he hopes to continue pursuing similar experiences. This summer, he plans to attempt the 125-mile Centennial trail in the Black Hills, which extends from Wind Cave to Sturgis.

“This trip taught me that I really do enjoy doing hard stuff. It was an awesome, terrible, exhilarating, frustrating experience,” said Meyers.

“I enjoy doing things that other people look at and go, ‘dude, you’re crazy.’”

Along the trail, Meyers encountered a fossil embedded in a rock.

Left: On his excursion, Meyers took the Sage Creek Loop trail.

Center: His hike extended for approximately 25 miles.

In total, his journey took him two days to complete.

17

The daunting task of finding a college is intimidating and rather tedious; however, it is now the season for college applications and deciding on future careers. The steps can range from attending a two-year technical school to eventually receiving a doctorate.

The endless opportunities bring up one question: What path did the familiar faces at LHS take, and how did they prepare? LHS staff members were asked to reflect on their college journeys and experiences, providing insight into the grueling topic.

Heather Eyk Ontario Tech University, University of Cordoba & ISCSEM & University of Lincoln

1. What advice would you give to others thinking about college?

2. How was college different from high school?

3. What was your favorite part of college? Least favorite?

4. What were you studying?

5. What is your favorite memory from college?

by bethel Woche & Syri caStilleja

Robert Draeger Colorado State University and University of Minnesota

1. “Make a pros and cons list for each school you are considering and then weigh those by what are your most important priorities like cost, distance from home, programs and extracurriculars.”

2. “In college, you have to be more independent and self-motivated. If you don’t do your work you will not have teachers following up with you about it. They don’t care if you skip classes, but if you skip a lot, your grades could really suffer and you may fail out of the program.”

3. “My favorite part was living away from home and meeting many people from different backgrounds than me. My least favorite part was the intense workload that at times had me studying all weekend to keep up with my classes.”

4. “In my undergraduate degree, I studied forensic science. In my master’s degree, I specialized in forensic chemistry.”

5. “Living in Europe for my master’s program and being able to travel around to many places while there was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.”

1. “Going far away is not always the best option. Go live on your own but be close enough to easily come back and be with your family.”

2. “College was a LOT harder than high school. You are also on your own to get things done.”

3. “I enjoyed the more specialized classes. My least favorite part of college was the pressure to get things done.”

4. “I started as a wildlife biology major but finished with a BA in cultural anthropology.”

5. “I had a lot of fun in Colorado doing non-academic things like mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, etc.”

Kerri Stockwell Southwest Minnesota State University, St. Mary’s University, Concordia University-St. Paul, University of Sioux Falls

Draeger is a behavior facilitator at LHS.

Joshua Pillatzki South Dakota State University, Grand Canyon University 1. “Make sure to research scholarships that are available to you! College can be expensive and there are a lot of opportunities that you may be unaware of.”

2. “A lot more unstructured time. Managing time was the most difficult for me.”

3. “My favorite parts of college included making lifelong friendships and learning high-level mathematics. My least favorite part of college would be walking to class while it was [minus] 20 outside.”

4. “Mathematics and then special education.”

5. “Living with my friends in a house near campus.”

Stockwell, number 14, playing basketball for SMSU.

Jared Fredenburg University of Mary 1. “You need that piece of paper to open doors for you that wouldn’t normally be open.”

2. “The biggest difference is the freedom you have to make your own decision. These decisions may have a huge factor in later success or failure.”

3. “[My] favorite [part of college was] the relationships gained, [and my] least favorite [was] not having much money.”

4. “Certified athletic training.”

5. “I can’t choose. Many good memories of friends and good times.”

Fredenburg is the head coach for the LHS football team.

1. “Choose a college where you feel comfortable and one that has a variety of academic programs you may be interested in, even if you think you know what you want to study. Furthering your education is all about opening doors for you!”

2. “When I was in high school, we did not have blended courses, work release or online courses, so we had the regular school day all the way through until we graduated high school. In college people definitely had the opportunity to make decisions about when or if they would attend class.”

3. “While I do think that technology these days allows students to stay so much more connected with family and friends that they are apart from, having taught and coached at the college level, I think that it does inhibit the growth of college students in some ways.”

4. “I majored in secondary mathematics education, and I minored in coaching for my undergrad degree.”

5. “For me, I truly loved being part of the basketball team because while I met a lot of friends outside of that group, it always provided me with a family within the college community.”

Regan Meyer University of St. Thomas and New England Culinary Institute Pillatzki, a special education teacher at LHS, on his first day of college at SDSU.

18

Eyk, education assistant at LHS, in her last year as an undergraduate student.

1. “I think that where your college is located and its greater community is just as important as the institution itself. Find a place that feels welcoming and that can help you grow as a person.”

2. “It forces you to become more self-reliant, which ultimately is a good thing.

But the road getting to that end destination is definitely bumpy. And, I found that I truly valued my education more because it was costing a lot of money.”

3. “My least favorite part was the internal and external pressure to decide on my future. My favorite aspects of college were my friends and colleagues in the geography department and the cultural community of the Twin Cities.”

4. “I started out as a business major. [I] realized my massive error and switched to geography, which was the smallest department on campus.”

5. “When we would hold impromptu movie nights at midnight in the GIS lab because we were all stuck there working on projects.”

deSign by bethel Woche & Syri caStilleja artWork by Syri caStilleja photoS uSed With permiSSion by lhS teacherS

Meyer, social studies teacher at LHS, in her college years.

19

by Lucas Hiatt, Editor-in-cHiEf & JamEs PLordE

The new breakthrough technology, AI, has permeated the digital landscape worldwide in recent years. With its main goal of replicating reality, we decided to test the extent to which Canva AI could recreate LHS teachers with just a brief description of their appearance. We chose these six teachers because of their distinct features: Steve Blankenship, Andrea Sáez, Kaaren Huber, Marshell Byrd, Abby Berke and Ken Doyle. Canva AI made strikingly similar resemblances to these beloved teachers and staff.

“BibiSol is more than a restaurant — it’s a tribute to our matriarchal lineage and rich Mexican Indigenous heritage.”

D

owntown Sioux Falls is rapidly expanding and just added a new Mexican restaurant, BibiSol. They opened their doors on July 19, 2024, and their goal is to serve authentic Mexican food that blends traditional and modern techniques together.

BibiSol features a small menu with fresh ingredients from local businesses in South Dakota. I had only heard excellent reviews about it from other people, so my expectations were high.

Immediately as I walked in, the atmosphere was incredible. I felt welcomed by the workers and was seated almost immediately despite the small amount of seats.

The interior has a modern look to it and is decorated with paintings and plants that give it a nice aesthetic. But, what I was most excited about was, of course, the food. As I scanned the menu I noticed the small selection of dishes they offer. Almost every dish prepared at BibiSol is made with a traditional technique called nixtamalization. This process is to prepare maize by boiling and soaking it in an alkaline solution of water and salted lime. The maize is then turned into masa which is then used to make tortillas, tostadas and more.

The appetizer I ordered

20

BY COOPER SCHULTZ

was a special that is only around for a limited time, loaded potato wedges. The wedges are marinated in their salsa macha, a Mexican chili oil, then topped with your choice of meat (carnitas in this case), crema, garlic aioli,

its role perfectly, even the pickled radishes helped add some freshness and acidity to balance out the dish. Overall, I cannot express how badly I hope they keep this on the menu, and will definitely be back to get them again. 9.5/10

Potato wedges marinated in salsa macha loaded with carnitas, vegetables and various sauces.

cotija cheese and pickled vegetables. I have never had an appetizer blow me away like this one; the salsa macha was incredibly flavorful and provided a hint of spice.

Every single topping played

For the main course, I had a Sope with barbacoa. Sopes are a lesser-known Mexican dish, but are my go-to when they are on the menu. A sope consists of fried masa shaped like a flat bowl filled

with whatever ingredients you want. In this case, there was barbacoa, cotija cheese, crema, onions, cilantro and pickled radish. The nixtamal masa was fried perfectly and the barbacoa was super tender despite lacking in the flavor department. The rest of the filling was pretty good, but ultimately, left me wanting more. Honestly, everything worked well together, but I would try a new dish the next time I go. 7.5/10 Finally, I had to try one of their house-made flans.

I got the tres leches flan, a delectable dessert to finish off the meal. The flan was extremely sweet and had a nice texture. The notes of caramel and the creaminess from the custard make this a perfect way to end the night.

I have nothing bad to say about this dessert and would recommend everyone try it.

9/10 BibiSol is one of the most unique restaurants that I have been to, and I believe everyone should try it at least once. The prices are a bit steep, but it is worth it for the quality of food they provide.

BibiSol definitely lived up to my expectations and I cannot wait for it to continue to grow as the people of Sioux Falls discover this hidden gem.

As the LHS yoga teacher, it was imperative that we include Kaaren Huber’s love for athleisure in the description.

We also included her ponytail and her glasses in the description, focusing on her serious expressions.

Ken Doyle was selected for his extravagant jawline, high and tight comb-over, and 10-day beard, all of which are included in this description.

However, Canva struggled to recreate Doyle’s recognizable facial structure, leaving this AI recreation to appear more like a generic Patagonia model than our LHS Government teacher.

Andrea Saez’s jet-black hair and large glasses along with her favorite color, pink, created an uncanny resemblance to this AP Spanish teacher.

We chose to replicate Steve Blankenship for his unique look: his signature pearly white smile, shiny bald head and lanky figure.

Canva AI had no problem recreating Blankenship’s look as we included these features in our prompt, along with his love for Pearl Jam and his classic flannel shirt.

Marshell Byrd’s distinct bald head, partnered with his goatee and passion for wearing athletic fashion, made it easy for Canva AI to recreate.

Abby Berke’s unique curly hair, piercing black eyes, and recognizably millennial fashion combine to create a close representation of this LHS English teacher. dEsign by Lucas Hiatt

DESIGN BY DR.KATIE KROEZE PHOTO BY COOPER SCHULTZ ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

PHotos usEd witH PErmission by canva ai

& LHs

21

deSign deSign by deSign Jby ulia Julia by hedrick Julia hedrick hedrick PhotoS PhotoS uSed PhotoS uSed with uSed with PermiSSion with PermiSSion PermiSSion by a by mazon amazon by .a com mazon .com .com artwork artwork artwork by c by anva canva by canva

Let Let your Let your your gift gift gift bebe abe a reflection reflection a reflection ofof your of your your thoughtfulness thoughtfulness thoughtfulness and and and holiday holiday holiday spirit spirit spirit this this this Christmas.

Christmas.

Christmas.

AA well-chosen well-chosen A well-chosen present present present can can can make make make the the season the season season even even even more more more special special special for forfor both both both you you you and and and the the recipient. the recipient. recipient.

byby Porter by Porter Porter Stangeland Stangeland Stangeland

0101 Mini 01 Mini Mini Projector Projector Projector If IfheIf he loves he loves loves movies, movies, movies, this this portable this portable portable smart smart smart projector projector projector with with with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, speakers, speakers, speakers, auto auto horizontal auto horizontal horizontal correction correction correction and and Bluetooth and Bluetooth Bluetooth connectivity, connectivity, connectivity, will willwill make make make a perfect a perfect a perfect gift. gift. $55; gift. $55; amazon.com. $55; amazon.com. amazon.com.

0202 JBL 02 JBL Flip JBL Flip 6Flip Wireless, 6 Wireless, 6 Wireless, waterproof, waterproof, waterproof, portable portable portable speaker speaker speaker with with with Bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth connectivity connectivity connectivity and and various and various various colors. colors. colors. $109; $109; $109; jbl.jbl.jbl. com. com. com.

0303 AirPods 03 AirPods AirPods Max Max Max Wireless Wireless Wireless Bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth headphones, headphones, headphones, personalized personalized personalized spatial spatial spatial audio, audio, audio, transparency transparency transparency settings settings settings and and various and various various colors. colors. colors. $549; $549; $549; apple.com. apple.com. apple.com.

0404 Beverage 04 Beverage Beverage Refrigerator Refrigerator Refrigerator 3.23.2 Cu.ft 3.2 Cu.ft Mini Cu.ft Mini Fridge Mini Fridge Fridge with with awith double a double a double glass glass glass door, door, door, perfect perfect perfect cooler cooler cooler forfor for Soda Soda and Soda and other and other other drinks. drinks. drinks. $179; $179; $179; amazon.com. amazon.com. amazon.com.

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0101 Stanley 01 Stanley Stanley Quencher Quencher Quencher H2.0 H2.0 All-steel H2.0 All-steel All-steel vacuum vacuum vacuum bottle bottle bottle to to keep keep to your keep your your favorite favorite favorite drinks drinks drinks cold cold multi-colored, cold multi-colored, multi-colored, thisthis travel this travel travel tumbler tumbler tumbler is just is just iswhat just what you what youyou need need for need for all-day for all-day all-day hydration. hydration. hydration. $35$35$40 $35$40 stanley.com $40 stanley.com stanley.com 0202 Dandy 02 Dandy Dandy World World World Wide Wide Wide Hooded Hooded Hooded Sweatshirt Sweatshirt Sweatshirt High-quality High-quality High-quality embroidered embroidered embroidered outerwear outerwear outerwear designed designed designed in in Southern Southern in Southern California, California, California, USA. USA. USA. Perfect Perfect Perfect forfor thefor the cold the cold winter cold winter winter season season season $89$89 dandyworldwide.com $89 dandyworldwide.com dandyworldwide.com 03.03.

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As Asthe theseasons seasonschange change As Asthe theseasons seasonschange change from fromfall falltotowinter, winter,many many from fromfall falltotowinter, winter,many many turn turntotofuzzy fuzzysocks socksand and turn turntotofuzzy fuzzysocks socksand and gloves glovestotoprotect protectthemselves themselves gloves glovestotoprotect protectthemselves themselves against againstthe thedry, dry,cold coldclimate. climate. against againstthe thedry, dry,cold coldclimate. climate.

Jackets, Jackets,hats, hats,boots, boots,mittens, mittens, Jackets, Jackets,hats, hats,boots, boots,mittens, mittens, scarves scarvesand andpants pantsare areallall scarves scarvesand andpants pantsare areallall recommended recommendedtotofight fight recommended recommendedtotofight fight against againstthe theseasonal seasonalcold, cold,but but against againstthe theseasonal seasonalcold, cold,but but chapstick chapstickisisthe thetrue truelifesaver lifesaver chapstick chapstickisisthe thetrue truelifesaver lifesaver ofofLHS. LHS. ofofLHS. LHS. The Thewinner winnerofofwinter winterlips! lips!Burt’s Burt’sBees BeesisisananLHS LHSfavorite favoriteand andfor forgood good The Thewinner winnerofofwinter winterlips! lips!Burt’s Burt’sBees BeesisisananLHS LHSfavorite favoriteand andfor forgood good reason. reason.From Frombeing beingsmooth smoothand andbuttery butterytotosmelling smellingnice, nice,itithas hasititall. all.“It’s “It’s reason. reason.From Frombeing beingsmooth smoothand andbuttery butterytotosmelling smellingnice, nice,itithas hasititall. all.“It’s “It’s the thebest,” best,”said saida aBurt’s Burt’sBees Beesuser. user.“Period.

“Period.Vanilla VanillaBean Beanflavor flavoronly. only.Period.”

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“Period.Vanilla VanillaBean Beanflavor flavoronly. only.Period.”

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Another Anotherloyal loyaluser usersaid, said,“I“Ihave haveused useda alot lotofofchapstick chapstickcause causemy mylips lipsbleed bleed Another Anotherloyal loyaluser usersaid, said,“I“Ihave haveused useda alot lotofofchapstick chapstickcause causemy mylips lipsbleed bleed ininthe thewinter, winter,cause causeI Ilick lickmy mylips lipseven eventhough thoughI Iknow knowititisisbad, bad,and andI Ican can ininthe thewinter, winter,cause causeI Ilick lickmy mylips lipseven eventhough thoughI Iknow knowititisisbad, bad,and andI Ican can confidently confidentlysay saythat thatBurt’s Burt’sBees Beesisisthe thebest. best.ItItisisjust justsososmooth smoothand andbuttery, buttery, confidently confidentlysay saythat thatBurt’s Burt’sBees Beesisisthe thebest. best.ItItisisjust justsososmooth smoothand andbuttery, buttery, and andthe thescents scentssmell smellsosogood goodand andnot notchemically chemicallyI Iwill willdefend defendBurt’s Burt’sBees Bees and andthe thescents scentssmell smellsosogood goodand andnot notchemically chemicallyI Iwill willdefend defendBurt’s Burt’sBees Bees forever.” forever.” forever.” forever.”

The Thesmooth smoothrunner-up! runner-up!Aquaphor Aquaphorisisgreat greatfor forall, all,from fromitsitssqueeze squeeze The Thesmooth smoothrunner-up! runner-up!Aquaphor Aquaphorisisgreat greatfor forall, all,from fromitsitssqueeze squeeze tubes tubestotothe theglue gluestick stickapplicator. applicator.“It “Itisisthe thebest bestone onearound,” around,”said said tubes tubestotothe theglue gluestick stickapplicator. applicator.“It “Itisisthe thebest bestone onearound,” around,”said said Anonymous.

Anonymous.“It “Itdoes doesnot notburn burnwhen whenput puton. on.And Anditithelps helpschapped chappedlips lips Anonymous.

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While Whilebeing beingthe thetaker takerofofthe thename, name,itithas hasfew fewfans fans While Whilebeing beingthe thetaker takerofofthe thename, name,itithas hasfew fewfans fans ininLHS. LHS.Commonly Commonlyfound foundininthe thecheckout checkoutaisle, aisle,fans fans ininLHS. LHS.Commonly Commonlyfound foundininthe thecheckout checkoutaisle, aisle,fans fans seem seemtotolike likeititfor forthe theconvenience convenienceofofa agood goodchapstick. chapstick. seem seemtotolike likeititfor forthe theconvenience convenienceofofa agood goodchapstick. chapstick.

“Most “Mostavailable availableatatthe thestore/near store/nearthe thecheckout checkoutaisle,” aisle,” “Most “Mostavailable availableatatthe thestore/near store/nearthe thecheckout checkoutaisle,” aisle,” said saidAnonymous.

Anonymous.“Multiple “Multipleflavors flavorswithout withouta agrease grease said saidAnonymous.

Anonymous.“Multiple “Multipleflavors flavorswithout withouta agrease grease feel.” feel.” feel.” feel.”

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PHOTOS PHOTOS && ARTWORK ARTWORK USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION BYBY CANVA CANVA

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PHOTOS PHOTOS && ARTWORK ARTWORK USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION BY BY COEHRNS ANVA CANVA DESIGN DESIGN BYBY ELLIE ELLIE BOEHRNS B DESIGN DESIGN BYBY ELLIE ELLIE BOEHRNS BOEHRNS

TARGET CENTER

Statesbuds

by

by G Griffin riffin E EtrhEim trhEim & &m maddox addox r raph aph

The The trek trek from from LHS LHS in in Sioux Sioux Falls, Falls, South South Dakota Dakota to to Target Target Center Center in in Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota Minnesota is is aa long long and and dangerous dangerous journey. journey.

The three hour and 50 minute drive goes through extravagant cities such as Worthington and Mankato, filled The three hour and 50 minute drive goes through extravagant cities such as Worthington and Mankato, filled with with bumpy bumpy roads roads and and dripping dripping wet wet willies. willies. The The travel travel is is all all worth worth it, it, though, though, for for the the nearest nearest NBA NBA stadium stadium to to Sioux Sioux Falls Falls is is truly truly aa sight sight to to behold. behold.

Target Target Center Center is is aa great great stadium stadium for for enjoying enjoying basketball, basketball, but but it it also also holds holds aa great great variety variety of of foods. foods. Today, Today, we we will will put put these these foods foods to the test in a thrilling edition of Statesbuds. to the test in a thrilling edition of Statesbuds.

DILL PICKLE KNOTS

Maddox: Maddox: A A jaw jaw workout workout for for sure, sure, however, however, the the flavor flavor makes makes up up for for it, it, along along with with the the dill pickle dip.

It was an appetizer to get before the game.

There were two other dill pickle dip. It was an appetizer to get before the game. There were two other flavors flavors of of knots knots that that were were available: available: garlic garlic parm parm along along with with cinnamon cinnamon and and sugar. sugar.

Griffin: One would think pickle-seasoned balls of bread and Griffin: One would think pickle-seasoned balls of bread and aa pickle-flavored pickle-flavored dip dip might might be be overwhelming, overwhelming, but but the the balance balance was was surprisingly surprisingly tasteful. tasteful. The The dip dip was was satisfying satisfying enough enough to to eat eat on on its its own. own. The The knots knots did, did, however, however, feel feel aa little little stale stale and and it it took took an an unexpected unexpected amount amount of of work work to to eat eat them them considering considering how how unsatiating unsatiating they they were. were. All All in in all, a decent starter, but not something I would spend money on again. all, a decent starter, but not something I would spend money on again.

JERK CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

Maddox: Maddox: Where Where do do II even even begin? begin? Half Half of of aa waffle, waffle, chicken chicken and and fruit fruit in in aa bowl. bowl. As As far far as as looks go, I was not blown away.

I tasted the chicken, and it was excellent, but once I had looks go, I was not blown away. I tasted the chicken, and it was excellent, but once I had aa forkful forkful of of the the meal meal it it was was truly truly amazing. amazing. The The sweetness sweetness of of the the plantain plantain and and pineapple pineapple mixed mixed with the flavor of the chicken and texture of the waffle made this dish an excellent with the flavor of the chicken and texture of the waffle made this dish an excellent meal. meal.

Griffin: Griffin: This This is is my my certified certified boom boom of of the the night. night. The The first first bite bite of of the the jerk jerk chicken chicken and and waffles was deceiving, but the second was enlightening.

The tasteful spice of waffles was deceiving, but the second was enlightening. The tasteful spice of the the chicken chicken paired paired with with the the fluffy fluffy waffles waffles was was aa perfect perfect mix. mix. There There could could have have been been more more pineapple, pineapple, but but the amount that was there complimented the chicken perfectly.

As the true entree the amount that was there complimented the chicken perfectly. As the true entree of of the the day, day, this this did did not not disappoint, disappoint, and and II will will seek seek to to recreate recreate this this flavor flavor away away from from Target Target Center.

Center.

SHOT CLOCK SUNDAE

Maddox: Maddox: Trying Trying to to find find the the perfect perfect treat treat to to end end the the night night as as far far as as food food went went was was more of a challenge than I thought it would be.

The shot clock sundae caught more of a challenge than I thought it would be. The shot clock sundae caught my my eye. eye.

Most Most of of the the time time filling filling up up aa cup cup with with so so many many ingredients ingredients can can often often be be overwhelming, overwhelming, however, however, this this dessert dessert found found the the perfect perfect amount amount of of toppings toppings to to be be delicious delicious and and also also not be doing too much.

Given the amount of ingredients, it was relatively simple not be doing too much. Given the amount of ingredients, it was relatively simple and and satisfied satisfied me. me. Because Because of of this, this, the the shot shot clock clock sundae sundae was was the the boom boom of of the the night night for for me. me.

Griffin: Griffin: The The shot shot clock clock Sundae Sundae is is essentially essentially aa loaded loaded cup cup of of ice ice cream. cream. It It has has some some great great toppings, toppings, but but nothing nothing truly truly special. special. There There is is nothing nothing wrong wrong with with simplicity, simplicity, but but when watching something as exciting as Anthony Edwards poster dunks, when watching something as exciting as Anthony Edwards poster dunks, II am am left left hungry hungry for for something something aa bit bit more more adventurous. adventurous. It It is is nearly nearly impossible impossible to to mess mess up up ice ice cream, though. cream, though. photos by maddox raph photos by maddox raph artwork by Griffin EtrhEim artwork by Griffin EtrhEim dEsiGn by Griffin EtrhEim & maddox raph dEsiGn by Griffin EtrhEim & maddox raph

25 25

by Kinsley ernster

START

You are most likely to be Buddy from the Christmas movie, “Elf.” Buddy is full of energy and holiday cheer. All Buddy wants is to be accepted and loved by his father. He loves to get into the holiday spirit by decorating and singing Christmas songs. He also has an attachment to maple syrup and will put it on everything. Buddy adores Santa and will do anything for him.

You are similar to Cousin Eddie from the popular Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” On Christmas Eve, Eddie surprisingly shows up at Clark Griswold’s house and crashes the party with his family. Eddie says whatever is on his mind and most times does not think before saying or doing something.

You are similar to Santa Claus. Christmas is Santa’s favorite time of the year. He loves to give gifts to everyone and eats cookies until he cannot fit down the fireplace. This time of the year you will only ever see a smile on his face. He is also a leader and likes to boss his elf workers around.

You are most likely to be the famous Christmas character the Grinch.

He is a Christmas hater who lives up in the mountains far from the Whos in Whoville. The Whos are full of holiday spirit and the Grinch hates it. All he wants for Christmas is for it to end.

You are most like Ebenezer Scrooge from the classic film “A Christmas Carol.”

Scrooge lives in London and hates the holiday season and the town’s Christmas spirit. Scrooge sees Christmas as a “humbug.”

27

design by Kinsley ernster

You are most like Kevin McCallister from the very famous Christmas movie series, “Home Alone.” Kevin was left home alone while his family went to New York for Christmas.

When he realized he was alone he celebrated by running around crazy and doing activities he could never do with all his family home. Later he also helps himself to a large bowl of ice cream. He was a bit of a daredevil when he found out intruders were trying to rob his house.

He set up traps and pranks all throughout the house to stop them.

artworK by Kinsley ernster

There are an endless amount of Christmas movies and stories with countless numbers of timeless Christmas characters. Have you ever wondered which character you are most alike with? Take this quiz to find out if you are more of a Christmas hater, like Scrooge and the Grinch, or a Christmas lover, like Buddy the Elf and Santa Claus.

While Christmas Day often promises a variety of funny, useful and heartfelt gifts from loved ones, inevitably some gifts fail, providing their recipient with an unsatisfactory feeling. Several students at LHS have had this experience, where the gift meant to uplift them does the opposite.

One anonymous LHS student was hoping to quit band after Christmas break, but their mom had other plans.

On Christmas day in 2022, this student opened a brand new saxophone. While it is an incredibly nice gift, it has resulted in this student still being in band despite wanting to quit. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I had told her I was trying to quit, so the fact that she got me a brand new instrument really sucked,” said the anonymous LHS student.

Amber Comp, a biology teacher at LHS, was mortified 13 years ago when she opened the gift her husband’s grandma got for her, a black lace shawl. Not only did it age her, but it was the same gift her sister-in-law and mother-in-law received. “It looked like it was for an old lady,” said Comp.

Last Christmas, LHS student RaiAnna Rosa de Sharon’s nut allergy came to haunt her when she ate her grandmother’s Christmas chocolates. A slight miscommunication between her grandmother and her nearly resulted in a catastrophic Christmas, as she was unaware the chocolates contained almonds. Fortunately, Rosa de Sharon survived and went on to enjoy the rest of her Christmas break. “I ended up eating two of them before realizing, but I lived! My grandmother made nut-free snickerdoodle cookies as an apology,” said Rosa de Sharon.

Seven years ago, one anonymous LHS teacher watched their husband’s face fall as he opened a gift that went against everything he stood for: a Green Bay Packers cheese hat. As an avid Vikings fan, this teacher’s parents could not have picked a less fitting gift for him.

28

desiGn by Grace Miner photos by Grace Miner photos used with perMission by Vyasphoto froM Getty iMaGes pro, Liana horodetska, wikiMedia coMMons & anneLeVen artwork used with perMission by Marx fideL froM coLLectiVe conetent

Opening gifts on Christmas day is typically filled with smells of freshly baked pastries and cookies, the cool air outside and the wrapping paper that encloses the gifts. It is not embracing the rotten smell of death. But, for LHS student, Sam Barnett, Christmas in 2018 was filled with that smell when his grandma gifted him a dead cat. “It smelled very bad and was gross,” said Barnett.

Five years ago, educational Five assistant years ago,Wanetta Five years ago, Munce received a double-hammock educational assistant Wanetta educational assistant Wanetta fromMunce her son, which was very meaningful received a double-hammock Munce received a double-hammock to her she loves spending time from herbecause son, which was very meaningful from her son, was very meaningful outdoors, andwhich this her time that to her because she gift lovesshowed spending to her she loves spending time her sonbecause knew The outdoors, and her thispersonally. gift showed herextra that outdoors, and this allow gift showed her that tree-friendly straps her toThe hang it in her son knew her personally. extra her sonspots knewand her personally.

The extra tight usedher it to when sheit in tree-friendly strapsshe allow hang tree-friendly allow her tothrough hang it in andspots herstraps son tight and boondocked she used it when she tight spots and she used it when out she Arizona andboondocked Utah.

“Sleeping and her son through and under her sonthe boondocked through stars is a bliss,” Arizona and Utah. “Sleeping out Arizona and Utah. “Sleeping out Munce. under said the stars is a bliss,” under the stars is a bliss,” said Munce. said Munce.

AP Human Geo teacher Regan for always APMeyer, Humanknown Geo teacher AP Human Geoclassroom, teacher has having cookies in her Regan Meyer, known for always Regan Meyer, known for always been obsessed cooking sincehas she having cookieswith in her classroom, having cookies in her classroom, has wasbeen six and had “gone through a number obsessed with cooking since she obsessed with cooking since she of been different types of ‘play food,’” with was six and had “gone through a number was six and had “goneequipment through aand number very realistic kitchen food of different types of ‘play food,’” with of different types ‘play food,’” withthe products.

“There wasofsomething very realistic kitchen equipment about and food very realistic kitchen equipment anditfood fact that they were tiny and detailed; was products. “There was something about the products.

“There was something about She the very mid-90s in aesthetic,” said Meyer. fact that they were tiny and detailed; it was fact that they were tiny and detailed; it was received a Kitchen Littles kitchen set when very mid-90s in aesthetic,” said Meyer. She very mid-90s inwhich aesthetic,” saidher Meyer.

She she was has been favorite received aeight, Kitchen Littles kitchen set when received a Kitchen Littles kitchen setthe when Christmas gift, and she still has she was eight, which has been her favorite she was eight, which has been her favorite entire this day.

Christmas gift, set andtoshe still has the Christmas gift, and she still has the entire set to this day. entire set to this day.

When Kynzey McCue’s (9) gifted her a McCue’s record player parents When Kynzey (9) and When Kynzey McCue’s (9)found the records for Christmas year,player she parents gifted her last a record and parents gifted hertoa music recordmore playerpersonal and experience of listening records for Christmas last year, she found the records forthan Christmas lasttoyear, she found the and special listening music a phone. experience of listening to music moreonpersonal experience of listening to music more personal Her favorite bands/artists include Queen, and special than listening to music on a phone. and specialand than listening to music on a phone.

The Beatles Michael Jackson.

“They’re not just Her favorite bands/artists include Queen, Hermusicians; favorite bands/artists include Queen, amazing their music has stood thenot test The Beatles and Michael Jackson. “They’re just The Beatles Michael Jackson.

“They’re not just of time, andand hearing their songs vinylthe makes amazing musicians; their music hasonstood test it amazing musicians; their music has stood the test to feel legendary,” McCue. According of even time,more and hearing theirsaid songs on vinyl makes it of time, and hearing their sound songs the on vinyl makes it McCue, crackling record feel even morethe legendary,” said McCue. According to feelplayer even more legendary,” said McCue. According to makes before the music starts makes McCue, the crackling sound the record her McCue, theiscrackling sound the recordtime. feel like she transported to astarts different player makes before the music makes her player makes before the startsappreciate makes her “This hasmusic made feel likerecord she is player transported to a me different time. feel like sheinisatransported to a and different music wholehas newmade way makestime.

“This record player me appreciate “Thisevery record player made me appreciate feel has like experience,” music insong a whole newanway and makes music in a whole new way and makes every song said feel McCue. like an experience,” every song feel like an experience,” said McCue. said McCue.

Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be quite difficult, but when one receives a meaningful they Christmas feel knowngift andcan appreciated by those around These Finding thegift, perfect be quite difficult, but whenthem. one receives Finding the perfect Christmas gift canhave be quite difficult, butforwhen one receives gifts received by LHS staff and students been cherished years to even a meaningful gift, they feel known and appreciated by those around them. These a meaningful gift, they feel known and appreciated by those around them. These decades later. by LHS staff and students have been cherished for years to even gifts received gifts received by LHS staff and students have been cherished for years to even decades later. decades later.

Around first grade, Tanya Around Bjerke, afirst Special Education grade, Around grade, teacher, receivedafirst aSpecial pink life-sized Tanya Bjerke, Education Tanya Bjerke, Special Education Barbie house thata her dadlife-sized made for teacher, received a pink teacher, received a“[It] pink life-sized her and her sister. was twoBarbie house that her dad made for Barbie house could that her dad madeside,” for sided her so and[we] her sister. each “[It]have was atwoherBjerke. and her sister. “[It] was two-to said Her dad paid attention sided so [we] could each have a side,” sided solittle [we] couldand each have a side,” every detail even installed said Bjerke.

Her dad paid attention to said Bjerke.

Her dad paid attention lights, windows and carpet.

“It wasto every little detail and even installed every little detail andhours even installed something we spent playing lights, windows and carpet.

“It was lights, with windows and so carpet.

“It was and had manyplaying something we spent hours somethingmemories we spent using.” hours playing with and had so many with and had so many memories using.” memories using.”

Emmi Ness (10) received a pet corn Emmi Ness (10)snake Emmi Ness (10) from her grandpa in snake late received a pet corn receivedschool, a pet corn snake elementary which from her grandpa in lateshe from Snape. her grandpa innot late named While the elementary school, which she elementary school, which she most appealing pet to many, named Snape. While not the named Snape.

While not the Ness had always wanted a most appealing pet to many, most appealing pet to taking many, snake enjoyed Nessand hadhas always wanted a Ness had always wanted a careand of has him for the past snake enjoyed taking snake and has enjoyed taking six years. care of him for the past care of him for the past six years. six years.

Brooke Jackson (11) received a nice phone the Christmas of her Brooke Jackson (11) received Brooke year.

Jackson (11) received eighth-grade “Leading up to that a nice phone the Christmas of her a niceI phone the Christmas of her Christmas hadyear. a Samsung that super eighth-grade “Leading upgot to that eighth-grade year.

“Leading up to that hot and was cracked and three or four Christmas I had a Samsung that got super Christmas IJackson had a Samsung that got super years old.”was truly this hot and cracked andappreciated three or four hot and was cracked and wanted three orafour gift because she had always phone years old.” Jackson truly appreciated this yearswould old.” Jackson trulyand appreciated this that not had overheat wouldaallow gift because she always wanted phone gift because she had always wanted a phone her to have unlimited texts and calls and that would not overheat and would allow thatability wouldtonot overheat and would allow the Facetime. “[With brother her to have unlimited texts andmy calls and her I’s] to have unlimited calls and wetexts wouldand have to and buy the abilitySamsungs, to Facetime. “[With my brother the ability to Facetime. “[With my brother andSamsungs, replenish our time onhave texts and I’s] we would to buy and I’s] Samsungs, we would have to buy and calls,” said Jackson. and replenish our time on texts and replenish our time on texts and calls,” said Jackson. and calls,” said Jackson.

29 29 29

design design design design byby LaiLa LaiLa by byM LLaiLa M aiLa iLLer iLLer M MiLLer iLLer

With opposition to breakfast, one anonymous LHS student’s face fell as they opened a box of cereal on Christmas day at 12-years-old from their aunt. Making matters worse, it was not even a brand name box.

by LaiLa MiLLer

by LaiLa MiLLer

photos photos photos photos used used with used used with perMission with with perMission perMission perMission byby Lhs Lhs by by staff Lhs Lhs staff &staff staff & students students & & students students

by Grace Miner, editor-in-chief

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photos photos by naomi by nJaomi espersen Jespersen

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photos photos photos by n aomi by nJaomi by espersen nJaomi espersen Jespersen design design by n design aomi by nJaomi by espersen nJaomi espersen &Jespersen nadia & nsadia chneider & nsadia chneider schneider artwork artwork artwork used with used with permission used with permission permission by canva by canva by canva photos photos photos by n aomi by nJaomi by espersen nJaomi espersen Jespersen artwork artwork artwork used with used with permission used with permission permission by canva by canva by canva

(Adapted (Adapted from from Sally’s Sally’s Baking Baking Addiction) Addiction) Ingredients: Ingredients: (Adapted (Adapted (Adapted from from Sally’s from Sally’s Sally’s Baking Baking Baking Addiction) Addiction) Addiction) •(Adapted •(Adapted 36from Oreo 36from Oreo cookies cookies (Adapted Sally’s from Sally’s Sally’s Baking Baking Baking Addiction) Addiction) Addiction) Ingredients: Ingredients: Ingredients: • • 1 package 1 package (8 ounces) (8 ounces) of full-fat of full-fat brick brick cream cream cheese cheese Ingredients: Ingredients: Ingredients: • •36 •Oreo 36 Oreo 36cookies Oreo cookies cookies (room (room temperature) temperature) • •36 •Oreo 36 Oreo 36 Oreo 1 package 1 package 1 cookies package (8cookies ounces) (8cookies ounces) (8 ounces) of full-fat of full-fat of full-fat brick brick cream brick cream cheese cream cheese cheese ••Baking Baking chocolate, chocolate, white white or or dark • ••1 package 1 package 1 package (8 ounces) (8 ounces) (8 ounces) of full-fat of full-fat of dark full-fat brick brick cream brick cream cheese cream cheese cheese (room (room temperature) (room temperature) temperature) ••Vegetable Vegetable or coconut or coconut oildark oildark (room temperature) (room temperature) temperature) • ••(room Baking Baking Baking chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, white white or white or or dark Instructions: • Instructions: •Baking •Baking Baking chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, white white white or or dark Vegetable Vegetable Vegetable or coconut or coconut or coconut oil or oildark oildark 1.

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Repeat Repeat this until until the until the entire the entire entire • • 1 and 1 and 1/2 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons baking baking powder powder 4.

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Repeat Repeat this this until until until the entire the entire entire mixture mixture mixture is isthe isthe gone.

••1/4 1/4 teaspoon teaspoon salt salt with with parchment parchment paper.

Chill Chill in in the fridge fridge for lined for at at • ••2 2 2 and cups and 1 Tablespoon and 1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon all-purpose all-purpose all-purpose flour flour flour 1 cups and 1 cups and 1/2 1 and 1/2 teaspoons 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons baking baking baking powder powder powder mixture mixture mixture is is isthe gone.

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1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon teaspoon saltbutter saltbutter salt 10 ••Tablespoons 10 Tablespoons 10 Tablespoons (softened) butter (softened) (softened) with with parchment with parchment parchment paper. paper.

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• • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla vanilla extract extract it into it into a glass a glass bowl bowl or liquid or liquid measuring measuring cup. cup.

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5. 5.

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Instructions: Instructions: for around for around 20chocolate seconds 20 each each time. time.

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9.

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4.

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Form 5.

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Chill Chill the the dough dough balls balls in the in the refrigerator refrigerator for 20 for minutes 20 5.

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6. 6.

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Chill the Chill the dough the dough dough balls balls in balls the in the refrigerator in the refrigerator refrigerator 20 forsheet. minutes 20 forsheet. minutes 20 oven oven 350° to 350° F.the F.in 6. 6.

Chill 6.

Chill Chill the dough the dough dough balls balls balls the in the refrigerator in refrigerator refrigerator for preheat 20 for preheat minutes 20 for 20 to one tothe one day. toto one day.

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While While the dough the dough dough is the chilling, is chilling, is chilling, preheat theminutes theminutes the 7.

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Place Place the the chilled chilled dough dough balls balls on lined on lined baking baking sheets. sheets. to one to one day. to one day.

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While While dough the dough dough is chilling, is chilling, is chilling, preheat preheat preheat the the the oven oven to oven 350° to 350° toF. 350° F.the F.the Each Each cookie cookie should should be two be two inches from those those oven oven to oven 350° to 350° to F.350° F. F. 7. 7.

Place 7.

Place the Place the chilled the chilled chilled dough dough dough balls balls on balls lined oninches lined onfrom baking lined baking baking sheets. sheets. sheets. surrounding surrounding it. it.

7. 7.

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Place the Place the chilled the chilled chilled dough dough dough balls balls on balls lined onfrom lined onfrom baking lined baking baking sheets. sheets. sheets.

Each Each cookie Each cookie cookie should should should be two be two be inches two inches inches those from those those 8.

8.

Bake Bake for roughly for roughly 12two minutes 12two minutes orfrom until orfrom until the the edges edges appear appear Each Each cookie Each cookie cookie should be be be inches two inches inches those from those those surrounding surrounding surrounding it. should it. should it. completely completely set. set.

Take Take the the cookies cookies from from the the oven oven and and surrounding surrounding surrounding it. roughly it.

8. 8.

Bake 8.

Bake for Bake roughly for roughly for 12 it. minutes 12 minutes 12 minutes or until or until orthe until the edges the edges appear edges appear appear allow allow them them to rest to rest for five for five minutes. minutes.

8. 8.

Bake 8.

Bake for Bake roughly for roughly for roughly 12 minutes 12 minutes 12 minutes or until or until or the until the edges the edges appear edges appear completely completely completely set. set.

Take set.

Take the Take the cookies the cookies cookies from from the from the oven the oven and oven andappear and 9.

9.

After After five minutes, minutes, place place one one Hershey’s Hershey’s Kiss Kiss candy candy in in completely completely completely set. set.

Take set.

Take the Take the cookies the cookies cookies from from the from the oven the oven and oven and and allow allow them allow them tofive them rest to rest to for rest five for five for minutes. five minutes. minutes. the the center center of each of each cookie. cookie.

Then, Then, useKiss use a spatula acandy spatula orin fork orinfork allow allow them allow them tofive them rest tominutes, rest to for rest five for five for minutes. five minutes. minutes.

9. 9.

After 9.

After five After five minutes, minutes, place place one place one Hershey’s one Hershey’s Hershey’s Kiss Kiss candy candy in to move to move the cookies cookies toone atoplate. a plate.

For 10 10 minutes, allow allow 9. 9.

After After five After five minutes, five minutes, minutes, place place place one Hershey’s one Hershey’s Hershey’s Kiss Kiss Kiss candy in candy infork in the9. the center the center of center each ofthe each ofcookie. each cookie. cookie.

Then, Then, use Then, use aFor spatula use a minutes, spatula acandy spatula or fork or fork or the the plate plate to chill to chill in the in the freezer. freezer. the the center the center of center each of each of cookie. each cookie. cookie.

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For 10 For minutes, 10 minutes, 10 minutes, allow allow allow 10.

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Remove Remove the the cookies cookies from from the the freezer enjoy. enjoy. to to move to the move the cookies the cookies cookies to the afreezer. toplate. afreezer. toplate. afreezer.

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For 10freezer For minutes, 10and minutes, 10and minutes, allow allow allow themove the plate the plate to plate chill to chill to inchill the in in the the the plate the plate toplate chill to chill to inchill the in the freezer. inthe the freezer. freezer.

10. 10.

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Remove Remove the the cookies the cookies cookies from from from the freezer the freezer freezer andand enjoy. and enjoy. enjoy.

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3131 313131 313131

by Will Hansen

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it is important to have an excellent playlist to listen to with the snow up to your knees, and the sight of Christmas trees and presents all around. Having the perfect playlist is essential to a wonderful holiday season, which is why I have compiled a list of Christmas songs to ensure a jolly Christmas.

“Jingle Bell Rock” - Bobby Helms

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” Michael Bublé

“Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” - Dean Martin

“Deck The Halls” - Nat King Cole

“Last Christmas” - Wham!

“Feliz Navidad” - José Feliciano

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” - Mariah Carey

“Underneath the Tree” - Kelly Clarkson

“Snowman” - Sia

“Santa Tell Me” - Ariana Grande

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Phoebe Bridgers

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” - Brenda Lee

“Silent Night” - Carrie Underwood

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” - John Lennon

“Jingle Bells” - Frank Sinatra

“Blue Christmas” - Elvis Presley

32

pHotos used WitH permission by album studios design by Will Hansen

byLL eahM Mannes annes ditor-i -inn-c -chief hief& &ssteLLa teLLassonnichsen onnichsen by eah , ,eeditor

by Leah Mannes, editor-in-chief & steLLa sonnichsen

thecurtains curtainsrise riseatatthe theOrpheum OrpheumTheater TheaterCenter, Center, “Ittakes takesaalot lotofof work, work,but butit’s it’salso alsoaalot lotofof fun,” fun,”said said AsAsthe “It As the curtains rise atSioux the Orpheum Theater Center, “It takes a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun,” said students from throughout Falls become classmates Meyerink. students from throughout Sioux Falls become classmates Meyerink. students fromHigh throughout Sioux Fallsspotlights, become classmates Meyerink.

North Shore School.Dazzling Dazzling dance Ateach eachrehearsal, rehearsal,the theactors actorsmust muststay stayfocused focusedand and atatNorth Shore High School. spotlights, dance At at North Shore High School. Dazzling spotlights, dance At each rehearsal, the actors must stay focused and sequencesand andsongs songstell tella astory storyofoffriendship friendshipand andbetrayal betrayal intentional.Practicing Practicingafter afteraalong long dayofof school school canbe be sequences sequences and songs tell a story of friendship and betrayal intentional. intentional. Practicing after a longday day of schoolcan can be theSpotlight SpotlightTheater TheaterCompany Companyproduction productionofofthe the draining,but butthey theymust mustkeep keeptheir theirenergy energyhigh highto toimprove improve ininthe draining, in the Spotlight Theater Company production of the draining, but they must keep their energy high to improve musical“Mean “MeanGirls GirlsJr.,” Jr.,”brought broughttotolife lifebybylocal localstudents, students, andget getthe themost mostout outofof rehearsal. rehearsal. musical and musical “Mean Girls Jr.,” brought to life by local students, and get the most out of rehearsal. including several from LHS. “Before the show, you’re doingall all thevocal vocal warm-upsand and including several fromfrom LHS. “Before thethe show, you’re doing including several LHS. “Before show, you’re doing allthe the vocalwarm-ups warm-ups and “Mean Girls Jr.” is based on the successful Broadway everything.

Then, you’re kind of just silent, getting ready “Mean Girls Jr.” Jr.” is based on the successful Broadway everything.

Then, you’re kind ofofjust “Mean Girls is based on the successful Broadway everything.

Then, you’re kind justsilent, silent,getting gettingready ready musical“Mean “MeanGirls,” Girls,”first firstperformed performedinin2018 2018and and andthinking thinkinglike like‘Oh, ‘Oh,how howwould wouldmy mycharacters characterssay say this, musical and musical “Mean Girls,” first performed in 2018 and and thinking like ‘Oh, how would my characters saythis, this, nominatedfor for 12Tony TonyAwards.

Awards.Tina TinaFey’s Fey’shit hit2004 2004film film howwould wouldmy mycharacter charactersay saythat?’ that?’ It’smore more justlike like a nominated ororor how nominated 12 for 12 Tony Awards. Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film how would my character say that?’It’s It’s morejust just likea a “MeanGirls,” Girls,”a astaple stapleofofcoming-of-age coming-of-agemovies, movies,inspired inspired mentalmindset mindsetthat thatyou youjust justget getinto,” into,”said said Hajal.

“Mean mental “Mean Girls,” a staple of coming-of-age movies, inspired mental mindset that you just get into,” saidHajal.

Hajal. theoriginal original musical.

“Mean Girls Jr.” is a shorter and Hajal has significant experience preparing for a show; he the musical.

“Mean Girls Jr.” is a shorter and Hajal has significant experience preparing the original musical. “Mean Girls Jr.” is a shorter and Hajal has significant experience preparingfor fora ashow; show;hehe cleaner version of the Broadway musical, although most of has been involved in theater for 11 years.

Like many parents cleaner version of the Broadway musical, although most of of hashas been involved in in theater forfor 1111years. cleaner version of the Broadway musical, although most been involved theater years.Like Likemany manyparents parents theplot plot similar.

The storyline follows Cady Heron who encourage their children play sport or join an the isissimilar.

The storyline follows Cady Heron asasshe encourage their children tototoplay the plot is similar.

The storyline follows Cady Heron asshe she who who encourage their children playaaasport sportor orjoin joinan an navigates hermove move from Africa Illinois.

AsAs she attends activity, Hajal’s mom “forced” him totopartake partake theater when navigates her from Africa totoIllinois.

As she attends activity, Hajal’s mom “forced” him navigates her move from Africa to Illinois. she attends activity, Hajal’s mom “forced” himto partakeinin intheater theaterwhen when high school for the first time, she must learn “the rules of he was only six years old.

His older brother was involved highhigh school for the firstfirst time, she she must learn “the“the rules of of he he was only sixsix years old.

His older school for the time, must learn rules was only years old.

His olderbrother brotherwas wasinvolved involved theschool” school” andand decide who sheshe will befriend.

However, well, Hajal quickly came to enjoy acting the and decide who she will befriend.

However, inintheater asasas well, sososo Hajal quickly the school” decide who will befriend.

However, intheater theater well, Hajal quicklycame cameto toenjoy enjoyacting acting drama unfolds when Heron attempts join the popular and performing.

After participating other shows over drama unfolds when Heron attempts totojoin the popular and performing.

After participating drama unfolds when Heron attempts to join the popular and performing.

After participatinginininother othershows showsover over girls known as “the plastics.”

Heron has to ultimately decide the years, such as “Newsies Jr.” and “Spongebob,” Spotlight girlsgirls known as “the plastics.”

Heron hashas to ultimately decide years, such as as “Newsies Jr.” and known as “the plastics.”

Heron to ultimately decide thethe years, such “Newsies Jr.” and“Spongebob,” “Spongebob,”Spotlight Spotlight whether sheshould should true herself continue going Theatre Company now means more to Hajal. whether she bebetrue totoherself ororcontinue going Theatre Company now means more whether she should be true to herself or continue going Theatre Company now means moreto toHajal.

Hajal. after popularity and clout.

“It’s a community there that you would never have popularity clout.

“It’s a community there that youwould wouldnever neverhave have afterafter popularity and and clout.

“It’s a community there that you Many LHS students were cast in “Mean Girls Jr.,” otherwise.

It’s not just like a school community, there are Many students were in “Mean Girls otherwise. just like a schoolcommunity, community,there thereare are Many LHSLHS students were castcast in “Mean Girls Jr.,”Jr.,” otherwise.

It’sIt’s notnot just like a school including for some of the lead roles.

Senior Lily Gruber people all around the area,” said Hajal. including for some of the roles.

Senior Gruber people around area,” said Hajal. including for some of the leadlead roles.

Senior LilyLily Gruber people allall around thethe area,” said Hajal. plays Gretchen Weiners, senior Claire Meyerink acts Coincidentally, Meyerink had experience joining plays Gretchen Weiners, senior Claire Meyerink acts Coincidentally, Meyerink had asimilar similarexperience experiencejoining joining plays Gretchen Weiners, senior Claire Meyerink acts asasas Coincidentally, Meyerink had aasimilar Karen Smith, senior Mark Hajal appears as Damian, junior theater and the Spotlight Theatre Company.

Karen Smith, senior Mark Hajal appears as Damian, junior theater and the Spotlight Theatre Company.

Karen Smith, senior Mark Hajal appears as Damian, junior theater and the Spotlight Theatre Company.

Ellie Quinn plays Ms. George/Ms. Duvall/Ensemble, junior “The first time that was with my older Ellie Quinn plays Ms. George/Ms. Duvall/Ensemble, junior “The “The first time that Iauditioned auditionedwas waswith withmy myolder older Ellie Quinn plays Ms. George/Ms. Duvall/Ensemble, junior first time that IIauditioned Chalease Kenyon appears as Taylor/French Teacher/ brother, so we both did it.

Seeing how much fun he had made Chalease Kenyon appears as Taylor/French Teacher/ brother, so we both did it.

Seeing how much fun he hadmade made Chalease Kenyon appears as Taylor/French Teacher/ brother, so we both did it. Seeing how much fun he had Ensemble, sophomore Marrie Luther plays Mrs. Heron/ me keep doing it and I made friends that kept me in it,” said Ensemble, sophomore Marrie Luther plays Mrs. Heron/ me keep doing it and I made friends that kept me in it,” said Ensemble, sophomore Marrie Luther plays Mrs. Heron/ me keep doing it and I made friends that kept me in it,” said Ensemble andand freshman Molly Abels acts Mathlete/ Meyerink.

Ensemble freshman Molly Abels acts as Mathlete/ Meyerink.

Ensemble and freshman Molly Abels acts asasMathlete/ Meyerink.

Ensemble.

The actors put in great time and effort to be able Ensemble. actors in great effort to be Ensemble.

TheThe actors put put in great timetime andand effort to be ableable embody their characters.

They practiced forfor about two to embody their characters.

They practiced about two totoembody their characters.

They practiced for about two months before the show, progressively more as they got months before the show, progressively more as they got months before the show, progressively more as they got closer theperformance. performance. thethe week leading upup closer to the performance.

In week leading tothe the closer totothe InInthe week leading up totothe show, the actors practiced from 4:30 to 8 p.m. every day. show, the actors practiced from 4:30 to 8 p.m. every day. show, the actors practiced from 4:30 to 8 p.m. every day.

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photos Leah annes steLLa sonnichsen photos byby Leah MM annes && steLLa sonnichsen photos by Leah Mannes & steLLa sonnichsen

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designby byLL eahM Mannes annes&&ss teLLassonnichsen onnichsen design eah teLLa design by Leah Mannes & steLLa sonnichsen

Beingaaconvincing convincing actor actor takes takes time time and and dedication. dedication. One One must get Being Being a convincing takes time and dedication.

One must get used tobeing being on stage stageactor and having having hundreds of eyes eyes on on them. used to on and hundreds of them.

Many used toactors beinghave on stage and having ofget eyes on as them.

Many young actors have stage fright thathundreds they must must get over as well. young stage fright that they over However, young actors have frightand thatexcitement they must get as well. However, not only actors feelstage the stress stress and excitement of aaover performance. not only actors feel the of performance.

While not onlyStage actorsManager feel the stress and junior excitement a performance.

Student Stage Manager and LHS LHS junior Scout ScoutofMinister Minister does notWhile Student and does have to Student Stage Manager and LHS junior Scout Minister does not have face an audience, she plays a vital role in the efficiency and fluidity of to the face an audience, she plays a vital role in the efficiency and face an audience, she plays a vital role in the efficiency and fluidity of the performance. performance. performance.

“Mymain main responsibility responsibility isis calling calling the the show show and and making making sure everyone “My “My main responsibility is calling the help showwith and the making hitting their cues correctly, correctly, but II also also help with the micssure isishitting their cues but mics and everyone some is hitting their cues correctly, but I also help with the mics and of the theprops. props. During During rehearsals, rehearsals, II would would usually usually run run the the music musicsome of as well ofI’m themuch props.more During rehearsals, I would the music as well I’m much more confident in my my abilityusually to stage stagerun manage ...... confident in ability to manage because I’ve ... I’mable much more confident my ability to stage manage because been able to work work with with some someinreally really amazing people and learn learn been to amazing people and fromI’ve been able to work some really amazing people and learn from professionals,” saidwith Minister. professionals,” said Minister. professionals,” said Minister.

Theshow show explores explores the the challenges challenges of of growing growing up up and and struggling struggling The The show explores the challenges of growing uppeer and struggling tofind findyourself. yourself.

The characters characters deal with with bullying, peer pressure and to The deal bullying, pressure to find yourself.

Thewhile characters deal with with bullying, peerlike pressure and friendship struggles while also wrestling wrestling with feelings feelings like friendship struggles also insecurity friendship struggles while also wrestling with feelings like insecurity andanxiety. anxiety. The The performers performers hope hope that that seeing seeing the the show show can can inspire and and anxiety.

The performers hope that who seeing show can inspire other kids,specifically specifically high schoolers, schoolers, arethe struggling other kids, high who are struggling with the same other kids, specifically high schoolers, who are struggling with the same issues. issues. issues.

“Youdon’t don’t need need to to change change for for anyone. anyone. It’s It’s important important to to be yourself “You “You don’t need to change for anyone.

It’s important to andfind findpeople people that that you you can can be be yourself yourself with,” with,” said said Hajal.

Hajal.be yourself and and find people that youmiddle can beschool yourself said Hajal.

Having experienced andwith,” high school, school, it was was easy for Having experienced middle school and high it Having experienced middle school and high school, it was easy for theactors actorsto to connect connect with with their their on-stage on-stage personas. personas. Although Although the they might the actors to connect with their on-stage personas. Although they might have different personalities personalities or or interests, interests, the the cast cast actively actively faces faces a similar have different have different personalities or interests, the cast actively faces a similar environment to to the characters characters in the the show. show. While While the the musical musical is a highly environment environment to the the characters in in the show.

While the musical is a highly dramatized version of real life, the personal connection helped the cast dramatized personal connection connectionhelped helped dramatized version version of of real real life, life, the the personal the cast to get into character and connect with the story. to with the the story. story. toget getinto intocharacter character and and connect connect with “Havinggone gone through different different friendships friendships throughout throughout middle middle school school “Having “Having gone through through different friendships throughout middle school andhigh highschool, school, [I [I can can relate]. relate]. There’s There’s aa bunch bunch of of characters characters that that and and high school, [I can relate]. There’s a bunch of characters that realizethat that maybe their their friends aren’t aren’t the the best best friends, friends, so so they they have have to realize realize that maybe maybe their friends friends aren’t the best friends, so they have toto figure things out,” said Meyerink. figure figurethings things out,” out,” said said Meyerink.

Meyerink.

Thedirectors directors and staff staff of the the show show used used these these lessons lessons about about The The directors and and staff of of the show used these lessons about friendship and kindness to bring the cast closer together and instillaaa friendship the cast cast closer closer together togetherand andinstill instill friendshipand and kindness kindness to to bring bring the foundation of empathy and compassion within the group.

To dothis, this, foundation within the the group. group.To Todo do this, foundation of of empathy empathy and and compassion compassion within they started “Learn Book,” Book,” in in homage homage to tothe theclassic classic“Burn “BurnBook” Book”from from they to the classic “Burn Book” from theystarted started aaa “Learn “Learn Book,” in homage “Mean Girls.”

At every rehearsal, the cast answered questions from the “Mean Girls.”

At every rehearsal, the cast answered questions from the “Mean Girls.” At every answered questions from the book and completed activities to get to know each other better. book know each each other otherbetter. better. bookand andcompleted completed activities activities to get to know “Before every rehearsal, rehearsal, we we would would always alwaysget gettogether togetherand andhave haveaaa “Before always get together and have “Beforeevery every rehearsal, ‘Learn Book’ and the kids would mingle throughout the process toget get ‘Learn throughout the theprocess processto to get ‘LearnBook’ Book’ and and the the kids kids would mingle throughout to know each other.

We tried to keep positive vibes going since so much to positive vibes vibes going goingsince sinceso somuch much toknow knoweach each other. other. We We tried to keep positive of the show is aaa little little bit bit mean,” mean,” said said Stage StageManager ManagerRachel RachelWinters.

Winters. of Stage Manager Rachel Winters. of the theshow show isis little bit Performing arts offer offer students students aa platform platformto tobe bethemselves themselvesand and Performing arts arts offer Performing platform to be themselves and explore their creativity.

Not only are students learning valuable life explore their creativity.

Not only are students learning valuable explore their creativity. students learning valuablelife life lessons from the shows and the deeper meanings behind them, but they lessonsfrom from the the shows shows and the deeper meanings lessons meanings behind behindthem, them,but butthey they are becoming more self-confident and self-assured. arebecoming becoming more more self-confident self-confident and self-assured. are self-assured.

“Performing arts really really helps helps you youhave haveaaasense senseof of self self and andbe be “Performing arts arts “Performing have sense of self and be able to stand up in front of a group and talk…and be able to figure out ableto tostand stand up up in in front front of a group and talk…and able talk…and be be able ableto tofigure figureout out who you are in this crazy world that we live in,” said Winters. crazy world that we live who you are in this crazy live in,” in,” said said Winters.

Winters.

The show four days with a total of five performances atthe the ran for four days with a total of five performances The show ran for four days with a total of five performancesatat the Main Stage Theater Center.

Spotlight continues to produce Orpheum Theater Center.

Spotlight continues to produce Main Stage Orpheum Theater Center. Spotlight continues to produce showsyear-round year-round while while offering offering acting acting classes classesand andsummer summercamps campsinin in while offering shows acting classes and summer camps addition.

This Spotlight Theater Company plans to perform spring, Spotlight Theater Company plans to perform addition. This spring, Spotlight Theater Company plans to perform “Alicein inWonderland” Wonderland” and and “The “The Lion Lion King KingJr.” Jr.”The Thecompany companyhopes hopestoto to and “The Lion “Alice King Jr.” The company hopes continue introducing local kids to the performing arts and inspire them local kids to the performing arts and inspire them continue introducing local kids to the performing arts and inspire them tonot notonly onlybecome better performers, performers, but butbetter betterpeople peopletoo. too. become better better performers, to but better people too.

It’s something “Keepperforming. performing. It’s It’s something something that’s that’saaapart partof of yourself yourself that thatyou you “Keep that’s part of yourself that you Be true to yourself,” said Winters. can use forever. true to yourself,” said Winters. can use forever. Be true to yourself,” said Winters.

“The plastics” played by Lily Gruber, Claire Meyerink Meyerink and and “The plastics” playedshow

by Lily Gruber, and Cady HeronClaire their Meyerink Burn Book.

Chloe Miller Book.

Chloe Miller show Cady Heron their Burn Book.

Ms. Duvall, Duvall, played played by Ms.

by Ellie Ellie Quinn, Quinn, greets greets Cady Cady Heron, Heron, Ms. Duvall, played Ellie Quinn, greetsShore CadyHigh Heron, played

by Olivia Olivia Gill,byas she joins North School. played by Gill, as she joins North Shore High School. played by Olivia Gill, as she joins North Shore High School.

Thespotlight spotlight is Mark Hajal stars Damian.

The spotlight on Mark Hajal as he stars as Damian.

The is is onon Mark Hajal as as hehe stars as as Damian.

The after their performance of ofthethe Thecast castposes poses after their performance The cast poses after their performance of the song “I’d Rather BeBe Me.” song “I’d Rather Me.” song “I’d Rather Be Me.”

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Zach Wessels

by logan Sanborn

“Just who is Zach Wessels?” The question that is on everyone’s mind.

As he is not a faculty member of the Sioux Falls School District, many are unfamiliar with him. With his novelty and basketball season starting to ramp up, he has been the talk of the town these past few weeks as one of LHS’s newest edition to their coaching staff.

Wessels found his passion for basketball when he first started the sport all the way back in 3rd grade. Playing through high school, he eventually went on to play college ball for the University of Sioux Falls.

His immense knowledge and talent for basketball would lead him down numerous coaching opportunities. One of which was coaching Sibley Iowa’s high school girl’s basketball team. There are two facts to note about Sibley when discussing basketball, first, 27 years, which was how long it had been since their girls team had made it to state, and second, it took only one year of Wessels as the head coach for that to change.

“Being able to see the [Sibley’s] girls’ hard work pay off like that will stay with me forever,” said Wessels.

After waving goodbye to Iowa and moving to Sioux Falls, Wessels went one year without coaching entirely. However, he was eventually offered a coaching position at LHS in May of 2024. In that short time, Wessels has focused on building strong relationships with his team. He spent much of his time in summer open gyms and practices, focused on the goal of a unified team. His enthusiasm can be seen through his players. Sophomore, Kacie Adler, has first-hand experience of Wessels’ drive for the team.

“Coach Wessels always tried to make everyone feel included during the summer. Whether it was mixed teams during training, team bonding outside of the sport or even talking to everyone before practices,” said Adler.

Wessels’ commitment to the team extends beyond just showing up to practices but goes into his expectations for the team as a whole.

Focusing on team bonding, Wessels plans to move the goalpost for his girls through strong relationships.

“We want to see how high our ceiling can be with this fun group, and then work towards reaching that ceiling,” said Wessels.

Wessels brings a competitive energy to LHS basketball. This shift is no better seen than the number of girls who are signed up to try out, which includes 36 this year. Many returning team members are excited for this year’s new roster.

“Wessels always tries to include everyone, and make more people want to be included. He always tries to create new fun activities that everyone will like, and everyone could be a part of,” said Adler.

Wessels hopes to foster a positive, eager basketball community on and off the court. Although the season has hardly started, it is safe to say that Zach Wessels, a man who was not even in the minds of LHS’s student body less than a year ago, his team and LHS are eager to see what happens this season.

Boys

by Cooper SChultz

The LHS boys’ basketball team finished the regular season with a record of 10-10 and were eliminated in their Sodak 16 game against Watertown. This resulted in the retirement of 15-year head coach Jeff Halseth. The vacant spot was a topic of conversation throughout the school for a month before LHS alum Luke Hannemann was hired as the new varsity coach and math teacher in April.

Before working at LHS, Hannemann was a teacher and basketball coach at RHS. “It was kind of odd getting the job last April while I still had to teach at Roosevelt,” said Hannemann.

Hannemann set up some open gyms towards the end of the school year to build early relationships with the players. On top of that, he has gotten to know the players through weightlifting and scrimmages.

Being a first-year coach can be difficult because they have to adjust to the new environment quickly, luckily for Hannemann, that will not be necessary.

“It was honestly a dream job of mine because I went to school here,” said Hannemann.

Hannemann’s connection to LHS is strong as his two brothers were also alums at LHS. On top of that, he was a part of the state championship team at LHS in 2009. Hannemann’s championship pedigree goes beyond playing the game as he was the assistant coach for RHS during their back-to-back state titles in 2021 and 2022. Despite last season’s woes, Hannemann expects great results from the Patriots going forward.

“We have very high expectations as a group to win a lot of basketball games,” said Hannemann.

Due to the loss of many seniors last year, there are few players who have varsity experience. Seniors Edison Noll and Luke Krempges along with juniors, Sam Ericsson and Sam DeGroot will have to step into that leadership role. Despite the lack of experience, Hannemann believes there is a surplus of talent on the roster. However, for Hannemann, coaching is more than just about sports.

“We want to be a team that when people look at us within the school or the community, they look at Lincoln basketball and they’re like ‘Oh they do things the right way’,” said Hannemann.

Hannemann wants the players to be seen as a team that perseveres through obstacles and works hard at all times, whether it be an important game or a routine weightlifting session.

Hanneman is ready for any challenge that might come his way this season and is looking forward to the start of his head coaching journey at LHS. “I’m just trying to create an experience for the kids in the basketball program that they are proud to be a part of and when they look back at it down the road, they can say it had a major impact on their life,” said Hannemann.

photoS uSed with permiSion by

Colton tolly artwork uSed with permiSSion by

CaCaby & Canva deSign by logan Sanborn & Cooper SChultz

Luke Hannemann

Girls

37

by Joseph Tunge

“This is the pinnacle of the sport; any distance runner across the country would say that making Nike Nationals is the best achievement you can achieve in high school as a runner,” said Luke Jelen, head coach of LHS Cross Country. “I think this team could be considered the greatest boys cross country team in South Dakota history.”

Qualifying for the Nike Nationals meet, created by Nike in 2004 to recognize a national champion and pit the top 22 crosscountry teams in the nation against each other, is a feat that has only been accomplished by two other teams in South Dakota history. Additionally, this team is the first ever to automatically qualify for the meet by placing second at the Heartland Regionals race.

“When we came into the program as freshmen, we weren’t super fast compared to everyone in the region, but I would say we had the biggest goals out of everyone,” said LHS senior, Joseph Levesque.

After placing first at Augustana Twilight, second at Roy Griak and winning the state meet by a margin of 84 points, the team was confident in its ability to compete for a spot at nationals. They had no cheesy sports cliches or motivational sayings to share, just a simple commitment to consistency.

They had a clear goal; they believed they could achieve it and succeeded.

“Our freshman year, Jelen sat us down and he was like, ‘I think we can do something special.’ He told us that he believed in us

38

design by Joseph Tunge arTwork by Jd yunag phoTo by Joseph Tunge

and that we could go to nationals, and for three years ever since then, we have been grinding every week, every day to get it done,” said LHS senior Aemil Nelsen.

As a freshman, Levesque ran the 5000-meter race in 18 minutes, 20.50 seconds and as a senior, he ran 15 minutes, 21.3 seconds. It took four years of consistent training to cut off three minutes from his time, every second well-earned.

“When we were freshmen, we would run 35-50 miles per week with a couple of really hard workouts. Throughout the years, we have added more lifting, and this past summer, we got up to 55-70 miles each week with long runs ranging up to 16 miles and lots of hard workouts,” said Levesque.

The workouts became more intense, the runs got longer and the diet got stricter. Yet no new coach made the change; the transformation of the team training was entirely due to the runners’ motivation to get better.

“These guys have an unwavering discipline and commitment to the sport and each other. The amount of ways that these guys are willing to change their lives around for the sport is pretty incredible,” said Jelen. “I’ve coached a lot of really committed people, but I’ve never really had a team of seven guys this committed, and they’ve earned what they’ve got.”

In a typical year, the team would have wrapped up the season after regionals. However, this year is different: one more race remains on the horizon. This race also comes with all-expenses-paid flights, hotels, food, and over a thousand dollars’ worth of Nike gear.

“The plane leaves early in the morning on Dec. 5, and then we get to Portland in the afternoon on a Thursday. For the rest of that day, Friday and Saturday, and the morning of Sunday, we will be in Portland. The race is on Saturday in the middle of the day. We get to stay in the bubble, kinda like the Olympics where you get to stay in a hotel room with all the other teams,” said Levesque.

On an individual level, Levesque is eager to compete alongside the country’s top high school runners and experience what a college race might be like. On a team level, their success will undoubtedly inspire future runners for many years.

“These guys were inspired by Ali Bainbridge, who was a runner a couple of years ago that made nationals individually. Four of these boys flew out to Portland to watch her at that meet, and I think that is one of the reasons that inspired this. They were inspired by her, and so I hope that same thing happens with the younger runners on our team right now,” said Jelen.

Likewise, junior Miles Lechtenberg, one of the seven traveling to Portland, believes that his success in cross country will have a lasting impact on his life beyond the sport. “[Cross country] will definitely help me doing other things in my life because what we’ve done the past few years has been so much discipline. I’ve missed out on football games, I’ve missed out on hanging out late with my friends and staying up late, but I think that will help me stay disciplined as a person in the future,” said Lechtenberg.

“The Bole”

“The Shell” is a route coach Jelen nicknamed after Cole Schellpfeffer for the sheer grit it takes to complete. The route is a path through a neighborhood with several steep hills. It is great to work on hill fitness and includes on bonus porta potty along the way.

39

photos used with perMission photos used with perMission by south dakota pubLic by south dakota pubLic broadcasting - Landon deboer broadcasting - Landon deboer

by ashLyn hoffMan by ashLyn hoffMan

photos by Leah Mannes photos by Leah Mannes

headNikki coach, Nikki Nyhaug, and assistant coach, Engel, Allison Engel, The newThe headnew coach, Nyhaug, and assistant coach, Allison have recently started a new beginning with the LHS volleyball team. have recently started a new beginning with the LHS volleyball team. With 16With 16 on theteam, varsity team, them being underclassmen, girls have girls on girls the varsity seven of seven themof being underclassmen, the girlsthe have to pull out 11 and 13 losses. managedmanaged to pull out 11 wins andwins 13 losses.

The girls did not have an easy season, theykept always kept working The girls did not have an easy season, but theybut always working hard. hard.

“Not winning every game is normal.

Knowing how to handle “Not winning every game is normal. Knowing how to handle losses is losses what is what I will latersaid in life,” saidHayden junior Kok. Hayden Kok. Volleyball helped the I will take withtake me with later me in life,” junior Volleyball helped the girls grow mentally and physically this leaving season, them leaving them girls grow mentally and physically this season, with thewith core the core of sportsmanship and dedication. values ofvalues sportsmanship and dedication.

The LHS cheer team had a consistent season this year, competing with their The LHS cheer team had a consistent season this year, competing with their opponents and maintaining grit. Head coach Rachel Selberg, assistant coach Taylor opponents and maintaining grit. Head coach Rachel Selberg, assistant coach Taylor Currey and 24 girls up this year’s competitive cheerleading state, they Currey and 24 girls made upmade this year’s competitive cheerleading team. Atteam. state,At they placed 13th out of 19 teams.

Alongside cheer, head coach Jennifer Van Dyke, coach Leah Pyle placed 13th out of 19 teams. Alongside cheer, head coach Jennifer Van Dyke, assistantassistant coach Leah Pyle and 21 girls up the LHS competitive dance team.

They performed impressively, and 21 girls made upmade the LHS competitive dance team.

They performed impressively, with Hipwith HopHip Hop placing 5th14out of Jazz 14 and Jazz 6th placing 6th10. outDance of 10.provided Dance provided seniorPenning-Dahl Jaidyn Penning-Dahl with placing 5th out of and placing out of senior Jaidyn with life lessons she will never forget. life lessons she will never forget.

“Everyone has different andatlearns at different so you can’t be too on people “Everyone has different skills andskills learns different paces, sopaces, you can’t judge orjudge be tooorhard on hard people for that reason,” said Penning-Dahl. for that reason,” said Penning-Dahl.

The athletes student athletes on theuse teams cheer and as anand outlet and to themselves, express themselves, The student on the teams cheeruse and dance asdance an outlet to express a gift a gift valuable to many. valuable to many.

photos by ashLyn hoffMan photos by ashLyn hoffMan

LHS team football had an impressive The LHSThe football hasteam also has hadalso an impressive season. season.

With 69 boys on the roster this year, they won games and With 69 boys on the roster this year, they won 10 games10and one.

Theyascored of 486this points thiswhile season while lost one.lost They scored total ofa total 486 points season only allowing to beagainst. scored against.

16, the boys only allowing 184 to be184 scored On Nov.On 16, Nov. the boys had an excellent win at the SDHSAA state championship, had an excellent win at the SDHSAA state championship, 31-21.Luke Senior Luke Krempges the winningwinning 31-21. Senior Krempges receivedreceived the Outstanding Lineman award, and Sophomore Brody Shafer won Outstanding Lineman award, and Sophomore Brody Shafer won the Outstanding and MVP award. the Outstanding Back andBack MVP award. helped boys theofvalues of true friendship and sportsmanship throughout FootballFootball helped the boysthe learn thelearn values true friendship and sportsmanship throughout the “... season, “... we went from beingofa team of not knowing thewas season wasgogonna the season, we went from being a team not knowing how the how season gonna to go to becoming bestand friends andeach having eachbacks,” other’ssaid backs,” saidReuben senior Diehyee.

Reuben Diehyee. becoming best friends having other’s senior After spending almost every day together for the six months, team abecame After spending almost every day together for the past six past months, the teamthe became family. a family.

LHS Cross Country led byLuke Coach Luke Jelen, exceeded expectations The LHSThe Cross Country team, ledteam,

by Coach Jelen, exceeded expectations once once again this The season. boys first place with at State with 37 teambringing points, bringing the again this season. boysThe won firstwon place at State 37 team points, the 20th championship title for the boys’ cross country team at LHS. 20th championship title home forhome the boys’ cross country team at LHS. They also finished second place at the Nike Heartland Regionals, They also finished second place at the Nike Heartland Regionals, taking taking to compete at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, this them to them compete at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon,Oregon, this December. also performed well at state,third taking third place December.

The girlsThe alsogirls performed well at state, taking place top finishers.

Cross country is an individual sport on focused on with twowith top two finishers.

Cross country is an individual sport focused determination, that is how exactly how LHS climbed to the top. determination, and thatand is exactly LHS climbed to the top.

“Our team the became best in the state through consistency hardsaid work,” said senior “Our team became best the in the state through consistency and hardand work,” senior Ruby Bearden.

Ruby Bearden. also experienced challenges herself, her getting herstress secondfracture stress fracture this BeardenBearden also experienced challenges herself, getting second this photo used photo with perMission south dakota pubLic broadcasting used withby perMission by south dakota pubLic broadcasting season. season.

This year, theyear, LHSthe boy’s golf team is young, of a full variety wins 18 andwins onlyand twoonly losses, LHSthe girls tennis twothe losses, LHS girlsteam tennis team This LHS boy’s golf team isfull young, of a variety With 18With Jaxon thorson Jaxon thorson “I’m learning to slow down and not overwork myself,” myself,” said Bearden.

“I’m learning to slow down and not overwork said Bearden. had an outstanding season. The top The threetop flights yearthis were of middle highand school top performers this yearthis year had an outstanding season. threethis flights year were of and middle highplayers. school Their players.

Their top performers RunningRunning not onlynot taught perseverance during aduring race but how but to how to onlyher taught her perseverance a race (Junior),(Junior), #2 Grace and #3 Julia were #1were Tyson (Freshman), #2 Colton (Sophomore) #1Blom Tyson Blom (Freshman), #2Clark Colton Clark (Sophomore)#1 Eloise #1Geraets Eloise Geraets #2Miner Grace(Senior) Miner (Senior) and #3 Julia better take caretake of herself her body. better care of and herself and her body.

Hedrick Hedrick (Junior).(Junior).

Head coach Tom Krueger and assistant coach coach and #3 Brody (Sophomore).

As a team, combined and #3Herrmann Brody Herrmann (Sophomore).

As their a team, their combined Head coach Tom Krueger and assistant adjustedadjusted average average was 176.01. coach Jeff Halseth and Scott Embry the girls alsogirls to win at state.

Senior Scottled Embry led the alsosecond to winplace second place at state. Senior was Head 176.01.

Head coach Jeff Halseth and LHS Soccer an outstanding season this fall. this Head coach Abby Berke and LHShad Soccer had an outstanding season fall.

Head coach Abby Berke and assistantassistant Nolan first her andfirst last and season year,this changing her coach Scott Amundson made a big impact the team by teamNatalie Natalieplayed Nolanher played lastthis season year, changing her coach Scott Amundson made a bigon impact on the by assistantassistant coaches coaches Jessica Koskovich and Pauland Batcheller led the girls’ soccer Jessica Koskovich Paul Batcheller led the girls’team, soccer team,continuously whole perspective on trying pushing pushing the boysthe to do their best. continuously boys to do their best. whole perspective onnew trying new winningwinning six games, and tying one.

Theone. girlsThe played only fouronly four “Coach Halseth sixlosing games,six losing six and tying girlsstrong playedwith strong with always always activities.activities.

“Coach Halseth seniors, eight juniors, sophomores and eightand freshmen. seniors, eight six juniors, six sophomores eight freshmen.

“I was by“Ino means at good at remindedreminded us, especially this was by nogood means us, especially this “I think “I as think the season on,went our team gotteam moregot comfortable with each other. as thewent season on, our more comfortable with each other.year, thatyear, tennis…tennis… but afterbut being in being it for in it for 100% of 100% the putts that of the putts after We learned trust each other onother and field andfield thatand helped play together as a We to learned to trust each on and thatushelped us play together as a you leaveyou short won’t gowon’t in, go in, a week Iawas genuinely happy,” happy,” leave short week I was genuinely team andteam not as players,”players,” said senior Neemeyer. andindividual not as individual saidgoalie, seniorIlee goalie, Ilee Neemeyer. said Nolan. the and thatand willthat always willstick always stick said“Throughout Nolan. “Throughout the The boys, coached

by Alex by Nelson, assistant coaches, coaches, Braden Shultz The boys, coached Alex and Nelson, and assistant Bradenand Shultz and with me,” season, [we] became of more of saidme,” sophomore season, [we] more became with said sophomore Trace Dobson, had an impressive season. They scored goals56 against Trace Dobson, had an impressive season.

They56 scored goals their against their a family aI’dfamily say; we Andy Baker.

Andy Baker.

I’d all say;truly we all truly opponents and onlyand allowed 11 the whole record opponents only allowed 11 theseason, whole making season, their making their15-1-1. record This 15-1-1. This With theWith help the of the became friends.” became friends.” help of the year, they alsothey secured second State Championship title, 4-1,title, in 4-1, in coachingcoaching year, also the secured theconsecutive second consecutive State Championship staff andstaff the and the For Nolan, more Fortennis Nolan,was tennis was more with perMission south dakota photo used photo used withby perMission by south dakota overtimeovertime against OGHS. Although playing together did not always come naturally, against OGHS. Although playing together did not always come naturally, than a sport, leaving her with talent of the boys, the team talent of the boys, the team than a sport, leaving her with ubLick b roadcasting t iM t ushLa p photo used photo with perMission pubLick broadcasting - tiM tushLa used with perMission the boysthe hadboys to learn to learn develop together.together. by south dakota pubLic had to to develop lifelong friendships. placed 7th out of teams by south dakota pubLic lifelong friendships. placed 7th18out of 18 teams - tiM tushLa broadcasting “Halfway“Halfway throughthrough the season, lost our firstour game in game over ainyear - tiM tushLa broadcasting the we season, we lost first oversoathat yearwas so that was at state. at state. photo used with perMission by JuLia hedrick photo used with perMission by JuLia hedrick really a turning point that forced to bond andbond startand playing a team,” senior really a turning point thatusforced us to start as playing as asaid team,” said senior design by ashLyn hoffMan design by ashLyn hoffMan photo used with perMission by photo used with perMissionLiam by Van Roekel.

Liam Van Roekel. caiL doohen caiL doohen The LHSThe boys andboys girlsand soccer grown proved to make to make LHS girlsteams soccerhave teams haveand grown andthemselves proved themselves this a season to remember. this a season to remember.

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BY ADDISON REMME

BY ADDISON REMME

by Lucas Hiatt, Editor-in-cHiEf

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As the LHS Patriots entered victory formation, seconds ticking down on the clock, an electric student section began to chant, “I believe that we just won,” as LHS secured its second straight 11AAA football championship title.

After losing 39-13 earlier in the season to the BVHS Lynx, the LHS Patriots took their revenge at the USD DakotaDome on Nov. 16, 2024. After a dominant 2023 season, the LHS football program lost its entire starting offensive line to graduation. However, the team replaced this starting core with a roster ready to compete and contain the size of Brandon Valley’s defensive line. “[The offensive line] were hungry and wanted to prove ‘we can be just as good as those guys were last year,’” said Kyle Stegeman, LHS offensive line coach.

With the physicality of an opponent like Brandon Valley, details such as containing the defensive line and stopping the run were key to helping the Patriots find success on both ends of the ball. The LHS offensive line collapsed during the second and third plays of the opening drive, setting the Patriots back to 3rd & 13. But on the crucial fourth play of the drive, the o-line kept the pocket clean for four seconds, allowing sophomore quarterback Brody Schafer to connect with sophomore wide receiver Everett Starks for a 63-yard touchdown to end a quick four-play, 73-yard drive, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead. “[The offensive line] knew the first game [against BVHS] they didn’t play up to the standard that we have set,” said Stegeman. “They knew they had to be more aggressive. They stepped up big time.”

With four minutes left in the second quarter, the teams were tied 14 a piece with BVHS looking to take the lead heading into the locker room. But as the Lynx made their way across the 50 yard-line, senior safety Tatum Bell forced a fumble and defensive lineman Kishmar Eberline jumped on top of the loose football.

Eberline, who was not planning to play football during the offseason until a spot on the defensive line opened up, was a major part of this play, which allowed LHS to turn the momentum around. “[The fumble recovery] was the turning point of the game,” said Eberline. “We knew at that point that we have a chance now to be in the lead and win this game.”

After a back-and-forth first half fueled by long,

methodical drives by the Lynx and short chunk play drives by LHS, the Patriots were ahead 17-14 going into the locker room. However, BVHS would come out with the ball to open the third quarter and march down the field for a nine-minute touchdown scoring drive, having to earn every single yard.

“We struggled to stop their run; we would go to 4th and 5 and they somehow found a way to get past that,” said Eberline.

“Coming out of that half, the message was that nothing is gonna be easy, said Joel DeHaai, LHS defensive line coach. “One thing I was proud of was that we made them put together a nine-minute and 15-second drive. We made them work for everything.”

One of the key momentum shifters was a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter in the red zone. The Patriots had struggled with stopping the Lynx from converting all game and with the Lynx threatening to take the lead with a touchdown, the defensive line’s stop came in clutch. By bringing in a heavy package, LHS loaded up the line of scrimmage and overpowered the opponent’s towering offensive line.

“Every time we came off the field, we were just one step away from making the play that we needed to get them off the field,” said DeHaai.

“That was a turning point in the game where we had the lead and stopped them from scoring on a goal-line stand,” said Jared Fredenburg, LHS head coach.

The 11AAA championship was a battle of the fittest; who could outlast the other in the trenches.

Apart from the big, flashy plays and passes downfield that ran up the scoreboard on the LHS offensive end, what mattered most was the physicality of either team on the line of scrimmage. But most importantly, the Patriots came out victorious because of the winning mentality and constant motivation that the LHS football program harnesses.

“We believe that culture beats strategy,” said Fredenburg. “If you have a group of people that believe in each other and will fight for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the back of the jersey, those teams are tougher. Those teams are willing to lay it on the line more than any individual players that are just on a collective team.” pHoto by asHLyn Hoffman dEsign by Lucas Hiatt

It’s that time of year again, one we are all too familiar with. It’s the time of year where rainstorms turn into blizzards It’s thatattime of year again, are alluptoo with.

It’ssmell the time of year where turn blizzards and days the beach fade intoone dayswecozied at familiar home. The faint of peppermint andrainstorms pine fills the air into and our and days at the beach fade into days cozied up at home.

The faint smell of peppermint and pine fills the air and our favorite Christmas songs ring out. Each year it’s the same, but as time goes on, many have noticed a favorite Christmas out. Each the same, as time goes on, many have noticed foreign feeling thatsongs growsring stronger withyear eachit’s passing.

Thebut feeling of Christmas becoming a little a foreign feeling that grows stronger with each passing.

The feeling of Christmas becoming a little less… magical. less… magical.

When we were kids, we waited all year for Christmas to come. It felt like nothing else was as When we kids,your we waited year forthe Christmas come. the It felt likeyou nothing else was as important aswere helping parentsall decorate house orto circling gifts wanted from important as helping your parents decorate the house or circling the gifts you wanted from a magazine. Getting up in the morning was even exciting because it meant you got to find awhatever magazine.

Getting the morning wasover eventhe exciting it meant you got tomagic find was your elf onup theinshelf had hidden night. because The illusion of Christmas whatever your elf on the shelf had hidden over the night.

The illusion of Christmas magic was still very real. still very real.

Some argue that with age the cheerful feeling of Christmas dissipates because we realize Some argue that agearen’t the cheerful of Christmas dissipates because we more realize Santa is not real andwith there actuallyfeeling elves making our toys.

But it feels like it’s than Santa is not real and there aren’t making toys. itBut it feelsbecame like it’sthe more than that. Instead of Christmas being actually the mostelves magical timeour of year, quickly most that. Instead ofstressful Christmas being the most magical time of year, it quickly became the most and exhausting time of the year. stressful exhausting time grew of theinto year.

Bakingand Christmas cookies a matter of finding the time to do Baking Christmas cookies grew into a matter of finding thebest time to of do it, and decorating the house turned into a chore.

Even the part it, and decorating the house turned into a chore.

Even the best part of Christmas, gift-giving, became the most stressful part of the holiday.

Christmas, became the most stressful the Tryinggift-giving, to figure out how many people to buypart giftsoffor orholiday. what to Trying to figure how buy gifts what to get them, for out many, hasmany takenpeople all thetojoy out of for the or cherished get them, for many, has taken all the joy out of the cherished tradition. It seems like no matter the Christmas activity, it’s not tradition.

It seems nowas. matter the Christmas activity, it’s not as magical as itlike once as This magical as it once was. feeling actually has a name; it’s called growing up. Krystine Batcho, a psychology This at feeling actually has a said, name;“Based it’s called growing up. Krystine Batcho, a psychology professor Le Moyne College on our childhood experiences, Christmas has professor at Le Moyne College said, onideas.” our childhood Christmas has acquired unrealistic expectations of “Based mythical To put itexperiences, in simpler terms, because acquired unrealistic of mythical ideas.” put Clause, it in simpler terms,usbecause as children when weexpectations believed in mythical stories likeTo Santa it allowed to escape asfrom children when we believedreality. in mythical stories like Santa Clause, it allowed us to escape our own non-magical from our own non-magical reality.

“As adults, we know we can never again enjoy those wondrous feelings and beliefs… It “As surprising, adults, we know never againare enjoy those wondrous feelings beliefs…the It isn’t then, we thatcan many people disappointed when they don’tand experience isn’t surprising, then, that many people are disappointed when they don’t experience the fulfillment of the promise of Christmas,” said Batcho. fulfillment of the promiseway of Christmas,” said She notes that a common people try to getBatcho. that Sheback notes common wayChristmas people tryactivities to get that Christmas feeling is that to doa those typical like the Christmas backhow is tohard do those typical Christmas activities like the ones previously mentioned, butfeeling no matter we try it never feels quite the same. ones previously mentioned, but no matter how hard we try it never feels quite the same.

The dissipation of the holiday spirit is also because with age, we gain more The dissipation of means the holiday spirit isofalso because gain more responsibilities.

This that instead being able with to putage, thewe majority of our focus on responsibilities.

This means that instead of being able to put the majority of our Christmas, like we once did as kids, we have bigger and more important things to focus worryon Christmas, like we once did as kids, we have bigger and more important things to about. Instead of building snowmen after school with our friends, we now have toworry go to about.

Instead of of watching building snowmen school friends, now have tothat’s go to work. Instead Christmasafter movies, we with have our to write thewe English paper work.

Instead ofIt watching movies, we have paper due tomorrow. boils downChristmas to not having enough timetotowrite do itthe all English and in the end,that’s getting due tomorrow.

It boils down to not having enough time to do it all and in the end, getting in “the Christmas spirit” becomes last on our to-do list. in As “thesad Christmas spirit” becomes last on our to-do list. as it is to come to this realization, life goes on, and so does Christmas. Maybe Asyear sad itascan it isbetodifferent come to though. this realization, lifepicking goes on,upand soextra does Christmas. this Instead of that shift, make Maybe plans with friends to go sledding or make this year it can be different though.

Instead of picking up that extra shift, make plans withlights friends to gotown. sledding or make gingerbread houses. Rather than wasting hours on your phone, go and look at Christmas around Christmas gingerbread houses.

Rather thantowasting your and fade look completely. at Christmas lights around town. Christmas can be as magical as you choose make it,hours so tryonnot to phone, let thatgo magic can be as magical as you choose to make it, so try not to let that magic fade completely.

DESIGN BY ADDISON REMME

ADDISON REMME ARTWORK DESIGN BYBY ADDISON REMME ARTWORK BY ADDISON REMME

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