May 2023 Issue

ISSUE NO. 7

MAY ISSUE 2023

The Behavior Problem in Schools CLARE HEUPEL PG. 38 Prom 2023 CAROLINE HUGHES PG.24

A message to my mom ZOE LARSON PG.32

EAN ENCE D EAN D

BY KAD E C N E D

BY KA

In 2024, LHS’s prized Marching Band will be In 2024, LHS’s prized Marching Band will be performing in the Macy’s Day Parade in NYC. In the three performing in the Macy’s Day Parade in NYC. In the three hour parade held in Manhattan, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST, the hour parade held in Manhattan, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST, the Pats will be making their way to Macy’s Herald Square Pats will be making their way to Macy’s Herald Square with the many other bands and floats. with the many other bands and floats.

The LHS Marching Band, having had its best year yet The LHS Marching Band, having had its best year yet with a practically undefeated jazz sector and a creative with a practically undefeated jazz sector and a creative performance, has been one of the six chosen out of over performance, has been one of the six chosen out of over 100 other bands to perform in this once in a lifetime event.

100 other bands to perform in this once in a lifetime event.

Since the marching band will be marching in 2024, this Since the marching band will be marching in 2024, this year’s freshman and sophomores will be the lucky group year’s freshman and sophomores will be the lucky group able to participate in the event. The LHS Marching Band able to participate in the event. The LHS Marching Band hopes to explode its numbers to over 200 students in hopes to explode its numbers to over 200 students in order to give as many kids as possible this opportunity order to give as many kids as possible this opportunity to participate. In order to be considered to perform in to participate. In order to be considered to perform in the Macy’s Day Parade, the band had to go through a the Macy’s Day Parade, the band had to go through a rigorous registration process. LHS had attempted to get in rigorous registration process. LHS had attempted to get in many times before but the requests remained unanswered. many times before but the requests remained unanswered.

Luckily the huge success of this year’s show caught the Luckily the huge success of this year’s show caught the attention of the Macy’s committee and they wanted the attention of the Macy’s committee and they wanted the LHS Marching Band to bring that level of artistry and LHS Marching Band to bring that level of artistry and entertainment to the parade. entertainment to the parade.

The Macy’s Day Parade is important to the LHS The Macy’s Day Parade is important to the LHS Marching Band for many reasons.

Marching Band for many reasons.

DESIGN BY KADENCE DEAN

DESIGN BY

BY LHS KADENCE DEAN BAND PHOTO MARCHING

PHOTO BY BY LHS MARCHING BAND ARTWORK ELLEN MERKLEY ARTWORK BY ELLEN MERKLEY

“It is probably one of the most visually recognized, biggest “It is probably one of the most visually recognized, biggest television audiences in the world, I think second to the television audiences in the world, I think second to the Superbowl,” said Marching Band Director Daniel Carlson.

Superbowl,” said Marching Band Director Daniel Carlson.

“So, it’s a really big stage for us, it’s a great opportunity to “So, it’s a really big stage for us, it’s a great opportunity to get not just our band but Sioux Falls, South Dakota on the get not just our band but Sioux Falls, South Dakota on the map.” map.”

With this monumental opportunity also comes a lot of With this monumental opportunity also comes a lot of preparation. The LHS Marching Band will have to train and preparation. The LHS Marching Band will have to train and practice a lot more than usual in order to develop a Macy’s practice a lot more than usual in order to develop a Macy’s ready performance. ready performance.

“There will be a lot of extra rehearsals because you know “There will be a lot of extra rehearsals because you know that little piece that you see on TV is not just standard that little piece that you see on TV is not just standard marching on a block. So, we actually have to perform a marching on a block. So, we actually have to perform a separate performance- we have to build a whole different separate performance- we have to build a whole different show for that and it takes a long time to get that looking show for that and it takes a long time to get that looking really good.” said Carlson. really good.” said Carlson.

The march also consists of a two and a half mile The march also consists of a two and a half mile journey to Herald Square, so the band must also build that journey to Herald Square, so the band must also build that endurance. All in all, at the end of that training, a video of endurance. All in all, at the end of that training, a video of the performance must be sent and approved by the Macy’s the performance must be sent and approved by the Macy’s committee. committee.

Come November 2024 the LHS Marching Band will travel, Come November 2024 the LHS Marching Band will travel, most likely by bus, through the treacherous winter weather most likely by bus, through the treacherous winter weather to NYC to march in the greatly beloved Macy’s Day Parade. to NYC to march in the greatly beloved Macy’s Day Parade.

MAY ISSUE MAY ISSUE

5 5

BY E BY MMA EMMA SOUTHWICK SOUTHWICK

6 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 6 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 6 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 6 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

The The high school school community community is well is well aware aware of LHS’s of LHS’s successful successful colorcolor guard guard teamteam that competes that competes

BY E BY MMA Ehigh MMA SOUTHWICK SOUTHWICK alongside alongside thehigh marching theschool marching band band each each fall, which fall, aware which placed placed 4th at4th the atBOA thecolor BOA regional regional championship St.inLouis, St. Louis, The The high school community community is well is well aware of LHS’s of LHS’s successful successful color guard guard teamchampionship team that competes thatincompetes MO alongside MO last October. last Only four short weeks after after the color the color guard guard and marching band band season season ended, aLouis, smaller smaller alongside the October. marching theOnly marching bandfour band eachshort each fall, weeks which fall, which placed placed 4th at4th the atand BOA themarching BOA regional regional championship championship in ended, St.in St.aLouis, group of October. color of October. color guard guard members jumped jumped right into their into their next next activity: winter guard.

MO group MO last last Only Only fourmembers four short short weeks weeks afterright after the color the color guard guard andactivity: marching andwinter marching bandguard. band season season ended, ended, a smaller a smaller Winter guard guard is the issame themembers same concept concept as right color as right color guard, guard, with with only only a few adifferences few differences that make that make it unique. it unique. group group ofWinter color of color guard guard members jumped jumped into their into their next next activity: activity: winter winter guard. guard.

Comparable Comparable to color to color guard, guard, winter winter guard involves involves spinning spinning flags andadifferences rifles, anddifferences rifles, as well as well asmake dancing asmake dancing toit music. to music.

Winter Winter guard guard is the issame the same concept concept as guard color as color guard, guard, with with only only a flags few few that that it unique. unique.

The Comparable The mainmain differences between between thewinter two the are two that areinvolves the thatspinning winter the spinning winter guard guard performance much shorter shorter than than themusic. the Comparable to differences color to color guard, guard, winter guard guard involves flags flags and performance rifles, and rifles, as iswell as iswell asmuch dancing as dancing to music. to color guard guard performances performances seenthe seen during during the half-time the half-time of football ofguard football games, games, and that and that isshorter noisshorter band. nothan band.

The color The main main differences differences between between two the are twothat are the that winter the winter guard performance performance is there much is there much than the the Given Given that the that winter the winter guard teamduring team isthe much ishalf-time much smaller smaller the marching the marching band band and color and guard guard team, team, color color guard guard performances performances seenguard seen during the half-time ofthan football ofthan football games, games, and that and there that there iscolor no isband. no band. those those involved involved were were able to able become to become ateam much a is much closer closer group group ofthan people, ofmarching people, and form and trustful bonds with with each each Given Given that the that winter the winter guard guard team is much much smaller smaller than the the marching bandform band andtrustful color andbonds color guard guard team, team, other.those other.

Their Their friendships friendships outside the activity the activity are what aregroup what the members the members the ofform team the team believe believe allows allows them to to those involved involved were were ableoutside to able become to of become aofmuch a much closer closer group of people, of people, andofform and trustful trustful bonds bonds with with eachthem each perform to Their their to their fullest fullest potential. potential. other.perform other.

Their friendships friendships outside outside of the of activity the activity are what are what the members the members of the of team the team believe believe allows allows themthem to to “We “We are all are all very close close so it so is easy it is easy to saytosome say some nice words nice words of encouragement of encouragement during during a performance,” a performance,” perform perform to their tovery their fullest fullest potential. potential. said“We color said“We color guard guard andvery winter andclose winter guard guard member “Being “Being friends friends with with everyone givesgives us us are all arevery all close so it so is easy it is easy tomember saytoJosephine some say Josephine some nice Hultgren. words nice Hultgren. words of encouragement of encouragement during during a everyone performance,” a performance,” the chance the chance to just toand have justwinter have funwinter and fun relax and relax while while getting getting ready ready and knowing and knowing iffriends weiffriends make we make awith mistake, a everyone mistake, we still we stillushave said color said color guard guard and guard guard member member Josephine Josephine Hultgren.

Hultgren.

“Being “Being with everyone gives gives ushave people people who who have have our our and support and relax support us.” us.”getting the chance the chance to just to have justbacks have funbacks and fun relax and while while getting readyready and knowing and knowing if weifmake we make a mistake, a mistake, we still we have still have Regardless Regardless of have what of backs what their their steps steps tosupport success tous.” success were,were, theirtheir hardhard workwork was proven was proven throughout throughout the entire the entire people people who who have our our backs and support and us.” four-month four-month season.

The team team placed placed first first at the atHeartland the Heartland Winter Winter Arts Association Association competition competition on entire on Regardless Regardless of season. what ofThe what their their steps steps to success to success were, were, their their hard hard work work was Arts proven was proven throughout throughout the entire the Feb. Feb. 18 in18 Omaha, in Omaha, Nebraska soon and soon after, they they placed placed second second at the atWinter the Winter Guard Guard International International four-month four-month season. season.

TheNebraska The teamand team placed placed first first atafter, theatHeartland the Heartland Winter Winter Arts Arts Association Association competition competition on on regional regional inNebraska Bellevue, in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Nebraska.

Theythey They hadplaced one had more one more before before their their championship championship Feb. Feb. 18 incompetition 18 Omaha, incompetition Omaha, Nebraska and soon and soon after,after, they placed second second atcompetition theatcompetition Winter the Winter Guard Guard International International performance performance on April on April 1, Bellevue, where 1, Bellevue, where they they placed placed first. first. regional regional competition competition in in Nebraska.

Nebraska.

They They had one had more one more competition competition before before theirtheir championship championship The The teamteam makes makes their their achievements achievements look look easyfirst. easy with with a record a record of high of high placements placements at their at their competitions. competitions. performance performance on April on April 1, where 1, where they they placed placed first.

However, However, just like justmakes any like other any other competitive competitive activity, activity, theirwith their did placements not didcome notatcome easy. easy.

Withcompetitions.

With very very The The team team makes their their achievements achievements look look easy easy with aaccomplishments record aaccomplishments record of high of high placements their at their competitions. littleHowever, little time just time in between in between fall color guard guard andactivity, winter andactivity, winter guard, guard, as well as well as theasfact the fact that ofall their of their competitions However, like just any likefall other anycolor other competitive competitive their their accomplishments accomplishments didthat not didall come not come easy. easy.

Withcompetitions With very very were at least at three three hours hours away from from home, it came it guard, came as no asas surprise no surprise that guard guard had tiring its competitions tiring littlewere little time time in least between in between fall color fall away color guard guard andhome, winter and winter guard, well as well asthat theaswinter fact the winter that fact all that ofhad alltheir ofits their competitions moments. moments.

When When the team the team ran away into ran challenges, into challenges, they they reminded themselves themselves keep to keep each each other motivated motivated and and were were at least at least three three hours hours away from from home, home, it came it came as noasreminded surprise no surprise that winter thattowinter guard guard had its hadother tiring its tiring to keep to keep theWhen team’s theWhen team’s energy energy high. high. moments. moments. the team the team ran into ran challenges, into challenges, they they reminded reminded themselves themselves to keep to keep each each otherother motivated motivated and and “The “The most most difficult difficult part part of this of season this season is that is it that was it very was very long.long.

We had We about had about a month a month breakbreak fromfrom fall fall to keep to keep the team’s the team’s energy energy high. high. color color guard guard tomost winter todifficult winter guard.

We also to had travel to it travel at it least at least three three hours for about every for about every so that sofrom was that fall was “The “The most difficult part guard. part ofWe this ofalso season thishad season is that is that was very was very long. long.

Wehours had We had acompetition, month acompetition, month break break from fall also also very long,” said Hultgren. said Hultgren. team really really worked hard tothree keep to keep energy and up, when and when practice colorvery color guard guard tolong,” winter to winter guard. guard.

We“Our also We“Our had alsoteam to had travel to travel at worked least athard least three hours hours for energy every forup, every competition, competition, sopractice that sowas was thatwas was getting getting long long orlong,” hard or hard we would we would remind each each other other to have tohard have fun hard and fun push and push through through also very also very long,” said Hultgren. said Hultgren.

“Ourremind “Our team team really really worked worked to keep to keep energy energy up,it.” and up,it.” when and when practice practice was was All ofAll their oflong hard work work paidwould paid off atoff the atvery the very endother of end the of season the and season during theirthrough their lastit.” competition: lastit.” competition: the Winter the Winter getting getting long ortheir hard orhard hard we would we remind remind each each other to have to have fun fun push andduring push through Guard Guard International International world world championship championship in Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio.

Ohio.

There There were were 121 121 in total, in total, and the after andWinter afterWinter All of Alltheir of their hardhard work work paid paid off atofftheatvery the very end of end the of season the season during during theirteams their lastteams competition: last competition: the prelims, prelims, theInternational number the number was cut was incut more in more than than half half with with only only 56 teams 56There teams being being able to able move to total, move on toand on semifinals. to semifinals.

Guard Guard International world world championship championship in Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio.

Ohio.

There were were 121 teams 121 teams in in total, after and after During During prelims, prelims, LHS the LHS winter winter guard guard team team placed placed 36th which which comfortably secured spot spot in semifinals. thein the prelims, prelims, the number the the number was cut was incut more in more than than half half with with only36th only 56 teams 56comfortably teams being being ablesecured to able move totheir move on their to on semifinals. to semifinal semifinal round. round.

After After semifinals, semifinals, LHSguard LHS placed twoplaced spots two spots higher higher than than they they didsecured atdid prelims, at their prelims, attheir 34th. atspot This was During During prelims, prelims, the LHS the LHS winter winter guard teamplaced team placed 36th 36th which which comfortably comfortably secured spot in34th. theinThis the was the winterguard the winterguard team’s team’s firstsemifinals, first ever ever competition at the atworld the world championship championship level, so placing placing the top the30% top semifinal semifinal round. round.

After After semifinals, LHScompetition LHS placed placed two spots two spots higher higher than than they they did atlevel, did prelims, atso prelims, atin34th. atin34th.

This This was30% was of of ofall the of teams theteam’s teams was awas huge aever huge accomplishment. accomplishment. theall winterguard the winterguard team’s first first ever competition competition at theatworld the world championship championship level,level, so placing so placing in theintop the30% top 30% was was the first year year that the that team the team was able was to able compete to compete on such on such a large a large scale,scale, and there and there is noisdoubt no doubt of This allofofThis all the ofthe teams thefirst teams was awas huge a huge accomplishment. accomplishment. thatThis they thatThis they willthe continue will continue to year take to take part part in such in such high level level competitions competitions inyears years toscale, come. to there come. was was first the first year that the thatteam the team was able washigh to able compete to compete on such oninsuch athe large athe large scale, and and there is noisdoubt no doubt will always will always be the betake first the first teampart team tosuch go go thetohigh World the level World Championships, Championships, the first the group to make to make semi-semithat“We they that“We they will continue will continue to to take part in intoto such high level competitions competitions in thein years the years tofirst come. togroup come. finals finals and the and first the first group group score to score inteam thein the quarter top quarter competitors of competitors fromthe from around around the world,” the said color saidsemicolor “We “We will always will always be the beto first the first team to gotop to togo the toWorld theofWorld Championships, Championships, first the first group group to world,” make to make semiguard and the winter andfirst winter guard guard member member Rose Rose Hoffelt.

“The “The pride pride I feel Iin feel the inaccomplishments the accomplishments this of season this season finalsguard finals and and the first group group to score to score in the intop theHoffelt. quarter top quarter of competitors of competitors from from around around the world,” theofworld,” said color said color will stick will with me for methe for rest themember of restRose my of life my and life Iand am Isoam excited so pride excited to Isee tothe how see how thisaccomplishments program this program continues to grow to grow guard guard andstick winter andwith winter guard guard member Rose Hoffelt.

Hoffelt.

“The “The pride I feel in feel inaccomplishments the of continues this of season this season after after my graduation my graduation this this will stick will stick with with me for me the foryear.” rest theyear.” of restmy of life myand life Iand am Isoam excited so excited to seetohow see how this program this program continues continues to grow to grow Although year’s thisthis year’s season has come has come to antoend, an end, the winter the winter guard guard will continue will continue to thrive to thrive for many for many after after myAlthough graduation my this graduation year.” thisseason year.” years years toAlthough come to this come thanks thanks to thetotalented thehas talented andcome committed and committed members members and their and their family-like connections connections that allow that allow Although year’s this year’s season season come has to anto end, an end, the winter the winter guard guard will continue willfamily-like continue to thrive to thrive for many for many the team the totocontinue to continue to to grow andtalented flourish. and flourish.

BY EMMA BYfamily-like ESMMA OUTHWICK Sconnections OUTHWICK years years to team come come thanks thanks to grow the totalented the and committed and committed members members andDESIGN their andDESIGN their family-like connections that allow that allow PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED WINTER WINTER GUARDGUARD MEMBERS MEMBERS the team the team to continue to continue to grow to grow and flourish. and flourish.

DESIGNDESIGN

BY EMMA

BY E SBY MMA OUTHWICK SBY OUTHWICK PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED

BY WINTER

BY WINTER GUARDGUARD MEMBERS MEMBERS

For For theFor past thethe past four past four years, four years, senior years, senior Christian senior Christian Christian Stanford Stanford Stanford has has dedicated has dedicated dedicated his time his his time time For For the For past the the past four past four years, four years, senior years, senior Christian senior Christian Christian Stanford Stanford Stanford has has dedicated has dedicated dedicated his time his his time time For the For the past the past four past four years, four years, senior years, senior senior Christian Christian Christian Stanford Stanford Stanford hasLike has dedicated has dedicated dedicated his his time his time time andFor and effort and effort to effort one to one of to one the of activities the of the activities activities he loves he loves he most, loves most, track. most, track. track.

Like many Like many athletes, many athletes, athletes, For For the For the past the past four past four years, four years, senior years, senior senior Christian Christian Christian Stanford Stanford Stanford hasLike has dedicated has dedicated dedicated his his time his time time and and effort and effort to effort one to one of to one the of activities the of the activities activities he loves he loves he most, loves most, track. most, track. track.

Like many Like many athletes, many athletes, athletes, and and effort and effort to effort one to one to of one the of the of activities the activities activities he loves he loves he most, loves most, track. most, track.

Like track.

Like many Like many athletes, many athletes, athletes, Stanford Stanford was was thrown thrown thrown quite quite the quite obstacle thehe the obstacle obstacle his junior hismost, his junior year junior year and year and has and has had has had to athletes, push had toathletes, push to push andStanford and effort and effort to effort one towas one to of one the of the of activities activities activities loves he loves hemost, loves track. most, track.

Like track.

Like many Like many athletes, many Stanford Stanford Stanford was was thrown was thrown thrown quite quite the quite obstacle the the obstacle obstacle his junior his his junior year junior year and year and has and has had has had to push had to push to Stanford Stanford Stanford was thrown was thrown thrown quite the quite the obstacle the obstacle hiswas his junior his junior junior year year and year and hasand has hadhas had to had push to push to push push himself himself himself towas become to become to become the same thequite the same athlete same athlete athlete heobstacle was he he before. was before. before.

Stanford Stanford Stanford was was thrown was thrown thrown quite quite the quite the obstacle the obstacle obstacle hiswas his junior his junior junior year year and year and hasand has hadhas had to had push to push to push himself himself himself to become to become to become the same the the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he he before. was before. before. himself himself himself to become to become to become the the same the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he was he before. was before. before.

During During During Stanford’s junior junior track junior track season, track season, season, hewas unexpectedly he unexpectedly hebefore. unexpectedly had had to get had to his get to get his his himself himself himself to become toStanford’s become toStanford’s become the the same the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he he before. was before.

During During During Stanford’s Stanford’s Stanford’s junior junior track junior track season, track season, season, he unexpectedly he unexpectedly he unexpectedly had had to get had to his get to get his his During During During Stanford’s Stanford’s Stanford’s junior junior junior track track season, track season, season, hetoll unexpectedly hetoll unexpectedly heathletic unexpectedly hadplan. had to had get toJunior get his toyear get his his appendix appendix appendix removed, removed, removed, which which took which took a heavy took a heavy a toll heavy on his on his on his athletic athletic plan.

Junior plan.

Junior year year During During During Stanford’s Stanford’s Stanford’s junior junior junior track track season, track season, season, he unexpectedly he unexpectedly he unexpectedly had had to had get to get his to get his his appendix appendix appendix removed, removed, removed, which which took which took a heavy took a heavy a toll heavy toll on toll his on athletic his on his athletic athletic plan. plan.

Junior plan.

Junior year Junior year year appendix appendix appendix removed, removed, removed, which which which took took a took heavy a him, heavy a toll heavy toll onbeing toll his on his on athletic his athletic athletic plan. plan.

Junior plan.

Junior Junior year year year for Stanford for for Stanford Stanford was was really was really important really important important to to him, to being him, the being time the the time he time was he was he hoping was hoping hoping to to to appendix appendix appendix removed, removed, removed, which which which took took a took heavy a him, heavy a toll heavy toll onbeing toll his on his on athletic his athletic athletic plan. plan.

Junior plan.

Junior Junior year year year for Stanford for for Stanford Stanford was was really was really important really important important to to him, to being him, the being time the the time he time was he was he hoping was hoping hoping to to to for start for Stanford for Stanford Stanford wasrecruiting was really was really important really important important toUnfortunately, him, to him, tobeing him, being the being the time the time he time was he was he hoping was hoping hoping to to to start the start recruiting the the recruiting process. process. process.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due due to having due to having to having a big a surgery, big a big surgery, surgery, his his his for for Stanford for Stanford Stanford wasrecruiting was really was really important really important important toUnfortunately, him, to him, tobeing him, being the being the time the time he time was he was he hoping was hoping hoping to to to start start the start recruiting the the recruiting process. process. process.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due due to having due to having to having a big a surgery, big a big surgery, surgery, his his start start the start the recruiting the recruiting recruiting process. process. process.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due due tohis due having torecovery. having to having a big a big surgery, a big surgery, surgery, his his his his track track season track season season was was put was put on put pause on pause on to pause focus to focus to on focus his on recovery. his on recovery. start start the start the recruiting the recruiting recruiting process. process. process.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, due due tohis due having torecovery. having to having a big a big surgery, a big surgery, surgery, his his his track track season track season season was was put was put on put pause on pause on to pause focus to focus to focus his on recovery. his on recovery. track track season track season season was was put was put on put pause onwith pause on to pause focus tothe focus toon on focus his on his on recovery. his recovery. recovery.

Stanford Stanford Stanford was was blessed was blessed blessed with the with amount the amount amount of support of support of support he had he had he during had during during this this this track track season track season season was was put was put on put pause onwith pause on to pause focus tothe focus toon focus his on his on recovery. his recovery. recovery.

Stanford Stanford Stanford was was blessed was blessed blessed with the with amount the amount amount of support of of support he had he had he during had during during this this this Stanford Stanford Stanford was was blessed was blessed blessed withreassuring with the with the amount the amount amount of support of support support offrom support he he had he during had during during this this this hard hard time hard time with time with positive with positive positive reassuring reassuring messages messages messages from his from coaches, hishad his coaches, coaches, family family and family and and Stanford Stanford Stanford was was blessed was blessed blessed with with the with the amount the amount amount of support of support of support he had he had he during had during during this this this hard hard time hard time with time with positive with positive positive reassuring reassuring reassuring messages messages messages from from his from coaches, his his coaches, coaches, family family and family and hardfriends. hard time hard time with time with positive with positive positive reassuring reassuring reassuring messages messages messages from from his from his coaches, his coaches, coaches, family family family and andand and friends. friends.

Stanford Stanford Stanford is grateful is grateful is grateful to be to surrounded be to surrounded be surrounded by people by people by people who who push who push him push him him hardhard time hard time with time with positive with positive positive reassuring reassuring reassuring messages messages messages from from his from his coaches, his coaches, coaches, family family family and andand friends. friends. friends.

Stanford Stanford Stanford is grateful is grateful is grateful to be to surrounded be to surrounded be surrounded by people by people by people who who push who push him push him friends. friends. friends.

Stanford Stanford Stanford is grateful is grateful is grateful to be to surrounded be to surrounded beand surrounded by people by people by people who who push who push him push himhim him to be to the be to best the be the best person best person person he can he can be, he can and be, be, and they they keep they keep each keep each other each other accountable other accountable accountable in in in friends. friends. friends.

Stanford Stanford Stanford is grateful is grateful is grateful to be to surrounded be to surrounded beand surrounded by people by people by people who who push who push him push himhim to to be to the be the best person best person person he can he be, he and be, and they they keep they keep each keep each other each other accountable other accountable accountable in to be be tothe the be to best the be best the best person best person person hedo. can he can can he be,can can and be, be, be, and they and they keep they keep each keep each other each other accountable other accountable accountable in in in in in everything everything everything they they do. they do. to be to the be to the be best the best person best person person he can he can he be,can and be, be, and they and they keep they keep each keep each other each other accountable other accountable accountable in in in everything everything everything they they do. they do. everything everything everything they they do. they do. do. do.

“I had “I had my “I had family, my my family, Tyree family, Tyree and Tyree and Gabe and Gabe and Gabe and all and my all friends my all my friends friends assisting assisting assisting me and me me and and everything everything everything they they do. they do. do.

“I had “I had my “I family, my my family, Tyree family, Tyree and Tyree and Gabe and Gabe and Gabe and all and my all friends my all my friends friends assisting assisting assisting me me me and and “Ihelping had “Ihelping had “I myhad had my family, my family, Tyree Tyree Tyree and and Gabe and Gabe and Gabe and all and my all my all friends friends assisting assisting me and me and and helping keep keep my keep hopes myfamily, my hopes up hopes and up and up my and mind my my mind clear mind clear toclear not tomy not get tofriends not discouraged getassisting get discouraged discouraged andme and to and and to to “Ihelping had “Ihelping had “I myhad my family, my family, family, Tyree Tyree Tyree and Gabe Gabe and Gabe and all and my all my all friends my friends friends assisting assisting assisting me me and me and and helping keep keep my keep hopes my my hopes up hopes and up and up my and mind my my mind clear mind clear to clear not to not get to not discouraged get get discouraged discouraged and to and to to helping helping helping keep keep my keep my hopes my hopes up hopes and up and up myand my mind my mind clear mind clear toclear not to“My not to get not get discouraged get discouraged discouraged and and tothe and to know know that know that it’s that gonna it’s it’s gonna be gonna fine,” be fine,” be said fine,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“My “My friends friends friends and and I all and I have all I have all the have theto helping helping helping keep keep my keep my hopes my hopes up hopes and up and up myand my mind my mind clear mind clear toclear not to“My not to get not get discouraged get discouraged discouraged and and tothe and to to know know that know that it’s that gonna it’s it’s gonna be gonna fine,” be fine,” be said fine,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“My “My friends friends friends and and I all and I have all I have all the have the know know that know that it’s that it’s gonna gonna be fine,” be fine,” bework said fine,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“My “My friends “My and and Iwhat all and Iwhat have all I have all the have the the same same mindset. same mindset. mindset.

It’sit’s always It’sgonna It’s always always work hard work hard and hard and grind and grind no grind matter nofriends matter nofriends matter what and and strive and strive strive know know that know that it’s that it’s gonna it’s gonna gonna be fine,” be fine,” bework said fine,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“My “My friends “My friends friends and and Iwhat all and Iwhat have all I have all the have the the same same mindset. same mindset. mindset.

It’s always It’s It’s always always work hard work hard and hard and grind and grind no grind matter no matter no matter what and and strive and strive strive same same mindset. same mindset. mindset.

It’s It’s always It’s always always work work hard work and and grind and grind no grind matter no surround matter noyourself matter what what and what and strive and strive strive for your for for your goal. your goal.

Iron goal.

Iron sharpens Iron sharpens sharpens iron, iron, sohard iron, when sohard when so you when you surround you surround yourself yourself with with with same same mindset. same mindset. mindset.

It’s It’s always It’s always always work work hard work hard and hard and grind and grind no grind matter no surround matter noyourself matter what what and what and strive and strive strive for your for for your goal. your goal.

Iron goal.

Iron sharpens Iron sharpens sharpens iron, iron, so iron, when so when so you when you surround you surround yourself yourself with with with for for your for your goal. your goal.

Iron goal.

Iron sharpens Iron sharpens sharpens iron, iron, so iron, when so when so you when you surround you surround surround yourself yourself yourself with with with people people that that have that have the have same the the same mindset same mindset mindset as you, you, as it’s you, gonna it’s it’s gonna do gonna nothing do nothing do nothing butwith but push but push push for people for your for your goal. your goal.

Iron goal.

Iron sharpens Iron sharpens sharpens iron, iron, so iron, when soas when so you when you surround you surround surround yourself yourself yourself with with people people people that that have that have the have same the the same mindset same mindset mindset as you, as you, as it’s you, gonna it’s it’s gonna do gonna nothing do nothing do nothing but but push but push push people people people that that have that have the have the same the same mindset same mindset mindset as you, as you, asit’s you, it’s gonna it’s gonna gonna do nothing doIt’s nothing do something nothing but but push but push push yourself yourself yourself to work to work to harder work harder harder and and do and better. do better. do It’s better. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s uncontrollable. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s something something people people people that that have that have the have the same the same mindset same mindset mindset as you, as you, asit’s you, it’s gonna it’s gonna gonna do nothing doIt’s nothing do something nothing but but push but push push yourself yourself yourself to work to work to harder work harder harder and and do and better. do better. do It’s better. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s uncontrollable. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s something something yourself yourself yourself to work to work to harder work harder harder and and do and better. do better. do better.

It’s It’s uncontrollable.

It’s uncontrollable. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s something It’s something something you you can’t you can’t control control control so there’s so there’s so there’s no point no nobetter. inpoint getting in getting in getting upset upset about upset about it.” about it.”It’s it.” yourself yourself yourself tocan’t work to work to harder work harder harder and and do and better. dopoint do better.

It’s It’s uncontrollable.

It’s uncontrollable. uncontrollable.

It’s It’s something something something you you can’t you can’t control can’t control control so there’s so there’s so there’s no point no point no in point getting in getting in getting upset upset about upset about it.” about it.” it.” you you can’t you can’t control can’t control control sowith there’s so there’s so no no nohis inpoint getting in getting in getting upset upset about upset about it.” about it.”himself it.”

Stanford, Stanford, Stanford, with with the help the the help ofthere’s help his ofpoint trainer his ofpoint trainer trainer Brady Brady Bonte, Brady Bonte, built Bonte, built himself built himself backback back you you can’t you can’t control can’t control control sowith there’s so there’s so there’s no point no point nohis inpoint getting in getting in getting upset upset about upset about it.” about it.”himself it.”

Stanford, Stanford, Stanford, with with the help the the help of help his of trainer his of trainer trainer Brady Brady Bonte, Brady Bonte, built Bonte, built himself built himself back back Stanford, Stanford, Stanford, with with the with the help the help of help his of his of trainer his trainer trainer Brady Brady Brady Bonte, Bonte, Bonte, built built himself built himself himself backback back back up Stanford, for upStanford, his for upStanford, senior for hiswith his senior year senior year this year this last this last summer last summer summer and and stopped and stopped stopped playing playing playing football football football to to to with the with the help the help ofhelp his of his of trainer his trainer trainer Brady Brady Brady Bonte, Bonte, Bonte, built built himself built himself himself backback back up for up his for up senior for his his senior year senior year this year this last this last summer last summer summer and and stopped and stopped stopped playing playing playing football football football to to to up for up for his up for his senior his senior senior year year this year this last this last summer last summer summer and and stopped and stopped stopped playing playing playing football football football to to to focus focus on focus track. on track. on He track. realized He He realized realized that that he that was he was he not was not the not same the the same as same he as was he as was he last was last season last season season up for upon for his uptrack. for his senior his senior senior year year this year this last this last summer last summer summer and and stopped and stopped stopped playing playing playing football football football tolast toseason to focus focus focus on track. on He track. realized He He realized realized that that he that was he was he not was not the not same the the same as same he as was he as was he last was last season season focus focus on focus track. on track. on He track.

He realized He realized realized that that he that was he was he not was not the not the same the same as same he as was he as was he last was last season last season season and and that and that ittrack. that it it take would take time take time and time and effort and effort to effort become to become tonot become the same the the same same athlete he was he was heseason was focus focus on focus onwould track. onwould He track.

He realized He realized realized that that hethat was he was he not was not the the same the same assame he asathlete was he as athlete was he last was last season last season and and that and that it would that it would it take would take time take time and time and effort and effort to effort become to become to become the same the the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he was he was andand that and that itand that would itand would itto would take take time take time and time and effort and effort to effort become to Unfortunately, become to Unfortunately, become the the same the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he was heback was before before and before strive strive strive become to become to become even even better. even better.

Unfortunately, better. he was he was he sent was sent back sent back andbefore and that and that itand that would itand would itto would take take time take time and time and effort and effort to effort become to Unfortunately, become to Unfortunately, become the the same the same athlete same athlete athlete he was he was heback was before and before strive strive strive become to become to become even even better. even better.

Unfortunately, better. he was he was he sent was sent back sent back before before before and and strive and strive to strive become to become to become even even better. even better. better.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, he was he was he sent was sent back sent back back to the to hospital the to hospital hospital forto another for another surgery surgery surgery which which stemmed which stemmed stemmed fromfrom from his his appendix appendix before before before andthe and strive and strive strive become tofor become toanother become even even better. even better. better.

Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, hehis was heappendix was he sent was sent back sent back back to the to hospital the to the hospital hospital for another for for another another surgery surgery surgery which which stemmed which stemmed stemmed from from his from appendix his his appendix appendix to the to the hospital to the hospital hospital for for another for another another surgery surgery surgery which which which stemmed stemmed stemmed from from his from appendix his appendix appendix problems problems problems from from last from last year. last year.

Although year.

Although Although this this wasthis was very was very tough very tough for tough him forhis for him both him both both to the to the hospital to the hospital hospital for for another for another another surgery surgery surgery which which which stemmed stemmed stemmed from from his from his appendix his appendix appendix problems problems problems from from last from last year. last year.

Although year.

Although Although this this was this was very was very tough very tough for tough him for for him both him both both problems problems problems from from last from last year. last year.

Although year.

Although Although this this was this was very was very tough very tough for tough for him for him both him both both mentally mentally mentally and and physically, and physically, physically, Stanford Stanford Stanford knew knew that knew that this that this was this was just was just another just another another obstacle obstacle obstacle problems problems problems from from last from last year. last year.

Although year.

Although Although this this was this was very was very tough very tough for tough for him for him both him both both mentally mentally mentally and and physically, and physically, physically, Stanford Stanford Stanford knew knew that knew that this that this was this was just was just another just another another obstacle obstacle obstacle mentally mentally mentally and and physically, and physically, physically, Stanford Stanford Stanford knew knew that knew that this that this was this was just was just another just another another obstacle obstacle obstacle God God was God was putting was putting putting in his in way his in his way to way make to make to him make him stronger. him stronger. stronger.

He was He He was able was able to able get to get to get mentally mentally mentally and and physically, and physically, physically, Stanford Stanford Stanford knew knew that knew that this that this was this was just was just another just another another obstacle obstacle obstacle God God was God was putting was putting putting in his in way his in his way to way make to make to him make him stronger. him stronger. stronger.

He was He He was able was able to able get to get to get God God was God was putting was putting putting in his in his way in his way to way make to make to him make him stronger. him stronger. stronger.

He He was He was able was able to able get to get to gettrack right right back right back into back into it and into it and fully it and fully recover fully recover recover and and hopes and hopes to hopes finish to finish to off finish his off off senior his his senior track senior track Godright God was God was putting was putting putting inithis in his way in his way to way make torecover make tohim make him stronger. him stronger. stronger.

He He was He was able was able tohis able get totrack get totrack gettrack right back right back into back into it and into and fully it and fully recover fully recover and and hopes and hopes to hopes finish to finish to off finish his off off senior his senior senior right right back right back into back into it into and it and fully it and fully recover fully recover recover and and hopes and hopes to hopes finish to finish to off finish off his off his senior his senior senior track track track season season season strong. strong. strong. right right back right back into back into it into and it and fully it and fully recover fully recover recover andand hopes and hopes to hopes finish to finish to off finish off hisoff his senior his senior senior track track track season season season strong. strong. strong. season season season strong. strong. strong.

“No “No matter “No matter matter what what happens what happens happens in my in life, my in my life, no life, matter no matter no matter if it’s if good it’s if it’s good orgood bad, or bad, or allbad, the all the all the season season season strong. strong. strong.

“No “No matter “No matter matter what what happens what happens happens in my in life, my in my life, no life, matter no matter no matter ifif it’s if it’s if good or bad, or bad, or all bad, the all the all the “No “No matter “No matter matter what what happens what happens happens in my inand my life, inand my life, nobad life, matter nothe matter nobad matter it’s if good it’s good if it’s it’s good orgood good bad, or bad, or all bad, the all the allGod the good good things good things are things glory are are glory to glory God to God to and God all the all the all bad things things are things obstacles are are obstacles obstacles that that God that God “No “No matter “No matter matter what what happens what happens happens in my inand my life, inand my life, nobad life, matter nothe matter nobad matter if are it’s if it’s good if it’s good orgood bad, or bad, or all bad, the all the allGod the good good things good things are things glory are are glory to glory God to God to and God all the all the all bad things things things obstacles are are obstacles obstacles that that God that God good good things good things things are are glory are glory to glory God to God to and God and all and the all the all bad the bad things bad things things are are obstacles are obstacles obstacles that that God that GodGod puts puts in puts your in your in way your way to way test to test faith, to test faith, when faith, when he when tests he tests he your tests your faith your faith it faith helps it helps it you helps you build you build build good good things good things things are are glory are glory to glory God to God to and God and all and the all the all bad the bad things bad things things are are obstacles are obstacles obstacles that that God that God God puts in your in your in your way to way test to test faith, to test faith, when faith, when he when tests he tests he your tests your faith your faith ititfaith helps it helps it you helps you build you build build putsputs puts inputs puts your in said your inway way your way to way test toStanford. test to faith, test faith, when faith, when he when tests he tests he your your your faith helps it helps it you helps you build build build character,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

“With “With this “With this surgery, this surgery, surgery, ittests helped itfaith helped itfaith helped bring bring out bring out a mindset out ayou mindset a mindset putscharacter,” puts incharacter,” puts your in said your inway your way to way test toStanford. test to faith, test faith, when faith, when he when tests he tests he your tests your faith your faith itfaith helps it helps it you helps you build you build build character,” character,” character,” said Stanford. said Stanford.

“With “With this “With this surgery, this surgery, surgery, it helped it helped it helped bring bring out bring out a mindset out a mindset a mindset character,” character,” character,” said said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“With “With “With this this surgery, this surgery, surgery, it helped it helped ithave helped bring bring out bring out a going, mindset out ayou mindset a you mindset in me in where me in me where it’s where like it’s it’s like no like matter no matter no matter what what happens what happens happens you you have you to have keep to keep to going, keep going, you character,” character,” character,” said said Stanford. said Stanford.

Stanford.

“With “With “With this this surgery, this surgery, surgery, it helped it helped it helped bring bring out bring out a mindset out a mindset a mindset in in where me in me where it’s where like it’s it’s like no like matter no matter no matter what what happens what happens happens you you have you have to have keep to keep to going, keep going, you going, you you in me me insit me where inand me where where it’sand it’s like it’s like no like matter no matter no matter what what happens what happens happens younot you have you have to have keep to keep to going, keep going, going, you you you can’t can’t can’t sit and sit dwell dwell on dwell the on past the on the past because past because because that’s that’s not that’s going not going to going do to anything, do to anything, do anything, the the the in me in me where in me where where it’sand it’s like it’s like no like matter no matter no matter what what happens what happens happens younot you have you have to have keep to keep to going, keep going, going, you you you can’t can’t sit can’t and sit and sit dwell dwell on dwell the on past the on the past because past because because that’s that’s not that’s going not going going do to anything, do to anything, do anything, the the can’t can’t sit can’t and sitthat’s and sit dwell and dwell on dwell the on the on past the past because past because because that’s that’s not that’s not going not going to going do to anything, do to the anything, do anything, the thethe the only only thing only thing thing that’s going that’s going to going fix to it fix to is fix it if is you it if is you push if you push yourself push yourself yourself in the in future.” the in future.” future.” can’t can’t sit can’t and sitthat’s and sit dwell and dwell on dwell the on the on past the past because past because because that’s that’s not that’s not going not going to going do to anything, do to the anything, do anything, the thethe only only thing only thing thing that’s going that’s going to going fix to it fix to fix it you it if is you push if you push yourself push yourself yourself in in future.” the in future.” future.” only only thing only thing that’s thing that’s going that’s going to going fix to it fix tois isso fix itififis is ityou if is you ifpush you push yourself push yourself yourself in the the in the future.” inathletic the future.” future.”

Stanford Stanford Stanford has has been has been thrown been thrown thrown so many many so obstacles many obstacles obstacles throughout throughout throughout his his his athletic athletic only only thing only thing that’s thing that’s going that’s going to going fix to it fix tomany isso fix itifis ityou ifis you ifpush you push yourself push yourself yourself in the in the future.” inathletic the future.” future.”

Stanford Stanford Stanford has has been has been thrown been thrown thrown so many so many obstacles obstacles throughout throughout throughout his his his athletic athletic Stanford Stanford Stanford hashowever, has been has been thrown been thrown thrown sothat many sothat many soobstacles obstacles many obstacles obstacles throughout throughout throughout his his athletic his athletic athletic career; career; career; however, however, he knows he knows he knows that this this all this happened all happened all happened for a for reason. for a reason. a reason.

These These These Stanford Stanford Stanford hashowever, has been has been thrown been thrown thrown sothat many sothat many so obstacles many obstacles obstacles throughout throughout throughout his his athletic his athletic athletic career; career; career; however, however, he knows he knows he knows that this this all this happened all happened all happened for a for reason. for a reason. a reason.

These These These career; career; career; however, however, however, he knows hehim knows hehim knows that that this that this allperson this happened allperson happened allperson happened forand for aathlete. reason. for aStanford reason. a Stanford reason.

These These These challenges challenges challenges only only made only made made a stronger him a stronger a stronger and and athlete. athlete.

Stanford career; career; career; however, however, however, he knows hehim knows hehim knows that that this that this allperson this happened allperson happened allperson happened forand for aathlete. reason. for aStanford reason. a Stanford reason.

These These These challenges challenges challenges only only made only made made a stronger him a stronger a stronger and and athlete. athlete.

Stanford challenges challenges challenges only only made made him made a stronger him arecruiting stronger arecruiting stronger person person person and athlete. and athlete. athlete.

Stanford Stanford knows knows knows he ishe behind is he behind isonly behind on the onhim recruiting the on the process, process, process, butand but this but this will this will notStanford will not stop not stop him stop himhim challenges challenges challenges only only made only made him made him a stronger him arecruiting stronger arecruiting stronger person person person and and athlete. and athlete. athlete.

Stanford Stanford Stanford knows knows knows he isishe is he behind is behind on the on recruiting the on the process, process, process, but but this but this will this will not will not stop not stop him stop him him knows knows knows heachieving hebehind behind is hehis behind is goals. behind onhis the onHe the on recruiting the recruiting recruiting process, process, process, but he but this but this will this will not will not stop not stop him stop him him from from achieving from achieving his goals. goals. will He He will take will take everything take everything everything learned he learned he learned from from this from this this knows knows knows heachieving isheachieving behind is hehis behind is goals. behind onhis the onHe the on recruiting the recruiting recruiting process, process, process, but he but this but this will this will not will not stop not stop him stop him him from from achieving from his goals. goals. will He He will take will take everything take everything everything learned he learned he learned from from this from this this from from achieving from achieving achieving hisinto his goals. his goals.

He goals.

He will He will take will take everything take everything everything hecome learned he learned he learned from from this from thisthis experience experience experience into into the future the the future when future when more when more obstacles more obstacles obstacles come his come way. his his way. way. from from achieving from achieving achieving hisinto his goals. his goals.

He goals.

He will He will take will take everything take everything everything hecome learned he learned he learned from from this from thisthis experience experience experience into into the future the the future when future when more when more obstacles more obstacles obstacles come his come way. his his way. way. experience experience experience into into the into the future the future future when more when more obstacles more obstacles come come his come his way. his way. way.

“It’s “It’s definitely “It’s definitely definitely developed developed developed mewhen as me ame as person aas person a obstacles person and and my and character,” my my character,” character,” said saidsaid experience experience experience into into the into the future the future future when when more when more obstacles more obstacles come come his come his way. his way. way.

“It’s “It’s definitely “It’s definitely definitely developed developed developed me as me aame as person aaas person aa obstacles person and and my and character,” my my character,” character,” said said said “It’s “It’s definitely “It’s definitely definitely developed developed developed me me as me as person as person person and and my and my character,” my character,” character,” said said said Stanford.

Stanford.

Stanford.

“It made “It “It made me made very me me very humble very humble to toa know to that know that no that matter nomy matter nocharacter,” matter howsaid how hard how hard hard “It’s “It’s definitely “It’s definitely definitely developed developed developed me me as ahumble me as person aknow asperson person and and my and my character,” character,” said said Stanford.

Stanford.

Stanford.

“It made “It “It made me made very me me very humble very humble humble to know to know to that know that no that matter no matter no matter how how hard how hard hard Stanford.

Stanford.

Stanford.

“It made “It “It made me made me very me very humble very humble humble to know to know to that know that no that matter no matter no matter how how hard how hard hard something something something is, you is, you can is, you can always can always always overcome overcome overcome it and it and no it and matter no matter no matter how how good how good your good your your Stanford.

Stanford.

Stanford.

“It made “It “It made me made me very me very humble very humble humble to know to know to that know that no that matter no matter no matter how how hard how hard hard something something something is, you is, you can is, you can always can always always overcome overcome overcome it and it and no it and matter no matter how how good good your good your your something something something is, you is, you is, can you can always can always always overcome overcome overcome it and it and no it and matter no matter no matter how how good how good your good your your things things are, things are, they are, they can they can be taken can be taken be away taken away from away from you from you in an you in instant. an in instant. an instant.

It makes It makes It me makes me me something something something is, are, you is, you is, can you can always can always always overcome overcome overcome it and ityou and no itan and matter no matter no matter how how good how good your good your your things things are, things are, they they can they can be taken can be taken be away taken away from away from you from in you in instant. an in instant. an instant.

It makes It makes It me makes me me things things things are, are, they are, they can they can be can taken be taken be away taken away from away from you from you in you an in instant. an in instant. an instant.

It makes It makes It makes me me me appreciate appreciate appreciate everything everything everything no matter no matter no matter how how big how or big small big or small or it small is.” it is.” it is.” things things things are,everything are, they are, they can they can beno can taken bematter taken bematter away taken away from away from you from you in you an in instant. an in instant. anis.” instant.

Itis.”makes It makes It makes me me me appreciate appreciate appreciate everything everything no no matter how how big how or big small big or small or it small is.” it it appreciate appreciate appreciate everything everything everything no matter no matter no matter howhow big how big or big small or small oritsmall is.” it is.” it is.” appreciate appreciate appreciate everything everything everything no matter no matter no matter howhow big how big or big small or small oritsmall is.” it is.” it is.”

DESIGNDESIGN

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MAY MAY ISSUE MAY ISSUE ISSUE 7 7 MAY MAY ISSUE MAY ISSUE ISSUE 77 7 MAY MAY ISSUE MAY ISSUE ISSUE 7 MAY MAY ISSUE MAY ISSUE ISSUE 7 7

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BY BYAA BY RIAHNA RIAHNA ARIAHNA BYW AW RIAHNA ELLS ELLS WELLS WELLS

Many Many Many ofofusMany us oflove love us competing of love competing uscompeting love competing Murphy Murphy Murphy isisMurphy the the ismascot, the mascot, is mascot, the the the mascot, myth, the myth, myth, the myth, Despite Despite Despite the the Despite 15-hour the 15-hour 15-hour the days, days, 15-hour days, being being being days, being against against against the the against other the other other classes the classes other classes ininspirit classes spirit in spirit in spirit the thelegend. the legend. legend. the He He legend. isis He Lincoln’s Lincoln’s is He Lincoln’s iscraziest Lincoln’s craziest craziest craziest Murphy Murphy Murphy comes comes Murphy comes with with comes with a alot lotaof with of lot positive positive of a lot positive of positive stick stickstick competitions, competitions, competitions, stick competitions, class classclass chants chants chants class and and chants and and Crazie, Crazie, Crazie, making making Crazie, making ititto making toevery itevery to every it sporting sporting to every sporting sporting experiences. experiences. experiences. experiences.

Not Notonly Not onlydoes only Not doesdoes Murphy only Murphy Murphy does Murphy more, more, sosoitit more, is soisunderstandable itunderstandable issounderstandable it is understandable that thatthat that event, event, event, pep pepevent, rally pep rallyrally and pep andactivity. and rally activity. activity. and For For activity.

For For keep keepkeep everyone everyone everyone keephyped everyone hyped hyped atatevents events hyped at events but at butevents but more, but Smith sometimes sometimes Smith sometimes sometimes wishes wishes wishes hehehad wishes had hethat had that hethat had that the thepast the pastfour past four theyears, four past years, years, four itithas has years, itremained has remained itremained has remained being being being the themascot being the mascot mascot the also also mascot gives also gives gives one also onethe gives one the the oneSmith the Smith experience experience experience asaswell. well. as well. as well. a amystery mystery a mystery who a who mystery is who isbehind behind iswho behind the is the behind mask. the mask. mask. the mask. opportunity opportunity opportunity opportunity totoreconnect reconnect to reconnect to with reconnect withwith old old old with experience old “I“Ihave have “I have not not “Igotten not gotten havegotten not totogo gotten go to toto go any any to go anyto any With With With the theend With the endofend ofthe the the ofend school the school ofschool the year year school fast year fastfast year friends. friends. fast friends. friends. events events events asasaevents aclass, as class, a class, Murphy asMurphy a class, Murphy isisMurphy always always is always is always approaching approaching approaching approaching and andgraduation and graduation graduation and graduation creeping creeping creeping creeping “[Some “[Some “[Some ofof“[Some the the ofbest the best ofparts best parts theparts about best about parts about about there there there but butIsaac there but Isaac Isaac isbut isnot,” not,” is Isaac not,” said said isSmith. said not,” Smith.

Smith. said Smith. closer, closer, closer, ititisis closer, time ittime is time toit toreveal isreveal to time reveal the the to man reveal the manman the being man being being Murphy Murphy being Murphy are] are] Murphy hanging are] hanging hanging are]out out hanging with out withwith out with “Bigevents “Big events events “Big like like events getting like getting getting like the the getting spirit the spirit spirit the spirit behind behind behind the the behind mask: the mask: mask: LHS the LHS mask: LHS senior, senior, senior, LHS Isaac Isaac senior, Isaacpeople Isaac people people and and people seeing and seeing seeing and old oldseeing friends old friends friends old I Ihave have friends I haveI“Big have make make make stick me mewish make me wishwish I Icould me could Iwish could experience experience I could experience experience Smith.

Smith.

Smith.Smith. not nottalked not talked talked to not tointalked into forever. forever. in forever. to As inAs forever. we we Asallall weAs allwe stick allstickstick that thatas that asIsaac Isaac asthat Isaac and and asnot and Isaac notMurphy not Murphy andMurphy not because because Murphy because because Holding Holding Holding the the Holding job the jobofjob ofMurphy the Murphy of job Murphy ofisisMurphy ananis angot got is an into got intohigh into high gothigh school, into school, school, high you you school, find you findyour find your youyour find your Murphy Murphy has has Murphy tohas tocheer cheer tohas cheer for for toeveryone.” cheer everyone.” for everyone.” for everyone.” uncommon uncommon uncommon uncommon title titleand title andaand alarge title large a and large time time a large time time own owngroups own groups groups own and and groups niches, and niches, niches, and and and niches, there and there there are and are there areMurphy are commitment, commitment, commitment, commitment, but butwhere but where where did but didit where did itallallit did all itpeople all people people I Idon’t don’t people I don’t talk talk I to don’t talk toanymore anymore totalk anymore tobut anymore butatbut at atbut However, However, at However, with However, withwith allallofof all with the the ofchallenges all the challenges ofchallenges the challenges begin? begin? begin?begin? a afootball football a football game, agame, football game, ititdoesn’t doesn’t game, it doesn’t matter itmatter doesn’t matter totomatter to being being tobeing Murphy Murphy being Murphy presents, presents, Murphy presents, the presents, thepositive the positive positive the positive experiences experiences experiences experiences and andjoy and joyMurphy joy Murphy and Murphy joybrings brings Murphy brings toto brings to to “Freshman “Freshman “Freshman “Freshman year yearIyear Iauditioned auditioned Iyear auditioned I auditioned Murphy,” Murphy,” Murphy,” said Murphy,” saidSmith. said Smith.

Smith. said Smith. theschool the school school the are areschool well are wellworth well worth areworth well it.it. worth it. it. because because because I Iheard because heard I heard ananIannouncement announcement heard an announcement an announcement for for forAs As for with with As with anything, anything, Asanything, withbeing anything, being being the thebiggest being the biggest biggest the the biggest “I“Iwould would “I would 100% 100% “I would 100% bebeMurphy Murphy 100% be Murphy beagain. again.

Murphy again.

ItIt again.

It It Murphy Murphy Murphy tryouts. tryouts.

Murphy tryouts.

ItIttryouts. was was Itonly was only Itme only was meand me and only and me hype hype and hype man mancomes man hype comes comes man with with comes with itsitschallenges. challenges. its with challenges. its challenges. has has been has beenbeen anan has amazing amazing an been amazing anexperience,” experience,” amazing experience,” experience,” said saidsaid said one oneother one other other person one person other person there there person there and andwe there and weboth both we and both we Not Not both only Not onlyis only Not isbeing being isonly being suited suited is being suited upupasuited ahot up hot ajob, hot job, up job, a hot job, got goton got onthe the ongot team the team on team but the butonce but team onceonce the the butother the other once other the but other butbeing but being being the but theone being the oneto one tostart the start toone start hyping hyping to hyping start hyping Smith.

Smith.

Smith. “[Being “[Being Smith. “[Being Murphy Murphy “[Being Murphy has has Murphy taught has taught taught has taught me] me]that me] thatwe that me] weare are we that allare allpeople, we people, allare people, and alland people, itand itisisitand is it is person person person graduated graduated person graduated graduated we wetried tried we tried recruiting recruiting we recruiting tried recruiting everyone everyone everyone up everyone upcan can uppose can pose uppose some some cansome pose challenges. challenges. some challenges. challenges. more more more people people more people because because people because ititis because isreally itreally is really hard ithard is really hard “It hard “Itisis “It pretty pretty is pretty “Itfun fun is being pretty fun being being in fun infront front being in front ofofin of front good good of good totoallall to good recognize recognize all to recognize all that. recognize that.that.

We Weall We all that. have have allWe have all have totoget get toout get outof to out ofget the the ofout suit the suit of and suit and the make and make suitmake itand it make it the the itstudent the student student the section section student section hyping hyping section hyping everyone everyone hyping everyone everyone quarrels quarrels quarrels but but quarrels when but when when we but weare when are weallare allunified we unified allare unified all unified bybya agame, by game, a game, by ititdoesn’t adoesn’t game, it doesn’t really itreally doesn’t really matter matter really matter the thematter the the totoeverything everything to everything to everything but butnobody but nobody nobody but else else nobody was else waswas elseupwas upbut but upyou but you up have you have buthave toyou toget get to have out get outof to out ofget your your ofout your of your interested,” interested,” interested,” interested,” said saidSmith. said Smith.

Smith. said “I“Itry Smith. try “Itotry tomake make “I totry make own to own make head own headhead because own because because head you you because look you lookpretty look pretty youpretty look pretty history history history you you history have you havehave with you withwith someone.” have someone.” someone.” with someone.” itittotoall itall to that that all it Ito that Ican, can, allI but that can, butIIbut Iobviously can, obviously I obviously but I obviously silly sillyup silly upthere there up silly there sometimes sometimes up there sometimes sometimes until untiluntil the the the until the cannot cannot cannot make make cannot make itittotoeverything. make iteverything. to everything. it to everything.

There There There crowd There crowd crowd starts starts crowd starts hyping hyping starts hyping you you hyping up,” you up,”said up,” said yousaid up,” said are aredays are daysdays where where arewhere days I Iget get where Itoget toschool school to I get school atto at school at Smith.

Smith. at Smith.

“It“Itis Smith. is “It also also is really also “It really isreally also hot hotand really hot andhard and hard hothard and hard seven seven seven ininthe the seven inmorning the morning in morning theand morning anddo and donot not doand leave not leave doleave to not tobreathe breathe leave to breathe to ininthere.” breathe there.” in there.” in there.” until untiluntil 1010atat 10 until night.” night.” at night.”

10 at night.”

88 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM 8 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 8 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED PHOTOS BYBY LHS LHS PROVIDED BY STUDENTS SLHS TUDENTS SBY TUDENTS &LHS & STAFF STAFF STUDENTS & STAFF & STAFF DESIGN DESIGN DESIGN BY BY ARIAHNA ARIAHNA BYDESIGN AW RIAHNA W ELLS ELLS

BY A WRIAHNA ELLS WELLS

MAY MAY MAY ISSUE ISSUE MAY ISSUE 99ISSUE 9 9

THE SPOKESMAN FOR

BY A BY DIE ADIE THEOPHILUS THEOPHILUS

BY VANESSA TIMAT

Bike racing is a very popular sport and hobby here in Sioux Falls, SD. However, to be an extreme racer, there is a lot of maintenance that needs to be done to check the bike and make sure it is as functional as possible.

For LHS sophomore, Lily Gruber, biking has always been an activity within her family. In fact, it has shaped Gruber into who she is today.

Gruber works at a local bike shop called Spoke-n-Sport and has gotten a lot of experience through the job.

“Spoke-n-Sport is a local bike shop in Sioux Falls where we sell bikes and do bike service. I work at the Cliff Avenue Store. We have one on Minnesota Avenue too and then one on Main Street in Brookings, SD,” said Gruber.

Spoke-n-Sport’s customers are mainly extreme bike racers who appreciate the biking community. The shop does many services such as bike repairs and routine maintenance.

“We sell bikes, bike accessories and bike clothes and stuff. And then the bikes that come in, we assemble

10 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

before we put them on the floor, or check them over if they come assembled,” said Gruber. “We do trade-ins for used bikes and bike service on regular bikes and on E-bikes.”

Taking after her father, who is a very dedicated biker, Gruber has been involved in many races. However, she was not always as passionate about biking as she is today.

n-Sport and was hired. Her coworkers heavily influenced her to start biking again.

“Well I got the job and at our location it’s all females except for one of our mechanics, so as I started to work and learn all the ins and outs. I was also at the same time very inspired by them because they’re all female bikers. So, I started riding more and riding with my

“I guess the people I was surrounded with inspired me to get back into it so now it’s a big portion of my life.”

“A couple of years ago I was anti-biking. I distinctly remember there was one ride where I literally threw my bike on the ground and was like ‘I hate biking’ and I started crying. So, my dad was like ‘I’m not going to pressure her to ride her bike’ and my bike started collecting dust in the garage,” said Gruber.

After taking some time off, Gruber applied to Spoke-

dad,” said Gruber.

Since working at the shop, Gruber has gained back her love for biking again. She has felt that being part of a community of interest is much more fun than doing something on her own.

“I guess the people I was surrounded with inspired me to get back into it so now it’s a big portion of my life,” said Gruber.

Now, the 16-year-old is

a big advocate for Spoke-NSport and has enjoyed every aspect of it. To get more people involved, the shop sometimes hosts events.

“We have social media and we do rides and events. A lot of our customers are a part of the Falls Area Single Track group, which is the mountain biking trails in Sioux Falls, or Sioux Falls Bike racing which puts on all the different races year round,” said Gruber. “It’s a lot of connections and just word of mouth too. I always tell people about it because it interests me.”

Gruber has competed in many races this past year and wants to do many more. She plans on traveling around the Midwest this summer for mountain biking. As for the next couple years, Gruber has yet to find out where this sport will take her.

“Now I am very passionate about racing and riding,” said Gruber. “This summer I am going to do a lot more racing too and I’m doing some traveling for mountain biking, so that should be really cool.”

When When walking walking the halls the halls at LHS, at LHS, it is it is hardhard to miss to miss the contagious the contagious smile smile of Jeffrey of Jeffrey Holcomb.

Holcomb.

Holcomb Holcomb is the is morning the morning hall hall monitor monitor at LHS at LHS and and has has beenbeen fulfilling fulfilling this this dutyduty for two for two years. years.

Holcomb Holcomb starts starts his morning his morning off by off by arriving arriving at LHS at LHS and and monitoring monitoring the halls the halls at at 7 a.m.

7 a.m.

He ensures He ensures thatthat students students whowho are in are in the building the building are there are there for activities for activities or first or first period period lunch lunch detention. detention.

Holcomb Holcomb assists assists other other staffstaff in making in making suresure thatthat all the all doors the doors are locked are locked and and secured. secured.

Prior Prior to coming to coming to LHS, to LHS, Holcomb Holcomb waswas the president the president of Southeast of Southeast Technical Technical College College and and retired retired fromfrom thatthat position position in 2016. in 2016.

He has He has learned learned many many lessons lessons sincesince coming coming here,here, but but the the mainmain lesson lesson learned learned waswas howhow to get to get kidskids out out of the of the school school bathrooms. bathrooms.

“I am “I always am always fascinated fascinated by the by sheer the sheer volume volume of people of people whowho hanghang out out in the in the bathrooms! bathrooms!

Why? Why? Move Move to the to hall the hall please. please.

TheThe simple simple fact fact thatthat we can we can move move 2,000 2,000 people people in five in five minutes minutes is amazing! is amazing!

I I mustmust admit admit nothing nothing seems seems strange strange or or weird weird to me. to me.

Pretty Pretty common common stuffstuff for for a high a high school,” school,” saidsaid Holcomb.

Holcomb.

On his On days his days off, he off, he enjoys enjoys spending spending timetime

out out on his on ranch. his ranch.

Holcomb Holcomb is is part-owner part-owner of aofranch a ranch in West in West River.

River.

He He manages manages the paperwork, the paperwork, taxes, taxes, accounting accounting and and government government programs programs for the for ranch. the ranch.

During During his hours his hours at LHS, at LHS, he has he has made made many many friends. friends.

He refers He refers to everyone to everyone as as his friends his friends and and triestries to find to find the good the good in in everyone. everyone.

“To “To choose choose a ‘best a ‘best friend’ friend’ at Lincoln at Lincoln would would be too be too hard. hard.

They They are all aregreat all great people people doing doing great great things. things.

I enjoy I enjoy getting getting to know to know them them all. Iall. feel I feel everyone everyone can can benefit benefit fromfrom taking taking some some timetime to get to get to know to know a new a new person person eacheach day,”day,” saidsaid Holcomb.

Holcomb.

Considering Considering his time his time herehere at at LHSLHS has has beenbeen fairly fairly short, short, Holcomb Holcomb has has not not failed failed to make to make memories memories withwith his students. his students.

Every Every morning morning he speaks he speaks withwith students students and and triestries to learns to learns more more about about eacheach individual individual human. human.

Holcomb Holcomb has has many many “favorite” “favorite” parts parts about about his job, his job, but but can can easily easily pinpoint pinpoint one.one.

“By “By far itfaris itmeeting is meeting students students and and hearing hearing theirtheir story story and and hearing hearing about about theirtheir activities, activities, life, life, jobs,jobs, etc. etc.

There There is soismuch so much energy energy and and excitement excitement withwith the students the students at at Lincoln,” Lincoln,” saidsaid Holcomb.

Holcomb.

Holcomb Holcomb takes takes pride pride in being in being ableable to help to help his students his students get get on the on the right right path.path.

Holcomb Holcomb willwill always always be abe bright a bright lightlight at at LHS, LHS, and and a friendly a friendly smile smile to greet to greet everyone everyone eacheach morning. morning.

DESIGN DESIGN

BY ADIE

BY T AHEOPHILUS DIE THEOPHILUS PHOTOPHOTO

BY ADIE

BY T AHEOPHILUS DIE THEOPHILUS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LILY GRUBER ARTWORK BY VANESSA TIMAT DESIGN BY VANESSA TIMAT

MAY MAY ISSUE ISSUE 11 11

We all know that our time here on Earth is not infinite. Due to this, many people write bucket lists. A bucket list is a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. Bucket lists are a great way to set goals and give yourself something to look forward to, whether it is traveling to a new place, trying a new activity or accomplishing a personal achievement. It also gives you a chance to reflect on your life and think about what truly matters to you. You may never complete your list; however, the process of creating it can be a valuable exercise in self discovery. Here are some of your fellow LHS peers bucket list wishes:

by Ellen Merkely

BY CLARA BINSTOCK

The recently opened Sub Zero Desserts downtown is a must-try for anyone craving some flavorsome ice cream treats.

Sub Zero is an ice cream shop here in Sioux Falls that serves rolled ice cream, shaved ice and many more delicious desserts. Their original location was a small facility in a parking lot near LHS at 501 E. 41st St., which was open only in the summertime and will continue to be open during the upcoming summers. However, a new location was recently opened in the beginning of March in downtown Sioux Falls at 401 E. 8th St., which is open throughout the whole year, currently Tuesdays through Saturdays from 2-8 p.m. What was once a popular spot for some cold sweets during the summer can now be a frequent

12 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

stop for ice cream lovers all year round.

As a satisfied customer at their original location, I was very happy to hear that my wait for the return of Sub Zero would be cut short. When I entered the building, I was pleased to see a long list of many options and flavors of ice cream to choose from, including Snow Shakes, Boba Tea and Italian Soda. The workers patiently waited while I debated what to order, and I ended up ordering three desserts: the Berrylicious rolled ice cream, the Salted Caramel rolled ice cream and the Rainbow shaved ice. For those who have never tried rolled ice cream may have never seen it get made, however watching it as it gets rolled is one of the most exciting parts.

Each item of ice cream that I ordered did not fail to excite my taste buds. The Berrylicious

rolled ice cream consisted of vanilla ice cream, mixed with strawberries, raspberries and white-chocolate drizzle. This dessert definitely lived up to its name, as I could not find a better way to describe it other than “berrylicious”. The Salted Caramel rolled ice cream was made up of chocolate ice cream, mixed with pretzels, chocolate and caramel drizzle.

This dessert was flavorful and tasty, and the pretzels added a nice crunch. A few other flavors that caught my eye included the Unicorn containing fruity pebbles and the Cookie Monster made up of chocolate chip cookies and Oreos. The shaved ice was equally as delicious as the ice creams, and the Rainbow flavor included blue raspberry, lemon and cherry flavoring.

The shaved ice menu also allows for customers to pick their own flavors, or even pick

from the signature creations, some including Shark Attack and Purple Cow, both of which sound quite intriguing to try.

The inside of the shop also added to the experience thanks to its welcoming environment.

There were plenty of places to sit, including a variety of colorful tables and chalk painted ones, along with bowls of chalk on them for customers to show off their creativity. The shop also offered paint-your-own cookies and many other “Grab N Go” treats available for purchase, which were located off to the side. Some of these treats included cotton candy, single-serving-sized cakes and even vegan ice cream pushpops.

Sub Zero is a great addition to downtown Sioux Falls and is definitely worth a try for anyone looking to satisfy their taste buds. photos by Clara Binstock design by Lhs Statesman

DESIGN BY ELLEN MERKLEY PHOTOS BY ELLEN MERKLEY

MAY ISSUE 13

Vegan for a week

Do’s Do’s and and don’ts don’ts

Before: Before: For the past week, I switched from an omnivorous diet to a

For diet the past week, I switched fromwhat an omnivorous dietchanges to a vegan and journaled how I felt, I ate and what I vegan diet and journaled how I felt, what I ate and what changes noticed in myself. Before my first day of veganism, I went out forI noticed in myself.

Before my first day of veganism, I wentburger out for my last supper as an omnivore at Freddy’s.

I ate a double my supper as an omnivore at Freddy’s. ate a double burger and last a chocolate milkshake as a farewell and Ihomage to food and a chocolate milkshake as a farewell and homage to food derived from animals. derived from animals.

when when packing packing for for college college

What I ate: What Day One: I ate:

BY BYAA DRIENNE DRIENNERR EVIER EVIER

Essentials Essentialstotobring: bring: Dear Dearseniors, seniors,the thetime timehas hasfinally finallycome. come.InIna acouple couple ofofweeks, weeks,allallthe the2023 2023graduates’ graduates’names nameswill willbebecalled, called, signifying signifyingthe theend endofoftheir theirhigh highschool schoolcareer. career.For Formany many individuals, individuals,college collegeis isthe thenext nextpiece piecetototheir theirlife-long life-long puzzle. puzzle.For Fora amajority majorityofofstudents, students,this thiswill willbebetheir theirfirst first time timeliving livingaway awayfrom fromhome homeAKA AKAtheir theirfirst firsttime timehaving having totoprepare prepareforforlife lifeonontheir theirown. own.This Thismeans meansthey theywill will have havetotobebeonontop topofofit itahead aheadofoftime timebybypacking packingallallthe the correct correctessentials. essentials.ThTh e idea e ideaofofpacking packingforforcollege collegemay may seem seemextremely extremelydaunting, daunting,especially especiallyforforthose thosewho whowill willbebe farfaraway awayfrom fromhome. home.Here Herelies liesthe theultimate ultimatepacking packinglist listofof items itemsthat thatoftoft enenslip slipthe theminds mindsofofstudents studentswhen whenpacking. packing.

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Mattress Mattressprotector protector&&padded paddedtopper topper AAhamper hamperthat thatisiseasily easilyportable portable Medicine/first Medicine/firstaid aidkit kit Power Powerstrip strip Long Longphone phonecharger charger Various Variousorganizers organizers(storage (storagebins, bins, drawer drawerorganizers, organizers,hanging hangingorganizers, organizers, carts/caddies) carts/caddies) Foldable Foldableclothes clothesdrying dryingrack rack Chip Chipclips clips Water Waterfilter filter Scissors Scissors&&stapler stapler Shower Showercaddy caddy&&shoes shoes

Day One: Avocado toast Breakfast: Breakfast: Avocado toast Lunch: Salad and a banana Lunch: and a banana Supper:Salad Veggie burger and pineapple Supper: Veggie burgerapplesauce and pineapple Snack/etc.: Cashews, and vegan ice cream Snack/etc.: Day Two: Cashews, applesauce and vegan ice cream Day Two: Coconut milk, yogurt and granola Breakfast: Breakfast: Coconut milk, yogurt and granola Lunch: Salad and banana acai bowl Lunch: banana acai bowl Supper:Salad Veganand mac and cheese Supper: Vegan mac and cheese and vegan ice cream Snack/etc.: Cashews, applesauce Snack/etc.: Day Three:Cashews, applesauce and vegan ice cream Day Three: Breakfast: Coconut milk and yogurt with granola Breakfast: Coconut milk and with granola Lunch: Acai bowl, grapes andyogurt a clementine Lunch: bowl, grapes a clementine Supper:Acai Peanut butter andand banana sandwich Supper: Peanut butterpotato and banana sandwich Snack/etc.: Almonds, and applesauce Snack/etc.: Almonds, potato and applesauce

What Whatnot nottotobring: bring: •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Offseason Offseasonclothing clothingitems items Excess Excesscups, cups,mugs, mugs,water waterbottles bottles Excess Excesskitchen kitchensupplies supplies Unneeded Unneededschool schoolsupplies supplies Non-surplus Non-surplusofofBooks Books Surplus Surplusofofmakeup makeup Collection Collectionofofpillows/blankets pillows/blankets

14 14 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

photos photos provided provided with with permission permission byby sparklestorke/Canva sparklestorke/Canva design design byby Adrienne Adrienne Revier Revier

Although Althoughthere thereare area alotlotofofitems itemsthat thatare areimportant important when whenpacking packingforforcollege, college,there thereare arealso alsoa avariety varietyofofitems items that thatare areunnecessary. unnecessary.When Whenpacking packingforforcollege, college,it itis is important importanttotokeep keepininmind mindthat thatthere therewill willlikely likelybebelimited limited space, space,sosoit itis isa agood goodidea ideatotoavoid avoidpacking packinga asurplus surplusofof unnecessary unnecessaryitems, items,and andoverall overallavoid avoidpacking packingduplicates. duplicates.

Additionally, Additionally,dodonot notforget forgettotoask askforforhelp. help.ItItis isimpossible impossible forforstudents studentstotoknow knoweach eachand andevery everynecessary necessarycomponent component forforcollege, college,and andchances chancesare arethere thereis issomeone someonenearby nearbywho who has hasthe theexperience experienceand andwill willbebewilling willingtotogive givepointers. pointers.

Day Four: Day Four:Coconut milk and yogurt with granola Breakfast: Breakfast: Coconut milk and yogurt with granola Lunch: Acai bowl and a clementine Lunch: bowl and a clementine Supper:Acai Vegan plant-based pizza Supper: Vegan plant-based Snack/etc.: Chips and salsa pizza and a vegan brownie Snack/etc.: Day Five: Chips and salsa and a vegan brownie Day Five: Coconut milk, yogurt and granola Breakfast: Breakfast: Coconut milk, yogurt and granola Lunch: Salad at Josiah’s Lunch: Josiah’sbowl Supper:Salad Veganatburrito Supper: Vegan burrito Snack/etc.: Grapes andbowl a clementine Snack/etc.: Day Six: Grapes and a clementine Day Six: Coconut yogurt with granola Breakfast: Breakfast: Coconut Lunch: Acai bowl yogurt with granola Lunch: bowl Supper:Acai Veggie bowl and tater tots Supper: Veggie bowl and tater Snack/etc.: Vegan protein bar tots Snack/etc.: Day Seven: Vegan protein bar Day Seven:Avocado toast Breakfast: Breakfast: Avocado toast Lunch: Crisp and green Lunch: andtofu green Supper:Crisp Popcorn and Sinless Sweets dessert Supper: Popcorn tofu and Sinless Sweets dessert Snack/etc.: Two clementines Snack/etc.: Two clementines

BY BETSY HAFT After: BETSY HAFT After: Over the course of this week, I learned being BY vegan is actually

Over theIcourse of felt thishealthier week, I learned being vegan is actually really easy. actually and more energized than I really easy.

I actually felt healthier and more energized than I had in months. Plus, I discovered that I have a slight intolerance had in months.

Plus, discovered have slight intolerance to lactose, which wasIprobably thethat rootI of mya constant stomach to lactose, which was probably the educational root of my constant stomachto aches.

Overall, this week was very and eye opening aches.

Overall, this week was very educational and sections eye opening to a whole other world of menus, lifestyles and more at the agrocery whole other of menus, lifestyles and more at the store. world The first food I ate today now that I sections am no longer grocery store.

The cheese. first food I ate today that am nohealthy longer vegan was a string I think being now vegan is aI great vegan string cheese.it Iisthink being vegan is a great healthy choice was but Ia do not think sustainable. choice but I do not think it is sustainable.

Day One: Today I had a lot of cravings for dairy like string cheese and Day One: had pretty a lot oftired. cravings for dairy string cheeseI and yogurt.

I felt Today hungryI and To combat mylike dairy cravings, ate yogurt.

I felt hungry and pretty To combat cravings, I ate vegan ice cream.

Although it didtired. not have dairy, itmy wasdairy delicious.

I would vegan icebeen cream.

Although it difference did not have dairy, it was delicious.

I would not have able to tell the between the vegan ice cream and not have been able to tell the difference between the vegan ice cream and real ice cream. real ice cream.

Day Two: Today I had a ton of energy, even early in the morning when Day Two:quite Today I had a tona of energy, even early morning I am usually tired.

I was little disappointed thatinIthe could not eatwhen a Ihomemade am usuallycinnamon quite tired.

I was little disappointed that I could eat ain roll, but Ia survived despite not getting to not indulge homemade cinnamon roll, than but Iitsurvived getting indulge in that. My mood felt better normallydespite is, andnot I was muchtoless bloated that.

My mood felt better is, and ache I wastoday muchwhich less bloated than normal.

I also did notthan haveitanormally single stomach is than normal.

I also did nothave haveone. a single stomach ache today which is unusual because I usually unusual because I usually have one.

Day Three: Today I did not have a single craving and I felt so Day Three: I did not have a single cravingabout and Inot felthaving so energized.

I hadToday a tennis lesson and was concerned energized.

I hadbut a tennis and was aboutI not havingwould. enough energy I had lesson more energy forconcerned the class than normally enough I had energy forand thehad class I normally Again, Ienergy did notbut have any more bloating today nothan stomach aches. would.

I think Again, did slightly not havelactose any bloating today and had no explain stomachwhy aches.

I think maybe I am intolerant which would I have not maybe I am slightly lactose intolerant which would explain why I have not had a stomach ache these past few days. had a stomach ache these past few days.

Day Four: Today I had a get-together at my house. My friends ate pizza Today I had at my house.pizza My friends pizza andDay I ateFour: a sorry excuse fora aget-together pizza. This plant-based was theate worst and a sorry pizza. pizza was the pizzaI Iate have ever excuse eaten infor mya life.

It This tastedplant-based how I would imagine theworst bottom pizza I have everwould eatentaste. in myDespite life. It tasted how I would imagine the pretty bottom of a dirty shoe that horrible meal, today I was of a dirty shoe taste. that horrible today I was energized.

Overwould the past fewDespite days, I have been ablemeal, to focus more in pretty school energized.

Over the past few days, I have been able to focus more in school and have been feeling happier. and have been feeling happier.

Day Five: Today I really wanted a string cheese; it was a really strong Day Five: reallyin.wanted string cheese; it wasthe a really strong craving and IToday almostI gave Once Iaate a snack, though, craving went craving andaItwo-hour-long almost gave in.tennis Once Ilesson ate a snack, though, theend craving away. I had today and by the of it, went I still away.

I had a two-hour-long tennis lesson today and the on endmy of feet. it, I still felt like I could run a marathon.

I felt invigorated andbylight I felt run a marathon.

I felt invigorated light on my feet. I stilllike haveI could not had a single stomach ache this week and either. still have not had a single stomach ache this week either.

Day Six: Tonight was family dinner and my mom made a roast while Day Six: Tonight was family dinner and my mom made while I ate a veggie bowl. Needless to say, I felt a little left out anda roast jealous.

The Iprotein ate a veggie bowl.

Needless to say, littleeven left finish out and bar I ate today was nasty, andI felt I dida not it. jealous.

Today IThe felt protein bar I ate was nasty, andaIrelaxing did not even finish it. easy Today I felt tired. I think it istoday just because it was day, but I did tasks tired. think it is just because and it was a relaxing day, but I did easy tasks today Ilike folding my laundry watching a movie. today like folding my laundry and watching a movie.

Day Seven: Today was my last day of basically being an herbivore. I Seven: off Today lastenergy day of and basically herbivore.

I wasDay bouncing the was wallsmy with felt sobeing full ofanjoy.

I love Crisp was bouncing the walls and felt so full of joy.

I love Crisp and Green, so off getting to eatwith thereenergy was pretty great.

I went to Sinless and Green, so vegan gettingand to eat there was prettyplace great.inItown, went and to Sinless Sweets, a new gluten-free dessert I could not Sweets, a new vegan and dessert town, but andmaybe I couldtoo not decide how I felt about it.gluten-free The store itself feltplace veryinhomey decide howthe I felt about The tasty, store it itself very homey butpie. maybe too much, but treat wasit. really was felt a chocolate cream much, but the treat was really tasty, it was a chocolate cream DESIGN pie.

BY BETSY HAFT PHOTO DESIGN BY

BY B BETSY ETSY H HAFT AFT PHOTO BY BETSY HAFT

MAY ISSUE 15 MAY ISSUE 15

While this game has created long lasting memories of high school for seniors, here are some of the most memorable moments of this year’s Senior Assassins.

BY ADDISON REMME & KATYA SURENDRAN

16 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

jobs so they have all the time in the world to spend playing this game. The Deagle Dawgs also have a good chance. They’ve wiped out a whole team numerous times. I think the showdown might be between those two teams,” said Chuol.

As of now, a winner has yet to be

deterimned as the game gets more intence with each player to get weeded out.

While this year’s competition is almost over, it just might continue in the next few years, becoming a new tradition for seniors to take part in.

“Hopefully the game continues after this year. I hope the juniors will take it up, and they’ll have a better turnout with more people participating because it’s a really fun game,” said Chuol.

One specific player who took senior assassins quite seriously was Zach Wrightsman.

Wrightsman played for the 99ers, and the team had previously created an alliance with the Splash Bros in an effort to eliminate team Peeta from the game. Wrightsman took it upon himself to take out Lexi Hopp, one of their targets. Wrightsman began to devise a plan to get Hopp out of her house in order to allow the Splash Bros to shoot her, thus getting her out of the game. He ultimately decided that his best course of action would be to ask Hopp to prom. His plan was to trick her into getting out of the house and let her guard down enough to take off her goggles. All that was left to do was the execution (no pun intended).

On that fateful afternoon, Wrightsman went to Hopp’s house to pop the question.

Once at her house, he rang her doorbell and a Hopp, who was just about to go to bed, answered the door, completely clueless to what was about to ensue. Wrightsman then asked Hopp to go to the Sioux Falls Christian prom, but Hopp happened to be out of town that weekend. Although disappointing, this did not deter Wrightsman as he had a back up plan, West Central prom. Hopp accepted the request to go to prom with him and the two then took pictures to commemorate the moment. That's when Wrightsman did it; he convinced (more like begged) her to take off her goggles for one of the pictures. The Splash Bros fired their water guns at an unsuspecting Hopp, eliminating her from senior assassins.

Another player who was very dedicated to the game was Cassidy Jennings.

Racking up a total of four killed before being eliminated, Jennings was a force to be reckoned with. One of Jennings most memorable kills was Joe Osmundson, who belonged to the Deagle Dawgs. In order to take down Osmundson, Jennings would have to do some research. She began by looking him up online to find his address. She found out his parents' names from an obituary that his family was mentioned in. From that, she looked up his parents on White Pages and found their address. One day when she had seventh period blended, Jennings put her plan into action and went to Osmundson’s house. When she arrived, she laid in his garden, in between some bushes and waited for him to get home. Not much time had passed when Osmundson pulled up to his house. Just as he was getting out of his car, Jennings jumped out of the bushes and shot him. Little did Jennings know, Osmundson was on the phone in the middle of a job interview when she shot him. Once off his phone call, Jennings and Osmundson took a picture to send into the Instagram account announcing his death and ultimately sealing his fate.

photos provided by Nyapal Chuol artwork by Addison Remme design by Addison Remme & Katya Surendran

With 14 teams, 48 participants and only one winner, the stakes could not be any higher as LHS seniors face each other off in an intense water gun fight.

Senior traditions have become an integral part of the American high school experience. Nyapal Chuol, the mastermind behind LHS Assassins has created yet another custom for seniors to pass on.

“Senior assassins is a game a lot of high schools around the country play. I was waiting for someone to do it here, so I did it,” said Chuol.

This contest consists of five major rules. Every senior is part of a team of at most four people, except for Miles Brokenleg, who decided to go solo. The teams are then assigned another group to “assassinate” over the course of two weeks. As long as someone is left on the team, they move on to the next round.

Unable to get people out of the competition on school grounds or any place participants are required to be, such as work, LHS seniors can be found chasing each other with water guns inside Dairy Queen, Bagel Boy and the most common place to get eliminated: parking lots. Don’t be surprised at the sight of near adults with swimwear on in public, as wearing goggles and water floaties act as a shield against these water bullets. Once a week, a purge day occurs. This is when no forms of protection work, making it easier to get competitors out of the game. Just ask Cassidy Jennings, one of the top contenders this year, who eliminated four people from the competition with two of them on purge days.

While the rules are simple, the game requires strategy, time and effort. From finding out when and where targets will be, to sneaking up on them when they least expect it, the best teams this year had plenty of all three.

“The 99ers are super committed, they also don’t have

It was 5:45 a.m. when Emma Derynck arrived at the Sanford IcePlex for her 6 a.m. ice skating practice. While getting out of her car, she was unsuspecting of any assassins lurking behind her. As a result, Derynck felt no need to put her goggles on for protection. This regrettable decision would later be the source of her downfall.

On her way into the IcePlex, Derynck began to hear heavy footsteps quickly approaching. The footsteps belonged to none other than Emma Forster, Derynck’s assassin. Derynck started running for the door of the IcePlex, trying to escape the fatal fires of Forster’s water gun. She frantically tried to open one of the doors to the IcePlex, but unfortunately for Derynck, it was locked. She was left with no other choice but to let Forster kill her and get disqualified from the game.

MAY ISSUE 17

BY SAMANTHA ZEECK

Sports 22, 23, 24 & 25 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Sioux City Explorers (Sioux Falls Stadium) Food 27 Falls Park Farmer’s Market (Falls Park) 23 & 30 Food Truck Tuesday (Golf Addiction) 26 Fridays on the Plaza (Dakota News Now) Music 23 Bad Wolves (the District) 28 Good Earth Summer Concert Series 28 Commonground (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run)

Sports 02, 03, 04 & 05 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Gary SouthShore Railcats (Sioux Falls Stadium)

18 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

02 Sioux Falls City FC vs. Joy FC (University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex) 10 Sioux Falls Storm vs. Frisco Fighters (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 11 Sioux Falls City FC vs. St. Croix (University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex) 13, 14 & 15 Sioux Falls Canaries vs.

Winnipeg Goldeyes (Sioux Falls Stadium) 16, 17 & 18 Sioux Falls Canaries vs.

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (Sioux Falls Stadium) 18 Sioux Falls City FC vs.

Rochester (University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex) 23, 24 & 25 Sioux Falls Canaries vs.

Lincoln Saltdogs (Sioux Falls Stadium) 23 Sioux Falls City FC vs.

Dakota Fusion (University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex) 23 Sioux Falls Storm vs. Green Bay Blizzard (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 30 Sioux Falls City FC vs.

Manitou (University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex) Festivals 03 & 04 22nd Annual Siouxland Renaissance Festival (W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds)

04 Indigenous Artists of the Prairie (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 10 Festival of Cultures (Levitt at the Falls) Activities 02 June Eastbank Block Party (8th and Railroad Center) 24 14th Annual 605 Summer Classic (8th and Railroad Center) Food 02, 09, 16, 23 & 30 Fridays on the plaza (Dakota News Now) 03, 10, 17 & 24 Falls Park Farmers Market (Falls Park) 04 Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 Pancake Breakfast (South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc.) 06, 13, 20 & 27 Food Truck Tuesday (Golf Addiction) Music 02 Brooks & Dunn (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 09 Matchbox Twenty (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 10 PROF (the District) 11 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - Morgan’s Heroes (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run)

11 Marcus King (the District) 18 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - East of Westerville (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 19 Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future World Tour (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 23 Warren Zeiders (the District)

Sports

24 Alabama (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 25 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - Amy Ellsworth (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 29 Koe Wetzel (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center)

07, 08 & 09 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Chicago Dogs (Sioux Falls Stadium) 10, 11, 12 & 13 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Kansas City Monarchs (Sioux Falls Stadium) 15 Sioux Falls Storm vs.

Massachusetts Pirates (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 25, 26 & 27 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. FargoMoorhead RedHawks (Sioux Falls Stadium) 28, 29 & 30 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Lake Country DockHounds (Sioux Falls Stadium)

Entertainment

Festivals

01, 02 The Good Night Theatre Collective Presents: A Road Trip Cabaret (Washington Pavilion) 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 Grease Presented by the Premiere Playhouse (Orpheum Theatre Center) 21 & 22 Bluey’s Big Play (Washington Pavilion)

21 & 22 3rd Annual Sioux Falls Classic Car Auction (Sioux Falls Convention Center) 28, 29 & 30 Four Winds Music & Art Festival (Dada Gastropub) Food 01, 08, 15, 22 & 29 Falls Park Farmers Market (Falls Park) 02 Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 Pancake Breakfast (South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc.)

07, 14, 21 & 28 Fridays on the plaza (Dakota News Now) 11, 18 & 25 Food Truck Tuesday (Golf Addiction) Music 02 Good Earth State Park Summer Concert Series - Tom Watson (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 08 Randall King (the District) 09 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - Jetley Park (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 14 Larry Fleet (the District) 16 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - Cardboard Saints (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run) 19 In This Moment & Motionless In White (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 22 Bear Grillz (the District) 25 Incubus (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center) 30 Good Earth Summer Concert Series - Geoff Gunderson (Good Earth State Park at Blood Run)

Entertainment

Activities

21 An R-rated Magic Show (Washington Pavilion)

04-12 84th Annual Sioux Empire Fair (W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds) 12 Second Annual Gear Giveaway (Outdoor Campus) Music 18 Jason Aldean (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center)

22 iMomSoHard (Washington Pavilion) 29 & 30 Sioux Falls Airshow (South Dakota Air National Guard)

Sports 08, 09 & 10 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Sioux Kane County Cougars (Sioux Falls Stadium) 11, 12 & 13 Sioux Falls Canaries vs.

Milwaukee Milkmen (Sioux Falls Stadium) 18, 19 & 20 Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Sioux City Explorers (Sioux Falls Stadium) Food 01, 08, 15, 22 & 29 Food Truck Tuesday (Golf Addiction) 04, 11, 18 & 25 Fridays on the Plaza (Dakota News Now) 05, 12, 19 & 26 Falls Park Farmers Market (Falls Park) 06 Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 Pancake Breakfast (South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc.)

DESIGN BY SAMANTHA ZEECK ARTWORK PROVIDED BY CANVA/JAKRAPOP, GIUSEPPE

RAMOS V, LADA BEREZKINA & JOÃO WAVES

MAY ISSUE 19

BY ELANA BISHOP

BY ELANA BISHOP

Being surrounded in an environment with Gen Z, teachers have learned to pick up the younger person’s Being surrounded in an environment with Gen Z, teachers have learned to pick up the younger person’s lingo. Let’s see how educated they are from all the daily gossip. lingo. Let’s see how educated they are from all the daily gossip.

joshing joshing To kid or joke around.

To kid or joke around.

“Don’t take his comment seriously, he was just joshing.”

“Don’t take his comment seriously, he was just joshing.” @briankocer I agree. It means to joke or kid around. @briankocer I agree. It means to joke or kid around.

“I told Elana she was a good student but I was joshing.”

“I told Elana she was a good student but I was joshing.” @kaarenhuber Me too. It is when you are creatively making fun of somebody or something to @kaarenhuber Me too. It is when you are creatively making fun of somebody or something to get a laugh. get a laugh.

“We were joshing around in the hallway and everybody started laughing.”

“We were joshing around in the hallway and everybody started laughing.”

rent free rent free Someone who cannot stop obsessively thinking about something or someone, particularly something

Someone who cannot stop obsessively thinking about something or someone, particularly something unimportant or someone who is not even remotely thinking about them in return. unimportant or someone who is not even remotely thinking about them in return.

“AP Chem lives rent free in every student’s head all year.”

“AP Chem lives rent free in every student’s head all year.” @shawnbogart Well obviously rent free means that you are not paying rent. It means with no @shawnbogart Well obviously rent free means that you are not paying rent. It means with no obligation. Freely. obligation. Freely.

“Colter comes in every morning to hangout in Mr. Bogart’s classroom rent free.”

“Colter comes in every morning to hangout in Mr. Bogart’s classroom rent free.” @mariochiarello Oh wait. OH WAIT. I GOT IT. It is when somebody does something to you @mariochiarello Oh wait. OH WAIT. I GOT IT. It is when somebody does something to you and they live in your head rent free. They do not have to do anything anymore and you get and they live in your head rent free. They do not have to do anything anymore and you get pissed off anyways. pissed off anyways.

“Lebron James was living in Russell Westbrook’s head rent free because he kicked him off his team.”

“Lebron James was living in Russell Westbrook’s head rent free because he kicked him off his team.”

ghosting ghosting

When a person cuts off all communication with zero warning or notice beforehand.

When a person cuts off all communication with zero warning or notice beforehand.

“Rice is not responding to my email about a blended day, I think he is ghosting me.”

“Rice is not responding to my email about a blended day, I think he is ghosting me.” @kyledietz Mmm... ghosting is when you pretend like you’re not there. @kyledietz Mmm... ghosting is when you pretend like you’re not there. *Disappears during interview* *Disappears during interview* @adreasaez-troncoso hen you are talking to someone and that person just @adreasaez-troncoso hen you are talking to someone and that person just stops replying to you and you do not have an answer. And you are looking at the screen waiting stops replying to you and you do not have an answer. And you are looking at the screen waiting for that answer but it never comes. for that answer but it never comes.

“I have been ghosted by my ex.”

“I have been ghosted by my ex.”

DESIGN BY ELANA BISHOP

DESIGN BYBY ELANA BISHOP ARTWORK ELANA BISHOP ARTWORK BY ELANA BISHOP

MAY ISSUE 21 MAY ISSUE 21

1. “I stage managed the show, and so that means I did tech, I split up jobs and then I called the show: So I

cues.”

Lillian Kellar - Senior called 2. “I have been doing theater at Lincoln for four years, since my freshman year. I’m a senior this year. I’ve

been stage managing since ‘Noises Off,’ so last year’s spring show.”

3. “My favorite part of every show is just watching it come together. It's always like right in the very beginning when we make the plan and right at the end of the show when we take down the set. Those are my two favorite parts because then I get to see how it's been created and how it's changed and then we get to have a full circle moment where the stage is empty again.”

4. “I have done community theater before, and when I got to Lincoln my freshman year, I thought it would be fun to hang out and do drama club and try out for the shows. Honestly, I found a family here and people that value my work and I value their work, they are all very talented people. I like surrounding myself with kind, caring individuals.”

5. “I learned that it's okay to kind of just sit back and be there for the ride a little bit and not stress myself out and that everything will come together in the end.”

BY GRACE MINER & NATALIE NOLAN

After four successful shows, the 2023 LHS musical, “Big Fish” has come to an end. The show follows Edward Bloom and his son, Will Bloom as they go over Edward’s life by reliving the greatly embellished stories he told Will. While Will was logical and stuck to the facts, Edward was drawn to a life of fantasy and wonder. He would tell Will stories of when he met a witch who told him about his future, along with meeting giants and the love of his life. Although these stories create the illusion that this play will have a happy ending, it was revealed that Edward was terminally ill and did not have much longer to live. After learning of his father’s illness, Will realized that although the stories his father told him were ridiculous, they had fundamental lessons that resonated with him.

The show had a heart-breaking ending and songs that were enough to make someone cry, with phenomenal acting and emotion. There was never a dull moment on stage, and during the more calm and sentimental parts of the play, the viewers could easily relate to the emotions being portrayed on stage. Each actor gave their performance their all, and after seeing the show there is no way anyone could say otherwise. The actors each had a different experience and reasoning for why they decided to dive into the wonderful world of acting.

Lucas Schreck- Junior

1. “I played Will Bloom, who is the main character’s son. There is a lot of conflict between him and his father, which was challenging when it came to playing him. By far one of the most difficult and emotional stories I’ve been a part of !”

2. “I started acting when I was eight years old. My first role was King Louie [and] a rock in the ‘Jungle Book.’”

3. “I really loved the big scene at the end of the show when my character had a big change of heart about his father and started to play along with these crazy stories. It was really sad of course to think about my dad in that same position, but it was really touching to be a part of that moment.”

4. “When my sister was a junior in high school, she was in “Big Fish” at O’Gorman, so it’s super special and full-circle that I get to have that same experience. I also just love the musical so that’s a plus. I also liked that I got to help inspire people with a pretty emotional story while still having fun during it!”

5. “I had never been in a musical with a full orchestra before, so it was challenging getting used to that, and also pretty scary because of how cooperative it is and you don’t want to mess everyone else up!”

Mrs. Winklepleck- Director

1. “I was the artistic director.”

2. “I’ve been acting, probably since I was 10…I co-own a theater company called the Good Night Theatre Collective. I’ve been directing adults with that since 2016, but I had never directed students in a full-length musical before, so this was my first time doing that. I assistant-directed ‘Julias Caesar’ with Mr. Hardie here in the fall of 2020, but aside from that I have kinda hidden away from our theater department, so this was a fun foray into that world.”

3. “I honestly feel like all of the collaboration, every actor, every technician, every musician, every teacher involved, we all put our heart and soul into this and it resulted in something beautiful, but without any of those pieces it wouldn’t have been what it was.”

4. “The theater is the meeting place of art and life, and in general theater is a beautiful place, it’s a beautiful art form. I also just love our theater students here, and being able to create with them is a treat.”

5. “I learned to trust the instincts of my student actors. They are incredibly smart, and when I told them you figure out where you should walk, where you should stand, do what feels natural to you and so often they would do that and raise the bar and do something totally interesting and totally natural for their character, and it’s better than what I could have told them.”

Anna Leuning- Junior 1. “I was the witch, I was an Alabama Lamb and I was also a townsfolk person.”

2. “I did a musical in fourth grade through DAPA, and I did Aladdin one year. But other than that, this is the first big musical I’ve been a part of.”

3. “All of the songs were so fun, especially if I’m not on the stage. Singing backstage was so fun.”

4. “It was very fun being a part of [‘Big Fish’] because all of the people were so inclusive and I just felt like I could be myself around them and just have fun without worrying about being judged.”

5. “I have learned how to be a better actor, but also, I’ve learned about the process of putting on a show: How much teamwork it takes to put on a show and how much communication and just working together as a whole in order to create a big story.”

22 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

DESIGN BY ELLEN MERKLEY PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SEAN BAKER, MGB PHOTOGRAPHY ARTWORK BY ELLEN MERKLEY

MAY ISSUE 23

People People do do not not only only buy buy cars cars because because they they are are in need of one, but because they enjoy driving in need of one, but because they enjoy driving in in spaces spaces where where they they feel feel comfortable comfortable and and content.

The kinds of cars content. The kinds of cars people people drive drive can can say say aa lot lot about about that that certain certain individual. individual. Ultimately, Ultimately, cars cars can can be be aa reflection reflection of of one’s one’s personality. personality.

Some LHS staff members Some LHS staff members have have been been chosen chosen to to participate in a mix-and-match game.

Use what participate in a mix-and-match game. Use what you you know know best best about about your your LHS LHS teachers teachers to to correctly identify their corresponding correctly identify their corresponding vehicle. vehicle.

BY ELYSSE WEBER

BY ELYSSE WEBER

Jennifer Jennifer DuBois DuBois

Kyle Kyle Stegeman Stegeman

Abby Abby Berke Berke

Kimberly Kimberly Tollinger Tollinger Sarah Sarah Winterscheidt Winterscheidt

BY CAROLINE HUGHES

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE HUGHES DESIGN BY CAROLINE HUGHES

DESIGN BY ELYSSE WEBER DESIGN BY ELYSSE WEBER PHOTOS BY ELYSSE WEBER PHOTOS BY ELYSSE WEBER

24 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

MAY MAY ISSUE ISSUE 25 25

LHS BATHR RANKED

MS

BY FISHER MEYERINK & KATIE JENSEN

Aside from the halls and classrooms, LHS’s bathrooms are likely to be the most used spaces by LHS students. Whether using them to get away from the stress of schoolwork, take an important phone call or god forbid, use them for their intended purpose, it is important to know which bathrooms to avoid and which to visit.

Our bathroom ranking scale includes six measures: smell, cleanliness and vibe each weighted out of five; accessibility and shelves each scored out of two, and a point for skylights. While smell, cleanliness and vibe are likely to be the most noticeable things, the finer details can be what really pulls a good bathroom together. Now, let us get to ranking.

B������� �� S����� S���� (����) This is perhaps the most barebone bathroom in the school. It does almost nothing right. The first thing I noticed upon entering this bathroom was a group of three kids huddled in a circle and the suspicious scent of skunk. Although it technically has a handicap accessible, it is the only stall, meaning that it will almost always be in use. There are some shelves, but they are very narrow. Even the skylight is underwhelming considering the several lights surrounding it, ultimately rendering it useless. Overall, if you gotta escape school life for whatever reason, I would avoid this bathroom.

S����: 1/5 C����������: 2/5 V���: 2/5

B������� �� S���� C�������� (����) This bathroom was closed when I tried to review it, so in my mind it doesn’t exist.

S����: 2/5 C����������: 5/5 V���: 2/5

S����: 4/5 C����������: 4/5 V���: 3/5

S����: 5/5 C����������: 5/5 V���: 5/5

This bathroom has built a bit of a reputation as a refuge for the school’s less than PG activities. I would be lying if I claimed not to have seen my fair share of students being escorted out of here by Mr. Lynch, but ultimately, this is not the main issue with the upper E-Wing Bathroom. I am not a claustrophobic person, but the second I step into that stuffy, compact room, I feel a wave of dread wash over me. There are no shelves, no skylights and possibly the worst vibe imaginable.

This bathroom truly is unique in its awfulness. AVOID AT ALL COST.

S����: 3/5 C����������: 1/5 V���: 0/5

B������� U���� E-���� (����)

26 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

S����: 3/5 C����������: 2/5 V���: 4/5

A������������: 3/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 14/20

B������� �� S���� C�������� (�����) This color is substantially worse than the beautiful pink in the bathroom on the other side of the hallway. The skylight and the rare case of warm water sometimes coming out of the faucets definitely adds to the establishment, the fact that this bathroom does not have a handicapped stall definitely knocks it down. This bathroom is often quite peaceful and clean considering it is usually empty.

S����: 5/5 C����������: 5/5 V���: 3/5

A������������: 0/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 15/20

B������� �� S������ S������� (�����)

A������������: 0/3 S������: 1/2 T����: 10/20

B������� L���� E-���� (�����)

A������������: 0/3 S������: 1/2 T����: 12/20

B������� L���� E-���� (����) The most recent expansion of LHS was to make the E-Wing bathroom accessible from both inside and outside the school. Along with this quality of life addition came an overhaul of these bathrooms, swiftly turning them into a dream come true. The lower E-Wing bathroom is simply perfect. Walking inside I feel a warmness fill my soul only comparable to the feeling of an embrace from a parent, or seeing someone eat it on the staircase up to E Wing. I have no notes.

Visit as often as you can.

This bathroom gains points for the lovely shade of pink and the skylight alone. It also is the only girl’s bathroom in A-Wing that has a handicapped stall (even if it is often filled with a group of girls). But those may be the only benefits of this bathroom. This bathroom is in a very high-traffic area, so it is usually quite busy and usually has a few toilet rolls laying around on the ground.

A������������: 1/3 S������: 0/2 T����: 6/20

B������� �� S������ S������� (����) This is perhaps the most mediocre bathroom imaginable. That being said, it gets the job done. It is surprisingly clean, it smells fine and it feels fine to be in. The only flagrant negative to this bathroom is the lack of accessibility. Visit this bathroom if you want; it is probably the best option in A-Wing.

B������� �� S����� S���� (�����)

A������������: 3/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 20/20

A������������: 1/3 S������: 0/2 T����: 5/20 PHOTOS BY EMMA FORSTER DESIGN BY EMMA FORSTER

As I walk into the other yellow-shaded bathroom, I am reminded of all of the times I have used this bathroom to escape AP Statistics every once in a while. Although this might be the one I go to the most, I believe so does everyone else. It is often accompanied by at least three other girls and many teachers talking outside of it which is not helpful if you are pee-shy. It also has a quite distinct smell. This bathroom also does not supply a handicapped stall despite it being labeled as one.

S����: 1/5 C����������: 2/5 V���: 3/5

Though this bathroom started as a controversy when it blocked off a majority of the lower E-Wing at the beginning of the year, many would argue that it is worth it. This bathroom is a crowd favorite for a reason, the cleanliness of the bathroom including a handicapped stall. A huge bonus is that all of the sinks are accompanied by mirrors. Though the small foyer outside of the bathroom may cause lots of loitering from students skipping class and teachers trying to catch them, this bathroom is definitely at the top of my list.

S����: 5/5 C����������: 5/5 V���: 5/5

Considering this was the only bathroom in the entire E-Wing for a substantial amount of time, this bathroom is pretty good. There is a plethora of stalls to choose from and unlike many other LHS bathrooms actually has a handicap stall. Many girls can be spotted taking mirror pics in one of the only full-length mirrors in the school, but the best part about this bathroom is that each of the sinks is accompanied by a mirror above it.

S����: 4/5 C����������: 4/5 V���: 4/5

B������� U���� E-���� (�����)

F���� R������:

1��: Lower E-Wing (boys/girls) 20/20 2��: Upper E-Wing (girls) 17/20 3��: South Cafeteria (girls) 15/20 4��: School Store (girls) 14/20 5��: Student Services (boys) 12/20

A������������: 0/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 8/20

A������������: 3/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 20/20

A������������: 3/3 S������: 2/2 T����: 17/20

6��: South Cafeteria (boys) 10/20 7��: School Store (boys) 6/20 8��: Student Services (girls) 8/20 9��: Upper E-Wing (boys) 5/20 MAY ISSUE 27

Kooper Kooper Perry up to bat Brandon.

Perry upagainst to bat against Brandon.

BY RBY AINA MARTY RAINA MARTY

NorahNorah Christiansen hittinghitting Christiansen againstagainst Jefferson at Augustana Jefferson at Augustana University’s new softball field. field.

University’s new softball There are aare large variety of sports throughout LHS.LHS. There a large variety of sports throughout Playing sports through school allows students to gettoout Playing sports through school allows students get out of their comfort zonezone with with littlelittle cost. cost.

This This way they get toget to of their comfort way they experience sports and teams that they mightmight not have had had experience sports and teams that they not have the opportunity to dotosodobefore.

However, therethere are some the opportunity so before.

However, are some sports that that do not opportunities. sports doget notthe getsame the same opportunities.

When sports are sanctioned it means that the When sports are sanctioned it means thatteams the teams get full ThisThis goes goes for covering transportation, get funding. full funding. for covering transportation, equipment, jerseys and anything else the mightmight equipment, jerseys and anything elseteams the teams need.need.

At LHS, softball is sanctioned whereas baseball is notis not At LHS, softball is sanctioned whereas baseball sanctioned. sanctioned.

“I love that that softball has become sanctioned but when it it “I love softball has become sanctioned but when got moved to spring it definitely mademade things different,” got moved to spring it definitely things different,” said said junior Norah Christiansen, LHSLHS softball player.

“I am“I am junior Norah Christiansen, softball player. also also in track rightright now, now, but Ibut have been been managing both.both. in track I have managing NowNow that that it is sanctioned we can as a team on buses. it is sanctioned wetravel can travel as a team on buses.

I don’t knowknow the exact reason why why softball got sanctioned I don’t the exact reason softball got sanctioned but Ibut know the small towntown schools wanted to have athletes I know the small schools wanted to have athletes to betoable to play volleyball in theinfall be able to play volleyball thetoo. fall But too.now But that now itthat it is sanctioned we are by the and the is is is sanctioned webacked are backed byschool the school andsport the sport takentaken moremore seriously.” seriously.”

Softball did not out ofoutnowhere.

ThereThere is is Softball didget notsanctioned get sanctioned of nowhere. a lotathat goesgoes into into a sport getting school funding. lot that a sport getting school funding.

“The“The sanctioning of softball had ahad lot aoflotpros and cons sanctioning of softball of pros and cons which included a lot aoflothappy people and aand lot aoflotangry which included of happy people of angry people.

But without a doubt it hasitits FirstFirst off, we people.

But without a doubt hasbenefits. its benefits. off, we no longer havehave to pay to play and we no longer to individually pay individually to the playsport the sport and we don’tdon’t needneed to pay or anything like that.

SinceSince to for payuniforms for uniforms or anything like that.

28 28 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

we get ride bus athe provides, it is now big part wetoget toaride busschool the school provides, it isanow a bigofpart of team team bonding that we were missing before,” said senior Dilynn bonding that we were missing before,” said senior Dilynn Severson, LHS LHS softball player.player.

Severson, softball As this theisfirst has been many many Asisthis the year first softball year softball has sanctioned, been sanctioned, upperclassmen on theonteam were were not sure would be likebe like upperclassmen the team notwhat sure it what it would now that sportsport was being supported by thebyschool. nowtheir that their was being supported the school.

“Softball beingbeing sanctioned has helped because we have “Softball sanctioned has helped because we athletic have athletic trainers in theindugouts now which has been on some trainers the dugouts now which has helpful been helpful on some occasions and it’s fun getting to know them.them.

I didn’t occasions andbeen it’s really been really fun getting to know I didn’t knowknow exactly how ithow would go being sanctioned but it’s been exactly it would go being sanctioned but it’s abeen a fun experience,” said senior Payton Seefeldt, LHS softball player.player. fun experience,” said senior Payton Seefeldt, LHS softball A lot Aoflot players find the very helpful.

Although, of players findsanctioning the sanctioning very helpful.

Although, therethere are people who will a part theofschool team no are people whostill willbe still be aofpart the school team no matter the cost. with softball not being sanctioned in matter the Even cost. Even with softball not being sanctioned in previous years,years, they still players.

As this softball’s previous theyhad stillenough had enough players.

Asisthis is softball’s first year sanctioned, the veterans of theofteam this this first being year being sanctioned, the veterans the notice team notice change. change.

“Personally, I likedI liked whenwhen softball was not because “Personally, softball wassanctioned not sanctioned because it wasitwarmer and right at theatbeginning of theofschool year year was warmer and right the beginning the school versus in March whenwhen it wasitstill But it’s cool have versus in March wassnowing. still snowing.

But it’stocool to have busesbuses and toand be to able practice at school with the beto able to practice at school withturf theand turfgym. and gym.

I played for three yearsyears whenwhen it wasn’t sanctioned and this I played for three it wasn’t sanctioned andisthis is obviously my first being sanctioned and it’s still obviously my year first with year it with it being sanctioned and it’sjust still just softball,” said Severson. softball,” said Severson.

Not only wedo have but there is alsoisLHS Not do only we LHS have softball LHS softball but there also LHS baseball, except it is not The boys puttotheir baseball, except it issanctioned. not sanctioned.

The have boys to have put their own money forth forth whilewhile raising money on toponoftop that, own money raising money of but that,they but they still have on theonteam, it justittakes a littlea more work work still fun havebeing fun being the team, just takes little more

to make happen. to it make it happen.

“For fundraising, “For fundraising, we didwe this didthing this thing for thefor Super Bowl Bowl the Super wherewhere you buy you buy squares and they squares and they have numbers have numbers on them on and themif and if the quarter ends ends the quarter with your withnumber your number then you thenwin you win money,” said junior money,” said junior Sawyer Mindt,Mindt, Sawyer LHS baseball player.player.

“We split profit the to the LHS baseball “Wethe split the half profittohalf winners and half the to boosters.

I thinkI itthink should winners andtohalf the boosters. it should Madison Evans, Evans, Norah Christiansen, Dilynn Severson and be sanctioned so thatsokids pay to forpay it. It Madison Norah Christiansen, Dilynn Severson and be sanctioned thatdon’t kids have don’ttohave for it. It MarisaMarisa Riddle doing starting lineup before game.the game. costs acosts lot soa lot some If itit.was a school Riddlethe doing the starting lineupthe before so kids somecan’t kidsplay can’tit.play If it was a school sponsored sport it would have more sponsored sport it would have people.” more people.”

Sanctioning baseball wouldwould allow others to feel to feel Sanctioning baseball allow others more invited to playtothe sport their Once Once more invited play the for sport forschool. their school. someone hears how pay to thepay whole someone hearsmuch how they muchhave theytohave the whole fun is fun taken out and it and seems like they notdo even is taken out it seems likedothey not even want to playtoanymore. want play anymore.

“Individually we all we payall a fee $500,” said said “Individually payofa fee of $500,” juniorjunior CadenCaden Watson, LHS baseball player.player.

“Then “Then Watson, LHS baseball as a team all we sellall Super Bowl squares as a way as a we team sell Super Bowl squares as to a way to make money for team such assuch helmets.

I make money forequipment team equipment as helmets.

I think baseball shouldshould be sanctioned because it is a it is a think baseball be sanctioned because prettypretty popular sport and is and one is of one theof most popular sport theplayed most played acrossacross the country.

It would also make more more the country.

It would also baseball make baseball affordable and more for everyone in the in the affordable and accessible more accessible for everyone schoolschool and expand the opportunity to play.” and expand the opportunity to play.”

WhenWhen softball was not sanctioned last year, softball was not sanctioned lastthey year, they fundraised.

They still to do the exciting fundraised.

Theycontinue still continue to do the exciting fundraising that they in did previous years for some fundraising thatdid they in previous years for some extra money. extra money.

“In the“In past fundraising we have thefor past for fundraising wesold haveKrispy sold Krispy KremeKreme donutsdonuts which which was a huge for us,”for us,” was afundraiser huge fundraiser said Christiansen.

“We still thatdofundraiser.

This This said Christiansen.

“Wedostill that fundraiser. year, we helped at the at concessions at the Big Sioux year, we helped the concessions at the Big Sioux basketball gamesgames and Harrisburg Elementary.

We We basketball and Harrisburg Elementary. now get money from the school but webut stillwe need now get money from the school still need extra money for all for theall extra we likewe to like to extra money the things extra things get like food, extra get likespirit food, wear, spirit and wear, and team extrabonding team bonding activities.” activities.”

As theAs boys money forward towards the the theput boys put money forward towards sport they theall funthe they sportlove, theythey love,still theyenjoy still all enjoy funhave they have duringduring the season. the season.

“There“There are so are many great memories I have Iwith so many great memories have with LHS baseball like winning state and going down to LHS baseball like winning state and going down to Kansas.

That’sThat’s alwaysalways such asuch fun trip and just being Kansas. a fun trip and just being aroundaround my friends playing my favorite sport,”sport,” said junior KooperKooper Perry, Perry, my friends playing my favorite said junior LHS baseball player.player.

LHS baseball Last year baseball playersplayers workedworked hard and won Lastthe year the baseball hard andtheir won their championship.

Hopefully the sport soon enough so championship.

Hopefully the gets sportsanctioned gets sanctioned soon enough so Caden Watson on the mound Caden Watson on the getting mound getting more incredible playersplayers can help winning title. title. more incredible cantake helphome take the home the winning throwtoathrow strike.a strike.

“I really like that baseball is a chance to playtowith guys guys ready toready “I really likeLincoln that Lincoln baseball is a chance playsome withdifferent some different than you in the summer and have opportunity to win to a state thandoyou do in the summer andan have an opportunity win achampionship state championship DESIGN BY R AINA M ARTY DESIGN BY RAINA MARTY for your said Watson. forschool,” your school,” said Watson.

PHOTOS PROVIDED LHS BY LHS PHOTOSBY PROVIDED

SOFBTALL &SOFBTALL BASEBALL&PLAYERS BASEBALL PLAYERS

MAY ISSUE 29 MAY ISSUE 29

Fromteam teamsports sports individual efforts, the LHS sports season has From sports toto to individual individual efforts, efforts, the the LHS LHS sports sports season season has has presentedthe thePats Patswith with some the state’s most exciting moments presented with some some ofof ofthe the state’s state’s most most exciting exciting moments moments inin in SouthDakota Dakotaactivities. activities.

We have compiled five the most exciting South activities.

We We have have compiled compiled five five ofof ofthe the most most exciting exciting momentsininLHS LHSathletics athletics this season. moments athletics this this season. season.

Throughout the fall volleyball season, Throughout Throughout the the fall fall volleyball volleyball season, season, a akey a key key piece the success the Pats was Jazmen piece piece toto to the the success success ofof ofthe the Pats Pats was was Jazmen Jazmen Kutey.

Kutey middle hitter and Kutey.

Kutey.

Kutey Kutey isis is a a6’1” a 6’1” 6’1”middle middle hitter hitter and and a aforce a force force toto to reckoned with the net.

Her efforts the front bebereckoned reckoned with with atat at the the net. net.

Her Her efforts efforts inin in the the front front turned the wheels for the Pats’ season she turned turned the the wheels wheels for for the the Pats’ Pats’ season season asas as a awhole a whole whole asas as she she ledthe thestate state blocks. monstrous 149 blocks outpaced led state inin in blocks. blocks.

AA A monstrous monstrous 149 149 blocks blocks outpaced outpaced thesecond secondhighest highest blocks for individual blocks.

Kutey the highest blocks blocks for for anan an individual individual byby by 6565 65 blocks. blocks.

Kutey Kutey wasable abletotoreach reach astounding record LHS for seven was reach anan an astounding astounding record record atat at LHS LHS for for seven seven blocksinina asingle single game.

All these feats Kutey has been able blocks single game. game.

All All these these feats feats Kutey Kutey has has been been able able accomplish her first year starting the varsity totoaccomplish accomplish asas as her her first first year year starting starting onon on the the varsity varsity floor.With With another year left, she will making major floor.

With another another year year left, left, she she will will bebe be making making major major contributions for this team and the floor contributions contributions for for this this team team onon on and and offoff offthe the floor floor asas as a aleader a leader leader ofof of theteam. team. the hopetoto role model and someone look “I“Ihope to bebe be a abetter a better better role role model model and and someone someone toto to look look upup up toto to andhelp helpthe the incoming freshman,” said Kutey. and the incoming incoming freshman,” freshman,”said said Kutey.

Kutey.

IATT BYBY ELLA ELLADD UB UOIS BOIS&&LUCAS LUCASHH IATT

closegames gamesininthe theLHS LHSfootball footballseason seasonwas wasagainst against Rapid City Stevens High One One ofofthe the most most unexpectedly unexpectedly close against Rapid Rapid City City Stevens Stevens High High Smithbroke brokethe thereceiving receivingyards yardsrecord recordforfor game LHS. Smith’s School School inin which which wide wide receiver receiver Jack Jack Smith for a asingle a single single game game atat at LHS. LHS. Smith’s Smith’s factorthat thatled ledthe thePats Patstotovictory. victory.Smith Smithreceived received for 377 performance performance was was byby farfar the the deciding deciding factor received for for a atotal a total total ofof of377 377 nearly1818yards yardsper perreception. reception.Despite Despite Smith’s performance, the yards, yards, catching catching 2121 passes passes and and averaging averaging nearly Despite Smith’s Smith’s performance, performance, the the close thePatriots’ Patriots’comfort. comfort.Having Havingbeen beenupup three touchdowns procession procession ofofthe the game game was was too too close forforthe up byby by three three touchdowns touchdowns inin in thesecond secondhalf halfbrought brought2121unanswered unanswered points for the Raiders the the first first half, half, the the game game quickly quickly shifted shifted asasthe unanswered points points for for the the Raiders Raiders won37-34.

37-34.Smith Smithstepped steppedupupininone oneofofthe the greatest receiving toto send send it it into into OT OT where where the the Patriots Patriots won the greatest greatest receiving receiving performances performances inin South South Dakota Dakota history. history.

I’ve everbeen beenin,” in,”said saidSmith.

Smith.“The “Thesupport supportfrom from my team, the coaches and “It“It was was one one ofofthe the best best games games I’ve ever from my my team, team, the the coaches coaches and and allall the the fans fans was was great.” great.” was alsoananallallaround aroundeffort effortfrom fromthe thewhole wholeteam. team.

The QB, Tate Schafer, However, However, this this overtime overtime battle battle was also team.

The The QB, QB, Tate Tate Schafer, Schafer, findthe theopen openman manand andthrowing throwingit itright righttoto the receiver’s hands. did did hishis part part always always making making sure sure toto find to the the receiver’s receiver’s hands. hands. the secondhalf, half,the theteam teamwas wasable abletotoget gettogether together and make effort Despite Despite a drought a drought ofofscoring scoring inin the second together and and make make anan an effort effort inin in Hindbjorgenforforthe theending endingtouchdown touchdowntotoseal seal the deal. was the maximum OT. OT. Schafer Schafer ended ended upup finding finding Sam Sam Hindbjorgen seal the the deal. deal.

ItIt It was was the the maximum maximum thisperformance performancetotoshine. shine. effort effort byby the the Patriots Patriots which which allowed allowed this back,”said saidSmith.

Smith.“If“IfI wasn’t I wasn’tperforming performingatatmy my highest they would back “I“I knew knew that that my my team team had had my my back,” my highest highest they they would would back back winthe thegame.” game.” meme upup and and dodo what what they they needed needed toto dodo totowin 3030 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

An outstanding underclassman for the LHS track team has been Griffin Fischer.

Fischer An An outstanding outstanding underclassman underclassman for for the the LHS LHS track track team team has has been been Griffin Griffin Fischer.

Fischer.

Fischer Fischer isisis aasophomore asophomore sophomore short and mid distance runner who has been breaking records and setting new PRs this entire season. short short and and mid mid distance distance runner runner who who has has been been breaking breaking records records and and setting setting new new PRs PRs this this entire entire season. season.

He has set the seventh all-time LHS school record the 100m 10.80 seconds and third all-time inin the He He has has set set the the seventh seventh all-time all-time LHS LHS school school record record ininin the the 100m 100m atatat 10.80 10.80 seconds seconds and and third third all-time all-time in the the 200m with 21.79 seconds.

Fischer has big shoes fill being the brother the LHS 100m all-time record 200m 200m with with 21.79 21.79 seconds. seconds.

Fischer Fischer has has big big shoes shoes tototo fill fill being being the the brother brother ofofofthe the LHS LHS 100m 100m all-time all-time record record holder, Gavin Fischer.

With the rest his sophomore season and the success he has been able toto achieve holder, holder, Gavin Gavin Fischer.

Fischer.

With With the the rest rest ofofofhis his sophomore sophomore season season and and the the success success he he has has been been able able to achieve achieve far his short lived high school career, Fischer will be sure come close not break his brother’s soso so far far ininin his his short short lived lived high high school school career, career, Fischer Fischer will will be be sure sure tototo come come close close ifififnot not break break his his brother’s brother’s record. record. record.

“I’d have say look up to] my older brother because he has helped me grow asas an athlete,” said “I’d “I’d have have toto to say say [I[I [I look look up up to] to] my my older older brother brother because because he he has has helped helped me me grow grow as an an athlete,” athlete,”said said Fischer.

“He the one who continues keep pushing and motivating me.

While hehe may have the record inin Fischer.

Fischer.

“He “He isisis the the one one who who continues continues tototo keep keep pushing pushing and and motivating motivating me. me.

While While he may may have have the the record record in the 100m LHS, it’s not going last because I’ve still got years left toto dethrone him.” the the 100m 100m atatat LHS, LHS, it’s it’s not not going going tototo last last because because I’ve I’ve still still got got aafew afew few years years left left to dethrone dethrone him.” him.”

Being where all eyes are on him has forced Fischer toto stay consistent inin his Being Being inin in aaposition aposition position where where all all eyes eyes are are on on him him asasas aasophomore asophomore sophomore has has forced forced Fischer Fischer to stay stay consistent consistent in his his training, making sure he performing the same week week. daunting feeling for any track athlete training, training, making making sure sure he he isisis performing performing the the same same week week tototo week. week.

AAA daunting daunting feeling feeling for for any any track track athlete athlete isisis not being able measure up your past marks which has been for Fischer and that has not not being being able able toto to measure measure up up tototo your your past past marks marks which which has has been been aamotivator amotivator motivator for for Fischer Fischer and and aafear afear fear that that has has allowed him keep head.

With hopes continuing his streak PRs, Fischer’s efforts inin practice allowed allowed him him toto to keep keep aalevel alevel level head. head.

With With hopes hopes ofofofcontinuing continuing his his streak streak ofofofPRs, PRs, Fischer’s Fischer’s efforts efforts in practice practice and training are going dictate whether he will continue measure up toto the feats he’s accomplished. and and training training are are going going toto to dictate dictate whether whether he he will will continue continue tototo measure measure up up to the the feats feats he’s he’s accomplished. accomplished.

“The next race isn’t first place,” said Fischer.

“No matter how this week, there no “The “The next next race race isn’t isn’t aaguaranteed aguaranteed guaranteed first first place,” place,”said said Fischer.

Fischer.

“No “No matter matter how how IIrun Irun run this this week, week, there there isisis no no way knowing next week’s results. hard and try stay consistent my training inin order toto prepare way way ofofofknowing knowing next next week’s week’s results. results.

I Iwork Iwork work hard hard and and try try tototo stay stay consistent consistent ininin my my training training in order order to prepare prepare myself for each race.” myself myselffor for each each race.” race.”

the fall XC season, the Pats competed Huron where senior Ali Bainbridge won the AA State meet with InIn In the the fall fall XC XC season, season, the the Pats Pats competed competed ininin Huron Huron where where senior senior Ali Ali Bainbridge Bainbridge won won the the AA AA State State meet meet with with time 17:26.09 the 5k run.

She won the race by 24 seconds ahead OGHS runner Libby Castelli. a afinal afinal final time time ofof of17:26.09 17:26.09 inin in the the 5k 5k run. run.

She She won won the the race race by by 24 24 seconds seconds ahead ahead ofofofOGHS OGHS runner runner Libby Libby Castelli.

Castelli.

Bainbridge has been involved XC since her seventh grade year which made her final senior year win that Bainbridge Bainbridge has has been been involved involved ininin XC XC since since her her seventh seventh grade grade year year which which made made her her final final senior senior year year win win that that much more exciting for her. much much more more exciting exciting for for her. her.

“It was really rewarding end on win after competing the sport for six years,” said “It “It was was really really rewarding rewarding toto to end end on on aagood agood good win win after after competing competing ininin the the sport sport for for six six years,” years,”said said Bainbridge.

Bainbridge.

Bainbridge.

The LHS girls XC team finished third the state with 115 points.

Bainbridge was invited toto run The The LHS LHS girls girls XC XC team team finished finished third third ininin the the state state with with 115 115 points. points.

Bainbridge Bainbridge was was invited invited to run run ininin the Nike XC Nationals Portland, OR. on Dec. 2022, and she finished 22nd the nation.

Her support the the Nike Nike XC XC Nationals Nationals inin in Portland, Portland, OR. OR. on on Dec. Dec. 3,3,3, 2022, 2022, and and she she finished finished 22nd 22nd ininin the the nation. nation.

Her Her support support from her parents and teammates has pushed her be the athlete that she from from her her parents parents and and teammates teammates has has pushed pushed her her toto to be be the the athlete athlete that that she she is.is.is.

“When nationals the boys’ team came out and watched me,” said Bainbridge.

“When “When I Imade Imade made ititit toto to nationals nationals the the boys’ boys’ team team came came out out and and watched watched me,” me,”said said Bainbridge.

Bainbridge.

This year, she was named 2022 cross country Gatorade Player the Year for the second time, the first time This This year, year, she she was was named named 2022 2022 cross cross country country Gatorade Gatorade Player Player ofofofthe the Year Year for for the the second second time, time, the the first first time time being 2019.

Bainbridge had successful high school career and will continue compete UNL. being being inin in 2019.

2019.

Bainbridge Bainbridge had had aavery avery very successful successful high high school school career career and and will will continue continue tototo compete compete atatat UNL. UNL.

LHS basketball has become synonymous with the seven footer, JT Rock.

Rock has gained LHS LHS basketball basketball has has become become synonymous synonymous with with the the seven seven footer, footer, JT JT Rock.

Rock.

Rock Rock has has gained gained attention from the entire nation one the highest rated players his position.

This attention attention from from the the entire entire nation nation asasas one one ofofofthe the highest highest rated rated players players atatat his his position. position.

This This season, Rock has verbally committed play basketball Iowa State.

Throughout the season, season, season, Rock Rock has has verbally verbally committed committed tototo play play basketball basketball atatat Iowa Iowa State.

State.

Throughout Throughout the the season, season, Rock has been impressive the paint and all around he occasionally shoots from beyond Rock Rock has has been been impressive impressive ininin the the paint paint and and all all around around asasas he he occasionally occasionally shoots shoots from from beyond beyond the arc.

However, the most exciting part Rock’s performances when hehe throws down, the the arc. arc.

However, However, the the most most exciting exciting part part ofofofRock’s Rock’s performances performances isisis when when he throws throws ititit down, down, immediately bringing the entire gym its feet.

The most exciting instance where Rock had immediately immediately bringing bringing the the entire entire gym gym tototo its its feet. feet.

The The most most exciting exciting instance instance where where Rock Rock had had aa a dunk was the regular season when LHS played the WHS Arrows.

Rock broke the rim on dunk dunk was was ininin the the regular regular season season when when LHS LHS played played the the WHS WHS Arrows.

Arrows.

Rock Rock broke broke the the rim rim on on aa a slam dunk off an assist from senior guard, Jack Hilgenberg.

The game was immediately stopped slam slam dunk dunk off offan an assist assist from from senior senior guard, guard, Jack Jack Hilgenberg.

Hilgenberg.

The The game game was was immediately immediately stopped stopped and after was forced be moved the auxiliary gym where the final score ended up 74and and after after aadelay, adelay, delay, was was forced forced tototo be be moved moved tototo the the auxiliary auxiliary gym gym where where the the final final score score ended ended up up atatat 747460 favor the Pats.

60 60 inin in favor favor ofofofthe the Pats.

Pats.

DESIGN EELLA BBOIS LLUCAS IATT DESIGN DESIGN BYBY E BYLLA LLA DD UD BUOIS U OIS &&L&UCAS UCAS HH IATT H IATT PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED SSTUDENTS PROVIDED PROVIDED BYBY LHS BYLHS LHS STUDENTS TUDENTS

MAY ISSUE 31 MAY MAYISSUE ISSUE 31 31

O

n December 29, 2012, half of my world was taken from me; my 43-year-old mother, who cherished nothing more than her children and singing, succumbed to alcoholism.

Mother’s Day has never since been the same; rather than spending the day making gifts for my mom, it is now spent thinking about the childhood I never got to have.

Akin to most seven-year-old children, my younger self had no worries in the world aside from how long I could spend outside and wondering when the next day I would be at my mom’s house was. In these limited times, my mom would take my sister and I to grab donuts at the Get-N-Go across the street before school. On the bus ride home, she would sing to us, blocking out the eccentrics who roamed the public city metro.

We would come home to the apartment that was too small to house the two cats that she owned, and my mom would hardly take her shoes and jacket off if she knew we were even slightly hungry.

Reflecting back on the seven short years of my life that were spent switching from mom and dad’s house, I no longer have the resentful view of my mom that I adopted in the years following her death. I no longer blame her for letting us live in the imperfect area of town, or not being able to buy the onbrand food. More importantly, I no longer blame her for leaving me without a mom, and my dad without the mother of his girls.

Instead I acknowledge her selflessness and devotion to her two youngest children. I cherish her willpower to raise my sister and I while struggling through her own battles of addiction and mental health. I can only hope to become a fraction of the woman she was; my message to my mom is thank you for doing your absolute best and allowing me to appreciate what is not yet gone.

“It takes a village” could very well be the phrase to describe my entire life. Not having a mother to take over certain responsibilities, the women in my life have led, and continue to lead me through all of the torment that life seems to keep chucking directly towards me. My sister Daisy, my built-in best friend and my anchor is undoubtedly the biggest reason I am able to write this today. In part because of the fact that we experienced the same loss, but also because that loss brought us closer together. Through everything, she was the light I needed when all I could see was darkness.

I cannot go a Mother’s Day without thanking my mom’s sisters, Cami and Dove, who continue to share stories of my mom and keep her spirit alive. Memories of my mom fade as I grow older, but every time I speak to either of them, their spunky and hilarious personalities paint a clear picture of the amazing woman she was. Thank you both for sharing the

32 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

memories of my mom with me that I never got to hear from her, and for always keeping me in mind even though you were going through the same loss.

On two separate instances, my dad was unable to care for Daisy and I, so we were sent to live with relatives. On the first occasion, my Grandma, who has since passed, took us in with open arms. No matter how busy or tired she was, a homemade dinner always made it to the table and she always made it a point to tuck us into bed. Although I was just a bit too young to understand, I want my Grandma to know that I have since realized and recognized the sacrifices she must have made in order to not only put a roof over our heads, but to make us as happy as she could, and for that I say thank you.

The second time I was relocated turned out to be my forever home as the result of my dad passing away. On top of having a newborn, two teenage girls were placed with my Aunt Tracie and Uncle David. Tracie, who has also since passed, was the true definition of selflessness. Tracie had alphabet soup when it came to health issues, and it is undeniable that her quality of life was impaired as a result. Even so, daily trips to get ice cream and the periodical shopping day were never turned down. Although not connected through blood, Tracie did everything in her power to ensure that all of our needs were met and to teach the occasional life lesson, as a mother would. Tracie, thank you for teaching me what it means to be an independent woman, and I live through your altruistic character every day.

My village consists of not only family, but also people who I am around every day. If I were to write a thank you to every female teacher who has ever had an impact on my life, the rest of these pages would be filled. Unlike some teachers who gave the occasional smile in the hallway after class was out, my journalism advisor, Dr. Katie Kroeze will stop everything she is doing just to say hello. My junior year, Dr. Kroeze let me join the Statesman, but not without hesitation. Pre-Statesman, I turned every single journalism assignment in late, a fact that I am not proud of. Dr. Kroeze, however, saw past this and took a chance. Comparing my sophomore and junior self, pre and post-Statesman, I am now more confident in not only my writing, but in myself as a person. Furthermore, she inspires me to be a better student. Without fail, Dr. Kroeze always greets me with a smile, and notices when I am not having a good day.

She is someone who I will always look to for advice or when there is something on my mind. We are in no way related, but I am glad to say that she is a part of my village, and I owe her everything because she changed my life by just being herself.

Dr. Kroeze, my teacher mom, thank you for going further than your job requires, and getting to know each and every one of your students. Thank you for instilling confidence in me, and for being my proof that there are still good people in the world.

BY ZOE LARSON

DESIGN BY ZOE LARSON ARTWORK BY ZOE LARSON

As I have aged I have realized how similar we are.

We are both compassionate, focused, and dedicated. Our bond is undeniable, as we can be best friends one moment, and getting on each other’s nerves the next. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

These qualities have morphed me into the person I am today, and I attribute all my successes to your never-ending love and support. I love you, NaNa.

I am so thankful that I have a mother as supportive as you.

I admire your courage and your ability to speak up for yourself, and I appreciate how you encourage me to do the same. I can only hope that someday I will be as wise and compassionate as you. Until then, I will continue to be ambitious because of who you are: a woman who makes me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to and exemplifies every day what it means to be strong.

Mom, you are so amazing. You do so much and are always there for me. I don’t know what I would do without you! You inspire me with your hard work and you are always supportive of me. I love hanging out with you no matter what we are doing, although my preferred activity is just some good old fashioned TV binging. You are a wonderful mom; thank you for the many bedtime stories, sick-day comforts, hugs and unconditional love you have given me over the years. Even though it gets a bit repetitive when people constantly make the astute, and completely novel observation that I look like you, I love being your mini me and your daughter.

You know, through our ups and downs, our stupid fights and useless breakdowns, I still see you as my best friend every day and our relationship is one that could never be replicated.

We are literally the same person and I don’t see that ever changing. Your ability to be herself in any and every situation, is why everyone tends to love you so much.

Mom, you are my best friend and my biggest supporter.

Despite the challenges life has given you, you’ve remained the most joyful person I know. I hope you always remember the light you possess. You make everyone around you feel loved and important. Thank you for being such an amazing woman and role model. I love you MORE. Your crazy nature as well as your smile and laugh is what I love most about you.

You have guided me through every path in my life, and I am forever grateful for all of the support and wisdom you have given me. Thank you for all that you have done, and I will always be so incredibly lucky to have an amazing mom like you. I love that you care so deeply about every facet of life, whether it be helping strangers or our family itself. You can always befriend and connect with people no matter how different they may be, and I will always want to emulate that within my own life. You have taught me so much, and I know that you will continue to for the rest of my life.

MAY ISSUE 33

mother’s day without a mom YE

BY JADA SANDVALL

34 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

AR 3

Yet another year has passed, and I still hate Mother’s Day. Since last year, I have gotten two tattoos in my mother’s honor, met for lunch with her friends and worn countless pairs of her shoes, but still nothing has been able to change my opinion. Mother’s Day is a day I dread every single waking moment of the year.

It has been exactly two years, seven months and one week since my mother passed away and I currently sit at my computer staring at a blank document attempting to find words for my last homage to the person I learned to love so fondly since I was an infant. The person who hasn’t physically been here but has continued to change my life.

I was only nine months old when I was adopted from China by two Midwestern figures who I would learn to call mom and dad. However, for me, I would soon grow to believe that growing up alongside someone chronically ill was simply normal. Now, for many kids my age this seems scary.

I’m not saying that it’s not, but looking back, the experiences and memories mean that much more. Yes, I spent days in the hospital with my mom and counting her pills but we also spent countless hours shopping and getting our nails done together. Chronic illness can take over someone’s life so quickly but not their soul, that part I believe will always remain untouched.

While being a senior is quite bittersweet already, it stings just that much more knowing she won’t be here to experience me in new stages of life. Planning my graduation party, going on my senior trip, college move-in day and so many more once-in-a-lifetime events, all without her.

Knowing the days were limited, I think about how my mother just wanted to make it to watch me walk across the stage at graduation. In these moments, there is a spot that has felt dead since Oct. 7, 2020 because she never completed her dreams. However, in those same moments it still seems so healthy when I can faintly see her smile and the twinkle in her eyes that I will never forget.

I owe so much to my mother and that may seem like a very obvious statement for many, but for me, it is one to be recognized. The title she held as not only my mother but my best friend can never be replaced by anyone or anything.

There is nothing I wish more than for just one last moment with her, but I know the laughs, smiles and memories of my beautiful mother will continue to fill my brain each and every day. My heart lights up at the thought of getting to share with the world the morals and kind heart this wonderful woman gifted me.

In my past three years writing this story, there is something that is yet to change. Yes, my undying dislike for this day, but more importantly, the importance of love and recognition in all we as humans do. Life is short. Don’t take time for granted. Love those around you and cherish the time you get to spend with them.

I will leave you with something my mom preached since I could ever remember: “Be kind before anything because kindness reaches hearts much faster than hatred.” In other words, be kind, love always. design by Jada Sandvall photos by Jada Sandvall

13 years ago my parents made the decision to put me in the Spanish Immersion Program at Rosa Parks Elementary School. At the time, it was a new program with only two classes.

As crazy as it sounds, I remember the majority of my kindergarten year, and a lot of it was miserable. I cried every day for months, and my parents were very close to taking me out of the program and sending me to a “normal” elementary school. Fast forward to now, I can firmly say that the decision to keep me in the program was the best decision my parents have ever made for me.

The SIP pushed me to be the person I am today, allowed me to find confidence in whatever task is in front of me and ultimately led me to discover the dreams I have yet to accomplish. To this day, I continue to find ways in which this program has helped me throughout my life. I have gained life lessons, awesome experiences, friends that are now family and a passion for teaching; yet, I also believe that this program will forever inspire me no matter what stage of life I’m in.

DESIGN BY KATE TOLLINGER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATE TOLLINGER

36 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

more more than their natural thanhours their natural four of four hours of hunting energy hunting energy and the Pokémon will have and the Pokémon will have unlimited attacking power. unlimited attacking However, we will bepower. leaving However, we formes will be leaving out gimmick like mega out gimmick formes like which mega evolutions and z-moves, evolutions and which are elements ofz-moves, the Pokémon are elements the Pokémon world that areofinfluenced by the world that are influenced by the “player” character.

This would “player” character. also mean that onlyThis one would of each also mean would that only one ofinto each dex entry be taken dex entryleaving would out be taken into account, “regional” account, leaving out “regional” forms that have alternative forms that have alternative typings- only counting Pokémon typingsonlyancounting if they have entry inPokémon the if they have an as entry in the archive known the PokéDex. archive as the PokéDex. This known extremely pressing extremely pressing andThis divisive issue has two sides and divisive issue has two sides

that are taken in this argument. that are inlions this argument.

The firsttaken is that would The first iswin thatbylions would absolutely sheer numbers absolutely win by sheer numbers alone, being as a billion is a alone,number being asofa billion is abut large anything, large number of When anything, especially lions.

LHSbut especially lions.

When LHS was surveyed on this matter, was27.8% surveyed this matter, the lionon defenders of the lion defenders of our 27.8% high school echoed these our high school echoed these notions. notions.

“I don’t think people know “I much don’t one thinkbillion peopleis,”know how said how much one billion is,” said one student. one“There’s student.power in numbers,” in numbers,” said“There’s another.power Considering that said another.

Considering there are a little over 1,000that there are aeach littlemonster over 1,000 Pokémon, would Pokémon, each would have to take on monster one million lions have to take on one million by themselves. This includeslions by themselves.

This includes the small and wimpy creatures, the creatures, like small Pichu,and thewimpy pre-evolution like Pichu, the pre-evolution to the popular Pikachu. “Lots to the popularare Pikachu.

“Lots of Pokémon small, so of Pokémon small, so those are easyare pickings.

[T] those are easy he bigger onespickings. are easily[T] he bigger ones outmatched by are the easily sheer amount outmatched the sheer amount of lions theyby oppose,” said a of lions they oppose,” said a LHS lion defender. However, LHShypothetical lion defender.

However, this also includes this hypothetical includes a handful of deityalso Pokémon alike handful of deity Pokémon Arceus, Dialga, Palkia like Arceus, Palkia and Giratina.Dialga, Each of these and these four Giratina.

PokémonEach have of world four Pokémon have world ending powers and Arceus is ending powers is by definition in and the Arceus PokéDex, by definition in thePokémon.

PokéDex, basically the God basically the God Pokémon.

Despite this, lion defenders Despite this, lionisdefenders claim that there no possible claim thateach there is no possible way that individual way that each Pokémon couldindividual take on a million Pokémon could take on a million lions on their own. lions on their own.

Turning over to the Pokémon over to thePokémon Pokémon sideTurning of this argument, side of thisclaim argument, Pokémon defenders that strong defenders claim that strong types of Pokémon would be types of Pokémon would be able to hold their own against ablehorde to hold against the of their lions.own There exist the lions. exist 140 horde flying of types of There Pokémon, 140 flying types of Pokémon, which could not be reached by which could not are be reached by the lions.

There almost 35 the lions. are almost 35 ghost typeThere Pokémon that cannot ghost Pokémon that cannot be hit type by physical attacks. be hit bytype physical attacks.

“Ghost Pokémon cannot “Ghost type Pokémon cannot

imagination. imagination.

He argued that because He argued ghost typesthat are because weak to ghost types weak other ghost are types, theto other surely ghost prevail. types, the lions lions Allsurely in all, prevail. this argument All in all, this argument could go on forever.

Maybe could on forever.

Maybe it will.go Perhaps this back and it will.discussion Perhaps this and forth willback follow forth discussion will follow humanity to the end of time. humanity to thehypothetical end of time.

This ridiculous This ridiculous hypothetical is eternal and never ending. is and never ending.

It eternal is also super ridiculous that It is also super ridiculous someone even thought of that this someone thought of this argumenteven in the first place. argument in and the first place.

To sit down debate the To sit down and debate the logistics of whether or not logistics of whether or not fictional animals would defeat a fictional animals would defeat a mind-numbingly large amount mind-numbingly large of lions is ludicrous in amount the first of lions ludicrous place, butissurely thatinis the whyfirst it place, but surely that is why it continues to live on. That is to continues to liveabsolutely on. That islose. to say, lions would say, lions would absolutely lose.

DESIGN DESIGN

BY D BYANIEL DANIEL VALENTINE VALENTINE

BY KATE TOLLINGER

If you have spent any If youofhave anyyou amount timespent online, amount of time online, you may have heard whispers about mayargument have heard whispers about an occuring in the an argument occuring in the trenches of Twitter threads. trenches of Twitter Would a billion lionsthreads. from the Would a billion lions from the real world be able to defeat over real be able to defeat over 1,000world fictional beasts from the 1,000 fictional beasts from the world of Pokémon? world For of thePokémon? sake of this For the sake this argument, only of wild Pokémon argument, only wild Pokémon will be taken into consideration. will beonly taken into consideration.

Also, male lions will be Also, only male lions be considered, which arewill physically considered, which are physically larger but they tend to be larger but they tend to be as weaker in terms of hunting, weaker intend terms lionesses toof dohunting, most of as the lionesses toprides. do most of the hunting intend their This is hunting in to their prides.the This is also going exclude energy also going to exclude the energy arguments. arguments.

For the For sakethe of sake thisof this paper, paper, lions lions have have

be hit with physical attacks. be hit with attacks.

What’s the physical lion gonna do?

What’s the lion gonna do?

Roar? [One] ghost type wipes Roar?all.

[One] ghost type wipes them It’s that simple,” said them all.student.

It’s thatAll simple,” said an LHS 35 million an LHS student.

All 35 million of these lions are dead meat. of these lions some are dead Furthermore, saymeat. other Furthermore, say other strong types ofsome Pokémon like strong of would Pokémon likebe fire andtypes electric easily fire and electric would be able to overpower each easily of their able to overpower eachlions. of their respective one million “I’m respective million lions. “I’m imagining one multiple [Pokémon imaginingfire multiple raining] all over[Pokémon the lions. raining] the lions.

Couldn’t fire one all of over the Pokémon Couldn’t one of the Pokémon just remove the oxygen? It just remove the[for oxygen?

It would be over the lions],” would be over [for the lions],” said Travis Auckerman, LHS said Travis Auckerman, LHS psychology teacher. Going psychology teacher. off this logic, the 86Going electric off this logic, thetypes 86 electric types and 85 fire would types and 85 fire types leave 171 million lions. would There leave 171 million There exists a lava snail lions.

Pokémon exists a lava snail This Pokémon called Magcargo. is a called Magcargo.

This isreaches a Pokémon that allegedly Pokémon thatup allegedly reaches temperatures to 18,000 temperatures up to 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit, according degrees Fahrenheit, to its PokéDex entry.according That is to its PokéDex Thatsoisthe hotter than the entry. sun itself, hotter than itself, so logistics of the thissun Pokémon arethe logistics of this Pokémon are highly debated, but assuming highly debated, but assuming that this world-breaking factor that thistoworld-breaking factor is used the advantage of is used to the advantage of the Pokémon, Magcargo easily the Pokémon, Magcargo easily defeats more than one million defeats than one million lions onmore its own. lions on its own. to these Most rebuttals Most rebuttals these points include solidtocounter points include arguments, likesolid that counter there are arguments, that there are Pokémon inlike these categories Pokémon in these that are similar to categories lion’s natural that to lion’s prey,are likesimilar the giraffe and natural zebra prey, like the giraffe Pokémon, Girafarig and and zebra Pokémon, Girafarig andOne Zebstrika, respectively.

Zebstrika, respectively.

Oneto million lions would be able million lions would be able to eat these individual Pokémon eat these Pokémon easily, andindividual many more.

However, easily, more.

However, leaningand on many the side of absurdity, leaning on the side of absurdity, is the argument that the lions is the argument that the lions could form a “lion ladder” to could a “lionPokémon. ladder” to attackform any flying attack any flying Additionally, somePokémon. say that this Additionally, say that an this horde of lionssome could create horde of lions“wave” could create anto impenetrable of lions impenetrable “wave” lions to easily overwhelm theof monsters. easily overwhelm the monsters.

One wave enjoyer from Parkway One wave enjoyer from Parkway Central High School in Missouri Central Higha highly School coordinated in Missouri argued that argued thatofa highly coordinated population lions could pull population of lions couldneed pull this off. “[Flying types] this off. and/or “[Flying need to land gettypes] close to to landthe and/or close to attack lions,get at which point attack theoflions, which the wave lionsatwill pilepoint upon the pileEasy, upon eachwave otheroftolions reachwill them. each other to reach them.

Easy, done. The Lion Ladder will done. Thesaid Lion Ladder will prevail,” Wesley Henshaw prevail,” saidHenshaw Wesley Henshaw from PCHS. also from PCHS. also argued that ifHenshaw ghost type argued that ghost type Pokémon areif present in Pokémon are present this hypothetical, thenin this hypothetical, then surely a surely lion a ghost ghost would lion would not be be anot large astretch large stretch of the of the

ARTWORK ARTWORK

BY D BYANIEL DANIEL VALENTINE VALENTINE

INE L VALENT

BY DANIEL VALENTINE IE N A

BY D

MAY ISSUE 37 MAY ISSUE 37

by Clare Heupel In the years following the pandemic, teachers all over the United States have been facing an unprecedented number of behavioral issues in school, making the job of educating students an even more difficult task.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that around 600,000 public school teachers in the United States quit between Jan. 2020 and Feb. 2022. Given the fact that 84% of public schools stated that the behavioral development of students has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there is an obvious correlation between these patterns.

Teachers are burnt out from dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, which has led to a decline in student behavior.

While such a dramatic loss in school faculty may pose concern for extreme acts of disobedience from students, that is not the root of the issue. The majority of issues that school employees have noticed with students are not out of the ordinary.

“The most problematic thing is insubordination and problems with respect in school. Kids are not where they are supposed to be, not respecting the teacher, being on their phones all the time, not paying attention, sleeping in class and wandering the hallways,” said LHS resource officers Robert Draeger and Chase Vanderhule.

The problems arise from the fact that the attitudes of many students have changed over time, leading to a substantial fraction of kids with behavior issues.

“Most kids today are still pretty respectful, but there is just a larger portion that isn’t,” said Draeger.

The behavior problems span from high school to elementary school, 38 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

where young students still struggle with adjusting to a school environment after missing out on an essential time of learning a regular school routine. Julie Larsen, a fourthgrade teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School and a teacher for the Sioux Falls School district for 33 years, can attest to the difficulties that students face in such an environment.

“I feel like many students can’t self-regulate. Transitioning from a fun activity to more of a seated learning activity seems more difficult,” said Larsen. “Not having a consistent schedule has been difficult for some to adjust back to the rigor of a school day.”

Larsen believes that much of the issues can be attributed to the disconnect between families and the schools as a result of many school functions being canceled due to COVID-19.

“We didn’t do any family activities the past couple of years, and that can make everyone feel disconnected,” said Larsen.

“When you don’t have strong relationships with the families, it can sometimes be hard to communicate the learning goals and establish follow-through at both home and school.”

Parents also play a crucial role, both in determining how their students perform in school, and how they react to authority figures. This makes it essential for the awareness of parents on how their relationship with their kids affects their relationships with teachers.

“I think parents tend to avoid confrontations with their kids and those hard conversations, which then carries over to school,” said Vanderhule. “Parents don’t want to lay the law down and tell their kids ‘no.’”

Understandably, many parents today may be especially preoccupied with the stresses of everyday life. That does not negate the fact that a healthy, authoritative relationship is essential for the dynamics between children and their parents, and coincidentally between children and teachers.

A structured school environment may only occur if the majority of kids have structure while they are at home.

A child’s education is essential to their future success as an adult. Ensuring that the United States public education system meets a standard that provides a firm foundation for children should be a top priority for everyone, regardless if it directly affects them. This will only occur if this exponential growth in behavior issues across the country is resolved.

That means providing support, attention and dedication to children and their educators. The fate of future generations of scholars and teachers in the United States rests on whether this problem finds an end.

DESIGN BY CLARE HEUPEL

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ADOBE EXPRESS

S LINCOLN LINCOLN HIGH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL

Statesman Statesman ISSUE ISSUE NO. NO. 7 7 MAY MAY 2023 2023 ISSUE ISSUE