January Issue-2025

Statesman LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

JANUARY ISSUE 2025

Bonsai papi: Josh plorde

By Griffin etrheim pG. 8

a unified team

By Grace miner pG. 10 hanGinG with hutterites

By Joseph tunGe & naomi Jespersen pG. 14

photo By mason dean

contents sports

news

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Powerful change: more girls embrace powerliftingLAILA MILLER

What does the election mean for us?- LEAH MANNES & LILY GRUBER

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LHS gymnastics: Flipping into 2025ADELINE THEOPHILUS & ELYSSE WEBER

Skating the ribbon- VIVIAN KIESOW-KNUDSEN

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Gaming to glory- JD YUNAG & MADDOX RAPH

feature

perspectives

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Bonsai papi: Josh Plorde- GRIFFIN ETRHEIM

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Need advice?ELLIE QUINN & STELLA SONNICHSEN

A unified team- GRACE MINER

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Renewing Environmental IngenuityPORTER STANGELAND

The dreadful question- WILL HANSEN 39 Winter safety- ELOISE GERAETS

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The debate W’s- BOBBY PARKER

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Hanging with HutteritesJOSEPH TUNGE & NAOMI JESPERSEN

statesman staff

Behind the curtain- ABBY ANDERSON

Paper Editors-In-Chief: Eloise Geraets, Lucas Hiatt, Naomi Jespersen, Josie Tollinger

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Serving while learning- SYRI CASTILLEJA

Online Editors-In-Chief: Vivian KiesowKnudsen, Leah Mannes, Grace Miner

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Main Avenue empire: How one family transformed downtown dining- LUCAS HIATT

News Editors: Ellie Quinn & Katya Surendran

entertainment

Feature Editors: Joseph Tunge & Elysse Weber Entertainment Editors: Lily Gruber & Bobby Parker

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Invictus: a slice of victory- ASHLYN HOFFMAN

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Sports Editors: James Plorde & Cooper Schultz

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Perspectives Editors: Laila Miller & Nadia Schneider

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Social Media Coordinator: Stella Sonnichsen

Photo of the year- JOSIE TOLLINGER Brain rot survival guide- BETHEL WOCHE Worst fantasy football punishmentsLOGAN SANBORN

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Best water bottles, according to LHS studentsNADIA SCHNEIDER

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Berke’s big break- MASON DEAN

Staff Writers: Abby Anderson, Ellie Boehrns, Syri Castilleja, Mason Dean, Kinsley Ernster, Griffin Etrheim, Will Hansen, Julia Hedrick, Lucy Hennies, Ashlyn Hoffman, Maddox Raph, Addison Remme, Logan Sanborn, Selah Seymour, Porter Stangeland, Chris Tao, Adeline Theophilus, Bethel Woche, JD Yunag Adviser: Dr. Katie Kroeze

Immigration&&Border BorderSecurity: Security: Immigration

LeahMM annes editor -i-C n-C hief LiLyGG ruber byby Leah annes , e, ditor -in hief & &LiLy ruber

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Similar first term President, Trump strives Similar toto hishis first term asas President, Trump strives toto end illegal immigration entirely.

With goals of pursuing end illegal immigration entirely. With goals of pursuing mass deportation undocumented immigrants and further mass deportation ofofundocumented immigrants and further securing the United States-Mexico border, the Trump securing the United States-Mexico border, the Trump administration strives improve wages and conditions administration strives toto improve wages and jobjob conditions Americans opening jobs that illegal immigrants forfor Americans byby opening upup jobs that illegal immigrants previously worked.

Additionally, hopes stronger border previously worked.

Additionally, hehe hopes stronger border security will solve the Fentanyl crisis.

Trump believes illegal security will solve the Fentanyl crisis.

Trump believes illegal drug cartels bringing deadly substances into the U.S., drug cartels areare bringing deadly substances into the U.S., selling them profit the expense lives.

Critics argue selling them forfor profit at at the expense ofoflives.

Critics argue that this could reshape the economic and societal standings that this could reshape the economic and societal standings the country because there would less immigrant labor. ofofthe country because there would bebe less immigrant labor.

Long term, policy poses the chance a dramatic shift Long term, hishis policy poses the chance ofofa dramatic shift inin immigration across America, further changing the economic immigration across America, further changing the economic status the United States.

South Dakota’s governor Kristi status ofofthe United States.

South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem was elected as secretary of Homeland Security Noem was elected as secretary of Homeland Security forfor Trump, where she will work alongside border patrol secure Trump, where she will work alongside border patrol toto secure the border even more.

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will likely the the border even more. Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will likely fillfill the empty position South Dakota’s governor. empty position ofofSouth Dakota’s governor.

n Tuesday, Nov. 2024, the presidential election was n Tuesday, Nov. 4, 4, 2024, the presidential election was expected to polarize the nation.

It did just that.

Experts expected to polarize the nation. It did just that. Experts Abortion: Abortion: correctly anticipated the election a nail-biter, and correctly anticipated the election toto bebe a nail-biter, and Some the most pressing issues this election, Some ofofthe most pressing issues forfor this election, Republican candidate Donald Trump narrowly beat Republican candidate Donald Trump narrowly beat especially for those on the left, seem to be abortion and especially for those on the left, seem to be abortion and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris 1.5% the popular Democratic candidate Kamala Harris byby 1.5% ofofthe popular women’s rights.

During his first term as president, Trump women’s rights. During his first term as president, Trump vote and electoral college votes.

Americans were conflicted supported vote and 8686 electoral college votes.

Americans were conflicted supported a nationwide ban on abortions during the first a nationwide ban on abortions during the first 2020 with each other well within themselves.

Yet, they with each other asas well asas within themselves.

Yet, they allall weeks pregnancy that was backed Republicans the weeks ofofpregnancy that was backed byby Republicans inin the had one thing common despite who what they voted had one thing inin common despite who oror what they voted forfor House, House, although the bill never was passed.

The Roe Wade although the bill never was passed.

The Roe v. v.

Wade the ballot: they were voting improve the state the onon the ballot: they were voting toto improve the state ofofthe decision that protected abortion a fundamental right was decision that protected abortion asas a fundamental right was country however they saw country however they saw fit.fit. also overturned during Trump’s time the Whitehouse also overturned during Trump’s time inin the Whitehouse inin High schoolers may under the assumption that politics High schoolers may bebe under the assumption that politics 2022.

This upcoming term, Trump has voiced not supporting 2022.

This upcoming term, Trump has voiced not supporting not matter not impact them personally.

Besides, most a federal dodo not matter oror dodo not impact them personally.

Besides, most a federal ban, but rather leaving the states decide. ban, but rather leaving it it upup toto the states toto decide. high school students still need meet the voting requirement However, high school students still need toto meet the voting requirement However, many medical instruments and contraceptives used many medical instruments and contraceptives used being least years old.

However, elections still have ofofbeing at at least 1818 years old.

However, elections still have assist abortions may become illegal, especially across state toto assist abortions may become illegal, especially across state effects high schoolers.

For example, inflation directly effects onon high schoolers.

For example, inflation directly lines.

There also a chance transgender opportunities lines.

There is is also a chance ofoftransgender opportunities impacts students as they spend their money on purchases such being impacts students as they spend their money on purchases such being taken away, such as gender-affirming care.

South taken away, such as gender-affirming care. InIn South food and clothes.

Additionally, the government creates asas food and clothes.

Additionally, the government creates aa Dakota, this means abortion is illegal with no exceptions the Dakota, this means abortion is illegal with no exceptions asas the lasting policy that has implications them the future. lasting policy that has implications forfor them inin the future.

It It state voted no on Amendment G. state voted no on Amendment G. important aware what going the capitol is is important toto bebe aware ofofwhat is is going onon at at the capitol inin RFK: Washington D.C. and the capitol Pierre.

Jan. 2025, RFK: Washington D.C. and the capitol inin Pierre.

OnOn Jan. 20,20, 2025, 2023, Robert Kennedy decided leave Trump and vice president Vance will sworn into InIn 2023, Robert F. F. Kennedy Jr.Jr. decided toto leave hishis Trump and hishis vice president JDJD Vance will bebe sworn into profession as an environmental lawyer and activist, best known office. the change takes place, the following issues the profession as an environmental lawyer and activist, best known office.

AsAs the change takes place, the following issues areare at at the for cleaning up the Hudson River, to pursue politics.

Although forefront Americans’ minds: for cleaning up the Hudson River, to pursue politics. Although forefront ofofAmericans’ minds: never planned this, followed father and hehe never planned toto dodo this, hehe followed inin hishis father and uncle’s footsteps.

RFK ran the 2024 presidential election uncle’s footsteps.

RFK Jr.Jr. ran inin the 2024 presidential election Inflation: Inflation: a candidate the Independent party, promising focus asas a candidate forfor the Independent party, promising toto focus onon According CNBC, Americans having trouble affording the According toto CNBC, Americans areare having trouble affording the health Americans and tackle the chronic diseases that health ofofAmericans and tackle the chronic diseases that living prices still 21.4% more expensive since the living asas prices areare still 21.4% more expensive since the have been increasingly plaguing Americans the past few have been increasingly plaguing Americans forfor the past few pandemic began in February 2020.

Not only is inflation still pandemic began in February 2020. Not only is inflation still up,up, decades decades such obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

However, such asas obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

However, but also has increased over the past year.

The consumer price inin but it it also has increased over the past year.

The consumer price Aug. 2024, RFK suspended campaign and endorsed Aug. 2024, RFK Jr.Jr. suspended hishis campaign and endorsed index increased 2.7% and egg prices rose 38% over the past index increased 2.7% and egg prices rose 38% over the past Trump.

Despite previously being against each other and Trump.

Despite previously being upup against each other and year.

Complaints have been heard across the nation.

Voters year.

Complaints have been heard across the nation.

Voters disagreeing some issues, RFK believed Trump would disagreeing onon some issues, RFK Jr.Jr. believed Trump would were looking a change, reflected the shift votes were looking forfor a change, asas reflected byby the shift inin votes inin have have the greatest chance aiding goals Americans’ the greatest chance ofofaiding inin hishis goals forfor Americans’ comparison the 2020 election.

Trump headlined goals comparison toto the 2020 election.

Trump headlined hishis goals toto health health and food.

They joined forces and Trump chose him and food. They joined forces and Trump chose him toto bring down inflation a main point campaign, instilling lead bring down inflation asas a main point ofofhishis campaign, instilling lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Although the Department of Health and Human Services. Although hope some. hope forfor some. some skeptical and label RFK “anti-vaxxer,” others some areare skeptical and label RFK Jr.Jr. anan “anti-vaxxer,” others are eager to see what RFK Jr. can accomplish in his new are eager to see what RFK Jr. can accomplish in his new position someone who seems not tied with other position asas someone who seems toto not bebe tied upup with other desiGn by L eah M annes & L iLy G ruber desiGn by Leah Mannes & LiLy Gruber artwork used with perMission by Canva politicians hidden agendas. artwork used with perMission

by C anva politicians oror hidden agendas.

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Amendment Changes the State Constitution use Amendment E:E: Changes the State Constitution toto use gender-inclusive language rather than exclusively masculine gender-inclusive language rather than exclusively masculine pronouns. pronouns.

Amendment Requires individuals work qualify Amendment F:F: Requires individuals toto work toto qualify forfor Medicaid benefits.

Medicaid benefits.

Amendment Permits abortion with limit the first Amendment G:G: Permits abortion with nono limit inin the first trimester, some abortions permitted in the second trimester trimester, some abortions permitted in the second trimester and permits abortions only medical lifesaving care and permits abortions only forfor medical lifesaving care throughout the third trimester. throughout the third trimester.

Amendment Allows voters rank candidates order Amendment H:H: Allows voters toto rank candidates inin order of preference instead of by party, with the top two candidates of preference instead of by party, with the top two candidates advancing the next round elections. advancing toto the next round ofofelections.

Initiated Measure 28: Eliminates taxes food products, Initiated Measure 28: Eliminates taxes onon food products, excluding alcohol. excluding alcohol.

Initiated Measure 29: Legalizes the possession Initiated Measure 29: Legalizes the possession ofofupup toto 22 marijuana individuals and older. ozoz ofofmarijuana forfor individuals 2121 and older.

Referred Law 21: Authorizes counties charge a $1 Referred Law 21: Authorizes counties toto charge a $1 per foot pipeline, with the proceeds directed toward feefee per foot ofofpipeline, with the proceeds directed toward supporting property owners’ taxes.

The law also establishes supporting property owners’ taxes.

The law also establishes requirements pipeline installation, including depth and requirements forfor pipeline installation, including depth and accountability leaks. accountability forfor leaks.

think that a lot people, unfortunately, don’t care “I “I think that a lot ofofpeople, unfortunately, don’t care enough about these types things actually their own enough about these types ofofthings toto actually dodo their own research to form their own opinion, but instead get their research to form their own opinion, but instead get their information from Instagram pages and celebrities.

And that’s information from Instagram pages and celebrities.

And that’s really sad.” really sad.” was disappointed because goes against beliefthat that “I “I was disappointed because it it goes against mymy belief given the opportunity, most people will the right thing. given the opportunity, most people will dodo the right thing.

Harris may not have been perfect, and even rather radical Harris may not have been perfect, and even rather radical inin the eyes of some, but she wanted to help people and do her the eyes of some, but she wanted to help people and do her best give previously pushed aside people true equality and best toto give previously pushed aside people true equality and a say in thing.” a say in thing.”

“When I found out the results the election, I was upset, “When I found out the results ofofthe election, I was upset, scared, angry and disappointed for and in our country. scared, angry and disappointed for and in our country. AsAs anan American, I believe that we deserve to have someone in the American, I believe that we deserve to have someone in the office who believes freedom and rights regardless office who believes inin freedom and rights forfor allall regardless of race or gender.

I believe that we deserve someone who of race or gender. I believe that we deserve someone who is is accepting people from walks life.

And first and accepting ofofallall people from allall walks ofoflife.

And first and foremost, I believe deserve a president who the foremost, I believe wewe deserve a president who is is inin the jobjob better our country not gain publicity.” toto better our country not toto gain publicity.”

feel like our newly elected president what our “I “I feel like our newly elected president is is what our country needs.

Now, this not say that I agree with country needs.

Now, this is is not toto say that I agree with everything stands for; I actually stand against some everything hehe stands for; I actually stand against some ofof the things stands for.

I personally disagree with him the things hehe stands for.

I personally disagree with him when comes abortion and climate change matters, when it it comes toto abortion and climate change matters, yetyet I still voted for him.

As someone who is very strongly proI still voted for him. As someone who is very strongly prochoice, I still voted for him because unlike many people our choice, I still voted for him because unlike many people our age, I actually did my research and I know that no matter age, I actually did my research and I know that no matter who was office, constitutionally, they have zero power who was inin office, constitutionally, they have zero power over abortion, it would be unconstitutional if they tried over abortion, it would be unconstitutional if they tried ban bring back, Kamala was running a lie. toto ban it it oror bring it it back, soso Kamala was running onon a lie.

I am also pro-LGBTQ, but our country has gotten out I am also pro-LGBTQ, but our country has gotten out ofof hand and I believe Trump’s administration will put end hand and I believe Trump’s administration will put anan end things like men women’s sports and need that. toto things like men inin women’s sports and wewe need that.

I also think the immigration crisis completely out I also think the immigration crisis is is completely out ofof control and needs stopped.

Lastly, I hope turned control and needs toto bebe stopped.

Lastly, I hope hehe turned our economy around but honestly, I don’t know what that our economy around but honestly, I don’t know what that will look like due tariffplan. plan.

I do not like will look like due toto hishis tariff AllAll inin all,all, I do not like the man whatsoever, but I did still vote him and believe the man whatsoever, but I did still vote forfor him and believe will better than Kamala would have.” hehe will dodo better than Kamala would have.”

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by ViVian Kiesow-Knudsen, editor-in-Chief

s a featured component of the natural rinks. Currently, Sioux Falls A Jacobson Plaza, a highly anticipated is home to six options for outdoor ice skating ribbon is currently under construction downtown and is set to be completed during mid2025 With its approximately 14,000 square feet, the ribbon will have the capacity to accommodate 225 skaters and is expected to operate from Nov. to March. Its refrigeration technology will ensure a longer skating season, distinguishing it from the city’s

6

design by ViVian Kiesow-Knudsen

skating rinks: Campus Park, Frank Olson Park, McKennan Park, Memorial Park, Sherman Park and Tuthill Park. Among these, three offer free skate rentals and warming houses.

The ice ribbon will offer skate rental services at a price of $3 per individual and will be accompanied by a restaurant as well as a warming house/gathering hall.

Admission is expected to be priced

artworK used with permission by CanVa

at a rate of $5 for 45 minutes of skate time. Inside the gathering hall, there will be space designated for private rental year-round, with food services overseen

by The Washington Pavilion. The entire plaza will feature an off-leash dog park (Pawsible Park), the city’s largest playground and the T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad. These amenities are notably accessible, with a special emphasis on the integration of features designed to accommodate all ages and abilities.

“We anticipate Jacobson Plaza [to be] a major draw to Falls Park, as well as the downtown area,” said Parks Planning and Project Manager Mike Patten. “It will provide year-round experiences that draw visitors from within Sioux Falls as well as the surrounding region.”

With initial plans for the project beginning in late 2021, the design process lasted roughly 18 months with construction following shortly thereafter. The funding for the plaza was split in a public/private partnership, with around half of the costs financed by private donors.

“The donor was a lifelong citizen of Sioux Falls and successful businessman who wanted to give back to his community with a legacy gift,” said Patten.

“Public/private partnerships allow for larger projects to be completed in a quicker time, compared to if there [were] only tax dollars available to make the improvements.”

The Jacobson Plaza sits just west of Falls Park and neighbors both the Levitt Shell and the Steel District Development. Accessible along Phillips Ave., the plaza is designed to connect the downtown area with the city’s namesake.

“It provides residential opportunities, increased tax revenue from shopping and entertainment and makes people want to live, work and play in that community,” said Patten. “Having a vibrant and diverse downtown increases the overall value of any community.”

Construction for the plaza began in late 2023, maintaining a public budget of $18.5 million. Though previously expected to be open in time for this year’s winter season, construction and weather conditions have delayed its completion until June of 2025.

While ice skating on the ribbon will not be open to the public this year, the integration of such a large project promises meaningful progress for the city’s downtown area.

by Griffin EtrhEim

by Griffin EtrhEim

Top left: Deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally, leaving them bare during the winter months.

Top left:left: Deciduous shed with their granular leaves seasonally, them Bottom Teabagstrees are filled fertilizerleaving and placed bare during theevery winter months. on soil so that time a tree is watered, it is simultaneously fed Bottom as well. left: Teabags are filled with granular fertilizer and placed on soil Josh so that every greenhouse time a tree isroom watered, it is simultaneously Right: Plorde’s has windows that lead fed as well. to his outdoor display. directly Right: Josh Plorde’s greenhouse room has windows that lead directly to his outdoor display.

V V

ery few things get better with age. From movies and games to food cars, time almost ery few things get and better with age.

Fromalways movies makes things worse. however, do not follow this and games to Trees, food and cars, time almost always pattern.

Treesworse. can live for hundreds thousands of years, makes things Trees, however,and do not follow this sprawling into can massive, beautiful structures in the wild.

In pattern. Trees live for hundreds and thousands of years, asprawling more controlled environment, they evokeIn into massive, beautifulhowever, structures in can the wild. different imagery. Through a delicate and they time-consuming a more controlled environment, however, can evoke effort, trees can become an art form. One those artists can different imagery.

Through a delicate andof time-consuming surprisingly be found within Josh Plorde effort, trees can become an artSioux form.Falls, One SD. of those artists can is an interventional radiologist at Avera father to two surprisingly be found within Sioux Falls,and SD.aJosh Plorde students at LHS, butradiologist in his free at time, he parents a collection is an interventional Avera and a father to two students at 50 LHS, but in his free time, he parents a collection of roughly bonsai trees. of roughly 50 bonsai trees.

8 8

dEsiGn by Griffin EtrhEim

artwork by Griffin EtrhEim

photos by Griffin EtrhEim

photos usEd with pErmission by Josh plordE

dEsiGn by Griffin EtrhEim

artwork by Griffin EtrhEim

photos by Griffin EtrhEim

photos usEd with pErmission by Josh plordE

It is a common misconception that bonsai trees are a breed of trees.

Instead, bonsai, which literally translates to “planted in a container” in It is a common thattrees. bonsai are a breedprocess of trees.

Chinese, refers to amisconception way of growing It trees is a meticulous of Instead, bonsai, which literally translates to “planted in a container” in pruning, grafting and wiring to shape the trees into a final picture. Plorde’s Chinese, refers to a way of growing trees.

It is a meticulous process of garden has a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees, including many pruning, heights graftingand andages. wiring to shape the trees into a final picture. Plorde’s different garden has a variety of coniferous andDakota, deciduous including Bonsai art is not common in South andtrees, the spark had tomany come different heights and ages. from an outside source. Plorde always had a fascination with bonsai, but it is nota common in South Dakota, andschool the spark to come wasBonsai when art he took trip to China during medical that had he saw how from an outside source.

Plorde always had a fascination with bonsai, but it abundantly they were cultivated outside the U.S. was when he took a trip to China during medical school that he saw how “People had these trees like at hotels and restaurants… And then when I abundantly they were cultivated outside the U.S. came back to the States, I’m like what’s this going on? What’s the haps here?”

“People had these trees like at hotels and restaurants… And then when I said Plorde. came back to the States, I’m like what’s this going on? What’s the haps here?”

He had a deep appreciation for the art form and felt the need to start said Plorde. his own journey with the practice. At first, having lived in Seattle, he was He had a deep appreciation for the art form and felt the need to start not so alone in his bonsai journey, but moving to Sioux Falls brought new his own journey with the practice. At first, having lived in Seattle, he was challenges. not so alone in his bonsai journey, but moving to Sioux Falls brought new “I don’t know anybody in this state other than one person that does this,” challenges. said Plorde. “If you lived in Southern California, Seattle, Pacific Northwest, “I don’t know anybody in this state other than one person that does this,” it’s like every other person is jazzed about bonsai. Here, people think you’re a said Plorde. “If you lived in Southern California, Seattle, Pacific Northwest, freak.” it’s like every other person is jazzed about bonsai. Here, people think you’re a Finding all kinds of supplies, from pots to fertilizer, can be much more freak.” difficult here in Sioux Falls than in the rest of the world. Plorde often has Finding all kinds of supplies, from pots to fertilizer, can be much more to get his seedlings and trees from garden nurseries, or at times by grafting difficult here in Sioux Falls than in the rest of the world. Plorde often has Many of Plorde’s tress could grow up to 25 feet tall off andhis separating of other Additionally, weather complicates to get seedlingsparts and trees fromtrees. garden nurseries, or at times by grafting if it were not for their constant modifications. the trees’ life cycles, with the majority needing to be stored in a greenhouse Many of Plorde’s tress could grow up to 25 feet tall off and separating parts of other trees. Additionally, weather complicates through if it were not for their constant modifications. the trees’the lifewinter cycles,months. with the majority needing to be stored in a greenhouse Learning can be just as difficult too.

While most of Plorde’s work has been a solo venture, he does occasionally receive help. through the winter months.

After a long course in California, Plorde now receives visits from a mentor every February to he offer ideas and assistance forhelp. the Learning can be just as difficult too. While most of Plorde’s work has been a solo venture, does occasionally receive garden.

This time for touching up the trees results in their striking appearances come spring.

After a long course in California, Plorde now receives visits from a mentor every February to offer ideas and assistance for the The hours of time carefully trees result powerfulappearances art that goes beyond just beauty. Some of Plorde’s work garden.

This time for spent touching up theshaping trees results in theirinstriking come spring. involves symbolism, such as cases where a tree splits into two and presents one branch “shielding” the Some other. of Plorde’s work The hours of time spent carefully shaping trees result in powerful art that goes beyond just beauty.

“It now has kind of this artistic form of a mother, daughter, father, son, a twin,” said involves symbolism, such as cases where a tree splits into two and presents one branch “shielding” the other.

Plorde.

“It now has kind of this artistic form of a mother, daughter, father, son, a twin,” said Other cases involve intentionally overgrowing the base or roots of a tree despite the Plorde. generally shortinvolve height.intentionally overgrowing the base or roots of a tree despite the Other cases “It connotes a sense of age in a tree that’s maybe 12 inches tall and might be 50 years old,” generally short height. said“It Plorde. connotes a sense of age in a tree that’s maybe 12 inches tall and might be 50 years old,” The pots paint part of the picture too, with many being of Chinese and Japanese origins. said Plorde.

AllThe of these pots can pots paint partbeofdeceivingly the pictureshallow. too, with many being of Chinese and Japanese origins. dramatic when youshallow. have this like little, big, powerful thing in this pot that’s All“It of looks thesemore pots can be deceivingly not“It too deep,” said Plorde. looks more dramatic when you have this like little, big, powerful thing in this pot that’s of Plorde’s trees are over 40 years old, dating as far back as when he just started notSome too deep,” said Plorde. outSome his career and lived back Seattle.

Spending aboutas five a week straight of Plorde’s trees arein over 40 years old, dating farhours back as whenfor heseveral just started Wiring is wrapped around the decades has left Plorde nothing but pride and accomplishment.

Some of his trees have out his career and lived back in Seattle. Spending about five hours a week for several straight branches a tree in order the to Wiring isof wrapped around sentimental whilenothing others are of artistry. The end is ahave passion decades has value, left Plorde butexquisite pride andcrafts accomplishment.

Some of result his trees control its growth. branches of a tree in order to project that doubles as an alluring display. sentimental value, while others are exquisite crafts of artistry.

The end result is a passion control its growth. project that doubles as an alluring display.

9 9

by Grace Miner, editor-in-chief

by Grace Miner, editor-in-chief by

by G Grace race M Miner iner,, e editor ditor-i -in n-c -chief hief

The feeling of adrenaline and school spirit embraces The feeling of adrenaline and school spirit embraces students at LHS both in the and student section and on the field; The feeling feeling of both adrenaline school spiritand embraces students at LHS in the student section on the field; The of adrenaline and school spirit embraces however, oftentimes students with a disability are excluded students LHS in section the however, oftentimes with a disability areon students at at LHS both bothstudents in the the student student section and and onexcluded the field; field; from the school activities that make high school special and however, oftentimes students with a disability are excluded from the school activities that make high school special and however, oftentimes students with a disability are excluded unify the school.

To combat this issue, the Best Buddies from that make high special unify the school school.activities To combat this issue, theschool Best Buddies from the the school activities that make high school special and and program at LHS has instilled two sports, unified basketball unify the school.

To combat this issue, the Best Buddies program at LHS has instilled two sports, unified basketball unify the school. To combat this issue, the Best Buddies and unified unified cheer,has forinstilled these students students to participate participate inand and program at LHS two unified and for these to in program at cheer, LHS has instilled two sports, sports, unified basketball basketball become a fundamental part of the school community. and unified cheer, for these students to participate in and become a fundamental part students of the school community. and unified cheer, for these to participate in and Unified cheer and and basketball basketball allow for all all studentsto tobe be become aa fundamental part school community.

Unified cheer allow for students become fundamental part of of the the school community. involved in sports they often would not have the chance Unified cheer and basketball allow for all students to be involved sports they often would the chance Unifiedincheer and basketball allownot forhave all students to be to be be involved involved in through through indirectly running through the involved in they would have the chance to in indirectly running the involved in sports sports they often often would not not have through the chance Special Olympics program.

While basketball has been at to be involved in through indirectly running through the Special Olympics program.indirectly While basketball has beenthe at to be involved in through running through LHS for several years, this year is Unified Cheers’ first year Special Olympics program.

While basketball has been at LHS forOlympics several years, this year is Unified Cheers’ firstat year Special program.

While basketball has been at LHS. Drake Bachmeier, a teacher who supervises the Best LHS for for several severalBachmeier, years, this this ayear year is Unified Unified Cheers’ first first year teacher who supervises theyear Best LHS years, is Cheers’ Buddies program at LHS, loves the opportunity it provides at LHS. LHS. Drake Drake Bachmeier, teacher who supervises supervises the Best Best program at LHS, loves the opportunity it provides at Bachmeier, aa teacher who the studentsprogram with to to play play the sports sports they love on onaaschool-wide school-wide Buddies program at LHS, LHS, loves the the opportunity it provides provides the they love Buddies at loves opportunity it students with to to play play the the sports sports they they love love on on aa school-wide school-wide level. students with getting every kid involved, it doesn’t matter your “It’s getting every kid involved, it doesn’t matter your level. level. all, it’s getting kids to play the same sport and skill level at all, it’s getting kids to play the same sport and “It’s getting every kid involved, it doesn’t matter your “It’s getting every kid involved, it doesn’t matter your it’s a great way to get kids involved.

What I love is kids way to get kids involved.

What I love is kids skill level at all, it’s getting kids to play the same sport and skill level at all, it’s getting kids to play the same sport and with tend not have opportunities disabilities tend to notinvolved. have the theWhat opportunities likeyou you it’s great way get kids II love kids it’s aa disabilities great way to to getto kids involved.

What love is is like kids and I do, to get a game like senior night, to get games with get a game like senior night, to get games with with disabilities tend to not have the opportunities like you with disabilities tend to not have the opportunities like you and and II do, do, to to get get aa game game like like senior senior night, night, to to get get games games with with

10 10 10

crowd cheering and this gives kids the opportunity to see crowd cheering and this gives kids the opportunity to see that,” cheering said Bachmeier. crowd and this this gives gives kids kids the the opportunity opportunity to to see see that,” said Bachmeier. crowd cheering and Not only dounified unifiedsports sportsallow allowstudents studentstotoget getinvolved, involved, that,” said Bachmeier.

Notsaid only do that,” Bachmeier. allowsstudents students withsports disability tobecome become astronger stronger Not allow students to ititallows with aadisability Not only only do do unified unified sports allowto students toa get get involved, involved, part of the school community.

Although many studentsdo do it students aa disability to part of the school with community.

Although manyaa stronger students it allows allows students with disability to become become stronger participate in Special Olympics outside of school, unified part school community. students participate Special OlympicsAlthough outside ofmany school, unifieddo part of of the the in school community.

Although many students do sports give them the opportunity to partake in high school participate in Special Olympics outside of school, sports give them the opportunity to partake in high school participate in Special Olympics outside of school, unified unified sportsgive andbecome become strongly integrated intothe the school sports them the opportunity to in high school and strongly integrated into school sports give them the opportunity to partake partake in high school community. sports and become strongly integrated into the school community. sports and become strongly integrated into the school “…nowthey theyget getthe theopportunity opportunitytotobebeaaLincoln LincolnPatriot Patriot community. “…now community. and play the sport they like, like basketball or cheer, andget get “…now they get the opportunity to be a Lincoln Patriot and“…now play the sport like, like basketball cheer,Patriot and they getthey the opportunity to be a or Lincoln to be like everybody else,” said Bachmeier. and play the sport they like, like basketball or cheer, and get to beplay likethe everybody else,” said and sport they like, likeBachmeier. basketball or cheer, and get Inlike addition toincreasing increasing involvement LHS,unified unified to everybody else,” Bachmeier.

In addition to involvement to be be like everybody else,” said said Bachmeier.atatLHS, sports also allow students to become more social, make In addition to increasing involvement at LHS, unified sports also allow students toinvolvement become more make In addition to increasing atsocial, LHS, unified more friends and step outside of their comfort zones.

For sports also allow allow students to become become more social, make more friends and students step outside of theirmore comfort zones.

For sports also to social, make many students with a disability unified sports help bridge more friends and step outside of ofunified their comfort comfort zones.

For many friends students with a disability sports help bridge more and step outside their zones.

For thegap gap between allstudents; they arenot notdefined defined by many students with disability unified sports helpby bridge the between all they are many students with aastudents; disability unified sports help bridge their disability, rather theyare are anasset asset theteam team anda a their disability, they an totothe and the gap betweenrather all students; students; they are not defined by the gap between all they are not defined by fundamental part of LHS. fundamental part of LHS. their disability, rather they are an asset to the team and their disability, rather they are an asset to the team and aa “I“Isee ofof kids grow seeaalot lotpart kids growmore moresocially sociallyoutgoing… outgoing…kids kids fundamental of fundamental part of LHS. LHS. are saying hi to each other more, they’re talking to each are saying hi to each other more, they’re talking to each “I see a lot of kids grow more socially outgoing… kids “I see a lot of kids grow more socially outgoing… kids other more. and with disabilities totobebe other more.

Students andkids kids with disabilities tend are saying hi to more, they’re talking to are saying hiStudents to each each other other more, they’re talkingtend to each each other more.

Students and kids with disabilities tend other more. Students and kids with disabilities tend to to be be

The LHS unified basketball team runs to score a basket.

The LHS unified basketball team runs to score a basket.

The LHS LHS unified unified basketball basketball team team runs runs to to score score aa basket. basket.

The

desiGn by Grace Miner

desiGn by Grace iner photos used withM perMission

by Lhs unified basketbaLL & cheer teaMs

photosby used with unified basketbaLL & cheer teaMs artwork used with perMissionby byLhs canva desiGn Grace MperMission iner desiGn by Grace Miner artwork used with perMission canva photos used with perMission by by Lhs unified basketbaLL & cheer teaMs

The unified basketball team performs basketball performs aThe teamunified chant before theirteam game. a team chant before their game.

The unified basketball team performs The unified basketball team performs aa team team chant chant before before their their game. game.

Buddies program is hoping for a large student section, so shy in some ways because they’re not used to other people Buddies program is hoping for a large student section, so shy in some ways because they’re not used to other people they can have a is crowd to help for. talking to them.

Now, they get tonot seeused theirtofriends in the Buddies for aa cheer large shy in ways because they can program have a crowd to help for.student Buddies program is hoping hoping forcheer large student section, section, so so talking to them. theythey’re get to see the shy in some some waysNow, because they’re not their used friends to other otherinpeople people “My main goal is to get them cheering at every single hallway and the communications there, and it’s pretty cool,” they can have a crowd to help cheer for. talking to them.

Now, they get to see their friends in the “My is to to gethelp them cheering canmain havegoal a crowd cheer for. at every single hallwayto and the communications andfriends it’s pretty cool,” they talking them.

Now, they get tothere, see their in the game…Another goal would getting a crowd of some saidBachmeier.

Bachmeier.

“My is get cheering at hallway and the the communications communications there, there, and and it’s it’s pretty pretty cool,” cool,” game…Another bebe getting a crowd of single some “My main main goal goalgoal is to towould get them them cheering at every every single said hallway and sorts, so the cheerleaders can feel like they are getting One LHS senior, Rhonda Lambert, has been a part of the game…Another goal would be getting a crowd of some said Bachmeier. sorts, so the cheerleaders canbefeel like they are getting a a goal would getting a crowd of some One LHS senior, Rhonda Lambert, has been a part of the game…Another said Bachmeier. crowd excited for a game,” said Bachmeier. unified basketball team for three years.

Through the team, sorts, so the cheerleaders can feel like they are getting One LHS LHS senior,team Rhonda Lambert, has been aa part part of the the sorts, crowdso excited for a game,”can said Bachmeier. unified basketball for three years.has Through the team, the cheerleaders feel like they are getting aa One senior, Rhonda Lambert, been of LHS senior, Ella DuBois, is a part unified cheer Lambert has developed a passion for the game and lifelong crowd excited for game,” said said Bachmeier. unified team three the team, LHSexcited senior, for Ellaaa DuBois, is a Bachmeier. part of of thethe unified cheer Lambert has developed a passion for theThrough game and crowd game,” unified basketball basketball team for for three years. years.

Through thelifelong team, team this year and was an avid member of the student friendships.

She also has large goals for her senior season.

LHS senior, Ellawas DuBois, is aamember part of of the the unified cheer Lambert developed passion for the game and lifelong team this year and an avid of the student friendships. also hasaalarge goals senior LHS senior, Ella DuBois, is part unified cheer Lambert has hasShe developed passion forfor theher game and season. lifelong section at the unified basketball games in years prior.

“Being on a team with my friends and stuff like that [is team this year and was an avid member of the student friendships.

She also has large goals for her senior season. section at the unified basketball games in years prior.

SheShe “Being on a team with my friends and stuff like that [is team this year and was an avid member of the student friendships. She also has large goals for her senior season. values the quick friendships unified sports provide and my favorite [Ihope] hope] tomake make my team to the section at the the unified basketball games in years years prior.

She “Being on aapart]... team with my friends and stuff like that [is values the quick friendships unified sports provide andShe my favorite my team gogo to the section at unified basketball games in prior.

“Being onpart]... team[I with my to friends and stuff like that [is is excited to be a part of them this year.

In addition, championship andstate,” state,” said Lambert. values the quick unified sports and my favorite [I hope] to make my is excited be afriendships part of them this year.

Inprovide addition, sheshe championship and said values theto quick friendships unified sports provide and my favorite part]... part]...

[I hope] toLambert. make my team team go go to to the the heartwarming memories ofattending attending the games Asthe theunified unified basketball and cheer seasons approach, new is excited to of year. addition, she championship and state,” Lambert. has heartwarming memories games as as a a As and cheer seasons approach, new is has excited to be be aa part part of them themofthis this year. In Inthe addition, she championship andbasketball state,” said said Lambert. viewer, inspiring other LHS students to attend these games goals come with them.

The basketball team is hoping for a has heartwarming memories of attending the games as viewer, inspiring other LHS students to attend these games As the unified basketball and cheer seasons approach, new goals come with them.

The basketball team is hoping for a As the unified basketball and cheer seasons approach, new has heartwarming memories of attending the games as aa this year. set schedule. addition, they hopetoto get a larger student viewer, inspiring this year. goals come them.

The basketball team is hoping for set schedule.

InInaddition, they hope get a larger student viewer, inspiring other other LHS LHS students students to to attend attend these these games games goals come with with them.

The basketball team is hoping for aa “My favorite game was at Jefferson when we section and crowd, making unified basketball on the same this year.

“My favorite game was at Jefferson when we hadhad set schedule.

In addition, they hope to get a larger student section and crowd, making unified basketball on the same this year. set schedule. In addition, they hope to get a larger student a“My big student section cheering team.

Ithad was favorite game was at when we levelasasand other sports LHS. a big student section cheering onon thethe team.

It so so section crowd, making unified level other sports atatLHS. “My favorite game was at Jefferson Jefferson when wewas had section and crowd, making unified basketball basketball on on the the same same heartwarming to see the players’ faces light up when they a big student section cheering on the team.

It was heartwarming to see the players’ faces light up when “I want Lincoln High School to get to that point where level as other sports at LHS. “I want Lincoln High School to get to that point where a big student section cheering on the team. It was so so they level as other sports at LHS. would score a basket,” said DuBois. would score a basket,” said DuBois. heartwarming to see the players’ faces light up when they we have a set schedule, and we do have a state tournament we have a set schedule, and we do have a state tournament “I want want Lincoln Lincoln High High School School to to get get to to that that point point where where heartwarming to see the players’ faces light up when they “I Ultimately, unified sports LHS allow students Ultimately, sports at at LHS allow forfor allall students would score basket,” said DuBois. [for basketball].

Wehave have anarea area tournament that [for basketball].

We that wewe do,do, we have set schedule, schedule, andanwe we do tournament have state tournament tournament would score aa unified basket,” said DuBois. we have aa set and do have aa state to be involved and have an equal playing field in the school to be involved and have an equal playing field in the school Ultimately, unified sports at LHS allow for all students we I want a real big deal, wedid didthat thatlast lastyear. year.have I want thattotournament tobebe a real big deal, just [for basketball].

We have anthat area tournament that wejust do, Ultimately, unified sports at LHS allow for all students [for basketball].

We an area that we do, community. community. to be involved and have an equal playing field in the school like every sport,” said like every other sport,” saidBachmeier.

Bachmeier. we did thatother last year. want that to be be aa real real big big deal, deal, just just to be involved and have an equal playing field in the school we did that last year.

II want that to community.

As it is Unified Cheers’ first year at LHS, the Best As it is Unified Cheers’ first year at LHS, the Best like every other sport,” said Bachmeier. community. like every other sport,” said Bachmeier.

As it is Unified Cheers’ first year at LHS, the Best As it is Unified Cheers’ first year at LHS, the Best

Players from the LHS unified basketball team play Players from the LHS unified basketball team play defense when the other team tries to score a basket. defense when other teambasketball tries to score basket.

Players from the LHS unified team Players from thethe LHS unified basketball teamaplay play defense defense when when the the other other team team tries tries to to score score aa basket. basket.

Players from the 2023-2024 LHS unified basketball team Players from the 2023-2024 LHS unified basketball team pose for a team picture. pose for a team picture. LHS Players from the Players from the 2023-2024 2023-2024 LHS unified unified basketball basketball team team pose for a team picture. pose for a team picture.

1111 11

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12

BY PORTER STANGELAND

E

nvironmental ingenuity is the ability to develop creative and innovative solutions to address environmental challenges.

It involves using smart, resourceful approaches to improve sustainability and protect natural resources.

The Environmental Ingenuity Club that junior Molly Leuning runs at LHS strives to create innovative solutions to reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, develop new technologies to conserve energy and raise awareness about environmental issues. This club is valueble because it plays its part in helping the world stay clean and gives the students at LHS a chance to come together and be part of a group that works for a good cause.

According to Fominsoap, 88% of the sea’s surface is polluted by plastic waste. In 2024 alone, it was estimated that 75 to 199 million tons of plastic and other waste are in the oceans. About 17% of the species affected by plastic in the ocean are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Red List of Threatened Species. On the ground throughout the U.S., it has been reported that there are still 50 billion pieces of waste. Although there is no ocean near South Dakota, there are still many roles to play in protecting the environment, such as cleaning up garbage in the river, picking up trash when seen and most importantly, not littering in the first place.

“I decided to start this club again after looking over a bridge in Nashville. As I looked down, all I saw was loads of trash and waste. I was disgusted and knew I had to make a change,” said Leuning.

Keeping the environment clean is important for protecting ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity, which ensures a healthy planet for future generations. Creating clubs that support environmental initiatives encourages engagement in communities, raises awareness and empowers individuals to take action towards this problem.

“This club is important because every skill and

lesson learned can be used throughout the rest of somebody’s life. The things learned in [the Environmental Ingenuity] club can also allow students and community members to be more mindful about their sustainability choices, and understand the effects of them,” said Leuning.

With all this in mind, Environmental Ingenuity is a necessary path toward preserving the planet.

By embracing innovative solutions and sustainable practices, people can address the urgent challenges of pollution, resource depletion and climate change.

The collective efforts of individuals, communities and club organizations set the foundation for creating and maintaining a cleaner, healthier world.

The Environmental Ingenuity Club meetings are held every other Thursday in A211, Amber Comp’s room after school.

“The environment is something that I’m extremely passionate about, so it’s a fun way for me to express my beliefs and interests,” said Leuning.

PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA DESIGN BY KATIE KROEZE

ebate at LHS is not just about winning arguments—it ebate at LHS is notgrowing, just about is about learning, andwinning workingarguments—it together. For is about learning, growing, working together.

For Grant Wiessner, Brady Wheeler andand Callaway Weeks, the debate Grant Brady andskills Callaway Weeks, the what debate team isWiessner, where they haveWheeler honed their and discovered team is where theyinhave honed their skills and discovered what it takes to succeed competition.

Whether adapting to different it takes breaking to succeeddown in competition.

Whether adapting different judges, complex topics or standing outtowith judges, breaking down topics or standing creative strategies, eachcomplex brings something unique toout thewith team. creative strategies, brings is something the team.

Their stories show each that debate more thanunique just antoactivity, it is stories that debate is more than just anand activity, it is aTheir way to buildshow confidence, sharpen communication connect awith wayothers. to build confidence, sharpen communication and connect with others. WIESSNER has been a member of the debate team GRANT GRANT WIESSNER has been a member of the debate team since November of his freshman year, and he thrives in the eversince November of his freshman year, and he thrives in the everchanging environment of competitive debate. For him, the most changing environment of competitive debate. him, the types most challenging part of debate is learning to adaptFor to different challenging of judges. part of debate is learning to adapt to different types of “You judges. can’t just debate the same way in every single round,” “You can’t just debate same way intype everyofsingle said Wiessner.

“You havethe to adapt to the judgeround,” you have. said Wiessner.

“Youslower, have to adapt to the type of judge you have.

Some judges want simpler arguments, while others are Some judges wantmore slower, simpler arguments, while others are okay with faster, complex ones.” okay with faster, more complex ones.”has taught him to think This need for constant adjustment This need for constant adjustment has taught himthe tosituation. think quickly on his feet and tailor his approach based on quickly on hisalso feethighlights and tailorthe hisimportance approach based on the situation.

Wiessner of teamwork in Wiessner also highlights the round importance of teamwork debate.

Behind every successful are countless hoursin debate.

Behind successful round are countless hoursdo of practice andevery collaboration with teammates.

“You can’t of practice and own” collaboration with teammates.

“You can’t do debate on your said Wiessner.

“It takes everyone working debate ontoyour own” said Wiessner.

“It takes and everyone working together create arguments, test strategies prepare for together arguments, test strategies and prepare for anything to thecreate opponent might say.” anything the opponent For Wiessner, debatemight is not say.” just about winning rounds; it’s Forunderstanding Wiessner, debate is not perspectives just about winning rounds; it’s about different and improving as a about understanding different perspectives and improving as a communicator. communicator.

“Debate allows you to understand the complexities of both “Debate you understand to understand theother,” complexities of both sides so we allows can better each said Wiessner. sides so we can better understand other,” BRADY WHEELER joined theeach debate teamsaid as aWiessner. freshman, BRADY WHEELER the debate team as a freshman, drawn by the intellectual joined challenge and opportunity to develop drawn by the intellectual challenge to develop critical thinking skills. Over time, heand hasopportunity recognized one of the critical thinking skills.

Over time, heclarity has recognized the biggest hurdles in debate: ensuring for judgesone whoofmay biggest hurdleswith in debate: ensuring for judges who may not be familiar the topics beingclarity discussed. not“You be familiar being discussed. have towith dumbthe it topics down so much for judges who don’t “You have to dumb it down soWheeler, much foracknowledging judges who don’t fully understand the topic,” said the fully understand the topic,” said Wheeler, acknowledging thecore difficulty of simplifying complex ideas without losing their difficulty of simplifying complex ideas without losing their core meaning. meaning.

For Wheeler, preparation is essential, and he thrives in the For Wheeler, preparation essential, he thrives in the collaborative environment ofisthe debate and team. collaborative environment the another debate team.

“You can bounce ideas offof one to make everything “You can bounce ideas off one another to make everything more solid,” said Wheeler. more Wheeler.

Thesolid,” team said spends hours crafting arguments, debating one The team spendsrounds, hours crafting arguments, debating one another in practice and refining their techniques. another in practice rounds, and refining their techniques.

This constant exchange of ideas helps them develop cohesive This constant ideas helps them develop cohesive strategies and exchange prepare forofany scenario. strategies prepare forsuccess any scenario.

Wheelerand believes that in debate lies in effectively Wheeler believes communicating ideas.that success in debate lies in effectively communicating “Anybody canideas. make a claim, but the skill is in breaking clash claim, butisthe skill issaid in breaking and“Anybody showing can whymake youraargument better,” Wheeler. clash and showing why your argument is better,” said Wheeler.

DESIGN BY BOBBY PARKER PHOTO USED WITHPPERMISSION

BY GRANT WIESSNER DESIGN

BY BOBBY ARKER ARTWORK

BY WITH CANVAPERMISSION BY GRANT WIESSNER PHOTO USED ARTWORK BY CANVA

BY BOBBY PARKER

BY BOBBY PARKER

CALLAWAY WEEKS has been an active member of the CALLAWAY WEEKS has beenyear, an active member debate team since his freshman and he thrivesofonthe the debate team and sincecreative his freshman andactivity. he thrives thethe competitive aspectsyear, of the Foron him, competitive and creative aspects part of the him, the most challenging yet rewarding of activity. debate isFor finding ways most challenging yet rewarding part of debate is finding ways to stand out. to “Both stand out. sides are going to be good debaters, so it’s about finding “Both sides are going to besaid good debaters, so it’s about finding a way to set yourself apart,” Weeks. a way to set yourself apart,” said Weeks.

This mindset drives Weeks to innovate during rounds, This mindset drives Weeks to innovate during rounds, identifying unique angles to give him and his partner an edge. identifying unique to give him his partner an edge.

Weeks values theangles relationships builtand in debate, especially the Weeks values the relationships built in debate, especially the partnership between debaters. partnership “You havebetween to build debaters. a relationship with your partner where you have to build a relationship withoryour partner where can“You openly discuss decisions you agree disagree with,” saidyou can openly discuss decisions you agree or disagree with,” said Weeks.

Weeks.

This openness and trust are key to growing as a team and This openness and trust areDebate key topractices, growing as team and improving after every round. foraWeeks, improvingsports after every Debate practices, for specific Weeks, skills. resemble drills, round. with each session targeting resemble drills, with session targeting specific “We dosports specific drills, likeeach giving rebuttal speeches or skills.

“We doclash, specific drills, likeindividual giving rebuttal speeches or breaking to improve abilities,” said Weeks. breaking clash,“breaking to improve individual abilities,” saidskill Weeks.

For Weeks, clash” is the most critical for For Weeks, “breaking clash” is the most critical skill for success. success.

“You have to explain why your argument is better and why have to explain why way,” your argument is better and why the“You judge should see it your said Weeks. the judge should see it your way,” said Weeks.

Left to right: Grant Wiessner, Callaway Weeks and Left toWheeler right: Grant Wiessner, Callaway Weeks and Brady Brady Wheeler

13 13

Joseph Tunge naomi Jespersen

by Jby oseph Tunge & n&aomi Jespersen , , ediTor -Chief ediTor -in-i -Cnhief

With 60 colonies in South Dakota, Hutterites up almost second second session of day. the day. much of colony the school schedule With overover 60 colonies in South Dakota, Hutterites makemake up almost session of the LikeLike much of colony life, life, the school schedule of state’s the state’s farming population, according to South the South Dakota is affected is affected by gender-based expectations.

As boys the boys returned 10%10% of the farming population, according to the Dakota by gender-based expectations.

As the returned to to Census Center.

Despite many South Dakotans know English school, the girls spent roughly 20 minutes washing dishes Census DataData Center.

Despite this,this, many South Dakotans know nextnext to to English school, the girls spent roughly 20 minutes washing dishes and and nothing about Hutterites distinctive culture.

To aget a glimpsecaring caring for their younger siblings.

Later in afternoon, the afternoon, the boys nothing about Hutterites and and theirtheir distinctive culture.

To get glimpse for their younger siblings.

Later in the the boys taketake of Hutterite the Hutterite lifestyle education system, we spent to tend the garden. of the lifestyle and and education system, we spent a daya day at at timetime to tend the garden.

Oaklane Colony in Alexandria, sweet cucumbers, melons, everything.

Oaklane Colony in Alexandria, SD. SD. “We“We raiseraise sweet corn,corn, cucumbers, melons, veryvery wellwell everything.

After an hour-long drive, we arrived in time to lunch eat lunch (referred During the summer we hoe in winter, the winter, we take After an hour-long drive, we arrived in time to eat (referred to toDuring the summer we hoe and and weedweed and and in the we take the the as “dinner”) the colony students.

At Oaklane, the women prepare produce produce in garden the garden we pick in summer; the summer; we haul it down as “dinner”) withwith the colony students.

At Oaklane, the women prepare in the thatthat we pick in the we haul it down to to meals a central kitchen, which is surrounded by two dining halls: the kitchen,” Brandon Wipf. meals in a in central kitchen, which is surrounded by two dining halls: one onethe kitchen,” said said Brandon Wipf. for children the children for adults. the adults.

Hutterites value efficiency English school at Oaklane has two classes: for the and and one one for the Hutterites value bothboth efficiency TheThe English school at Oaklane has two mainmain classes: one one for for community, so during the evening meal, colony elders are seated kindergarten kindergarten through fourth grade, for fifth through eighth and and community, so during the evening meal, colony elders are seated through fourth grade, and and one one for fifth through eighth to teenagers to pass down wisdom insight. grade. classrooms are functional inviting, bright nextnext to teenagers to pass down wisdom and and insight. grade.

BothBoth classrooms are functional and and inviting, withwith bright popspops During “dinner,” the middle school quickly revealed of color well-supplied libraries. upper-level classroom During “dinner,” the middle school boysboys quickly revealed theirtheir of color and and well-supplied libraries.

TheThe upper-level classroom also also passion for football.

While admitted to occasionally watching has spacious cages forclass its class chinchillas, Ethel.

Tracy passion for football.

While theythey admitted to occasionally watching the the has spacious cages for its chinchillas, LucyLucy and and Ethel.

Tracy Chiefs Eagles on TV, use radio the radio or shop computer Henglefelt, the upper-level teacher, off colony the colony yet drives Chiefs and and Eagles on TV, theythey oftenoften use the or shop computer to to Henglefelt, the upper-level teacher, liveslives off the yet drives in in check games’ scores. seated on other the other of room, the room, every every Henglefelt began a colony educator 11 years so she check games’ scores.

TheThe girls,girls, seated on the side side of the day. day.

Henglefelt began as a as colony educator 11 years ago,ago, so she preferred to discuss “colony volleyball,” rule-free version of the nownow has things down a science. preferred to discuss “colony volleyball,” theirtheir rule-free version of the has things down to a to science. game. do center rotations,” Henglefelt. grade game.

“We“We do center rotations,” said said Henglefelt.

“I’ll “I’ll havehave one one grade “Well, we love it, we’re but we’re not professionals,” excited doing be some at activity the activity “Well, we love it, but not professionals,” said said one one excited doing mathmath withwith me, me, and and thenthen therethere will will be some kidskids at the student. table, in reading the reading doing things on their student. table, somesome in the areaarea and and somesome doing mathmath things on their With regard to meal, the meal, options included chicken, computer.”

With regard to the options included soup,soup, chicken, corn,corn, computer.” stuffing, carrots pickled vegetables.

Hutterites heavy value Although it be canabe a challenge for one teacher to instruct stuffing, carrots and and pickled vegetables.

Hutterites placeplace heavy value Although it can challenge for one teacher to instruct 16 16 on self-sufficiency sustainability, so almost every is made children in five grades, Henglefelt the students prioritize on self-sufficiency and and sustainability, so almost every mealmeal is made withwith children in five grades, Henglefelt and and the students still still prioritize fun. fun. ingredients the colony.

Specifically, the class enjoys the top,” a birthday tradition freshfresh ingredients fromfrom the colony.

Specifically, the class enjoys “pop“pop the top,” a birthday tradition thatthat As lunch concluded, the students ample to walk requires everyone to open in unison. notable is the As lunch concluded, the students had had ample timetime to walk backback to to requires everyone to open sodasoda canscans in unison.

AlsoAlso notable is the English school - Oaklane Colony Elementary prepare for its colony’s Christmas pageant, which the students rehearse during English school - Oaklane Colony Elementary - and- and prepare for its colony’s Christmas pageant, which the students mustmust rehearse during

1414

the school the small group of sixth graders, memorizing “During the summer, I’ll have go pick cucumbers, asparagus, the school day. day.

For For the small group of sixth graders, memorizing the the “During the summer, I’ll have to gotopick cucumbers, asparagus, 13-page script simple. tomatoes, pickling, do stuff that,” Wipf.

“I have to start 13-page script was was simple. tomatoes, pickling, do stuff like like that,” said said LoriLori Wipf.

“I have to start “It took meminutes,” 25 minutes,” practically in unison. butchering it stinks.

I’m looking not looking forward to that.”

“It took me 25 theythey said,said, practically in unison. butchering and and it stinks.

I’m not forward to that.”

Whether are learning, working or worshipping, the children To store all food the food is grown processed at Oaklane, Whether theythey are learning, working or worshipping, the children at at To store all the thatthat is grown and and processed at Oaklane, the the Oaklane Colony a very structured schedule. colony utilizes an organized system of pantries, cellars warehouses.

Oaklane Colony havehave a very structured schedule. colony utilizes an organized system of pantries, cellars and and warehouses.

“At 7:00 wetogobreakfast to breakfast wehome go home at 7:45, wetogo to In the In center the center of colony, the colony, a large building is devoted to butchering “At 7:00 we go thenthen we go and and at 7:45, we go of the a large building is devoted to butchering German school Then, to 11:32 English schooland and pickling, room holding countless of produce German school untiluntil 8:30.8:30.

Then, fromfrom 8:458:45 to 11:32 [is][is] English school pickling, withwith one one room holding countless canscans of produce and and the the we and eat and 12:00 to 3:30 wetogoEnglish to English school other: other: freshly butchered cows. building’s upper which and and thenthen we eat thenthen fromfrom 12:00 to 3:30 we go school ninenine freshly butchered cows.

TheThe building’s upper level,level, which at 4:00 wetogoGerman to German school again contains the dining has rooms devoted thenthen at 4:00 we go school again and and contains the dining halls,halls, also also has rooms devoted at 5:30 we come out and wetogochurch to church to bread, utensil storage ice cream making. at 5:30 we come out and we go thenthen at at to bread, utensil storage and and ice cream making. we come out and to supper,” David At Oaklane Colony, is a large emphasis 6:006:00 we come out and go togosupper,” said said David At Oaklane Colony, therethere is a large emphasis Wipf. on dairy production.

With roughly cows, Wipf. on dairy production.

With roughly 300 300 cows, the the Aside at Oaklane Colony colony’s dairy is almost entirely automatic.

Aside fromfrom theirtheir timetime at Oaklane Colony colony’s dairy farmfarm is almost entirely automatic.

Elementary, the children attend German school advanced technology is used to milk Elementary, the children attend German school EachEach day, day, advanced technology is used to milk twice before English school. the cows supply grain twice daily,daily, bothboth before and and afterafter English school. the cows and and supply themthem withwith grain feedfeed at at In German school, the students grammar, specific intervals.

Apart dairy, the colony In German school, the students learnlearn grammar, specific intervals.

Apart fromfrom dairy, the colony memorize songs, practice spelling analyze participates in other industries, including memorize songs, practice spelling and and analyze also also participates in other industries, including stories.

Another key focus of German metalwork, carpentry, mechanics biblebible stories.

Another key focus of German metalwork, carpentry, mechanics and and cropcrop school is connection Hutterite culture, cultivation.

Although specializations allow school is connection withwith Hutterite culture, cultivation.

Although thesethese specializations allow which has various European influences.

Oaklane to participate in local the local economy, which has various European influences.

Oaklane to participate in the economy, theythey “Once a while we have bithistory of history allow for autonomy communal living.

“Once and and a while we have a bitaof also also allow for autonomy and and communal living.

Ukraine, Russia, Turkey all those the students, aspect of colony lifevery is very fromfrom Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and and all those For For the students, this this aspect of colony life is countries,” Wipf, an eighth grader. significant. countries,” said said LoriLori Wipf, an eighth grader. significant.

“From Russian, to German, to Turkish, “[My favorite is] probably the way “From Russian, to German, to Turkish, “[My favorite partpart is] probably the way we we Ukrainian, we have seven or eight languages of stick together. together, Ukrainian, we have like like seven or eight languages kindkind of stick together.

StickStick together, workwork in our language.” together, do [everything] of communal: in our one one language.” together, do [everything] kindkind of communal: Although nearby colonies everything together,” Wipf.

Although somesome nearby colonies offeroffer highhigh everything together,” said said LoriLori Wipf. school classes, students at Oaklane receive When the colony is together, not together, however, school classes, students at Oaklane onlyonly receive When the colony is not however, one one an eighth-grade education.

However, can find the children an intense game of touch an eighth-grade education.

However, eveneven can find the children in aninintense game of touch without school, the young Hutterites football. to their playground, the largest without highhigh school, the young Hutterites football.

NextNext to their playground, the largest quickly become integral to colony’s the colony’s economic social of South all South Dakota Hutterite colonies, the students of Oaklane quickly become integral to the economic and and social life. life.

At At of all Dakota Hutterite colonies, the students of Oaklane catchcatch 16, boys the boys receive an iPhone are assigned a special interceptions, at breakneck speed occasionally age age 16, the receive an iPhone and and are assigned jobsjobs at a at special interceptions, run run playsplays at breakneck speed and and occasionally “hit “hit the the ceremony. thecolony 29 colony families (almost all with griddy.” griddy.”

Most of girls the girls prefer sit and watch, yet they practice ceremony.

OneOne day day eacheach year,year, the 29 families (almost all with Most of the prefer to sittoand watch, yet they practice littlelittle the last name Wipf) gather in church the church where the pastor assigns restraint, teasing the boys throughout the game. is another reminder the last name Wipf) gather in the where the pastor assigns eacheach restraint, teasing the boys throughout the game.

It isItanother reminder young his lifelong career.

Asthe for girls, the girls, at age 15 they begin be kids, Hutterite or not. young manman his lifelong career.

As for at age 15 they begin thatthat kidskids will will be kids, Hutterite or not. shopping, cooking, cleaning other seasonal to keep the colony “We’re “We’re not really different.

Westuff do stuff other people do, too,” shopping, cooking, cleaning and and other seasonal taskstasks to keep the colony not really different.

We do thatthat other people do, too,” in check.

Sadie Wipf. in check. said said Sadie Wipf.

(Cover) Naomi, Joseph a Hutterite student “Lincoln Crazies.”

(Page center) (Cover) Naomi, Joseph and and a Hutterite student showshow theirtheir “Lincoln Crazies.”

(Page center) Joseph looks through Oaklane Colony’s pantry.

Students an educational game.

Joseph looks through Oaklane Colony’s pantry.

(Top(Top left)left) Students playplay an educational game. center) Henglefelt’s classroom, arranged for center rotations. right) Students (Top(Top center) Henglefelt’s classroom, arranged for center rotations.

(Top(Top right) Students readread in their library.

(Middle Students a mechanic a pickup truck.

(Middle in their classclass library.

(Middle left)left) Students looklook on asona as mechanic fixesfixes a pickup truck.

(Middle center) colony’s church, which is central to community (Middle right) colony’s center) TheThe colony’s church, which is central to community life. life.

(Middle right) TheThe colony’s dairy which houses cows.

(Bottom dining at Oaklane Colony. dairy barn,barn, which houses overover 300 300 cows.

(Bottom left)left) TheThe adultadult dining hall hall at Oaklane Colony.

design by naomi Jespersen | phoTos by mason | arTwork permission design by naomi Jespersen | phoTos by mason deand|ean arTwork used used wiTh wiTh permission from from CanvaCanva

1515

by Abby Anderson

A high school simply would not be complete without a strong theater program among its assortment of extracurricular activities. Luckily for LHS, amidst all of the overachieving bands, sports teams and clubs, there is a collection of devoted students who find their passion in performing a story on stage. Behind the curtain is Brian Hardie, the director of the LHS theater program.

For Hardie, theater began as a collection of trial and error in his middle school years, auditioning several times for the community theater despite not receiving a part for some time. Still, he was compelled by the art of acting onstage, keeping his dedication towards getting a role consistent. Once he was granted one, theater became a major part of his life. His freshman theater teacher and director propelled him further into his journey, who told his mom during parent-teacher conferences that she thought he had a nice speaking voice.

“While it’s a small memory and a seemingly insignificant notion, it’s those kinds of little drips that set the hook deeper,” said Hardie.

When Hardie went to college, his initial plan was to major in political science and pre-law at Creighton University. He auditioned for a play to expand his social circle and find his people. By the end of his freshman year of college, he switched his major to English and theater. He began his career as a theater teacher in Blair, Nebraska, before moving to South Dakota and getting a position at BVHS. In the summer of 2017, he transferred to LHS.

16

Brian Hardie and Regan Meyer discussing LHS’s upcoming play, “Community Garden.”

photos by Abby Anderson design by Abby Anderson Artwork by CAnvA

Being involved in the collaborative art of storytelling has offered Hardie several opportunities for deeper connections. To him, theater is a portal for these connections, a way to express a narrative in front of an audience through various motions, vocalizations and spirit. His long history and background in being on stage allowed him to teach these tools effectively to his students. Artistically, many skills can be acquired from theater, and you can certainly be taught to act; however, Hardie emphasizes the importance of being able to fully immerse yourself in the character you are portraying on stage.

“To set yourself and then, by extension, to set a group of artists within the context of another experience, time and place just develops someone in meaningful ways,” said Hardie.

All of the productions begin with a meaningful conversation about the story. Discussions regarding its message and theme take place to provide a clear idea of how the cast will depict it. Questions of “why?” and “how?” provide a robust foundation to build off. Hardie uses this procedure so his students can expand their understanding of the characters and illustrate them accurately. It all flows in a specific way: centering, focusing and exploring the main point of the piece, progressing by picking up the script and teaching important skills that align with it. One of the most valuable skills is to let oneself be seen. Let movement paint a picture; let verbalization display the emotion to the fullest capacity.

“You can teach people how to act,” said Hardie, quoting one of his own professors, “but you have to let go of your ego and selfconsciousness and allow yourself to be seen.”

Among all of the tools Hardie utilizes, focusing on motion is one he places high value upon. Being in theater and contributing to the production means translating a character’s thoughts, actions and intentions to the audience. Therefore, an average rehearsal has roughly 20-30 minutes’ worth of movement exercises and activities that help bring the connection between the head to the body. Many of his methods are derived from Michael Chekhov, an American-Russian actor and director who developed the psychological gesture technique. The technique is heavily based on the psychological aspwect of the character: The feelings, impulses and desires integrated into the flow of actions they would make. This helps capture the essence of the character and condition the mind to express.

“It really comes down to how you make what’s inside your head find its way to the physical world,” said Hardie. “How do you make the inner world visible?”

LHS’s most recent play, “The Book of Will,” was Hardie’s play for his master’s degree. Previously, he had avoided seeking higher education, hesitating until he felt he had exhausted all of the resources he used to teach himself. He used going to graduate school to expand his already vast knowledge and perspective of theater. Hardie has been the director of several different plays at LHS for several years, and many more are in the making. Among the ways he helps better his students, the support that is shown throughout the community makes it prosper.

“I love producing theater at Lincoln High School, and it’s a profound privilege to be able to do the kind of work we get to do,” said Hardie. “I look forward to productions to come.”

17

(Top (Top left:) left:) NHS NHS students students assemble assemble tie tie blankets blankets in in the the library library for for Project Project Warm-Up. Warm-Up. The The fleece fleece blankets blankets were were donated donated to to people people across across the the community community in in preparation for the winter.

(Top right:) Members encourage students that are 18 to vote in the November election.

NHS members decorated the preparation for the winter.assemble (Top right:) Members encourage thatWarm-Up. are 18 to vote the blankets November election.

NHS members decorated the school schoolin (Top left:) NHS students tie blankets in the library students for Project The in fleece were donated to people across the community patriotically for the day. left:) of many that NHS members can part in Banquet where income patriotically forthe thewinter. day. (Bottom (Bottom left:) One One of the theencourage many volunteer volunteer opportunities that NHS members can take take partNHS in is is the the Banquet where low low income and and preparation for (Top right:) Members studentsopportunities that are 18 to vote in the November election. members decorated the school the homeless around the community can gather for a warm meal and other supplies.

(Bottom middle:) NHS supported the Teddy Bear Den by collecting the homeless around the community canOne gather for amany warm meal and other supplies. middle:)can NHS Bear Den low by collecting patriotically for the day.

(Bottom left:) of the volunteer opportunities that(Bottom NHS members takesupported part in isthe theTeddy Banquet where income and diapers for low-income low-income families.

Thecan diapers were collected at the theand LHS vs. supplies.

WHS basketball basketball game.

(Bottom right:) NHS NHS members Elyse Hutchinson, diapers for The diapers at LHS vs.

WHS (Bottom right:) Elyse Hutchinson, the homeless around the families. community gatherwere for acollected warm meal other (Bottom game. middle:) NHS supported the members Teddy Bear Den by collecting Maddie Loss, Charlotte Hultgren and Porter Stangeland their fundraising from the sale.

Maddie Loss, Charlottefamilies.

HultgrenThe anddiapers Porterwere Stangeland flex theirLHS fundraising earnings from the bake bake sale.right:) NHS members Elyse Hutchinson, diapers for low-income collectedflex at the vs. WHSearnings basketball game.

(Bottom Maddie Loss, Charlotte Hultgren and Porter Stangeland flex their fundraising earnings from the bake sale.

BYBY BY SYRI SSYRI YRI CASTILLEJA C CASTILLEJA ASTILLEJA

S S

18 18 18

tudents commonly hear the National Honors Society (NHS) being mentioned while listening to the daily announcements over thecommonly intercom. Yet students are Society aware of(NHS) what being this club fully entails. tudents hearnot themany National Honors mentioned while listening to the daily announcements over intercom.

Yet not many students areforaware of what this club entails.

This clubthe creates a strong sense of community accepted students and fully greatly benefits future applications for education.

This club creates a strong sense of community for accepted greatly future applications education.

NHS encourages academic growth, while still pushing studentsstudents to serveand within theirbenefits city. Hard work never goesfor unnoticed, and NHSclub encourages academic growth, pushing studentsfuture. to serve within their students city. Hardwho work never goes and this recognizes individuals whowhile aspirestill to have a successful Furthermore, participate in unnoticed, NHS receive a this club chord forrecognizes graduation.individuals who aspire to have a successful future. Furthermore, students who participate in NHS receive a “[NHS is] an honor society that admits students based on four pillars: scholarship, character, leadership and service,” said chord for graduation. “[NHS is] the an honor basedison four pillars: scholarship, leadership said Amy Eckart, advisersociety of thethat NHSadmits club atstudents LHS. “This a national organization thatcharacter, holds high standardsand forservice,” its members.

Amybenefit Eckart,isthe adviser of the NHS clubaccomplishments at LHS. “This is and a national that holds high standards for its members.

The being recognized for your servingorganization with like-minded students.”

The benefit is being recognized for your accomplishments andallserving with like-minded students.”

NHS drives students to put additional effort and time into academic-related activities.

Most members have strong grades, NHS drives students to put and additional effort and timethis intoparticular all academic-related activities.

Most members have strong grades, participate in extracurriculars are charitable.

Thus, club is not open to each student at LHS. participate extracurriculars and are charitable.

Thus, particular club not open to Students each student at LHS. “Juniors in and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 are this invited to apply for ismembership. complete an application “Juniors seniorsthe with a minimum GPA ofa 3.5 are invited to apply for membership.

Students complete application process thatand addresses four pillars. [Then,] committee selects members based on their applications andan teacher process that addresses four pillars. [Then,] a committee selects members based on their applications and teacher recommendations,” saidthe Eckart. recommendations,” saidbeEckart.

Although you must an upperclassman to join NHS, there are still ways to prepare as an underclassman. By keeping the Although youNHS mustinbe an upperclassman to join NHS,can there arework still for ways prepare of as an underclassman. By keeping the idea of joining mind, freshmen and sophomores still thetopotential joining. idea of joining NHSwho in mind, freshmeninand sophomores can still work for the potential “Underclassmen are interested joining can prepare for the application process of in joining. the spring of their junior year by “Underclassmen who are in joining cantoprepare for the application in church, the spring their junior year by maintaining good grades andinterested finding opportunities volunteer, whether that isprocess at school, an of extracurricular activity maintaining grades and finding to volunteer, whether that is at school, church, an extracurricular activity or elsewheregood in their community,” saidopportunities Emma Terveen, a NHS officer. or While elsewhere in atheir said Emma Terveen, a NHSactivities officer. that deliberately support different individuals in the being partcommunity,” of NHS, students participate in various While being a part ofThe NHS, students participate various activities that deliberately support different individuals in the Sioux Falls community. members value the serving others around them contribute at six of Sioux Falls community.

The members value the time timeinspent spent serving others around them and and contribute at least least six hours hours of Sioux Falls community. members value theclub. time spent serving others around them and contribute at least six hours of community service when applying to community service alone aloneThe when applying to the the club. community service applying theblood club.drive, “So school year we hosted “So far far this this schoolalone yearwhen we have have hostedtothe the blood drive, served served aa meal meal at at The The Banquet Banquet [and] [and] organized organized drives drives for for school school “So far this school year we have hosted the blood drive, served a meal at The Banquet [and] organized drives forraised school supplies and diapers at sporting events,” said Terveen. “[We also] held a bake sale during lunch periods where we money supplies and diapers at sporting events,” said Terveen. “[We also] held a bake sale during lunch periods where we raised money supplies and diapers sporting said Terveen. also] held a bake sale during lunch periods where we raised money to buy that then used make blankets for Project Warm-Up.” to buy fleece fleece that we we at then used to toevents,” make tie tie blankets for“[We Project Warm-Up.” to Moreover, buy fleece that we then used to make tie blankets fortowards Projectthis Warm-Up.” underclassmen might consider working aspirable Moreover, underclassmen might consider working towards this aspirable club. club. Academically, Academically, these these students students can can help help one one Moreover, working towards this aspirableThose club. Academically, one another strive for future while being individuals. accepted NHS endeavor for excellence, another striveunderclassmen for aa successful successfulmight futureconsider while still still being generous generous individuals.

Those accepted into into these NHS students endeavorcan for help excellence, another strive for a successful future while still being generous individuals.

Those accepted into NHS endeavor for excellence, and they do so by putting in daily effort.

These exemplary students support each other and the people surrounding them. and they do so by putting in daily effort. These exemplary students support each other and the people surrounding them. and“I doenjoy so bybeing putting into daily effort.

Theseimpact exemplary students each other and peopleand surrounding them. really able make aa positive on school and with my friends our “Ithey really enjoy being able to make positive impact on our our school support and community community with mythe friends and our like-minded like-minded “I really enjoy being able to make a positive impact on our school and community with my friends and our like-minded peers,” said Terveen. peers,” said Terveen.

DESIGN BY SYRI CASTILLEJA & KATIE KROEZE peers,” said Terveen.

DESIGN BY SYRI CASTILLEJA & KATIE KROEZE

PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY INSTAGRAM/LHS_NATIONAL_HONORS_SOCIETY

BY S/YRI ASTILLEJA_& KATIE_SOCIETY KROEZE PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY IDESIGN NSTAGRAM LHSC _NATIONAL HONORS PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY INSTAGRAM/LHS_NATIONAL_HONORS_SOCIETY

by Lucas Hiatt, editor-in-cHief

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL STATESMAN

MAIN AVENUE EMPIRE HOW ONE FAMILY TRANSFORMED DOWNTOWN DINING

UPON ENTERING THE north-bound I-229 on-ramp from Cliff Ave near LHS, one may see a billboard that reads “Enter as friends, leave as family,” which advertises the Sioux Falls Italian cuisine franchise owned by Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi. This saying perfectly summarizes what the two owners aim to achieve with their five companies: offering hospitality and kindness.

The Tarabelsis opened the beloved Sioux Falls restaurant, R Wine Bar & Kitchen, in 2018. Since then, they have steadily expanded their influence in the local restaurant industry with four other sister companies. These include Vespa Catering (opened in 2021), Maribella Ristorante (opened in 2022), Brix Wine Bar (opened in 2022) and their most recent expansion, Trio Jazz Club (opened in 2024).

Maribella and its two neighboring restaurants, Brix and Trio Jazz, have become Sioux Falls’ main sources of “authentic” Italian dining experiences— no restaurant in the city rivals their dedication to providing a menu faithful to Northern Italy.

Riccardo, born in Florence, Italy, has placed heavy importance on the region of Italian cooking in which they specialize. Very notably, none of their restaurants offered the famous Italian dessert, known as a cannoli until Trio Jazz’s menu adopted it, because it is a dessert specific to Southern Italy.

In this way, dining at each location is a learning experience of Riccardo’s heritage.

“We try to educate as many people as possible in a very nice way,” said Riccardo. “There’s lots of regional differences in Italian cooking.”

The Tarabelsis’ dedication to mastering every detail of their craft has captured the attention of downtown goers throughout the years since

20

Riccardo (left) is the namesake for R Wine Bar & Kitchen from his first initial. Marybeth (right) is the namesake for Maribella Ristorante.

R Wine Bar’s opening. From accommodating food allergies to their reception to feedback, the business is always evolving to fit the customer’s needs.

“We don’t wait until we hear negative feedback to make a change,” said Riccardo. “We try to be proactive and not reactive. We are our own biggest competition. We’re always innovating and challenging ourselves because we always want to be the leader.”

Most importantly, Maribella creates a welcoming environment that sticks to the Tarabelsis’ core values. Riccardo and Marybeth strive to make everyone feel like family, from customers to booked jazz musicians and especially their employees. Each employee is valued at a high level no matter their position.

“Everybody matters,” said Marybeth. “We don’t have a restaurant without our dishwashers. So, everybody gets the same respect and everybody respects everybody at the same level.”

“We’re gonna treat everyone [...] as if they’re

irreplaceable,” said Riccardo. “Their position is gonna be replaceable, but people aren’t replaceable.”

Beyond fostering a community through food, a community centered around music has emerged through Trio Jazz and R Wine Bar. Since its opening, R Wine Bar has consistently hosted Jazz nights every Thursday. Through the 2020 pandemic and live-streamed jazz nights, R Wine Bar has earned a reputation for its loyalty to the Sioux Falls music community. Trio Jazz’s opening in July 2024 has brought a more consistent and focused home for local jazz musicians to play.

“We knew there was a jazz community that existed in Sioux Falls, but the musicians didn’t have a home,” said Riccardo. “We really wanted to be consistent about it and be loyal to these musicians.”

The most telling representation of the restaurant’s approach to hospitality is the Tarabelsis’ philosophy on staying composed in stressful environments—being a duck. On busy nights when the kitchen staff, servers and bartenders are all busy, Riccardo and Marybeth maintain that their staff must stay outwardly composed despite the inner stress that may be present.

“Being a duck is how you comport yourself,” said Riccardo. “We’ve all seen a duck swim across the pond just kind of gliding but what we don’t see is under the water, their little feet are going a million miles an hour, getting them across the pond. What happens, especially in the restaurant business [...] everyone’s stressed, but on the surface, we are calm, cool, collected, happy to see you with a smile on our face. Even though internally we can be going a million miles an hour stressing but we don’t want to show it.”

Maribella and its sister companies remain a family-run business despite their large scale.

Manager of Brix Wine Bar, Hank Freese, nephew to Riccardo and Marybeth, has been close with his family his whole life, both physically and relationally, having grown up in the same neighborhood as his aunt, uncle and cousins Berent, Dante and Jaxon Tarabelsi. Freese and his cousins, who work together, work efficiently under an often overwhelming environment because of their bond as a family. The Tarabelsis, by employing family members, maintain a high level of trust and communication among their staff.

“We all grew up within two blocks of each other our whole formative child lives,” said Freese. “That

really primed us all for the stress of working in the restaurant industry.”

From a dream to open a wine bar, to now a fivecompany operation, the Tarabelsis have captivated the downtown restaurant industry. When one steps into the doors of any of their locations, the intention is to feel like stepping into a relative’s house.

“When we first opened, our goal was never to open five businesses in the next five years,” said Riccardo. “The goal was [to] create a culture that matched our core values as a family [and] create a business that created a following.”

“It feels like I’m welcoming you into my home and I get to host you in my home,” said Dante.

The Bongo is from Maribella’s Dolci menu section.

Typical of Florence, Italy, it is a dessert that Riccardo grew up on.

The Dante pizza is named after Dante Tarabelsi and is the restaurant’s pepperoni pizza.

The Maribella pizza has a spiced white sauce base topped with sausage, basil and dried tomatoes. design by Lucas Hiatt pHotos by Lucas Hiatt

21

BY A BY SHLYN ASHLYN HOFFMAN HOFFMAN BYHA SHLYN HOFFMAN

BY A BY SHLYN ASHLYN OFFMAN HOFFMAN

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Since Since the “Create Your Own Pizza” option. the “Create the “Create Your Your Own Own Pizza” Pizza” option. option.

Since Since Since customers customers have have access access to many to many different different customers have access totomany different customers customers have have access access tocan many tocater many different toppings, toppings, any any pizza pizza can cater to different any any liking. liking. toppings, any pizza can cater toopen any liking. toppings, toppings, any any pizza pizza can can cater cater tobusiness any to open any liking. liking.

This This wayway Giesen Giesen keeps keeps his business his This way Giesen his business This This way way Giesen Giesen keeps keeps his keeps business hisanbusiness open to every to every customer, customer, providing providing option an open option for foropen to The every customer, providing an to every to every customer, customer, providing providing an option an option foroption for for anyone. anyone.

The restaurant restaurant offers offers a significant a significant anyone.

The restaurant offers a significant anyone. anyone.

The The restaurant restaurant offers offers a significant a significant amount amount of seating, of seating, along along withwith a short a short waitwait amount ofalong seating, along a short amount amount ofperfect seating, offorseating, along with with a short awith short wait wait wait time, time, perfect families for families and and friends. friends. time, perfect for families and friends. time, time, perfect perfect for families for food families and and friends. friends.

Giesen Giesen wants wants his his food to benefit to benefit his his Giesen wants his food to his Giesen Giesen wants wants food his to benefit to benefit hisbenefit hissocial customers, customers, as well ashis well as help asfood help impact impact the social the well asimpact help the social customers, customers, as as Falls. well as as help as help impact theimpact social the social growth growth ofcustomers, Sioux of well Sioux Falls.

Invictus Invictus Pizza Pizza Kitchen Kitchen of Sioux Falls.

Invictus Pizza Kitchen growth growth ofgrowth Sioux of partnerships Sioux Falls.

Falls.

Invictus Invictus Pizza Pizza Kitchen Kitchen has many has many partnerships with with other other local local has many partnerships with other local has many has many partnerships partnerships with other other local local businesses, businesses, charities charities andwith and radio radio stations, stations, all “to all “to businesses, charities stations, businesses, businesses, charities charities and radio radio stations, stations, all all “toall “to help help buildbuild each each other other up and up and beand able beradio able to donate,” to “to donate,” help build each other and be to helpsaid help build build each each other other up business and up business and beup able be able toinvolved donate,” toable donate,” said Giesen, Giesen, keeping keeping his his involved in indonate,” saidkeeping Giesen, keeping his business involved saidcommunity. said Giesen, Giesen, keeping his business his business involved involved the the community.

Invictus Invictus Pizza Pizza Kitchen Kitchen alsoin also hasinhas in the community.

Invictus Pizza Kitchen also has the community. thedeals community.

Invictus Invictus Pizza Pizza Kitchen Kitchen also also has has many many deals and and offers offers throughout throughout the week the week deals and throughout the many many deals deals andbenefits and offers offers throughout throughout the week the week along along withmany with benefits for their foroffers their customers. customers.

For Forweek along with benefits for customers. their customers. along along with with benefits for their for their customers.

For For For example, example, on Thursdays, onbenefits Thursdays, students students can can receive receive example, on Thursdays, students can example, example, on Thursdays, on Thursdays, students students can can receive receive 15%15% off by off showing by showing theirtheir student student ID, and ID, and receive 15% off by showing their student ID, 15%GreatLife 15% off by offmembers showing bymembers showing their their student student ID, ID,on GreatLife can can receive receive 20% 20% offand offand on and GreatLife members can receive 20% GreatLife GreatLife members members can can receive receive 20%20% off on off onoff on Mondays.

Mondays.

Mondays.

Mondays.

Mondays.

With With a commitment a commitment to using to using fresh, fresh, locally locally With a commitment to using fresh, With With aingredients commitment aingredients commitment toa using fresh, fresh, locallylocally sourced sourced andtoand a using dedication dedication tolocally to sourced ingredients a donations, dedication sourced sourced ingredients ingredients and and acharitable dedication a and dedication to to to giving giving back back through through charitable donations, giving back through charitable donations, giving giving back back through charitable charitable donations, the restaurant the restaurant isthrough quickly is quickly becoming becoming adonations, favorite a favorite the restaurant isbecoming quickly a favorite the restaurant the locals restaurant is quickly is quickly becoming afood. favorite afood. favorite among among locals for more for more than than just just itsbecoming its among for more than just its food. among among locals locals for locals more for more than than just just its food. its food.

2222 2222 22

“The“The Walking Walking Taco”: Taco”: For For $13.99 $13.99 one one could could get this get this 11-inch 11-inch pizzapizza withwith “The Walking Taco”: For $13.99 one could get 11-inch pizza “The “The Walking Walking Taco”: Taco”: For For $13.99 $13.99 one one could could get this get this 11-inch 11-inch pizza pizza with cheddar cheddar cheese, cheese, lettuce, lettuce, pico pico de gallo, de gallo, crushed crushed Doritos Doritos andthis and topped topped with with awith awith cheddar cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, crushed Doritos and topped with cheddar cheddar cheese, cheese, lettuce, lettuce, pico pico de gallo, de gallo, crushed crushed Doritos Doritos and and topped topped with with a a a chipotle chipotle soursour cream cream sauce. sauce.

TheThe flavors flavors werewere all familiar all familiar yet totally yet totally unique unique chipotle sour cream sauce.

The flavors were all familiar yet totally unique chipotle chipotle sour sour cream cream sauce. sauce.

Thetraditional The flavors flavors were were allcrust, familiar familiar yet totally unique unique in this in this pizza pizza format. format.

With With the the traditional crust, itallhad it had a yet perfect a totally perfect balance balance of of incovering this pizza format.

With the traditional it for had abalance perfect balance in this in this pizza pizza format. format.

With With the traditional thepizza. traditional crust, crust, itiscrust, had itis had aperfect perfect a perfect balance oflooking of of toppings, toppings, covering the entire the entire pizza.

This This option option perfect anyone for anyone looking toppings, covering the entire pizza.

This option is perfect for anyone toppings, toppings, covering thenew entire the entire pizza. pizza.

This This option option is zone, perfect is perfect fortoo anyone fordifferent. anyone looking looking to try to something trycovering something new or out or of out their of their comfort comfort zone, but not but not too different.

Onelooking One toalso try purchase something new orfor out$23.99. of their comfort but different. not different. too different. to try toalso something try something new new or14-inch out or14-inch of out their of their comfort comfort zone,zone, butzone, not but too not too OneOneOne could could purchase the the for $23.99. could also purchase the for 14-inch for $23.99. could could also also purchase purchase the 14-inch the 14-inch $23.99. for $23.99.

Giesen’s Giesen’s favorite, favorite, “The“The Duchess,” Duchess,” favorite, “The Duchess,” Giesen’s Giesen’s favorite, favorite, “The “The Duchess,” Duchess,” starts starts with with aGiesen’s fresh a fresh rosemary rosemary and and starts with a fresh rosemary starts starts with with a cream fresh a cream fresh rosemary rosemary and and and green green onion onion cheese cheese spread. spread. green onion cream cheese spread. green green onion onion cream cream cheese cheese spread. spread.

It isIt then is then layered layered with with mozzarella mozzarella PHOTOSPHOTOS

BY ASHLYN

BY AH SHLYN OFFMAN HOFFMAN | DESIGN | DESIGN

BY ASHLYN

BY AH SHLYN OFFMAN HOFFMAN It is then layered with mozzarella It ischeese, Itthen isshaved then layered layered with with mozzarella mozzarella cheese, shaved pork pork belly, belly, red onions red onionsPHOTOSPHOTOS PHOTOS

BY A HOFFMAN | BY DESIGN

BY A HOFFMAN

BY ASHLYN BY AH SHLYN OFFMAN HSHLYN OFFMAN | DESIGN | DESIGN

BY ASHLYN AH SHLYN OFFMAN HSHLYN OFFMAN cheese, shaved red onions cheese, cheese, shaved shaved belly, belly, red belly, onions red onions and and finished finished offpork with offpork with hotpork honey. hot honey. and finished off with hotjust honey. and and finished finished off with off with hot honey. hotjust honey.

“All “All these these different different flavors flavors “All these different flavors “All “All these these different different flavors flavors just just just dance dance in your in your mouth mouth with with every every dance in your mouth with dance dance in your in your mouth mouth with with every everyevery bite,” bite,” said said Giesen.

Giesen. bite,” said Giesen. bite,” bite,” said said Giesen.

Giesen.

The The different different seasonings seasonings enrich enrich The different enrich different different seasonings enrich enrich theThe pizza theThe pizza and and bring bring itseasonings toititsseasonings tofull its full the pizza and it to the pizza the pizza and and bring bring it tobring it itstofull its full potential, potential, a lengthy a lengthy process process to toits full potential, aprocess lengthy potential, potential, a lengthy a lengthy process toprocess to to perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect.

“Simply “Simply Cheese”: Cheese”: For For $11.99 $11.99 “Simply Cheese”: For $11.99 “Simply “Simply Cheese”: Cheese”: For For $11.99 $11.99 one one could could get the get classic the classic cheese cheese one could get the classic cheese one pizza. one could could get the get classic the classic cheese cheese pizza.

Organic Organic marinara marinara sauce sauce pizza.

Organic marinara sauce pizza. pizza.

Organic Organic marinara is used is used with with anymarinara any option option ofsauce ofsauce is used any is used is used with with anywith any option option ofoption of of cheese. cheese.

The The mozzarella mozzarella cheese cheese cheese.

The mozzarella cheese cheese. cheese.

The The mozzarella mozzarella cheese cheese was was melted melted just just right, right, creating creating was melted just right, creating melted melted just just right, right, creating creating awas gooey, awas gooey, stringy stringy texture texture that that astringy gooey, stringy texture a gooey, a gooey, stringy texture texture that thatthat stretched stretched perfectly perfectly with with each each stretched with each stretched stretched perfectly perfectly with each eachfor bite. bite.

This This option option isperfectly suitable is with suitable for bite.

This isor suitable bite.more bite.

This This option option isoption suitable isorsuitable for for for the the more picky picky eaters, eaters, ones ones the picky eaters, or ones the more the more picky picky eaters, eaters, orbasic ones or pizza. ones looking looking for amore for plain, a plain, basic pizza. looking a plain, basic pizza. looking looking for afor plain, afor plain, basic basic pizza. pizza.

Invictus’ Invictus’ unique unique menu menu sets sets the restaurant the restaurant Invictus’ unique menu sets the restaurant Invictus’ Invictus’ unique unique menu menu sets sets theSioux restaurant theSioux restaurant apart apart from from most most pizza pizza places places in in Falls.

Falls.

They They apart from most pizza places in Sioux Falls.

They aparthave apart from from most most pizza pizza places places in(gluten-free Sioux in(gluten-free Sioux Falls.

Falls.

They They have four four different different crust crust types, types, and and four different crust types, (gluten-free and havecauliflower have fourhave four different different crust crust types, types, (gluten-free (gluten-free and and cauliflower options options available) available) seven seven different different sauces, sauces, cauliflower options seven different sauces, cauliflower cauliflower options options available) available) seven seven different different sauces, sauces, salads, salads, calzones, calzones, desserts desserts andavailable) and piadina piadina bread. bread.

The The salads, calzones, and piadina bread. salads, salads, calzones, calzones, desserts and and piadina piadina bread. bread.

The TheThe menu menu also also includes includes adesserts kid’s a desserts kid’s section. section. menu also includes a kid’s section. menu menu also also includes includes a kid’s a kid’s section. section.

2323 232323

BY BY BY JJJOSIE OSIE JOSIET TT OLLINGER OLLINGER OLLINGER ,, ,E ,EDITOR EDITOR DITOR -I -I-I NN-C N -C -C HIEF HIEF HIEF BY OLLINGER -I N HIEF BY BY BY JJOSIE OSIE OSIE JOSIET TTT OLLINGER OLLINGER OLLINGER , ,E E,EDITOR DITOR EDITOR DITOR -I-I-I NN-C -C N -C -C HIEF HIEF HIEF

BY JOSIE TOLLINGER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

N BY JOSIE TOLLINGER PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS USED USED USED WITH WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION PERMISSION BY BYLHS BY LHS LHS STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION BY LHS STUDENTS DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN BY BY JBY OSIE JOSIE JWITH OSIE T TOLLINGER OLLINGER TPERMISSION OLLINGER PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS USED USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION BY BYLHS BY LHS LHS STUDENTS STUDENTS STUDENTS DESIGN BY JOSIE TOLLINGER DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN BY BYJBY OSIE JOSIE JOSIE TTOLLINGER OLLINGER TOLLINGER

24 24 24 24 24 24

With With the the start start of of 2025, 2025, people people begin begin With With the the start of of 2025, people people begin begin With With With the the thestart start start start of of of2025, 2025, 2025, 2025, people people people begin begin begin With the start of ponder 2025, people begin to to look look back back and and ponder 2024.

2024.

Revisiting Revisiting to to look look back back and and ponder ponder 2024.

2024.

Revisiting Revisiting to to to look look look back back back and and and ponder ponder ponder 2024.

2024.

2024.

Revisiting Revisiting Revisiting to all look back and ponder 2024.

Revisiting all the the memories memories made made and and the the trials trials and and all all the the memories made made and and the the trials trials and and all all the the thememories memories memories memories made made made and and and the the the trials trials trials and and and all all the memories made and the trials and tribulations tribulations that that each each year year can can bring. bring.

In In tribulations tribulations that that each each year year can can bring. bring.

In In tribulations tribulations tribulations that that that each each each year year year can can can bring. bring. bring.

In In In tribulations that each year can bring.

Inmoments today’s today’s age age remembering remembering all all those those moments today’s today’s age age remembering remembering all all those those moments moments today’s today’s today’s age age age remembering remembering remembering all all all those those those moments moments moments today’s ageashard remembering allwas. thoseWith moments is not hard as once aa simple isisis isnot not notas asas ashard hard hardas asas asit ititit itonce once oncewas. was. was.With With Withaaa asimple simple simple is is not not not as as hard hard as it it once once once was. was. was.

With With With simple a simple simple is not as hard as it as once was.

With a simple click click of of a button, a button, people people can can capture capture their click clickof ofof ofaa abutton, button, abutton, button,people people peoplecan can cancapture capture capturetheir their their click click click of a button, people people can can capture capture their their their click of a button, people can capture their favorite favorite moments. moments.

With With thousands thousands of of favorite favoritemoments. moments. moments.With With Withthousands thousands thousandsof ofof of favorite favorite favorite moments. moments.

With With thousands thousands of favorite moments.

With thousands of favorite photos photos in in one’s one’s camera camera roll, roll, people’s people’s favorite photos photos in in one’s one’s camera camera roll, roll, people’s people’s favorite favorite photos photos photos in in in one’s one’s one’s camera camera camera roll, roll, roll, people’s people’s people’s favorite favorite favorite photos in one’s camera roll, people’s favorite moments moments can can be be captured captured and and something something moments moments can can be be captured captured and and something something moments moments moments can can can be be be captured captured captured and and and something something something moments cancan be captured and something that that they they can look look back back on on and and cherish cherish that that they they can can look look back back on on and cherish cherish that that that they they they can can can look look look back back back on on onand and and and cherish cherish cherish forever. forever.

We We asked asked students students to to send send in in their their that they can look back on and cherish forever. forever.

We We asked asked students students to to send send in in their forever. forever. forever.

We We We asked asked asked students students students to to to send send send in in intheir their their their all-time all-time favorite favorite photo photo captured captured during during forever.

We asked students to send in their all-time all-time favorite favorite photo photo captured captured during during all-time all-time all-time favorite favorite favorite photo photo photo captured captured captured during during during 2024.

2024. all-time favorite photo captured during 2024.

2024.

2024.

2024.

2024.

2024.

BY BETHEL WOCHE

BY BETHEL WOCHE BRAIN ROT BRAIN noun ROT noun The supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of The supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material, is considered to be trivial or unchallenging (Oxford University Press). overconsumption of material, is considered be trivial or unchallenging (Oxford University Press).

Synonyms: smooth brain, brain damage, to mental disorder.

Synonyms: smooth brain, brain damage, mental disorder.

When certain memes gain popularity, they often introduce unknown words that last in teenagers’ terminology When certain memes gain popularity, they often introduce unknown words that last in teenagers’ terminology for months to come. These brain rot symptoms have spread rapidly; however, those with more offline lives find for months to come. These brain rot symptoms have spread rapidly; however, those with more offline lives find themselves lost in conversations. This brain rot survival guide will outline the usage and context of several terms. themselves lost in conversations. This brain rot survival guide will outline the usage and context of several terms.

LHS students gave their best shot with each word by describing what the word means or providing an example.

LHS students gave their best shot with each word by describing what the word means or providing an example.

AURA AURA adjective adjective

An invisible energy that someone radiates or an impression when around someone. This can An invisible energy that someone radiates or an impression when around someone. This can either be used positive or negative. either be used positive or negative. soul.

Synonyms: spirit, atmosphere, Synonyms: spirit, atmosphere, soul.

Correct definition: “Coolness [or an] alternative vibe,” said James Jensen.

Correct definition: “Coolness [or an] alternative vibe,” said James Jensen.

To describe a person, place or thing in an excessively negative way.

COOKED To Synonyms: describe a person, placedominated, or thing inshame. an excessively negative way.

COOKED verb or adjective humiliated, verb or adjective Synonyms: humiliated, dominated, shame.

Correct definition: “You are all messed up,” said Toby Yates.

Correct definition: “You are all messed up,” said Toby Yates.

Incorrect definition: “No longer raw,” said Phoenix Wilson.

Incorrect definition: “No longer raw,” said Phoenix Wilson.

The physical progress of an individual’s body in order to make oneself more attractive LOOKSMAXXING The physical progress of an individual’s body in order to make oneself more attractive LOOKSMAXXING verb and/or fit typical standards. Beginning with their best features and enhancing them. verb and/or fit typical standards. Beginning with their best features and enhancing them.

Synonyms: self-improvement, grooming, enhancement.

Synonyms: self-improvement, grooming, enhancement.

Correct definition: “When your face card is giving and you’re serving,” said Eiddan Correct definition: “When your face card is giving and you’re serving,” said Eiddan Castello Nieves.

Castello Nieves.

Correct definition: “Using different techniques to make you look your best,” said Correct definition: “Using different techniques to make you look your best,” said Sydney Hartmann.

Sydney Hartmann.

RIZZ The capability to successfully speak to a person of interest in a romantic or flirty way.

RIZZ adjective The capability to successfully speak to a person of interest in a romantic or flirty way. adjective Synonymous: charm, personality, appeal.

Synonymous: charm, personality, appeal.

Correct definition: “Charisma,” said Hartmann.

Correct definition: “Charisma,” said Hartmann.

Correct definition: “Super awesome and pog champ,” said Prentice Jensen.

Correct definition: “Super awesome and pog champ,” said Prentice Jensen.

SIGMA SIGMA noun Typically a male is deemed cool and independent as they create their own path in life. noun Typically a male is deemed cool and independent as they create their own path in life.

Synonyms: greatest, prime, top-quality.

Synonyms: greatest, prime, top-quality.

Correct definition: “The best. Top of the top,” said Katherine Spencer.

Correct definition: “The best. Top of the top,” said Katherine Spencer.

Correct definition: “Someone cool,” said Marrie Luther.

Correct definition: “Someone cool,” said Marrie Luther.

A body of water that has no movement, even after an object has fallen into the water.

A body of water thatwater, has no movement, even after an object Synonyms: calm stagnant water, motionless water. has fallen into the water.

Synonyms: calm water, stagnant water, motionless water.

Correct definition: “Those who know,” said Gabe Schmit.

Correct definition: “Those who know,” said Gabe Schmit.

Correct definition: “Water that does not move,” said Eiddan Castello.

Correct definition: “Water that does not move,” said Eiddan Castello.

WINTER ARC WINTER ARC noun noun

26 26

STILL WATER STILL noun WATER noun

A process over the winter when someone consistently improves and alters their self-image.

A process over the winter when someone consistently improves and alters their self-image.

Synonyms: cold season, frosty chapter, blizzard bridge.

Synonyms: cold season, frosty chapter, blizzard bridge.

Correct definition: “The winter arc refers to a period where individuals use the coldest, darkest Correct definition: “The winter arc refers to a period where individuals use the coldest, darkest days of the year as a means to refocus, pre-visualize and arrive at their desired destination,” said days of the year as a means to refocus, pre-visualize and arrive at their desired destination,” said Anonymous.

Anonymous.

Incorrect definition: “Winter is a season. The arc part is where you lose me,” said Phoenix Incorrect definition: “Winter is a season. The arc part is where you lose me,” said Phoenix Wilson.

DESIGN BY BETHEL WOCHE Wilson.

DESIGN

BY USED BETHEL WPERMISSION OCHE ARTWORK WITH

BY CANVA ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

BY L BY OGAN LOGAN SANBORN SANBORN

Fantasy Fantasy football: football: gritty, gritty, provocative, provocative, prolonged; prolonged; every every teenage teenage boy’sboy’s favorite favorite pastime. pastime.

What What started started off as offa as funa fun way way to keep to keep up toupdate to date on the on NFL, the NFL, converse converse withwith friends friends about about the latest the latest gamegame and and pokepoke fun at funthe at poor the poor sap losing sap losing (who(who knows knows nothing nothing about about football, football, by the by way, the way, but is but still is still somehow somehow in the in league), the league), has quickly has quickly turned turned into into a fierce a fierce competition. competition.

ThisThis is allisinallthe in hopes the hopes of not of ending not ending up last up last and and avoiding avoiding a punishment a punishment decided decided by some by some veryvery angsty angsty and and bellicose bellicose adolescents. adolescents.

In a In school a school like LHS, like LHS, a place a place withwith many many different different leagues leagues and and groups, groups, the punishments the punishments that that are conjured are conjured up up can range can range fromfrom weird weird to downright to downright haze-worthy. haze-worthy.

WithWith the season the season coming coming to a to close, a close, many many individuals individuals are finding are finding themselves themselves in the in unfortunate the unfortunate position position of last of last place. place.

We We asked asked students students to submit to submit theirtheir groups’ groups’ current current or previous or previous punishments punishments in the in running the running as LHS’s as LHS’s worst worst fantasy fantasy football football punishment. punishment.

“Losers “Losers havehave to sittooutside sit outside a stadium a stadium during during gamegame day day and and playplay an instrument an instrument and and can’tcan’t leaveleave untiluntil theythey raiseraise a a certain certain amount amount of money,” of money,” said said Phoenix Phoenix Wilson.

Wilson.

Third Third overall, overall, this this punishment punishment is creative is creative but lacks but lacks the the grit grit to betoranked be ranked higher. higher.

Yes, Yes, it can it be canembarrassing be embarrassing to to playplay music music in hopes in hopes of earning of earning money, money, but the but act thedoesn’t act doesn’t degrade degrade the victim the victim in any in any meaningful meaningful way.way.

In fact, In fact, therethere are many are many whowho find find street street performers performers charming charming and and believe believe theythey add add to the to atmospheric the atmospheric auraaura of an ofarea. an area.

But But being being left to leftthe to elements the elements is fun is for funno forone, no one, and and sincesince howhow longlong you you are outside are outside depends depends on how on how fast fast you you can come can come withwith the cash, the cash, the length the length of the of punishment the punishment is really is really just just up inup in the air. the However, air. However, the potential the potential for this for this to betoanticlimactic be anticlimactic is large is large as itas may it may onlyonly taketake an hour an hour or two or two to raise to raise the the cash,cash, leaving leaving the victim the victim relatively relatively unscathed unscathed and and putting putting this this punishment punishment at number at number three. three.

“Loser “Loser getsgets put into put into dog dog cagecage and and expired expired foodfood is is dumped dumped on them. on them.

LastLast yearyear we used we used spoiled spoiled milk,milk, different different canned canned stuff,stuff, eggs,eggs, hot sauce hot sauce and and flour,” flour,” said said Emma Emma Dykstra.

Dykstra.

TheThe dog dog cagecage getsgets second second place, place, surprisingly. surprisingly.

Despite Despite being being appalling appalling enough enough to betoused be used in initiation in initiation at a at a fraternity, fraternity, the dog the dog cagecage just just missed missed firstfirst overall. overall.

Though Though it can it arguably can arguably be labeled be labeled as the as nastiest the nastiest consequence, consequence, the the duration duration is much is much shorter shorter thanthan any any of the of others, the others, making making it it a little a little moremore bearable. bearable.

Depending Depending on what on what a group a group decides decides to pour to pour on their on their victim, victim, this this could could easily easily shoot shoot up toupfirst to first place. place.

But,But, as many as many groups groups like Dykstra’s like Dykstra’s haven’t haven’t poured poured anything anything as crazy as crazy as urine as urine on anyone on anyone in a in fewa years, few years, this this punishment punishment remains remains at second. at second.

DESIGNDESIGN

BY LOGAN

BY LS OGAN ANBORN SANBORN PHOTOPHOTO

BY LOGAN

BY LS OGAN ANBORN SANBORN

LHSLHS senior, senior, Joseph Joseph Tunge, Tunge, shows shows his ESPN his ESPN fantasty fantasty football football app with app with up toup date to date statistics statistics on on his team. his team.

“A month “A month of embarrassing of embarrassing TikTok TikTok posts,” posts,” said said Isaiah Isaiah Teer.Teer.

If this If this werewere the yearbook, the yearbook, this this punishment punishment would would get voted get voted “most “most likelylikely to come to come backback and and haunt haunt you.”you.”

TheThe TikTok TikTok challenge challenge comes comes in first in first overall overall for LHS’s for LHS’s worst worst fantasy fantasy football football punishments. punishments.

What What seems seems harmless harmless at at firstfirst could could comecome withwith long-lasting long-lasting social social consequences consequences as erasing as erasing videos videos off the off internet the internet is nearly is nearly impossible. impossible.

Depending Depending on the on videos the videos the losing the losing partyparty is forced is forced to create, to create, theythey could could potentially potentially be barred be barred fromfrom future future careers careers or college or college scholarships. scholarships.

Couple Couple that that withwith the social the social humiliation, humiliation, and and this this punishment punishment has the has potential the potential to have to have longer-lasting longer-lasting effects effects thanthan any any other. other.

2727

The Hydro Flask came in second, with 25% of responders making it their top choice. This water bottle has been popular for several years now, as it became very well-known during late 2019. It became highly associated with the VSCO girl trend, because of its stainless steel material and how it helped people refrain from using plastic bottles. Now, several years after this trend has ended, the Hydro Flask still seems to be a popular water bottle choice. It attracts people because of its ability to insulate the drinks inside of it better than most. They are sold in a multitude of colors and sizes and are suitable for people of any age. The main complaint when it comes to this brand is its inability to fit in cup holders, which can be an inconvenience.

BY NADIA SCHNEIDER

The ideal water bottle has all the best features put into one item: made of a reliable material, insulates the drink well and is easy to use and carry around. Around LHS, students have many different methods for carrying around their water during the day.

Although there are hundreds of water bottle brands sold in the United States, LHS students seem to have just a couple favorites.

• • • • • • • • • •

With the highest number of votes, 39.6% of survey respondents chose the Owala as their favorite water bottle. Coming into popularity over the last year, this bottle has many standout features. The most-loved feature of the Owala is its lid, which allows users to either drink through a straw or tilt the bottle and chug through a larger hole. Along with this, there is a cover over the lid that locks shut, preventing any spillage from happening or germs from getting near the opening. The base of the water bottle is made of a stainless steel material, which insulates the drink inside of it well and keeps ice frozen. In addition, they come in three different sizes and a wide variety of colors. There is not much to complain about when it comes to the Owala.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

“It has a FreeSip and also a straw. It holds ice in it better than any other water bottle I have tried.”

“Cute colors and doesn’t spill. I like the straw feature.”

“They’re just better than all the others.”

“I like Owala for school because it fits in the side of my backpack, and I don’t have to carry it around.”

“You can both [use] the straw or chug and it doesn’t leak everywhere.”

“It’s just practical.”

“Most functional and not as clunky [as others].”

“It’s better.”

“It’s cute.”

“It has a straw and a spot to pour water out of. There’s also a handle so it’s easier to carry.”

“It keeps my water cold and you can drink or sip.”

“Best colors and has the best [lid] to drink out of.”

“I think the new colors are cute and they don’t spill no matter what!”

“It’s metal and not plastic.”

“This water bottle is my favorite because I have it (it was on sale) and because it fits in my backpack’s water bottle holder pocket.”

“It’s indestructible.”

“Classic that I’ve had for years. It has never failed me.”

“It doesn’t leak like the Stanley does and it’s easier to carry than the Owala.”

“It’s reliable and easy to go with you anywhere.”

“Simple reliability…it’s the best because I have one, and the insulation still works three years later. It’s got ample space for stickers if that’s your thing, holds water [well] and has been a reliable bottle throughout an extended period.”

“Cheap, not too big and doesn’t leak.”

“They last you a long time. Even when they have dents in them, or the paint is chipping off they are great. Very durable.”

The Stanley cup started making its appearance at LHS in 2023. The cups came to rise because of their ability to fit in cup holders and the large handle that made them easy to carry around. It requires almost no effort to drink out of them, as the Stanley Quencher has a straw that sticks straight out of it and can be used without having to open anything, which is not something that can be said about the Owala or Hydro Flask. When Stanley cups became known, they only came in a couple different colors, but now there are over 100 colors to choose from and several other styles as well. The biggest complaint that users have about Stanley is how it leaks easily, and if it gets knocked over the water will just spill right out of it.

• •

ARTWORK BY NADIA SCHNEIDER ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA DESIGN BY NADIA SCHNEIDER

• •

“It’s big.”

“It has to be the AeroLight one or [IceFlow] one. The other Stanley [cups] that are popular leak. Those two specifically keep the water and ice cold for so long. I can put ice in there and it’s still ice [around] four days after, even if I put warm water on it because the water bottle stays so cold.”

“It keeps your water cold while giving you plenty of structure and color options, plus they fit in your car cup holder.”

“Because there are some that keep liquid cold or warm.”

29

“I want us to be competitive. I would love for us to go out and win [and] I think we should strive for [winning], but it’s not everything. I don’t have any expectations as far as how well we’re going to do; I just want us to go out there and give our best and I want us to put up a fight. That’s all I want,” said DeHaai.

The powerlifting team will compete at four meets this year with one at each of the Sioux Falls high schools. The first meet of the season took place on Dec. 21 at LHS.

Photo

One of the new lifters this year includes senior Natalie Nolan, who had little lifting experience before joining the team. She heard about powerlifting through her friends who were in it and decided to give it a shot. Nolan has enjoyed her experience so far and hopes she improves in some way, no matter what way that is.

“I’m looking forward to getting stronger and becoming friends with the girls on the team,” said Nolan.

DeHaai has countless positive comments to say about the girls that he coaches.

“I think we have a great group of girls. The team is really meshing well. We’ve been getting closer and closer. They’re a very hard-working group of girls. I don’t know a lot of girls that are willing to get up at 5:30 in the morning to drive to school and do a really hard workout to start their day. I think that’s really impressive and says a lot about the girls in our program,” said DeHaai.

The girls will compete at the state meet in March at JHS. For individuals to qualify, they need to have one successful lift in each category, which means they have to compete in at least one meet before the state meet. With respect to the team aspect, each school automatically qualifies, as long as they have enough girls for a team.

“Powerlifting is a great sport for people who are into other sports or just really want to get stronger over the winter.

Come support at meets!” said Nyberg.

Joel DeHaai spots Melanie Nyberg during bench at the powerlifting meet at LHS.

Powerlifting athletes Paxton Dekkers (left) and Melanie Nyberg (right)

BY LAILA MILLER

To start off their season, girls powerlifting hit the LHS weight room on Nov. 21. This is the second school year in which powerlifting is a sanctioned sport by the Sioux Falls School District. Melanie Nyberg, a junior at LHS, has been involved in the powerlifting program since her freshman year, even before it became a sanctioned sport.

“Powerlifting was a club sport until my sophomore year.

My freshman year was all club oriented, and we competed in USAPL meets. USAPL is USA Powerlifting and they host meets all around the country,” said Nyberg.

Joel DeHaai took over as the head girls powerlifting coach in the 2023-24 season and continues to coach this year. Lifting has always been something that DeHaai has enjoyed doing and he wanted to help others that share his passion. When the idea of coaching was brought up to him, he was glad to be tasked with building the program. DeHaai believes that the growth of the girls powerlifting program has to do with the success of the team last year, as they had two state champions and a runner-up.

30

“The success we had last year helped bring a little attention to the sport, but also, [since] last year it was a brand new sport, there wasn’t a lot of knowledge about [powerlifting],” said DeHaai. “I [also] think some girls are scared that if they join powerlifting, they’re going to become bulky and they’re not going to be able to move, but really that’s not my aim. I want to make [them] a better athlete overall. I think the perception of [powerlifting has] changed and it became more of a fun thing to do rather than a scary thing to do,” said DeHaai.

Last year there were six girls and this year there are 16.

The increase in athletes has greatly benefited the powerlifting program. According to Nyberg, the addition of athletes has made practice and meets more enjoyable. The growth of the program has brought more exposure to powerlifting, and more people are aware of the team at LHS. In addition, because of the increase in the number of athletes, they can compete for team championships this year at the state meet, as last year there were not enough girls.

“Meets usually start at 8 a.m. and, depending on how many people are in the meet, can go to 5 p.m.,” said Nyberg.

“The first lift is squat. You have three attempts with about 10 minutes in between each rep. Next is bench. Bench gives your legs a break before deadlift. Deadlift is my favorite because it’s my best lift [and it] is the last lift of the meet. After all lifts are done, weights are calculated to see who lifted the most weight in total. Your total weight determines the place you get. The awards ceremony is the last part of the meet. There are places for each weight class and then outstanding male and female lifter awards,” said Nyberg.

They have practice three days a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings, with opportunities for after school practices for those who need to work around their schedule.

“In the morning, girls have to be there by 6:30. We start by doing a nice five to 10 minute warmup then we go into the weightroom and we always start with our main lift of the day, whether that’s bench, squat or deadlift. Then we build off of that [main lift] and do some accessory lifts as well. Then [we] finish with some core. It’s pretty simple; [we do the] same thing every day [with] a lot of consistency,” said DeHaai.

DeHaai’s favorite aspect, along with the most difficult of coaching, is pushing the girls out of their comfort zone. He enjoys seeing the girls try a weight they have never tried before, but sometimes struggles to encourage the girls to try something hard.

“I want to see every girl improve, no matter how much improvement that is. I want to see people get stronger, more confident and try new things,” said DeHaai.

Meredith Johnson is cheered on as she does bench at the LHS powerlifting meet.

DESIGN BY LAILA MILLER PHOTOS BY LOGAN SANBORN ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

31

BY A A T T & E E W EBER EBER BYBY BY ADELINE DELINE ADELINE DELINE THEOPHILUS HEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS HEOPHILUS && & ELYSSE LYSSE ELYSSE LYSSE WW W EBER EBER BYBY ADELINE ADELINE THEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS && ELYSSE ELYSSE WW EBER EBER

PHOTO PHOTO USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION

BY LBY ES L C OIN C PHOTO PHOTO USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION

BY LBY ES L CES ES OIN COIN OIN DESIGN DESIGN

BY A BY DELINE ADELINE DELINE THEOPHILUS HEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS HEOPHILUS & E& & LYSSE E LYSSE W EBER WEBER EBER PHOTO PHOTO USED USED WITH WITH PERMISSION PERMISSION BY & LBY ES LCES OIN CW OIN DESIGN DESIGN

BY A BY DELINE A T T E LYSSE E LYSSE EBER W DESIGN DESIGN

BY ABY DELINE ADELINE THEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS & E& LYSSE ELYSSE WEBER WEBER

A AA A

ss winter ss winter extracurriculars extracurriculars take take off for the 2025 2025 season, season, the winter winter extracurriculars extracurriculars take take offoff off forfor for thethe the 2025 2025 season, season, thethe the sLHS winter sLHS winter extracurriculars extracurriculars take take off off forreturn for thethe 2025 2025 season, season, the the gymnastics gymnastics team team is eager is eager to to return to to the the beam. beam.

After After LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics team team is eager is eager to to return return to to thethe beam. beam.

After After LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics team team is eager is eager to to return return to to the the beam. beam.

After After kicking kicking off the season season by placing placing first first in aa competition aa competition against against Huron, Huron, kicking kicking offoff off thethe the season season byby by placing placing first first in in in competition competition against against Huron, Huron, kicking kicking offoff the the season season bythe by placing placing first first in ain a stable competition a stable competition against against Huron, Huron, Brookings Brookings and and WHS, WHS, the team team obtained obtained a start start and and a confident a confident Brookings Brookings andand WHS, WHS, thethe team team obtained obtained a stable a stable start start andand a confident a confident Brookings Brookings and and WHS, WHS, the the team team obtained obtained a stable a stable start start and and a confident a confident mindset mindset for the remainder remainder of the season. season. mindset mindset forfor for thethe the remainder remainder of of of thethe the season. season. mindset mindset for for the the remainder remainder of of the the season. season.

The The head head gymnastics gymnastics coach, coach, Les Les Coin, Coin, is is his 25th 25th season season The The head head gymnastics gymnastics coach, coach, LesLes Coin, Coin, is entering entering is entering entering hishis his 25th 25th season season The The head head gymnastics gymnastics coach, coach, Les Les Coin, Coin, isa head entering is entering his his 25th 25th season season with with the the program program and and his his 32nd 32nd year year as as a head coach. coach.

Coin Coin has has earned earned with with thethe program program andand hishis 32nd 32nd year year as as a head a head coach. coach.

Coin Coin hashas earned earned with with the the program program and and his his 32nd 32nd year year as as a head a head coach. coach.

Coin Coin has has earned earned many many triumphs triumphs with with the the team, team, but but along along with with those, those, comes comes many many many many triumphs triumphs with with thethe team, team, butbut along along with with those, those, comes comes many many many many triumphs triumphs with with the the team, team, but but along along with with those, those, comes comes many many obstacles. obstacles.

Such Such as getting getting the athletes athletes to trust trust the process process and believe believe obstacles. obstacles.

Such Such as as as getting getting thethe the athletes athletes to to to trust trust thethe the process process andand and believe believe obstacles. obstacles.

Such Such as as getting getting theafter the athletes athletes to to trust trust the the process process and and believe believe in in their their talents, talents, especially especially after conquering conquering the the battle battle of of their their sport sport in in their their talents, talents, especially especially after after conquering conquering thethe battle battle of of their their sport sport in in their their talents, talents, especially especially after after conquering conquering the the battle battle of of their their sport sport being being cut back back in 2023.

2023.

Coin Coin believes believes that that gymnastics gymnastics is aa very being being cutcut cut back back in in in 2023.

2023.

Coin Coin believes believes that that gymnastics gymnastics is aais isvery very very being being cutcut back back inof in 2023.

2023.

Coin Coin believes believes that that gymnastics gymnastics is adisciplined isvery a very andand different different kind kind of sport, sport, where where it requires it requires a constantly a constantly disciplined different different kind kind of of sport, sport, where where it requires it requires a constantly a constantly disciplined disciplined andand different different kind kind of of sport, sport, where where ittheir requires itparents requires awho constantly awho constantly disciplined disciplined andand dedicated dedicated group group of kids kids and their parents are always always committed committed dedicated dedicated group group of of of kids kids andand and their their parents parents who who areare are always always committed committed dedicated dedicated group group of of kids kids and and their their parents parents who who are are always always committed committed to the season. season.

Coin Coin shows shows up every every day for these these athletes athletes and hopes hopes to to to to thethe the season. season.

Coin Coin shows shows upup up every every dayday day forfor for these these athletes athletes andand and hopes hopes to to to to to the the season. season.

Coin Coin shows shows upup every every dayalso day for for these these athletes athletes andinto and hopes hopes to to not not only only form form physical physical athletes athletes but but also coach coach these these girls girls into being being notnot only only form form physical physical athletes athletes butbut also also coach coach these these girls girls into into being being not not only only form form physical physical athletes athletes butbut also also coach coach these these girls girls into into being being role role models models for LHS. LHS. role role models models forfor for LHS. LHS. role role models models for for LHS. LHS. “I’ve “I’ve learned learned while while being being aa coach aa coach over over the past past 32 years, years, that that the “I’ve “I’ve learned learned while while being being coach coach over over thethe the past past 3232 32 years, years, that that thethe the “I’ve “I’ve learned learned while while being being agymnasts. coach a coach over over thethe past past 32 32 years, years, that that the the last last thing thing I really I really teach teach is gymnasts. is I teach I teach my my gymnasts gymnasts about about so lastlast thing thing I really I really teach teach is gymnasts. is gymnasts.

I teach I teach mymy gymnasts gymnasts about about so so so last last thing thing I really I really teach teach is gymnasts. is gymnasts.

I teach I teach my my gymnasts gymnasts about about so so many many other other things things way way more more important important in life,” life,” said said Coin.

Coin. many many other other things things way way more more important important in in in life,” life,” said said Coin.

Coin. many many other other things things way way more more important important in in life,” life,” said said Coin.

Coin.

Gymnastics Gymnastics is is of the SFSD SFSD sports sports that that allows allows middle middle schoolers schoolers Gymnastics Gymnastics is one one is one one of of of thethe the SFSD SFSD sports sports that that allows allows middle middle schoolers schoolers Gymnastics Gymnastics istalents one is one of of the the SFSD SFSD sports sports that that allows allows middle middle schoolers schoolers to to bring bring their their talents into into high high school, school, before before being being enrolled enrolled at the at to to bring bring their their talents talents into into high high school, school, before before being being enrolled enrolled at the at the the to to bring bring their their talents talents into into high high school, school, before before being being enrolled enrolled at the at the school. school.

LHS LHS is fortunate fortunate is fortunate fortunate enough enough to to to gain gain Lauryn Lauryn Gohl, Gohl, 14-year14-yearschool. school.

LHS LHS is is enough enough to gain gain Lauryn Lauryn Gohl, Gohl, aa 14-yearaa 14-yearschool. school.

LHS LHS is fortunate is fortunate enough enough to to gain gain Lauryn Lauryn Gohl, Gohl, a 14-yeara 14-yearoldold old eighth eighth grader grader from from Edison Edison Middle Middle School.

School.

This This is her her is her her first first year year old eighth eighth grader grader from from Edison Edison Middle Middle School.

School.

This This is is first first year year old old eighth eighth grader grader from from Edison Edison Middle Middle School.

School.

This This isthis her issport her first first year year eligible eligible forfor for high high school school gymnastics gymnastics butbut but has has been been in in this sport since since eligible eligible for high high school school gymnastics gymnastics but has has been been in in this this sport sport since since eligible eligible for for high high school school gymnastics gymnastics but but has has been been in in this this sport sport since since sheshe she was was young, young, practicing practicing at All-American All-American at All-American All-American Gymnastics Gymnastics Academy.

Academy. she was was young, young, practicing practicing at at Gymnastics Gymnastics Academy.

Academy. she she was was young, young, practicing practicing at at All-American Gymnastics Gymnastics Academy.

Academy.

Competing Competing bars bars and and beam beam areAll-American are her her favorite favorite events, events, which which also also seem seem to to to Competing Competing bars bars and and beam beam are are her her favorite favorite events, events, which which also also seem seem to Competing Competing bars bars and and beam beam are are her her favorite favorite events, events, which which also seem seem to to be be be thethe the most most physically physically challenging. challenging.

Many Many of of of their their meets meets arealso are not not local, local, be the most most physically physically challenging. challenging.

Many Many of their their meets meets are are not not local, local, be be the the most most physically physically challenging. challenging.

Many Many of of their their meets meets are are not not local, local, therefore therefore thethe the busbus bus ride ride to to to Pierre Pierre is Gohl’s Gohl’s is Gohl’s Gohl’s favorite favorite memory memory with with thethe the therefore therefore the bus ride ride to Pierre Pierre is is favorite favorite memory memory with with the therefore therefore thethe busbus ride to to Pierre Pierre is Gohl’s is Gohl’s favorite favorite memory memory with with thethe team. team.

Adapting Adapting toride to new new environment, environment, especially especially with with older older athletes athletes team. team.

Adapting Adapting to to aa new aa new environment, environment, especially especially with with older older athletes athletes team. team.

Adapting Adapting tothe to aother new aother new environment, environment, especially especially with with older older athletes athletes is not not is not not easy, easy, butbut but the gymnasts gymnasts andand and coaches coaches have have made made Gohl Gohl feelfeel feel is is easy, easy, but the the other other gymnasts gymnasts and coaches coaches have have made made Gohl Gohl feel is not is not easy, easy, but but the the other other gymnasts gymnasts and and coaches coaches have have made made Gohl Gohl feelfeel more more than than welcome welcome at the the at the the school. school. more more than than welcome welcome at at school. school. more more than than welcome welcome the at the school. school.

“My “My main main goal goal as at as coach coach is to is to to encourage encourage thethe the girls girls to to to trytry try something something “My “My main main goal goal as as aa coach aa coach is to is encourage encourage the girls girls to try something something “My “My main main goal goal as as a coach a coach is to isconfidence, to encourage encourage the girls girls torealize to try try something something new, new, find find their their voice voice andand and their their confidence, andthe and let let them them realize that that new, new, find find their their voice voice and their their confidence, confidence, and and let let them them realize realize that that new, new, find find their their voice voice and and their their confidence, confidence, and and letlet them them realize realize that that they they can can do do things things they they thought thought were were too too difficult difficult in in the the past. past.

I they they cancan dodo things things they they thought thought were were tootoo difficult difficult in in thethe past. past.

I II they they can can do do things things they they thought thought were were too too difficult difficult in in the the past. past.

IoneI also also want want to to create create an an opportunity opportunity for for kids kids who who didn’t didn’t have have one also also want want to to create create an an opportunity opportunity forfor kids kids who who didn’t didn’t have have oneone also also want want to to create create an an opportunity opportunity for for kids kids who who didn’t didn’t have have oneone before,” before,” said said Mager.

Mager.

“Some “Some of these these girls girls never never had the chance chance to do before,” before,” said said Mager.

Mager.

“Some “Some of of of these these girls girls never never hadhad had thethe the chance chance to to to dodo do before,” before,” said said Mager.

Mager.

“Some “Some ofyounger of these these girls girls never never had had theor the chance chance toand to dodo gymnastics gymnastics when when they they were were younger because because of of time time or money, money, II II gymnastics gymnastics when when they they were were younger younger because because of of time time or or money, money, andand and gymnastics gymnastics when when they they were were younger younger because because ofthey of time time or or money, money, and and I I want want them them to to have have this this opportunity opportunity because because they deserve deserve to to be be a part a part want want them them to to have have this this opportunity opportunity because because they they deserve deserve to to be be a part a part want want them them to to have have this this opportunity opportunity because because they they deserve deserve to to be be a part a part of of something something they they love.” love.” of of something something they they love.” love.” of of something something they they love.” love.”

LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics holds holds the honor honor of being being the largest largest team team in the LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics holds holds thethe the honor honor of of of being being thethe the largest largest team team in in in thethe the LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics holds holds thethe honor honor of school, of being being the the largest largest team team in in thethe city, city, including including athletes athletes from from middle middle school, all all the the way way to to seniors seniors city, city, including including athletes athletes from from middle middle school, school, allall thethe way way to to seniors seniors city, city, including including athletes athletes from from middle middle school, school, allall the the way way tobeen to seniors seniors in high high school. school.

The The programs programs previous previous season season have have not been easy, easy, in in in high high school. school.

The The programs programs previous previous season season have have notnot not been been easy, easy, in facing in high high school. school.

The The programs programs previous previous season season have have not not been been easy, easy, facing injuries, injuries, the the attempted attempted ban ban of of their their sport sport and and other other obstacles obstacles facing facing injuries, injuries, thethe attempted attempted banban of of their their sport sport andand other other obstacles obstacles facing facing injuries, injuries, the the attempted attempted ban ban ofand of their their sport sport and and other other obstacles obstacles that that come come with with the the sport sport itself. itself.

All All and all, all, LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics has has that that come come with with thethe sport sport itself. itself.

AllAll andand all,all, LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics hashas that that come with the the sport sport itself. itself.

All All and and all,they all, LHS LHS gymnastics gymnastics hasuphold hasuphold paved paved aacome high aa with high standard standard in their their sport sport that that they will will continue continue to paved paved high high standard standard in in in their their sport sport that that they they will will continue continue to to to uphold uphold Freshman Freshman Mae VanBeek VanBeek dials dials in in on during during her routine. routine.

“The “The ultimate ultimate Freshman MaeMae Mae VanBeek VanBeek dials dials in on on in beam beam on beam beam during during herher her routine. routine.

“The “The ultimate ultimate paved paved a high a high standard standard in in their their sport sport that that they they will will continue continue to to uphold uphold Freshman throughout throughout their their season. season.

Freshman Freshman Mae VanBeek VanBeek dials dials in on in her beam on beam during during her her routine. routine.

“The “The ultimate ultimate goal of of each gymnast gymnast is is to stick her beam beam routine, routine, and and Mae Mae has has added added some some throughout throughout their their season. season. goalgoal goal of each each of Mae each gymnast gymnast is to to isstick stick to stick her her beam beam routine, routine, and and Mae Mae has has added added some some throughout throughout their their season. season. goalincredibly goal of each of difficult each gymnast gymnast is to isstick to stick herthe her beam beam routine, routine, Mae Mae hashas added added some some incredibly difficult skills skills and and stuck stuck the majority majority of and her of and her routines routines this this year. year.

3232 3232

incredibly incredibly difficult difficult skills skills andand stuck stuck the the majority majority of her of her routines routines thisthis year. year. incredibly incredibly difficult skills skills and stuck stuck the the majority majority ofin ofmy routines routines this this year. year.

Her Her jumps jumps are are also some some of the of the highest highest I’ve I’ve seen in my coaching coaching career,” career,” said Her Her jumps jumps aredifficult are alsoalso also some some of and the of the highest highest I’ve I’ve seenseen seen inher my inher my coaching coaching career,” career,” saidsaid said Her Her jumps jumps are are also also some some of the of the highest highest I’veI’ve seenseen in my in my coaching coaching career,” career,” saidsaid assistant assistant coach coach Becca Becca Mager.

Mager. assistant assistant coach coach Becca Becca Mager.

Mager. assistant assistant coach coach Becca Becca Mager.

Mager.

BY MASON DEAN

BY JD YUNAG & MADDOX RAPH

ON

DE

AN

Jonah Paul is a senior at LHS and a member of the Esports team. He has been playing Esports for about a year and was on the district team last year. Paul spends around 20 hours a week practicing League of Legends, one of the games offered.

“I've played video games since I was a small child; I've been a gamer,” said Paul.

Unfortunately, at the moment there are only two competitive games that are played: League of Legends and Rocket League. Both games are team-based games.

In League of Legends, one team attempts to destroy the opposing team's base using different characters. Rocket League is a soccer game played with flying cars. Both games are regarded as complicated by the average video game player. LHS is currently undefeated with a record of 3-0 in Rocket League and 2-0 in League of Legends and has defeated big schools in the area like Jefferson and Aberdeen.

“I see a lot of people wanting games like Fortnite and Smash Bros played at Lincoln,” said Paul.

Gavin Kellingburger is a sophomore and another Esports team member this year.

“I think it would be cool because they're starting to add more to college,” said Kellingburger. These students have a huge opportunity to be in a new sport in college and play at a high level coming out of high school. From the classroom to the competition these student-athletes continue to dominate.

DESIGN BY JD YUNAG

PHOTOS BY MADDOX RAPH ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

34

PH OT AR O TW S & OR DE K SIG BY CA N BY NV M A AS

In recent years, LHS has been dominant in some of the most popular sports: football, softball, soccer and cross country. In addition to its already successful sports programs, LHS has added an Esports team, and they hope to proceed with their superior sports status in the virtual field as well.

Last year, the Sioux Falls School District combined the four public schools to create a district-wide Esports team. This year, each school has a team, coach, room and all the equipment they could need. The rise of Esports in high school can be associated with the popularity at the collegiate level. Students who compete in college can receive scholarships similar to other college athletes.

When Esports athletes are not living their normal lives at LHS and going to class, they can be found on the grind in room A300E. Esports is a lot like a typical sport, having around four practice days a week starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending around 5 p.m. A regular practice involves playing either Rocket League or League of Legends and preparing for future tournaments. Game day is also different from what people would expect. They play tournament style with best-of-five games; just like in football, they also have playoffs at the end of the season. Athletes from one team or the other will invite each other to online lobbies and begin the games from there. This is unheard of in the sports world because normally games can only be played in one place. There is no need for travel expenses making Esports a very financially efficient sport. Even though there is only a varsity team this year, the Esports team was only one player away from forming a JV team as well.

Though this can be frustrating, it also shows how much this sport is growing.

The LHS girls wrestling program received a massive increase in participation this year, going from only one wrestler last year to eight this year. With a larger program, a female coach was needed. And so, it came that soccer coach and freshmen English teacher Abby Berke became a wrestling coach.

Two years ago, wrestling became a middle school sport and saw huge success. This year’s freshmen class represents the first group which has completely experienced middle school wrestling and it shows; seven of LHS’s eight female wrestlers are freshmen. “[In middle school] they really set you up for success in high school. There were a lot of basics taught... And just good coaches... make you really want to do it,” said freshman wrestler Noelani Bossman.

Having a strong drive for girls athletics, Berke was excited to take up the challenge of a new sport.

“The idea of helping a girls sport I think is really exciting... We want to give girls an opportunity to play whatever sports they want to play,” said Berke.

Although she has never wrestled, Berke was exposed to the sport at a young age by her father, two time All-American wrestler Jan Sanderson. Her main qualification, however, is her experience as a girls soccer coach and teacher.

“What I lack in technical wrestling knowledge I make up for by being there for the girls and making sure they know they’re loved and cared for... the ‘people side’ of coaching is the same as coaching soccer. I can lean on the other coaches for the technical side of things, and focus more on the mental aspects of athletics,” said Berke.

Similar sentiments were echoed by LHS’s female wrestlers.

“She’s very supportive. She’s nurturing, kind of like a mom. She’s like the mom of the wrestling team,” said freshman wrestler Amelia Hendrixson.

“Right now, she’s definitely a good coach,” said freshman wrestler Arely Garcia.

Girls wrestling’s biggest challenge has been and still is participation. The stigma of only having one or two wrestlers is difficult to overcome, but hopefully this year’s freshmen class will mark a turning point. “...we would like to continue getting those middle school girls in here. Getting seven to ten girls over here is huge... if you get those numbers every year, that’s upwards of thirty to forty kids...,” said head wrestling coach Mark Ernster.

For this to happen, more girls need to sign up.

“The coaches aren’t gonna force you to stay the whole season if you just go a couple practices. If you don’t like it, at least you tried it. It’s just hard, it’s not for the weak. It teaches you dedication and determination and is just disciplined,” said Hendrixson.

35

The guy I’m talking to is kind of ghosting

me. What should I do about it?

BY ELLIE QUINN & STELLA SONNICHSEN

We all know high school has its ups and downs. When you have problems, sometimes you just need some advice from your peers, and lucky for you, that is what we are here to help you with.

How can I budget and be smart with money?

As two teenage girls with crippling Scooter’s

addictions, we’re not sure how to speak on this one, but we do know how important it is to set savings goals. It’s important to differentiate between ‘fun money’ and money you need to save. If you have a job, you can set aside a certain amount of your paycheck to save for college or just an in-case-of-emergency fund.

Try making a weekly budget, with specific amounts to spend on food, activities and whatever else would be important for you personally to limit spending on.

How do I get girls?

Getting girls isn’t as difficult as many people

make it out to be. Girls like guys who smell good. Finding a good cologne that works for you can be a good way to boost your smell. Also, wear deodorant every day (please). Girls like it when guys notice the little things. Taking note of small details about them and bringing them up later in conversation or bringing them their favorite snack or drink is very rizzy. Overall, being yourself is the best way to get girls.

They appreciate when people are genuine to themselves.

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We recommend you have an open conversation, ask if he thinks it’s going anywhere and be honest about your feelings. It’s important to not take things personally. If he doesn’t want a relationship with you, he doesn’t deserve you either. Worst case scenario, block him first (dab on the haters).

How do I get more sleep?

With busy schedules, it can be easy to sacrifice sleep; however, there are many ways to maximize the amount of sleep you get each night even working around your activities. One solution is to take melatonin gummies or pills to help induce your sleep-producing hormones, with a doctor’s permission. However, this might not be a suitable option for most people. It can be helpful to find sleep meditations online to help you control your body and mind if your problem is falling asleep. One of the biggest struggles for teens is getting off your phone at night, try to turn off your phone completely and not allow yourself to go on it before going to bed. We know it’s difficult but try and limit social media use right as you are trying to fall asleep; it can keep you awake and hurt your sleep cycle.

How can I be liked but not be a fake version of myself ?

At a school as big as LHS, you’re guaranteed to find your group of friends who will have similar interests. We recommend staying true to yourself and not changing your personality for others. Don’t be afraid to get out of your shell and talk to new people in class. The more people you talk to the easier it is to find your perfect friend group and the more people will like you.

People appreciate others who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and show their personalities.

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BY WILL HANSEN

BY WILL HANSEN

t’s late in the evening, after a long day of school filled t’s late in the evening, afterother a long day of activities; school filled with homework, clubs and various with homework, clubs and other various activities; you’re exhausted. The thoughts of all the new you’re exhausted.

The in thoughts of all theyour new parents concepts remain stuck your head, until concepts remain stuck yourdid head, parents ask the inevitable question; “So,inwhat youuntil learnyour today?” ask the inevitable question; “So, what did you learn today?”

Despite the multitude of hours spent in school each day, Despite theask multitude of hours spentit’s in almost school each day, to when parents that fateful question, impossible when parents ask that fateful question, it’s almost impossible recall any important concepts learned that day. The question to recall concepts learned that day.

The question is, why?any Byimportant the time the evening hits, many students are is, why?

By the time the evening hits, many students are fatigued and mentally exhausted from a long day of learning fatigued and mentally exhausted from a long day of learning new material, making the attempt to remember specific details new material, making the attempt to remember specific details almost impossible. almost impossible.

Furthermore, when parents ask, “What did you learn Furthermore, whenitparents ask, “What did child you learn today?” in hopes that will engage with their about today?” in hopes that it will engage with their child about school, it often can oversimplify the concept of learning. school, it often can oversimplify the concept of learning.

Learning throughout the day isn’t always about one huge Learning throughout theseveral day isn’t always aboutand onediscussions. huge topic, it is broken up into small lessons topic, it is broken up into several small lessons and discussions.

Thus, when one phrases the question in a simplified way such Thus, whendid oneyou phrases question in aresults simplified way such as “what learn the today?”

It often in students as “what did you learn today?”

It often results in students trying to conjure one major event that happened, trying conjure one major eventlearned that happened, rathertothan the small concepts throughout rather the day.than the small concepts learned throughout the day.

Also, the challenge to answer this question is a Also, challenge to answer this question is a result of the hopes for a more meaningful conversation. result of hopes for a more meaningful conversation.

Instead of focusing on the facts, students may be on thewas facts, students moreInstead inclinedoftofocusing discuss what exciting for may thembeat more inclined to discuss what was exciting for them at school. Adding a follow up question to “What did you learn school.

Adding a follow up question to “What did you learn today?” is a good starting point. For example, something along today?” goodanything starting point.

Forhappen?” example,orsomething the lines is ofa “Did exciting “How wasalong the lines “Did anything exciting “How was that mathof test today?”

Asking more happen?” engaging or questions would that math test to today?” more Students engagingwould questions would make replying them Asking much easier. rather make replying them much easier. would rather reflect on what to they have learned in Students a more personal way than reflect on what havethey learned in a more personal way than the simple facts they of what learned.

Shifting the way you ask the simple facts of what they learned.

Shifting the way you ask the question can help add to more engaging conversations and the question can help add to more engaging conversations and would make answering the fateful question a lot easier. would make answering the fateful question a lot easier.

While the question “What did you learn today?” has While the question “What did you learn today?” has good intentions from the parents, it’s not the most engaging good intentions from the parents, not As theamost engaging question, and it doesn’t help eitherit’s party. student, being question, andeverything it doesn’t help eitherthroughout party. As a student, being able to recall absorbed the day can be able to recall everything absorbed throughout theofday can be mentally challenging, especially after doing a lot homework mentally challenging, especially after lot of homework or studying for tests. At the end of thedoing day, aa student’s goal is or studying for tests.

At the end of the day, a student’s goal is not just to remember everything that was learned, it’s to take not just to remember everything that was learned, it’s to take the key importances and apply them to their assignments and the key and apply them to allow their assignments and tasks.

So,importances asking for broad topics won’t students to open tasks.

So, asking for broad topics won’t allow students to open up about the specific concepts inside major topics. up about the specific concepts inside major topics.

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DESIGN BY ELOISE GERAETS ARTWORK WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA DESIGN BYUSED ELOISE GERAETS ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

BY ELOISE GERAETS,

BY ELOISE GERAETS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A A

s the winter season comes into full swing, it is s the to winter season full swing, it is important review somecomes of theinto important safety important to review some of the important safety precautions and equipment to carry in your car. Accidents precautions and common equipment to carry your months car. Accidents are 60.6% more during the in winter in South are 60.6% more common during the winter months in South Dakota. This being said, some accidents are unavoidable due to Dakota.

This being said, some accidents are unavoidable due to a lack of attention from other drivers or patches of ice. LHS’s aSchool lack ofResource attention from other drivers or patches of ice.

LHS’s Officer has provided his top five tips for driving School Resource Officer has provided top five tips for driving safely and effectively during the winterhismonths. safely and effectively during the winter months.

When it comes to getting stranded driving home from school, When it comes there to getting driving home fromhappen. school, work or activities, is no stranded way to predict when it will work or activities, there is no way to predict when it will happen.

One vital piece of advice is to bring a winter coat, hat, gloves and One vital piece of These advice help is to protect bring a your winter coat, hat, gloves and proper shoe wear. skin from frostbite proper shoe wear.

These help protect your skin from frostbite and regulate your temperature to stay safe. Affordable gear for and regulate temperature to stayhand safe.store.

Affordable gear for purchase fromyour Club17 or any second purchase from Club17 or any second hand store.

Jumper cables are useful when a car’s battery is dead. They are useful whenbattery a car’s battery is dead.

Theyand areJumper used bycables connecting the dead to a charged battery are used by a charged battery allowing theconnecting current to the flowdead and battery therebyto kickstarting the car.and A allowing the tends current andwinter thereby kickstarting the car. car’s battery toto dieflow in the more often because theA car’s battery to dieelectricity in the winter because chemical thattends produces slowsmore downoften in the cold. the chemical that produces electricity slows down in the cold.

Typically, when you purchase a car, a spare tire and tools are Typically, you purchase a car,around a spare in tire andvehicle tools are included.

It iswhen essential to carry these your included.

It is essential to carry these around in your vehicle because it is unpredictable when a flat tire might come your because it istires unpredictable tire tire might yourand way. Spare tend to notwhen be thea flat correct forcome the make way.

Spare tires tend to not be the correct tire for the make model of your car, so make sure to get it replaced as soon asand model of Spare your car, make to get it as soontire as possible. tiressoare not sure expensive, butreplaced a replacement possible.

Spare tires are not expensive, but a replacement tire can be costly. can be costly.

In case of an accident, no matter the season, insurance and In case ofare animmensely accident, no matter the and registration important to season, provideinsurance for any details registration are immensely important to provideInsurance for any details relating to your car and insurance information. is relating to through your car your and insurance is purchased insurance information. company andInsurance the registration purchased through your insurance company and the registration on your vehicle is provided with the purchase of the car. on your vehicle is provided with the purchase of the car.

Clearing off your windows can help prevent accidents in your Clearing your windows can help prevent accidents in your blind spots. off An ice scraper is extremely important to use when blind is spots.

An ice scraper is extremely to useMake when frost covering your windshield and/orimportant your windows. frost to is scrape covering your windshield and/or your windows.

Make sure and brush off all six of your windows: windshield, sure to scrape and brush off all six of your windows: windshield, driver and passenger side, back seat windows and rear view driver and passenger side, back seat windows and rear view window. window.

DESIGN BY ELOISE GERAETS ARTWORK WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA DESIGN BYUSED ELOISE GERAETS ARTWORK USED WITH PERMISSION BY CANVA

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