November Issue 2022

ISSUE NO. 2

NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE

HOMECOMING 2022 ELLEN MERKLEY DID SOMEONE ZOE LARSON SHOULD

SAY BLOCK PARTY?

KATE BARBUSH: 1 365 OUTFITS CLARA BINSTOCK

YEAR,

12

MONTHS,

PEPPER SPRAY BE ALLOWED

IN SCHOOLS?

DELANEY GRAMLICK

ARTWORK BY

MORGAN SANDNESS

CONTENTS

SPORTS

FEATURES 4

10 1 year, 12 months, 365 outfits- Clara Binstock

Finding meaning in death- Fisher Meyerink

40

Four steps for a 4.0 without coming to schoolJada Sandvall

41

p.36

SPOTLIGHT

Did someone say BLOCK PARTY?Zoe Larson

Plastic problems- Ariahna Wells

42

Partners in crime- Josie Tollinger

This 6ft. junior volleyball middle hitter has LHS Crazies turning heads.

College chaos- Morgan Sandness

43

Working to live vs. living to work- Clare Heupel

44

Should pepper spray be allowed in schools?Delaney Gramlick

45

Should we separate the art from the artist?Sarah Bomhoff

47

p.6

No cell service, no problem- Ella DuBois

17

How I cracked my phone- Reagan Wulf

18

What is in your backpack?- Bergen Quello

24

Murphy’s crossword- Thompson Wakefield

22

The written world- Laura Heckenlaible

26

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’- Addison Remme

28

Thrilling decor- Gabe Schmit

32

Abe’s activity around Sioux Falls- Kate Tollinger

35

38

LHS STAR-ATHLETE

12 Leaving to learn- Vanessa Timat

16

Moving without music- Raina Marty

Nostalgia: a double-edged sword- Reese Duncan

11 Grind now, rest later- Caroline Hughes

ENTERTAINMENT

34

PERSPECTIVES

Balta marches into LHS Band- Emma Southwick

15 Club de Español- Natalie Nolan

Prepping for the post-season- Lucas Hiatt

The school resource officers are familiar faces around the school, and many students want to know what happens in their day to day lives.

TIPS

HOCO FITS

p.9

p.20

Random pretty placesKadence Dean

Homecoming 2022Ellen Merkley

Looking for that perfect Instagram-worthy Sioux Falls pic?

LHS Homecoming was full of memorable outfits; let’s not forget them.

Statesman LHS THEATER p.25

Dancing at LughnasaKate Matthes The LHS Theater prepares for this year’s fall show, an Irish drama.

BREAKING RECORDS

PAPER EDITORS-IN-CHIEF- Sarah Bomhoff, Morgan Sandness & Jada Sandvall ONLINE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF- Emma Forster & Kate Tollinger

p.30

FEATURE EDITORS- Anna Anderson & Vanessa Timat

LHS Marching Band’s record-breaking seasonDaniel Valentine

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS- Delaney Gramlick & Emma Southwick

The Marching Pats end their season, reaching feats they have never before.

NEWS EDITORS- Reese Duncan & Kate Matthes SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS- Raina Marty & Ellen Merkley

PERSPECTIVES EDITORS- Laura Heckenlaible & Clare Heupel

STAFF WRITERS- Clara Binstock, Elana Bishop, Kadence Dean, Ella DuBois, Kinley Freese, Betsy Haft, Caroline Hughes, Katie Jensen, Zoe Larson, Fisher Meyerink, Natalie Nolan, Bergen Quello, Addison Remme, Adrienne Revier, Gabe Schmit, Adie Theophilus, Josie Tollinger, Daniel Valentine, Elysse Weber, Ariahna Wells, Thompson Wakefield, Reagan Wulf

SPORTS EDITOR- Lucas Hiatt

ADVISER- Dr. Katie Kroeze

In addition to to his collaborative collaborative In In addition addition to his his collaborative works with Carlson, Carlson, Balta has has also works works with with Carlson, Balta Balta has also also been able to help band members in his his been able to help band members been able to help band members in in his own ways; especially by helping the own own ways; ways; especially especially by by helping helping the the upperclassmen become comfortable comfortable upperclassmen become upperclassmen become comfortable in their leadership roles on on the team. team. in in their their leadership leadership roles roles on the the team.

Making sure that that the section section leaders Making Making sure sure that the the section leaders leaders are confident in their their positions positions is is are confident in are confident in their positions is crucial to the success of the group crucial crucial to to the the success success of of the the group group as aa whole, and Balta’s Balta’s efforts efforts to to as whole, and as a whole, and Balta’s efforts to improve this area has helped the team improve improve this this area area has has helped helped the the team team tremendously. tremendously.

“I’ve learned a ton about leadership leadership “I’ve learned a ton about leadership from [Balta],” said Dumke. “Balta from [Balta],” said Dumke. “Balta focuses more on the section leaders focuses more on the section leaders in the band [and helps them] to in the band [and helps them] to lead their section and [have] more lead their section and [have] more authority. authority. He He has has taught taught me me how how to to use my new authority [as a section use my new authority [as a section leader] leader] in in order order to to serve serve others others instead of using the power instead of using the power for for my my own own gain. gain. One One of of the the reasons reasons our our marching marching band band is is so so successful successful this this year is because the student year is because the student leaders leaders have have more more power power and and know know how how to to use it to help the band succeed.” use it to help the band succeed.”

Aside involving Aside from from his his positions positions involving involving Band, Balta is the Marching the Marching Band, Balta is also also

BY EE MMA SOUTHWICK BY MMA

BY E MMA S SOUTHWICK OUTHWICK

The The LHS Marching Band has TheLHS LHSMarching MarchingBand Bandhas has had a standing reputation of being had a standing reputation of had a standing reputation of being being not not only one the largest bands notonly onlyone oneofof ofthe thelargest largestbands bands inin the Midwest but also one the inthe theMidwest Midwestbut butalso alsoone oneofof ofthe the best.

Contributing to the band’s best.

Contributing to the band’s best. Contributing to the band’s well-known well-known success are not only the well-knownsuccess successare arenot notonly onlythe the hundreds of talented members, but hundreds of talented members, but hundreds of talented members, but also also the dedicated directors and the alsothe thededicated dedicateddirectors directorsand andthe the countless hours they put in to ensure countless hours they put in to ensure countless hours they put in to ensure that the legacy the LHS Marching that thatthe thelegacy legacyofof ofthe theLHS LHSMarching Marching Band lives on.

This year, LHS Band lives on.

This year, LHS Band lives on. This year, LHS welcomed the team new assistant welcomed welcomedtoto tothe theteam teama aanew newassistant assistant director and Associate Director director and Associate Director director and Associate Directorofof of Bands, Drew Balta.

Bands, Bands,Drew DrewBalta.

Balta.

Balta has been teaching for nine Balta Baltahas hasbeen beenteaching teachingfor fornine nine years, and his first eight were spent years, and his first eight were spent years, and his first eight were spent West Lyon High School Lyon atat atWest WestLyon LyonHigh HighSchool Schoolinin inLyon Lyon County, Iowa, where he served the County, Iowa, where he served County, Iowa, where he servedasas asthe the Director of Bands.

While teaching Director of Bands.

While teaching Director of Bands. While teaching there, Balta discovered the LHS there, there,Balta Baltadiscovered discoveredthe theLHS LHS Marching Band, and he quickly Marching MarchingBand, Band,and andhehequickly quickly realized how great would realized realizedhow howgreat greatitit itwould wouldbebe betoto tobebe be involved in the band program here. involved in the band program here. involved in the band program here.

“This place pretty special for “This “Thisplace placeisis ispretty prettyspecial specialfor for band, and I honestly didn’t really band, band,and andI honestly I honestlydidn’t didn’treally really know much about until started know knowmuch muchabout aboutitit ituntil untilI IIstarted started teaching at West Lyon eight years teaching teachingatatWest WestLyon Lyoneight eightyears years ago,” said Balta.

“I just got to how ago,” said Balta.

“I just got to see ago,” said Balta. “I just got to see seehow how awesome Lincoln was and when the awesome Lincoln was and when the awesome Lincoln was and when the job opened, Mr. Carlson and had job jobopened, opened,Mr. Mr.Carlson Carlsonand andI IIhad had been friends for a long time so was been beenfriends friendsfor fora along longtime timesosoitit itwas was a pretty natural fit.” a pretty a prettynatural naturalfit.” fit.”

For Balta, being able come into For ForBalta, Balta,being beingable abletoto tocome comeinto into his new position at LHS already his new position at LHS already his new position at LHS already sharing friendship with the current sharing sharinga aafriendship friendshipwith withthe thecurrent current 4 44

LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

marching band director, Dan Carlson, marching marchingband banddirector, director,Dan DanCarlson, Carlson, has not only been an advantage for has not only been an advantage has not only been an advantagefor for him, but for the band members as him, but for the band members as him, but for the band members as well.

Ethan Dumke, senior and well. well.Ethan EthanDumke, Dumke,aaasenior seniorand and fourth-year trombone player for LHS fourth-year fourth-yeartrombone tromboneplayer playerfor forLHS LHS believes that Balta and Carlson’s believes believesthat thatBalta Baltaand andCarlson’s Carlson’s connection and the way they work connection connectionand andthe theway waythey theywork work together is something that helps the together is something that helps together is something that helpsthe the band strive. band bandstrive. strive.

“Their teaching styles complement “Their “Theirteaching teachingstyles stylescomplement complement

each other very well,” said Dumke. each eachother othervery verywell,” well,”said saidDumke.

Dumke.

“They both can focus on different “They both can focus on different “They both can focus on different aspects of rehearsal and identify aspects aspectsof of rehearsal rehearsaland andidentify identify errors that the band makes which errors errorsthat thatthe theband bandmakes makeswhich which makes rehearsals very efficient, as makes makesrehearsals rehearsalsvery veryefficient, efficient,as as more errors are identified quicker more moreerrors errorsare areidentified identifiedquicker quicker and then they can be fixed sooner. and andthen thenthey theycan canbe befixed fixedsooner. sooner.

They also work together very well They also work together very They also work together verywell well and have a lot of respect for each and andhave haveaalot lotofof respect respectfor foreach each other.” other.” other.”

director of Jazz Jazz I, Jazz II, II, Concert director director of of Jazz I,I, Jazz Jazz II, Concert Concert Band and Freshman Band.

As a band Band Band and and Freshman Freshman Band.

Band. As As aa band band teacher, he believes believes thatmusic music allows teacher, teacher, he he believes that that music allows allows students to express express themselves, students students to to express themselves, themselves, which is ultimately one of his his favorite which which is is ultimately ultimately one one of of his favorite favorite aspects about teaching. aspects aspects about about teaching. teaching.

“Music has the the abilityto to kindof of tie “Music “Music has has the ability ability to kind kind of tie tie in to people’s people’s emotions,” said said Balta. in in to to people’s emotions,” emotions,” said Balta.

Balta.

“I like being being able to to teachthrough through “I “I like like being able able to teach teach through that and [let] students express that that and and [let] [let] students students express express themselves through through the the musicthat that themselves themselves through the music music that they are playing.” they they are are playing.” playing.”

As aa whole, whole, Balta’s main main goalsfor for As As a whole, Balta’s Balta’s main goals goals for the remainder remainder of of the the school schoolyear yearand and the the remainder of the school year and all of of the the upcoming upcoming years yearsahead aheadof of all all of the upcoming years ahead of him as aa band band teacher and and director him him as as a band teacher teacher and director director are to keep building relationships are are to to keep keep building building relationships relationships with his his students, students, and and to tocontinue continue with with his students, and to continue the well-known tradition of the theLHS LHS the well-known tradition of the well-known tradition of the LHS Marching Band.

Marching Band.

Marching Band.

“I’m just just looking looking forward forwardto to “I’m “I’m just looking forward to continuing this culture,” said Balta. continuing continuing this this culture,” culture,” said said Balta.

Balta.

“I really really love love that that marching marchingband band “I “I really love that marching band kind of gives everybody a different kind of gives everybody a different kind of gives everybody a different place to to belong, belong, and and III look lookforward forwardto to place place to belong, and look forward to continue building that.” continue building that.” continue building that.”

DESIGN BY EMMA SOUTHWICK DESIGN BY

BY E EMMA MMA S SOUTHWICK OUTHWICK DESIGN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LHS MARCHING BAND MEMBERS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED BY

BY LHS LHS M MARCHING ARCHING B BAND ANDMEMBERS MEMBERS PHOTOS

NOVEMBER NOVEMBERISSUE ISSUE 555 NOVEMBER ISSUE

WW

hether you are a student or staff member at LHS, you have more than likely had the pleasure of meeting the two school resource officers, Robert Draeger, or as most call him you officer Bob, andthan officer Chase Vanderhule.

LHS officers hether you are a student or staff member at LHS, have more likely had the pleasure ofThe meeting the twoalways school have a smile on their face and playDraeger, a big role why this school is soBob, great. resource officers, Robert or on as most call him officer and officer Chase Vanderhule. The LHS officers always have a smile Draeger Vanderhule arewhy both LHS graduates, and have had the fulfillment of returning to their high school although this on their face andand play a big role on this school is so great. time, they are not the one sitting in class.

Draeger and main priority is to keep LHS safe; however, theythis both try to have Draeger and Vanderhule are both LHS graduates, and haveVanderhule’s had the fulfillment of returning to their high school although other priorities as well, such as meeting new people, building relationships with students and bringing positivity to everyone's time, they are not the one sitting in class. Draeger and Vanderhule’s main priority is to keep LHS safe; however, they both try to have day. other prioritiesthey as well, as meeting buildingeach relationships students positivity to everyone's day.

Although maysuch not be the samenew age,people, they balance other out with and can both and rely bringing on each other for when times get rough.

Although they may not be the same age, they balance each other out and can both rely on each other for when times get rough.

Officer Chase: Officer Chase: Vanderhule is a police officer,

Officer Bob: Robert Draeger Officer Bob:is a police in Rosemount Minnesota, David officer for the City of Sioux Falls

NOVEMBER ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER ISSUE

7

TOLLINGER TOLLINGER

LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

PHOTO BY JOSIE

6

ARTWORK BY JOSIE

6

PHOTO BY JOSIE

BY JOSIE TOLLINGER

BY JOSIE TOLLINGER

DESIGN BY JOSIE TOLLINGER TOLLINGER TOLLINGER

ARTWORK BY JOSIE

Over the past few years of Robert Draeger is a police and is currently one officer, of the Boll, he said that it isDavid a good Vanderhule is a police in Rosemount Minnesota, working at LHS, has Over the past few years Draeger of of on Sioux andthe hasCity been dutyFalls for aboutworking 25 and school is currently one of the for LHS. Boll, he resource officers said that it is a you goodget out of officer for option for when at LHS, Draeger realized how fun has it is to work in been on for aboutworking 25 Heduty is currently at school resource officers for in LHS. for when you get out of said and hasyears.

Vanderhule was born Huron, optionservice to become a cop,” realized how fun itenvironment. is to work in He has a school years. He is currently working at officer LHS as the school resource Vanderhule in Huron, service to become a cop,” said SD, but was laterborn moved to Sioux Falls.

Vanderhule. a school environment. hasto have fun enjoyed beingHe able the has school resource officer been here for about 10 enjoyed being SD, but later moved toaSioux Falls.earlyVanderhule.

After graduating semester Vanderhule became a police LHS asand to have whileable at work by fun making jokes and hasyears. been here for about Draeger grew10up here inwhile at work Afterfrom graduating a semester early by making jokes high school, he went directly Vanderhule officer in became 2012. Ina police the past decade, and interacting with the students grewand up also here graduated in Sioux Falls frominto highthe school, went directly in 2012.

In theyears past decade, and interacting with the students Army.heHe went into the officerthree of those have been years. Draeger and staff.

Being at LHS for quite Sioux Falls and also graduated from LHS in 1990.

After high and staff.aBeing into Third the Army.

He went into the three of those years have been LHS for has quite Ranger Battalion where he dedicated helping in schools while,atDraeger had some from LHS in 1990.

After high school, he went to Colorado a while, Draeger Third Ranger Battalion helping schools has moments had some that he will was deployed three where times. he Duringdedicated instead of ininthe streets. After memorable school, State he went to Colorado was that deployed times.out During University and then instead of in the Afterfor so long, memorable moments thatsuch he will time three he jumped of working onstreets. the streets never forget as all the State University and then that airplanes time he jumped out of working on the streets for so long, graduated from the University never forgetteens such as all the for a living.

Vanderhule decided it was time he has caught making graduated from the University airplanes for a living.

Vanderhule was time that of Minnesota with a degree in teens he has Outside of work, for a decided change.itHe believed outcaught or themaking one time he found of Minnesota a degree in Outside of work, for a change. believed culturalwith anthropology. out or the one time he found Vanderhule enjoys with hisHeyoung agethat he could be two teens almost cultural anthropology.

Vanderhule enjoys with his young age he acould be impact two teensstarting almost a fire inside Outside of work, Draeger spending time with his making bigger Outside of work, Draeger spending making bigger impact starting atheir fire inside enjoys doing home three time kids,with dirt his biking, ona children rather than car. enjoys doing home three kids, dirt biking, on children rather than their car. improvement projects, fishing, hunting and adults.

“There were two improvement projects, fishing, hunting and adults.

“There were two and fishing. camping. He can “Dealing with adults hunting kids who were in and fishing. camping. He can “Dealing with adults huntingHis kids who were in daughter also be found for so many yearsHis daughter a car outside of also be found for so many years a car outside of HHS and cruising down and arresting attendsattends LHS and we HHS and cruising down and arresting LHS and we participates in the the streets people for so participates thought they in the the streets people for so thought they band.aBeing a “band riding his many different were band.

Being “band riding his many different were engaged engaged dad,” Harley. in smoking ofmost his of his Harley. thingsthings didn’t didn’t dad,” most in smoking fall weekends are Right reallytoseem beweekends are marijuana, they Right really seem be tofall marijuana, they spent watching when he got doing anything spent watching weren’t.

They when he got doing anything weren’t. They band activities. to anyone.

Itband activities. were trying backback fromfrom to anyone.

It were trying Before deciding the military, was getting Before deciding to see if hand the military, was getting to see if hand to become to become a police a police Vanderhules to be the same sanitizer Vanderhules to be the same sanitizer burned burned officer, Draeger officer, Draeger daughter thingand over and so they poured daughter thing over so they poured had been working working over again. had been on a plastic was was bornborn over again. some on asome plastic jobs thatjobs that which I thought multiplemultiple which I thought frisbee andfrisbee lit it and lit it not satisfied notwas satisfied encouraged that I could he was he encouraged that I could on fire inside of their on fire inside of their with with and feltand as felt as to find a different him him to find a waya way provideprovide a different They apparently car. Theycar. apparently they were they were to provide for his perspective to provide for his perspective being beingthoughthough take a chemistry didn’t takedidn’t a chemistry nottogoing to take him take him family.

His military family.

His military a younger a younger cop,” cop,” not going class,” said Draeger. class,” said Draeger.

While While anywhere. experience and the said Vanderhule. experience and the said Vanderhule. anywhere.

Draeger has enjoyed Draeger has enjoyed working at Scheels, working at Scheels, salary he would makemake Vanderhule has been salary he would Vanderhule has been his time his withtime his partner with his partner who who a coworker werewere bothboth bonuses of him very lucky havetoa have aa coworker bonuses of him very to lucky Vanderhule.

He appreciates Vanderhule.

He appreciates was working was working choosing to betoa police partner like Draeger, choosing be a police partner like Draeger, the sensethe of humor they sense of humor they and part-time and officer.

AfterAfter hearing from from as he has been officer. hearing as he hasable been ablepart-time share andshare the fact andthat thethey fact that they was a full-time was a full-time a close friend that it is ait is a to learn grow a close friend that toand learn and grow can sharecan all their sharedad all jokes their dad jokes cop encouraged cop encouraged goodgood option to become from being option to become from along being his along his to each other without being to each other without being him to apply, him to apply, a copa after service, he he side. He willHe miss judged. Draeger cop after service, side. will miss judged. appreciates Draeger appreciates so he did. realized that that this would be be the positivity that that so he did. all the work thatwork his partner realized this would the positivity all the that his partner After After the best decision.

Draeger brings brings to does for him, from making the best decision.

Draeger to does for him, fromhismaking his working on the streets for many “My“My daughter was was work each every working on the streets for many coffee each morning or simply or simply daughter workand each and every coffee each morning years, Draeger decided decided he needed bornborn six days after after I gotI got day. day. years, Draeger he needed being ablebeing to rant him when six days abletoto rant to him when a change so he decided to work to in work in out of the military, so I needed “Oh he’s awesome, a change so he decided needed. needed. out of the military, so I needed “Oh he’s awesome, the schools instead. something to provide for the unfortunately he’s retiring next the schools instead.

“I come in and there is often a something to provide for the unfortunately he’s retiring next “It was “I come in and there is often a a change in pace, and it family. My experience kinda fell in year, I’m going to miss him a “It was a change in pace, and it cup of coffee ready to go for me, family. My experience kinda fell in year, I’m going to miss him a got me off the streets and out of cup of coffee ready to go for me, line with decent pay and benefits. lot. He always seems to present the man has it together. It’s stress got me off the streets and out of line with decent pay and benefits. lot. He always seems to presentthat toxic the man has it together. It’s stress environment of normal When I was in the military one positivity which makes him a good relief; I don’t need to go see a that toxic environment of normal When I was in the military one positivity which makes him a good relief; I don’t need to go see a police work, and I like kids,” said of my best friends was killed partner,” said Vanderhule. counselor or a therapist, I’ve got police work, and I like kids,” said of my best friends was killed partner,” said Vanderhule.

Draeger. counselor or a therapist, I’ve got overseas. He had a mentor back Draeger. him,” said Draeger. overseas. He had a mentor back him,” said Draeger.

The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop,ismaking Sioux Falls full of Siouxrandom Falls is full ofpretty random pretty places.

Allphoto across there are there many places. All across town, are many for a great simple spot. Fromtown, hidden treasures for thetreasures perfect photo hidden for the perfect photo something totally crazy to a complete opportunity. opportunity.

Whether it be senioror pictures Whether beanysenior pictures an or an black-fit, this wall can it support Instagram post, these places will give Instagram post, these places will give outfit. the ideal vibe to a photo.

The perfect the ideal vibe to a photo.

The perfect

BY

KADENCE DEAN

should nevera require a background shouldbackground never require journey, when and why travel the best journey, and why travel thewhen best spots are right here in town?

Here is spots are right here in town? Here is Downtown, there are many amazing places toa collection of some nearby locations some nearby locations Looking forof a vintage feelingatocollection visit that are not the that are not the notoriousnotorious take photos, and a few are definitely underrated. to visit photoshoot? wall at Eastway Bowl painted walls.

Downtown

BY KADENCE DEAN Downtown This painted walls.

Near 8th and Railroad there is an abandoned copper features yellow and black tile that could This location is one some may not This location is one some may not building with a rustic feel.

The wall has picturesque expect. Located off ofprovide Western thatAve,perfect simple background or expect. Located off of Western Ave, the building features a large wall the building features a large wall spots with perfect framing to bring all offulltheof luscious vines. aThis greenery popbackground of color. Pair with monochromatic full of luscious vines. This greenery could provide the perfect could provide the perfectattention background to the subject. Just pair this location with Pair withcolors for pictures. a simple foroutfit an editorial type photo, or wear for pictures. Pair with a simple outfit to let the bright green and purple to let the bright green and purple a nice neutral tone outfit. tones pop the subject out of the complimentary colors. The yellow tile tones pop the subject out of the photo. photo.

Another location in Downtown Sioux Falls is New Life Church.

This building features the iciest white brick possible, making for the perfect plain backdrop for a photo.

The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop, making for a great simple photo spot. From something totally crazy to a complete black-fit, this wall can support any outfit.

Downtown, there are many amazing places to take photos, and a few are definitely underrated.

Near 8th and Railroad there is an abandoned copper building with a rustic feel. The wall has picturesque spots with perfect framing to bring all of the attention to the subject. Just pair this location with a nice neutral tone outfit.

could make a nice purple or blue outfit stand out, while the black tile is a little more versatile.

Another location in Downtown Sioux Falls is New Life Church.

This building features the iciest white brick possible, making for the perfect plain backdrop for a photo.

The bright white color really makes the subject of the photo pop, making for a great simple photo spot. From something totally crazy to a complete black-fit, this wall can support any outfit.

Downtown, there are many amazing places to Looking for a vintage feeling take photos, and a few definitely underrated.

Looking for aare vintage feeling photoshoot? This wall at Eastway Bowl Near 8th and Railroad there is an at abandoned copper Bowl photoshoot?

This wall Eastway features yellow and black tile that could building yellow with a rusticand feel. The wall hastile picturesque features black that couldprovide that perfect simple background or spots with perfect framing tosimple bring all of background the provide that perfect or of color. Pair with monochromatic a pop attention to the subject.

Just with pair this monochromatic location with a pop of color.

Pair colors for an editorial type photo, or wear a nicefor neutral tone outfit. colors an editorial type photo, or wear complimentary colors. The yellow tile complimentary colors. The yellow tile could make a nice purple or blue outfit could make a nice purple or blue outfit stand out, while the black tile is a little stand out, while the black tile is a little more versatile. more versatile.

design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean design by Kadence Dean photos by Kadence Dean

8

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

NOVEMBER ISSUE 9

NOVEMBER ISSUE 9 NOVEMBER ISSUE 9

BY

BY

CLARA BINSTOCK

LHS junior Kate Barbush takes the daily routine of getting ready for school to the next level by ensuring to never repeat the same outfit.

Some people may take notice of her trendy, Pinterestworthy outfits, but what they may not realize is that they have never seen Barbush wearing the same outfit.

While holding the ability to put together stylish and fashionable outfits, Barbush has also managed to carry on a streak of never repeating the same outfit to school for an entire year.

“I know for sure I haven’t repeated an outfit since the first day of sophomore year,” said Barbush. “At first I didn’t make it a goal, it just kind of happened as time went on.”

Having gone so long without ever wearing the same outfit to school, 10 LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Barbush feels some pressure from herself to maintain this streak. She ensures not to mess up this streak by posting daily “fit checks” on her Snapchat story, as well as creating a photo album, to keep track of her outfits every single day. Even while she keeps track, sometimes she can still find it hard to put together something new each day, so her creativity has really taken over. Barbush manages to come up with unique ideas while staying true to her own style.

“The whole principle of creating different outfits kind of reflects how I like to be creative and

presentable,” said Barbush.

Being able to pick out clean and appealing outfits is not a skill that Barbush was born with. Style and fashion are becoming more predominant in teens’ daily lives as they mature and become more aware of their distinctive taste.

Throughout the years, Barbush has acquired a good eye for fashion, and knows what pieces make a good outfit. While she has had some influence from the trends she sees on social media, just like most teens, Barbush has come to discover her individual style over time.

“I didn’t start developing my personal style until around seventh grade and I think that’s because in middle school you start to care about how other people see you,” said Barbush. “My style has definitely changed since then because I wasn’t really aware of the trends.”

Looking good is not the only factor to think about when it comes to putting together an outfit; Barbush likes to take into consideration what she is doing after school, who she is going to see and how much she is willing to sacrifice comfort for style.

She uses her outfits to feel better about herself and exhibit her creativity. As kids develop into teens,

they learn how to express themselves, like Barbush has learned with her passion for fashion.

“When I think that I look good, I feel good,” said Barbush. “It makes school days more tolerable when I have more confidence in what I’m wearing.”

CAROLINE HUGHES

Having school Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for nine months out of 12 is exhausting. What is the answer? Half-days. It is not possible to get them throughout all of high school, but senior year students can earn them. But how do seniors get them?

There are many ways that students can acquire half-days, and it starts freshman year. It takes 22 credits to graduate as a senior. It is possible to know if students are on track to get half-days by looking at the credits they have achieved every year of high school. In order to get

half-days, seniors must have already obtained a certain amount of credits.

“The required amount as a senior is usually 19 credits in order to get halfdays,” said LHS principal Dr. Laura Raeder.

Starting as freshmen, students need to end with around six or seven credits in order to achieve halfdays senior year. The same goes for sophomore and junior year. Students can even start high school with credits from middle school.

“Middle schools are now offering high school classes like biology and algebra to achieve credits early on,” said Dr. Raeder.

The more credits students have earlier on in their high school experience, the better chance students will have in obtaining half-days by their senior year.

Not only can students take advantage of starting high school classes early, but they can do the same by starting college classes early. Students are allowed to take AP and dualcredit classes freshman and sophomore year but there are only a few classes offered to underclassmen.

It is more common for upperclassmen to take AP or dual-credit classes.

These types of courses can offer more high school credit than a regular high school course. For example, LHS offers dual-credit speech and traditional speech. The dual credit class will offer students credit toward not only their high school diploma but

DESIGN BY

CLARA BINSTOCK PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATE BARBUSH

DESIGN BY

CAROLINE HUGHES CAROLINE HUGHES

ARTWORK BY

also their college diploma.

Taking a college class in high school can be less expensive than taking it in college and it can also help students achieve half-days in their senior year.

“You take a class at one of our colleges for high school and college credit. It is about $50 per credit hour.

Typically, a class is three credits so $150,” said Dr. Raeder.

Another way to get half-days as a senior is by working or taking marketing which is the same idea. Students who have either full-time or part-time jobs are able to turn in their pay stubs to LHS in order to have a half day schedule. These students will go to either the first or second half of the day, depending on what hours their job requires of them.

“It is 68 hours for a half credit of work for credit,” said Dr. Raeder.

The amount of credits a student will receive depends on how many hours they choose to work.

For example, if a student turns in their pay stubs for the semester and had worked a total of 272 hours, they would receive two full credits for that semester in place of taking high school classes.

Having half-days is a privilege that students can earn. Not only does it give kids time to relax and be a kid for a little longer, but it also gives them time to prepare for their future.

Students have to start early.

Grind now and rest later.

NOVEMBER ISSUE

11

LLEEA AV VIIN NG G TO TO LLEEA ARRN N

BY V BY ANESSA VANESSA TIMAT TIMAT

Many Many people people take take classes classes to to learn learn a new a new language, language, butbut forfor a a specific specific student student at LHS, at LHS, learning learning a new a new language language involves involves flying flying to atodifferent a different country country with with little little knowledge knowledge of of thethe dialect. dialect.

Petra-Zlata Petra-Zlata Iva,Iva, a senior a senior at LHS, at LHS, is known is known forfor herher extensive extensive language language skills skills andand many many other other talents. talents.

SheShe knows knows three three languages languages fluently fluently andand is is currently currently learning learning a fourth. a fourth.

“I speak “I speak Russian, Russian, Spanish Spanish andand English, English, andand I am I am learning learning French,” French,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. HerHer parents parents immigrated immigrated to to America America from from Russia Russia in 1991 in 1991 andand when when IvaIva waswas born, born, sheshe naturally naturally learned learned Russian Russian first. first.

“I learned “I learned English English when when I was I was fivefive years years old,” old,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. “I picked “I picked it up it up pretty pretty quickly, quickly, which which is is good.” good.”

However, However, learning learning Spanish Spanish waswas

a whole a whole new new experience. experience.

When When IvaIva waswas justjust 13 13 years years oldold sheshe waswas sent sent to Ecuador to Ecuador forfor three three andand a half a half months months to study to study thethe language language with with native native speakers. speakers.

“We “We have have good good family family friends friends andand connections connections all all over over thethe world world andand oneone of of them them justjust happens happens to live to live in Ecuador,” in Ecuador,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. “So,“So, then then I went I went over over there there andand I was I was putput with with [the [the family family friend’s] friend’s] extended extended family family thatthat diddid notnot speak speak anyany English English andand I only I only hadhad mymy knowledge knowledge from from Spanish Spanish I. So I. So there there were were a lot a lot of of charades charades wewe hadhad to play.” to play.”

IvaIva waswas intimidated intimidated forfor thethe first first couple couple of of weeks weeks because because everything everything waswas new new to her. to her.

Being Being in ainsituation a situation where where everyone everyone except except herher understood understood each each other other waswas difficult difficult to say to say thethe least. least.

“It “It waswas really really scary scary because because thethe first first week week or or twotwo I had I had no no 12 12 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM forfor

idea idea what what anyone anyone waswas saying,” saying,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. “They “They were were all all talking talking so so fast. fast.

I I waswas so so overwhelmed overwhelmed andand I refused I refused to to talk.” talk.”

IvaIva learned learned to use to use gestures gestures andand easy easy words words to communicate to communicate at the at the

beginning. beginning.

SheShe would would point point to to different different objects objects andand saysay “esto” “esto” which which means means “this” “this” or or “that” “that” to to help help herher build build herher vocabulary. vocabulary.

“I learned “I learned ‘¿Qué ‘¿Qué es esto?’ es esto?’ (what (what is this/that) is this/that) andand ‘¿Como ‘¿Como se dice…?’ se dice…?’ (how (how do do youyou say…). say…).

I I saidsaid thatthat forfor everything. everything.

That That is is how how I learned,” I learned,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. Once Once a couple a couple weeks weeks passed, passed, IvaIva started started getting getting thethe hang hang of of thethe language. language.

In In fact, fact, sheshe diddid notnot even even realize realize thatthat sheshe hadhad started started speaking speaking fluently fluently without without other other people people pointing pointing it out. it out.

“The “The way way I realized I realized I could I could start start speaking speaking [Spanish] [Spanish] waswas because because I was I was putput into into soccer soccer camps camps with with kids kids mymy age,age, andand I was I was so so mad mad because because they they were were having having us us practice practice thethe entire entire dayday andand then then [play] [play] oneone game. game.

So,So, I started I started venting venting about about it in it Spanish in Spanish andand then then everyone everyone waswas likelike ‘Petra ‘Petra youyou areare speaking speaking Spanish’ Spanish’ andand I was I was likelike ‘Oh‘Oh wait, wait, I I guess guess I am’,” I am’,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. A positive A positive outcome outcome IvaIva hashas experienced experienced hashas been been thethe amount amount of of friends friends sheshe hashas made made duedue to her to her fluency. fluency.

SheShe hashas made made connections connections with with people people thatthat cancan only only communicate communicate through through Spanish.

Spanish.

SheShe alsoalso hashas used used herher Spanish Spanish to her to her advantage advantage here here at LHS. at LHS. “I got “I got accepted accepted into into Spanish Spanish Immersion Immersion mymy sophomore sophomore year, year, andand I I became became really really close close friends friends with with some some people people there,” there,” saidsaid Iva.Iva. “And, “And, I ended I ended up up getting getting mymy biliteracy biliteracy seal.” seal.”

IvaIva encourages encourages other other students students to learn to learn a new a new language language because because

it isithelpful is helpful andand fun.fun.

HerHer story story reminds reminds many many that that it does it does notnot only only take take a teacher a teacher or or adult adult to to help help outout butbut thatthat there there areare many many surprising surprising ways ways to learn. to learn.

[Some [Some positive positive outcomes outcomes were] were] defi defi nitely nitelythe the connections, connections, I have I havemade made sosomany many friends friendsthat that don’t don’tspeak speak English Englishatatall all sosowe weonly only communicate communicate ininSpanish.

Spanish.

ECUADOR ECUADOR

PHOTOS PHOTOS PROVIDED PROVIDED

BY PETRA

BY P-Z ETRA LATA -ZILATA VA IVA DESIGN DESIGN

BY VANESSA

BY VANESSA TIMATTIMAT

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER ISSUE ISSUE13 13

NATALIE NOLAN

BY

ATALIE

Group photo of the first membe LHS Spanish club.

BY

improve her communication.

“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity for me to get to know new people, get more involved and develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun things,” said Crawford.

N N Finally, the club wants to send out a final message Probablemente no has escuchado sobre uno de los Probablemente no has escuchado sobre unoclubs de los clubs to all the students telling them what they should know más nuevos en LHS, y todomás esnuevos en español. en LHS, y todo es en español. may not know that there is know a new club Students may not that there is a which new club which about this new club.hasStudents taken LHS by storm, and it is all in Spanish. Andrea OLAN

has taken LHS by storm, and it is all in Spanish. Andrea Saez, one of LHS’ most beloved the is the Saez, one Spanish of LHS’ most teachers, beloved Spanish is teachers, adviser of this new club. Spanish club designed for for adviser of this new was club. Spanish club was designed anyone who wants to interact with friends while playing anyone who wants to interact with friends while playing new games, singing songs and watching movies along new games, singing songs and watching movies with along with practicing speaking only in practicing Spanish.

But of all the speaking onlyout in Spanish.

But out of all the clubs this school has to offer, why was created? clubs this school hasthis to offer,club why was this club created? “[I created this club] because I saw many students “[I created this club] because I saw many students that needed a place to practice their Spanish feel and feel that needed a place to practice and their Spanish Ahna Walling, Charlotte Crawford and Betsy Haft, Ahna Walling, Charlotte Crawford using and Betsy Haft, comfortable it. So, I think this would bethis a good comfortable using it. So, I think would be a good three members of the club. three members of the club. opportunity for them to practice and use outside opportunity for them to it practice and use itthe outside the classroom,” said Saez. classroom,” said Saez.

The club is important because it gives a chance for The club is important because it gives a chance for different people to meet. One of the members, Charlotte different people to meet. One of the members, Charlotte Crawford, a sophomore, joined this club to better Crawford, a sophomore, joined this club to better improve her communication. improve her communication.

“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity“What I like about this club is that it is an opportunity for me to get to know new people, get more involved and for me to get to know new people, get more involved and develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun develop my Spanish skills with others while doing fun things,” said Crawford. things,” said Crawford.

Finally, the club wants to send out a final message Finally, the club wants to send out a final message to all the students telling them what they should know to all the students telling them what they should know about this new club. about this new club.

14

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Señorita Saez is in her second year at LHS and started the LHS Spanish club.

DESIGN BY

PHOTOS BY

NATALIE NOLAN NATALIE NOLAN

DESIGN BY

PHOTOS BY

NATALIE NOLAN NATALIE NOLAN

LHS Spanish club.

Group photo of the first members in LHS Spanish club.

Group photo of the first members in

“[I want others to know] that it is mostly to have fun and do activities that they do not usually have the opportunity to do in class. Sometimes we have to be more focused on reading and writing, those things that some students might find very interesting. But in the club the idea is that they get the chance to sing, to play games, to use simple Spanish and still make connections with people,” said Saez.

Members of the Spanish club can benefit from the many opportunities that Saez gives them.

“I“[Iwant people to know thatthatit itisisformostly all levelshave [of funSpanish speaking], want others to and do activities “[I want others to know] that it is mostly toknow] have fun andtodo activities thatdo they not to usually have opportunity to do class.not Sometimes we that they do not usually have the opportunity do the in class.

Sometimes weit is you notdomore need betoa perfect Spanish speaker.

Weinwill judge, have to be writing, focused on reading things and writing,that those things that some have to be more focused on reading and those some students might find veryclub interesting.

But in theboard clubthat the idea is that they students might find very interesting. the the idea is they just a But clubchance toin play games, watchgames, movies, play games, card games get theto to simple sing, to play Spanish to use simple still make get the chance to sing, to play games, use and Spanish still and make connections said collaborate Saez. connections with people,” said Saez. and have funwith withthepeople,” others and with others in Spanish,” said Members of Spanish club benefit opportunities from the many opportunities Members of the Spanish club can benefit from the can many that Saez gives them. that Saez gives them.

Crawford.

“I want people to know that itSpanish is for all levelsspeaking], [of Spanish speaking], “I want people to know that it is for all levels [of you do notspeaker. needwants to be aeveryone perfect Spanish speaker.

We not judge, it isgoal you do not need to be a perfect Spanish We will judge, itwhere is the Spanish club to feelnot welcome togames, awillplace just a club to play games, watch movies, play board card games just a club to play games, watch movies, play board games, card games Señorita Saez is in her second year at with andmake collaborate withand others Spanish,” and have fun with others and collaborate others in Spanish,” isand to have have fun fun,with makeothers friends, memories talkininsaid Spanish!said They Crawford.

Crawford.

LHS and started the LHS Spanish Spanish club wants everyone to feel to a place the goal Spanish club everyone to meet feel welcome to a place where thewhere goal every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m in welcome room E206.

Señorita Saez iswants in her second year at is to have fun, make friends, make memories and talk in Spanish!

They is to have fun, make friends, club.the LHS LHS and started Spanish make memories and talk in Spanish! They Wednesday at 7:30 a.m in room E206. meet every Wednesday atBY N7:30 a.mmeet in every room E206.

DESIGN ATALIE NOLAN club.

NOVEMBERISSUE ISSUE 15 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER ISSUE 15 15 PHOTOS BY NATALIE NOLAN

NO

CELL SERVICE PROBLEM BY BY

ELLA DUBOIS ELLA DUBOIS

Retro Bowl

Retro Retro Bowl is aBowl modified Retro Bowl is a modified online American football game. online American The point of the football game is game. to The point of the game is to manage your own NFL team manage team and makeyour yourown fansNFL happy. and make your fans happy.

There are endless ways to There are endless ways to make your team unique, so make your team unique, you never get bored. Thesogoal you get bored. is tonever win games to beThe able goal to is to win games to be upgrade your team toable havetoa upgrade have a chance toyour maketeam it totothe “Retro chance to make it to the “Retro Bowl” championship game, the Bowl” game’schampionship version of thegame, Superthe game’s Bowl. version of the Super Bowl.

Fill the Fridge!

Fridge!

FillFill the the Fridge is a Fill the Fridge is a satisfying fridge organizing satisfying fridge organizing and sorting game. The game and sorting The game can be a littlegame. tricky at first, can be a little at first, but really fun tricky once you get the but really fun once you get the hang of it. To be successful at hang of it.you To need be successful the game, to be ableat the game, youfood needortobeverage be able to place each to place eachfrom fooda or beverage item neatly grocery item neatly from a grocery basket into the fridge. The basket into The objective of the thefridge. game is to objective of the game is to complete each level to unlock complete eachitems. level to unlock new grocery new grocery items.

Subway Surfers

Subway Subway Surfers Surfers is a highSubway Surfers is a highintensity endless game of intensity endless game of is to running. The main point running.

The main point is to try and escape from the grumpy try and escape theasgrumpy policeman and from his dog you run, policeman and his dog as you run, jump, duck and roll across train jump, train tracks.duck The and goalroll is toacross complete tracks.

The goal is to complete missions and collect coins along missions collect coins along the way inand order to purchase the way in order to purchase new characters and power-ups. new characters Students really and enjoypower-ups. this game Students really thistrying gameto because they areenjoy always because they are always trying achieve their next high score. to achieve their next high score.

“One time sophomore year, I was wearing a long skirt to school (pocketless), and out of habit while I was walking into school, I tried to put my phone into my non-existent back pocket, and it proceeded to shatter in the E-Wing parking lot.”

TAMMY TRAN, 9 Roller Splat!

Splat!

Roller Roller Splat is an enjoyable Roller Splat is an enjoyable puzzle game. The point of the puzzle game.

The point of the game is to swipe up, down, left game is to swipe up, down, left or right to move a ball through or right As to move a ball through a maze. you complete levels, athe maze.

As you complete maze gets harder andlevels, you are the maze gets harder you are gifted a different moreand difficult gifted a different more difficult ball to use. ball to use.

“I was around 11, this was my first phone I believe. I showed my older brother this video of a guy doing an ASMR video, but it was zoomed in on his mouth, to the point where you could see the food chunks in his teeth.

I showed my brother, he was so disgusted, snatched my phone, threw it at the window, then it face planted onto the wooden floor and cracked.”

PHOTOS BY

LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

PHOTOS BY

ELLA DUBOIS

DESIGN BY PHOTOS

BY E ELLA LLA D DUUBBOIS OIS DESIGN BY

ELLA DUBOIS

“I was going to school at Edison Middle School, I jumped out of my mom’s car for another morning of Brawl Stars gaming with my boys. In my excitement, I dropped my phone in the street and didn’t notice.

Within a matter of seconds, a semi-truck passed by, crushing my phone.“

BY

DESIGN BY

16 16

FALCO GERLING, 11

MARY STEFFEN, 12

The cellular service at LHS is terrible. Text messages and Snapchats do not Theincellular service LHS is yet terrible.

Textare messages and Snapchats do not send the large brick at building, students always trying to find ways to send in theduring large brick yetare students are always trying to find ways serto pass time down building, time. Here four games that one can play without pass time during down time. Here are four games that one can play without ser-

REAGAN WULF

In the 21st century, people treat their cell phones as one of their most prized possessions.

They treat their phone so carefully, they never let it out of their sight. But I mean, who can blame them? In this day and age, phones can cost up to $1,600. With that being said, we all dread the flip of the phone after we know it hit the ground just a little too hard. Tiny shards of glass cover the screen from top to bottom, and you just feel yourself sink into your stomach. On the other hand, sometimes you can get a pretty crazy story out of your cracked phone. Here are some cracked phone stories from students at LHS.

NYAPAL CHUOL, 12 “I biffed it crossing Cliff Ave, and my phone was in my pocket.”

REAGAN WULF REAGAN WULF

NOVEMBER ISSUE

17

1. “A 1. “A bunch bunch of of wrappers wrappers I refuse I refuse to to take take out.” out.”

2. “My 2. “My AirAir Pods.”

Pods.”

3. “Nope, 3. “Nope, justjust wrappers.” wrappers.”

4. “A 4. “A snack!” snack!”

5. “My 5. “My carcar keys.” keys.”

1. “Probably 1. “Probably mymy blender.” blender.”

2. “Umm 2. “Umm mymy blender.” blender.”

3. “I 3. actually “I actually have have a tropical a tropical blend blend of of frozen frozen strawberries, strawberries, peaches peaches andand mangos mangos as as well well as as vanilla vanilla yogurt.” yogurt.”

4. “I 4. think “I think everyone everyone should should have have a blender.” a blender.”

5. “Ahh, 5. “Ahh, probably probably again again mymy blender.” blender.”

BY BY BERGEN BERGEN QUELLO QUELLO

There There areare approximately approximately 1,856 1,856 backpacks backpacks that that roam roam thethe LHS LHS hallways hallways every every day.day.

AsAs youyou pass pass by,by, youyou willwill seesee thethe brands: brands: Nike, Nike, North North Face, Face, Patagonia, Patagonia, Jansport Jansport andand many many more. more.

Other Other than than notebooks, notebooks, pencils pencils andand thethe daily daily necessities, necessities, everyone everyone hashas different different items items inside inside that that make make it their it their own. own.

Students Students Sam Sam Sahly, Sahly, Madyson Madyson Stricherz, Stricherz, Kseniya Kseniya Halverson Halverson andand Shaurya Shaurya Thakkar Thakkar were were brave brave enough enough to to show show what what was was in their in their bags. bags.

How How different different areare they they from from yours? yours?

1. “A 1. “A boxbox of of mac mac andand cheese.” cheese.”

2. “My 2. “My pencils.” pencils.”

3. “I 3. have “I have some some mac mac andand cheese.” cheese.”

4. “A 4. “A calculator.” calculator.”

5. “My 5. “My nailnail clipper.” clipper.”

1. What 1. What is the is the most most interesting interesting thing thing in your in your backpack? backpack?

2. What 2. What do do youyou useuse thethe most? most?

3. Do 3. Do youyou have have anyany food? food?

4. Something 4. Something youyou think think everyone everyone should should have have in their in their bag? bag?

5. What 5. What is the is the most most valuable valuable item item youyou carry carry around? around?

1. “Some 1. “Some sunscreen.” sunscreen.”

2. “My 2. “My Chromebook.”

Chromebook.”

3. “I 3. have “I have some some trail trail mix mix andand some some gum.” gum.”

4. “A 4. “A charger.” charger.”

5. “My 5. “My carcar keys.” keys.”

1818

LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

DESIGN DESIGN

BY BBY ERGEN BERGEN QUELLO QUELLO

PHOTOS PHOTOS

BY BBY ERGEN BERGEN QUELLO QUELLO

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER ISSUE ISSUE1919

photos by

design by

ellen Merkley ellen Merkley

21 NOVEMBER ISSUE LHSSTATESMAN.COM 20

LAURA HECKENLAIBLE

BY

As of late, the act of reading has become less patronizing and many people have begun to enjoy the activity they once resented.

Being a high schooler is difficult, but many have found that by seeking out a good book and adding it to their routine, everyday life is a little less boring. By switching up genres or even just beginning their first book since summer reading, teenagers can have something to look forward to at the end of a busy day.

Whether you have been a book lover your whole life or you are just beginning to surpass the initial stages of disgust, it is still very difficult to find a book that you not only like but also one that keeps you engaged throughout the whole story. Instead of just wandering the isles of the library or buying whatever is popular on social media, try out some of the recommendations from your LHS peers and the LHS English department. From history and romance to something a little more adolescent, hopefully, one of these books will hook you in and transport you to a world, unlike anything you have read before.

Abby Berke 9th grade English teacher 1.“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman 2. This is a book that gives a glimpse into why people are the way they are. I teared up multiple times and really felt for the character.

3. This book will punch you in the gut - in a good way.

4. Grief, moving on, second chances, relationships, vulnerability 5. I think it’s important to find the good in everyone, and it’s hard to do that with Ove; that is, until you get his life story. This book reminds us that we don’t always understand another’s situation and to do better for those around us.

Aubrey Windish 11th grade English teacher 1. “Pride & Prejudice” by Jane Austen 2. Utterly bewitched 3. Two Words: Mr. Darcy 4. Regency era, love story, reputation, slow-burn 5. It’s the original enemies-to-lovers romance. What’s not to love?

PHOTO BY DESIGN BY

22

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

Megan McHenry 10th grade English teacher

Josephine Moneke 11th grade

Rachel Bruggeman 12th grade

1. “All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir 2. Disappointed, uplifted, inspired 3. I love how the author uses time and perspective to paint a different picture of the same situation and captures so many themes within the same story; it’s masterfully crafted and has a satisfying ending.

4. Making difficult choices and feeling the effects of them, relationships and trauma and individual growth 5. Anyone who loves to connect with the characters, see different points of view and loves a realistic, painful but beautiful story would thoroughly enjoy this one.

1. “Defy the Night” by Brigid Kemmerer 2. Anticipation and excitement 3. This book is an exciting mix of rebellious actions, hidden identities and an unlikely romance with two different perspectives and well-written emotions.

4. Fantasy, rebellion, hidden identity, romance, fast-paced 5. The book is almost addictive as I have read it 3 times. The second book just came out, called Defend the Dawn and is complex emotionally and in the storyline.

6. Out of many books that I have read (hundreds) this one stands out.

1. “Challenger Deep” by Neal Shusterman 2. Enlightened, tense, heart-broken 3. The cover 4. Schizophrenia, metaphor, intense, mental hospital, ocean 5. It gives deep, valuable insight into the mind of a schizophrenic by using a really good metaphor to do so. I also think it is informative about some of the overarching aspects of having any mental illness, which can be vital to those with mental illnesses in feeling more understood and to those without in their ability to communicate and empathize with almost the majority of the current population.

Griffin Etrheim 10th grade 1. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho 2. Invested and inspired 3. The messages of this book have stuck with me for a while and have helped me get through the toughest points in my life.

4. Slow, detailed, self-discovery, life goals, dedication and religion 5. It’s a really culturally insightful story that shows a different part of the world and has tons of positive messages regarding dedication and individuality.

6. I don’t read very often and for a while, I never had a favorite author or book, but one day I received this book as a gift from my sister and since then nothing has beaten it for me. I would sum up the theme of the book with my favorite saying “trust the process.”

Matias Rojas 11th grade

1. “Roverandom” by J.R.R. Tolkien 2. Fantastic 3. It’s short, sweet, but still pensive.

4. Adventurous, fresh and silly 5. Although it’s a children’s book, its breadth opens it up to all readers.

Whether they are looking for a short and lighthearted break from whatever arduous novels they are currently engrossed in, or are simply looking for a heartfelt, whimsical novella for the less intense readers, Roverandom provides a lively world that will come alive if allowed to and will be sure to evoke smiles, laughs and even maybe some tears.

6. It might not have a convoluted plot, but it has a heart.

Questions 1. What is your favorite book?

2. Describe how you felt while reading this book.

3. Why did you choose this book?

4. Give a few key words to describe the main ideas of the book.

5. Why would you recommend this book?

6. Any additional comments?

LAURA HECKENLAIBLE LAURA HECKENLAIBLE

NOVEMBER ISSUE 23

-ww

M M urphy’s urphy’ Crossword s Crossword

by Thompson Wakefield

DOWN

1. The opposite of “good seas” 4. 33rd governor of South Dakota 5. South Dakotan who ran against Nixon 6. US Army commander in the Battle of Little Bighorn 8. Lakota leader Sitting ____ 9. Private Chargers 10. Have you dug it?

12. Anniversary Dinner Spot 13. Democratic candidate for governor 15. See 22 16. Staple supermarket 20. Black Hills jewelry 22. With 15, The ___ State 24. Senator up for re-election 25. Not a buffalo 26. Representative up for re-election 29. Our state drink 30. Post-church brunch spot 31. Private Knights 33. Largest employer in the state 35. SD state capitol 36. Presidential Warriors

by Thompson Wakefield

DOWN

1. The opposite of “good seas” 4. 33rd governor of South Dakota

BY KATE MATTHES 5. South Dakotan who ran against Nixon 6. US Army commander in the Battle of Little Bighorn 8. Lakota leader Sitting ____ 9. Private Chargers 10. Have you dug it?

12. Anniversary Dinner Spot 13. Democratic candidate for governor 15. See 22 One of the play’s characters, LHS’ drama club presents 16. Staple supermarket Gerry Evans, is played by this year’s fall play: “Dancing at 20. Black Hills jewelry Samuel McConnell, a member Lughnasa.”

22. With 15, The ___ State of the LHS drama club. Gerry Each year hours of effort Evans re-election is a man in his 30s go into the drama club’s 24. Senator up for and the father of Christina performances at LHS, and this 25. Not a buffalo Mundy’s child. Gerry was year’s fall play is no different.

26. Representative up for re-election absent for part of his son’s life Brian Hardie, who organizes 29.

Our state drink but has now returned to renew and directs the club, has spent Hardie studied Irish drama the relationship.

Post-church brunch spot several months preparing for 30. in college, and this particular “My character, [Gerry], this play, including casting the 31.

Private Knights play came recommended to him kind of represents the toxic characters and designing and 33.

Largest employer the state by a colleague. masculinity of in the time,” building a model for the set.

“Dancing At Lughnasa” takes 35.

SD state capitol said McConnell. “During “I love enabling students to place in the 1930s in County 1930s] there was a very Warriors find the value in storytelling. 36. Presidential [the

Donegal, a northern county in Ireland. In the play five sisters, Kate, Maggie, Rose, Christina and Agnes Mundy, raise a child born out of wedlock. Other characters include Jack, who has recently returned home to Ireland, Gerry, the father of Christina’s child and Michael, the son of Gerry and Christina.

According to Hardie, the story takes place during the 2.2.

Lincoln Lincoln St St introduction of modernity to Ireland, when older ways of 3.3.

OurOur state birdstate bird 23.

Presidential Riders 23.

Presidential Riders thinking are starting to make 7.7.

What What one may see one when walking may see when walking way for modern ideas about 25.

Size of the Sioux River 25.

Size of the Sioux River downtown downtown religion, gender expectations 27.

27.

What unites our education centers What unites our education centers 11.

11.

LunchLunch break sandwich break spot sandwich spot and marriage. These themes 28. The magazine you are reading 28. The magazine you are reading are present throughout the 14.

14.

Presidential Presidential Patriots Patriots 32. City’s namesake location story alongside the play’s more 17.

17.

State State division line division line32. City’s namesake location obvious plot about the Mundy 34.

Presidential Cavaliers 34.

Presidential Cavaliers 18.

18.

Jesse Jesse James jumped James his gulch jumped his gulch family.

35. Current mayor of Siouxof Fallsthe 35. Current mayor of Sioux Falls 19.

19. ___ City, ___ or like City the movement , or like of the the movement “It’s a play of subtleties… it 37. Neighbor to the east 37. Neighbor to the east Falls Falls is very subtextual in its dealing Find the Find the answers on our website at largest mountain carving with all of this,” said Hardie.

21.

21.

Patrick Patrick who demanded who liberty demanded or death 38. World’sliberty orcarving death 38. World’s largest mountain DESIGN BY KATE MATTHES Theater is an experience, it’s an art form that only exists in the moments that it’s right there in front of you,” said Hardie.

ACROSS ACROSS

24

39. Disc golf locale 40. SD state animal

24 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

lhsstatesman.com 39.

Disc golf locale artwork by Emma Forster 40. SD state animal design by Emma Forster

PHOTOS BY

KATE MATTHES

ARTWORK PROVIDED BY JACALYN

BECHARD AND BRIAN HARDIE

patriarchal society, women weren’t as respected… [The play] follows the story of how these five women are able to break society’s constraints on them and be themselves.”

Students who watch the play will also experience a variety of other complex characters in addition to Gerry.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” will be shown at LHS in the little theater on Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. The price is $5 per ticket and there will be an additional matinee on Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. Seating for this show will be limited, so make sure to get there right away and enjoy the show!

“No one’s in the right, no one’s in the wrong, everyone is human, a lot of these answers onbadour characters have done things website at lhsstatesman.com but they’ve also done good things,” said McConnell. artwork by Emma Forster

NOVEMBER ISSUE

design by Emma Forster

25

THE WAY OF WATER

BY

26

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

ADDISON REMME

After 13 years of patiently waiting, the sequel to “Avatar: The Way of Water,” is almost here. Set to release on Dec. 16, 2022, the world of Pandora will be hitting the big screen once more.

Due to the fact that the movie has been in the development stage for almost 12 years, it has left fans plenty of time to theorize what the film may be about and what characters may return. Nonetheless, no one actually knows what the movie’s plot will be about. When looking at the trailer for the film, fans have come to the conclusion that there will be a fight or war, but with who? In a couple of clips, it depicts humans constructing buildings of some sort that make up a much larger city, appearing to be inhabited by humans. This leads to the question of why and how the humans are back at Pandora, as they were forced to leave in the first film. Some viewers speculate that they never left, but instead just moved. Others hypothesize they first went to their ‘spaceship,’ but then soon returned when they were left with no other option, due to the fact that earth was essentially becoming uninhabitable.

As of now, all that has been confirmed by director James Cameron is that “a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started,” leading fans to believe humans will be the main conflict of the movie.

The release of the trailer not only gave clues as to what the plot could be but also what characters are likely to return, along with what new characters will be introduced.

Clearly, the main characters such as Jake and Neytiri will be in the film, but some faces depicted in the trailer gave viewers a

shock. In the trailer, there are multiple scenes with what seems to be an Avatar or Navi (which is the name used to describe the Avatar people) in the form of Colonel Quaritch, one of the main villains from the first film.

The Avatar even appears to have the same tattoo that Quaritch had as a human. This puzzled fans because in the first film, Quaritch supposedly died, or so the audience thought. Some fans have pointed out that the movie never actually showed Quaritch’s dead body, just him being shot by Neytiri and presumably dying. Stephen Lang, the actor who plays Quaritch, has confirmed that he is in the new movie, which only leaves one real answer: Quaritch is alive.

In the trailer, viewers were also introduced to Jake and Neytiri’s kids.

They have three biological children: Neteyam, their first son and oldest child, Lo’ak, their second son; and Tuktirey, their daughter and youngest child. They also have two adopted kids, a human boy named Miles and a daughter named Kiri.

Interestingly enough, Kiri has been confirmed to be the reincarnation of Doctor Grace Augustine, who died in the first film.

Kiri is even

being played by Sigourney Weaver, the same actor who played Dr. Augustine.

Another character introduced in the trailer is a young Navi girl. No one actually knows her name or who she is, only that she is not like other Avatar people due to the fact that she is green instead of blue. This has confused many people because the Navi people have only ever been portrayed as blue. Viewers have concluded that she is likely part of another tribe of Navi people named the Metkayina tribe, who are a more aquatic tribe that lives on the coast of Pandora. This could explain why she is a different color from the other Navi people which viewers are used to seeing.

Although the trailer and some actors from the film have provided many clues of what to expect for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” those are only small pieces to a much bigger puzzle. “Avatar” director James Cameron claims that viewers will not be able to predict “Avatar: The Way of Water” and cannot wait for fans to see what he has planned. The only thing left to do is patiently wait until its release on Dec. 16 to see for yourself what Cameron has in store.

ELLEN MERKLEY ADDISON REMME PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FLICKR

ARTWORK BY DESIGN BY

HERE IS YOUR BOAT!

BY

GABE SCHMIT

BY

GABE SCHMIT

PUMPKIN’S REVENGE

GOT GHOULS? SOURCED SOURCED FROM LOCAL FROM LOCAL BURIAL SITES! BURIAL SITES!

HERE IS YOUR BOAT!

PUMPKIN’S REVENGE

GOT GHOULS?

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THIS WEB!

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THIS WEB!

Almost everyone can Almost everyone can recall their experienc recall their experienc es as, encountering es as a kid, encountering th a kid the one house on the e one house on the blo blo ck on ck on Halloween night that Ha llo we en night that neither neither you nor your you nor your friends frienre ds brave enough to were brave enough to we approach. While loo approach. W hile lookin kin g back on this now might make th g back onw might make you cringe a little, em is no you cringe a little, em bath ba rrasseyo rra with your younger sel wi ssed d ur yo un ger self, there are sti f, there are still plent ll plenty of spooky y of sprat decorations around th de ooky ions around th co at may make today’s at may make today’s childth children feel rene all the same. all feesam l e.

Haunted houses (and, Haunted houses (and, scary decorations) did scary decorations) did have a mainstream inf ha no not luence in the U.S. un ve at mainstream influence in the U.S. un til th til th e 19 e to 90s when theme pa to 19 90 80 80s s s wh en theme parks, such rks, such as Knott’s Be as Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Great anrry Farm Flags Great d Six Adventure, began to Adventure, began to advertise advertise “haunted” attractions “h annually around the aunted” attractions annually around the tim time of Halloween. These att Ha e of ractions soon caught lloween. These attractions soon caught on on wi with the th the public, becomi general public, becomi ge ng incorporated into neral ng incorporated into po p p culture, cu advertising the ident adpo lture, sing the identity of th ity of the whole Hallo verti e whole Halloween ho en .holiday itself. itswe elf liday Although not many Although not many go full-bone during th go full-bone during th e month of October in Sioux of e mo tob h er in Sioux Falls Falls, a small selection Ocnt , a small selection of REALLY REALLY (REALLY) (REALLY) SKELLINGTON’S BACK homp houses do compete in makin do ofco us es ete in making the best sca g the best scares avail res available for the le for young and old alike, yoab th un e g an TALL SKELETON TALL SKELETON FOR THE HOLIDAYS d old alike, covering their covering their yard in yard in various ghouls, ghosts, fiend ghvarious s and whatever unde ouls, ghosts, fiends and whatever unde ad ad relatives rel ati decided to tag along de ves to tag along fro from the local mortu cided m the local mortuar y aree y upt. up the street. Seen to the sid str theSeen to the sid es, here are some of es, here are some of the be th e best, and st, spookiest, haunted de spoo anst, kie d haunted decorat corations around Sio ion aro und Sioux Falls.

PHOTOSs

BY G ABE SCHMIT ux Falls.

28 28 LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM DESIGN BY

GABE SCHMIT

SKELLINGTON’S BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PHOTOS BY GABE NOVEMBER ISSUE DESIGN BY GABE

SCHMIT 29 SCHMIT

by

Daniel Valentine

This season was a long one for the LHS Marching Band, as they made history at each competition they attended. As the marching season comes to a close, a recap of competitions is necessary and overdue.

The band kicked off their season with the field show “Houdini: Unchained” on Sept. 17, where they attended the Pursuit of Excellence competition in Marshall, MN. The band rode back into town as the champions of this competition. Every weekend that followed was packed with performances, both in competition and exhibition. The following Saturday was a big day for the band, as they made history on the field at the Bands of America (BOA) Iowa Regional Championship. This is one of the biggest competitions a high school can attend, and historically had never been won by a band from South Dakota. That is, until Sept. 24, 2022.

“I knew we had the potential [to win BOA], but we didn’t really know how things would shake out,” said Daniel Carlson, head director.

The band performed first in preliminary performance at 11:45 a.m. and last in finals at

10:15 p.m. All in all, this day was a long one for the Marching Patriots. They had left town at 4 a.m. that morning and did not return until 5 a.m. on Sunday. Despite this, LHS took first place in their competitive class in preliminary performance, and other awards presented included outstanding general effect, outstanding musical performance and outstanding visual performance. The band made history for the entire state by being the first group from SD to win a BOA competition. This year, 15 bands attended this competition in Waukee -- some hailing from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas. The closest the LHS Marching Band had ever come to winning the Iowa Regional was 37 years ago in 1985, where the band came in second place.

“This [level of achievement] is about what I was expecting for the band, it’s been pretty awesome,” said Drew Balta, the new assistant band director.

The next weekend, the band co-hosted a competition of their own in Sioux Falls, entitled Festival of Bands. Other hosts included the sounds of JHS, RHS, WHS and OGHS. The morning started off with a

parade where 25 bands were judged for their street marching, interluded and followed by the hosts and USD’s band in exhibition. The bands carried onto Howard Wood Field for competition, where LHS performed their field show in exhibition as the final adieu.

“I think that band kids are band kids everywhere, and band kids are great. But I also think that Lincoln band kids are a bit different, they’re pretty special,” said Balta.

Next, the Marching Patriots moved onto Youth in Music, a competition held in Minneapolis, MN. This event also doubled as the MN State championship. The band woke up early for this trip as well, departing the school at 6 a.m. and once again not arriving home until 4 a.m. the next day.

They performed in preliminary competition at 3:15 p.m., and their finals performance was at 10 p.m. The band was also joined in competition with their closest companions and rivals, BVHS. While this event was the MN state championship, LHS took second place, followed by BVHS in third. Other awards presented included outstanding guard and outstanding hornline. Rosemount High School was the champion of this competition, but it

was a close call. Rosemount, who has been one of the LHS’s biggest competitors since 2009, came in first place with a final score of 88.2.

LHS came in second with 87.6, followed by BVHS with 85.0. The 0.6 point difference gave the LHS band confidence for their next event.

“I think people are gonna have pretty high expectations [after a win]. Every time you succeed, their expectations go up, and it’s hard to maintain success,” said Carlson.

Finally, the BOA Super Regional Championship was the last event in LHS’s competitive season. This event is held in St. Louis, MO. The trip was made entirely in charter buses, and the drive was split across two days. The band left school early on Thursday, boarding the buses at 2:20 p.m. They had a three hour rehearsal Friday morning in Blue Valley High School’s stadium in Stilwell, KS. The time on the field was lent to the Patriots by the school’s directors.

After this, the band continued on to St. Louis, arriving at the Dome at America’s Center at 6:40 p.m. to watch and cheer on two of their competitors. On Saturday, the band performed in preliminary competition at 9:15 a.m. and left the stadium for a lunch break. Upon

their return, they watched the remaining competitors and anxiously awaited for results of their performance.

“I’ve never been to BOA before.

[Regionals] was my first event, so it was a night that I’ll remember forever. Watching [the band’s] reaction was pretty awesome, that was the highlight for me,” said Balta.

The top 14 bands that moved onto finals were announced in no particular order, but LHS was the 13th band to be announced.

After a collective sigh of relief and a quick celebration, the band prepared itself for its last performance on a field. A large meal and several pep talks were in order for the Marching Patriots, which many spent with their closest friends in the activity. Many seniors gave somber and encouraging speeches before the warm-up, and the band returned to the field for the last time. They stepped off for their last competition at 9:30 p.m. that night, and were quickly turned back onto the field for a “full retreat.” “[The Lincoln band is] really special and it’s been a lot of fun to get to be a part of this culture,” said Balta.

During the awards ceremony, all members

of the finalist bands are welcomed onto the field in a large block to await placement announcements. The band’s placement was similar to the Regional BOA, as it made history for not just the school, but the entire state. Placing fourth may not sound like a lot to some bands but for the Marching Patriots, this was a new record. LHS is the first SD band to ever make the top five in the Super Regional contest. The band has attended this event a total of eight times, only four of which they have made finals. The 2022 season was also the only time the Patriots had been in BOA finals two seasons in a row. The 2021 show, entitled “Queen’s Gambit,” had placed 11th in Super Regional finals, which was LHS’s previously highest ranked performance.

The 2022 show now has the honor of being the best recorded show in LHS band history.

“It’s pretty awesome [to make history].

It’s hard to do, so it’s pretty cool to do it,” said Carlson.

lhs Marching banD parents lhs statesMan

photos proViDeD by Design by

DESIGN DESIGN

BY K BY ATE KATE TOLLINGER TOLLINGER ARTWORK ARTWORK

BY JBY ADA JADA SANDVALL SANDVALL & E& LLEN ELLEN MERKLEY MERKLEY

Sophie Sophie Siegel Siegel hashas worked worked at the at the Scheels Scheels IcePlex IcePlex forfor four four years years andand typically typically only only works works onon thethe weekends. weekends.

The The best best part part of of herher jobjob is working is working with with herher best best friends friends andand getting getting lotslots of of tipstips with with herher bigbig smile. smile.

Scheels Scheels IcePlex IcePlex

3232

LHSSTATESMAN.COM LHSSTATESMAN.COM

A Perfect A Perfect 1010 nail nail salon salon

Sanford Sanford Hospital Hospital gift gift shop shop

Kaladi’s Kaladi’s Bistro Bistro

*Featured *Featured onon thethe map map

Ariahna Ariahna Wells Wells - Scheels - Scheels Jennifer Jennifer Noutsougan Noutsougan - Scheels - Scheels *Milena *Milena Vercellino Vercellino - Ace - Ace Hardware Hardware onon Minnesota Minnesota Ave. Ave. Avery Avery Lloyd Lloyd - Precious - Precious Angels Angels Daycare Daycare *Andrew *Andrew Werner Werner - Dairy - Dairy Queen Queen onon Minnesota Minnesota Ave. Ave. Adie Adie Theophilus Theophilus - Dakota - Dakota Spirit Spirit Zoe Zoe Larson Larson - Hy-Vee - Hy-Vee onon Minnesota Minnesota Ave. Ave. Zavian Zavian Winter Winter - Journeys - Journeys in in thethe mall mall *Cate *Cate Naro Naro - Sanford - Sanford Hospital Hospital giftgift shop shop Sophia Sophia Johnson Johnson - Scheels - Scheels IcePlex IcePlex *Ella *Ella Kortan Kortan - Abiding - Abiding Savior Savior daycare daycare Camdyn Camdyn Ernster Ernster - Avera - Avera Prince Prince of ofPeace Peace Nursing Nursing home home *Emma *Emma Weisz Weisz - A- Perfect A Perfect 1010 nail nail salon salon *Morgan *Morgan Leslie Leslie - Pizza - Pizza Ranch Ranch onon 41st 41st street street Aiden Aiden Johanning Johanning - Ace - Ace Hardware Hardware onon Minnesota Minnesota Ave. Ave. *Cheyenne *Cheyenne Sanger Sanger - Kaladi’s - Kaladi’s Bistro Bistro *Ilee *Ilee Neemeyer Neemeyer - Yankton - Yankton Trails Trails Katherine Katherine Jones Jones - Eileen’s - Eileen’s Colossal Colossal Cookies Cookies and and Journeys Journeys in in thethe mall mall Gennalyn Gennalyn Sleight Sleight - Papa - Papa Murphy’s Murphy’s Natalie Natalie Stevens Stevens - Scooter’s - Scooter’s onon Minnesota Minnesota Ave. Ave. *Sophie *Sophie Siegel Siegel - Scheels - Scheels Iceplex Iceplex Grace Grace Mandsager Mandsager - Child’s - Child’s Play Play Toys Toys Jada Jada Sandvall Sandvall - Scooter’s - Scooter’s onon 12th 12th St.St. and and Massage Massage Envy Envy Phinehas Phinehas Kroesche Kroesche - Hy-Vee - Hy-Vee onon Sycamore Sycamore Ave. Ave.

Sanford Hospital

Pizza Pizza Ranch Ranch Empire Empire Mall Mall Hy-Vee Hy-Vee

Cate Cate Naro Naro hashas worked worked at at thethe Sanford Sanford Hospital Hospital giftgift shop shop forfor about about a year a year andand works works 14 14 hours hours every every other other weekend. weekend.

The The best best part part ofwofw herher jobjob is is getting getting to to deliver deliver gifts gifts to to patients. patients.

Eileen’s Eileen’s Colossal Colossal Cookies Cookies Scheels Scheels

Dakota Dakota Spirit Spirit

Dairy Dairy Queen Queen

Andrew Andrew Werner Werner hashas worked worked at Dairy at Dairy Queen Queen forfor sixsix months months andand works works 14 14 hours hours a week. a week.

The The best best part part of of hishis jobjob is is interacting interacting with with new new customers customers each each day.day.

Massage Massage Envy Envy

Abiding Savior Abiding Savior Daycare Daycare

When When taking taking a a look look atat the themap mapofofSioux SiouxFalls, Falls,the the hard hardwork workofofLHS LHSstudents students goes goesfarfarbeyond beyondthe thewalls wallsofof the theschool schoolitself. itself.Even Evenafter after eight eighthour hourschool schooldays, days,most most students studentsstill stillmanage managetotofind find the thetime timetotowork workmultiple multiple times timesa aweek. week.Having Havinga ajob job while whileininhigh highschool schoolmay maybebe a ahuge hugesacrifice sacrificebut butatatthis this age age the the paycheck paycheck and and the the opportunities opportunitiesthat thatcome comealong along totomake makeananimpact impactaround around the thecommunity communityshould shouldallallbebe worth worthit.it.

Cate Naro has worked at the Sanford Hospital gift shop for about a year and works 14 hours every other weekend. The best part ofw her job is getting to deliver gifts to patients.

Cheyenne Cheyenne Sanger Sanger hashas worked worked at Kaladi’s at Kaladi’s Bistro Bistro since since April April of of thisthis year year andand works works 10-15 10-15 hours hours a week. a week.

Her Her favorite favorite part part is is putting putting garnishes garnishes onon thethe food food as as it comes it comes to to thethe window. window.

Ace Hardware Ace Hardware

BYBY KATE KATE TOLLINGER TOLLINGER

Emma Emma Weisz Weisz hashas worked worked at at A Perfect A Perfect 10 10 Nail Nail Salon Salon forfor almost almost a year a year andand usually usually works works 20 20 hours hours a week. a week.

The The best best part part of of herher jobjob areare thethe people people sheshe gets gets to to meet meet andand thethe connections connections sheshe hashas made made with with coworkers coworkers andand clients. clients.

LHS LHS

r has ’s l of rks ek. is s on mes

i’s

Morgan Morgan Leslie Leslie hashas worked worked at Pizza at Pizza Ranch Ranch since since December December of of 2020 2020 andand typically typically works works 40 40 hours hours a week. a week.

Her Her jobjob hashas brought brought herher to to meet meet so so many many new new people people andand hashas ledled herher to to some some of of herher best best friends. friends.

One One of of herher favorite favorite tasks tasks to to do do at her at her jobjob is cutting is cutting thethe pizzas. pizzas.

Avera Avera Prince Prince of of Peace Peace Nursing Nursing home home Precious Precious Angels Angels Daycare Daycare

Ella Ella Kortan Kortan hashas worked worked at Abiding at Abiding Savior Savior daycare daycare forfor fivefive months months andand works works around around 40 40 hours hours a week. a week.

Her Her favorite favorite part part is working is working with with all all thethe kids kids andand two two of of herher closest closest friends. friends.

Andrew Werner has worked at Dairy Queen for six months and works IleeIlee Neemeyer Neemeyer hashas worked worked at Yankton at Yankton Trails Trails forfor two two years. years.

SheShe typically typically works works three three hours hours each each week week andand hashas lotslots of of flexibility flexibility when when it comes it comes to to work work time. time.

The The best best part part of of herher jobjob is getting is getting to to teach teach andand watch watch soccer soccer while while being being outdoors. outdoors.

Milena Milena Vercellino Vercellino hashas worked worked at Ace at Ace Hardware Hardware forfor sixsix months months andand works works nine nine hours hours a week. a week.

Her Her favorite favorite part part of of herher jobjob is the is the freefree food food onon Saturdays.

Saturdays.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER ISSUE ISSUE 3333

BY

LUCAS HIATT

The conclusion of the fall sports seasons is always a stressful time for coaches who will have their final chances to prepare their teams for the post-season.

Coaches for the LHS volleyball teams have been making their final preparations during the season to prepare for their upcoming playoff games.

LHS volleyball has built up their team after having lost several seniors from the previous year. Not only this, but they have also acquired new coaching staff thus bringing a new dynamic to the team. Head coach Katie Tirrel and JV coach Nikki Nyhaug have formed a bond in their first year with the team in order to make them successful.

This has been made possible by the players’ trust in the coaching staff throughout the season. The relationship between the players and the coaches has had a huge impact on the outcome of the games in past years at LHS. Because of this, it is very impressive that LHS volleyball has managed to find its rhythm on the court.

“The girls [have]

trusted what we have had going on,” said Tirrel.

“We’re a different style than they’ve ever had before, [so] having the

minimized errors from serving and passing and they will continue to work on these elements of the game in order to be

mentality of ‘we trust our coaches’ [is] very important.”

With their State tournament coming up, the LHS volleyball team is continuing what they have done all season by focusing on the components of the game that have brought the team victories all year.

They are also relying on the team’s chemistry and allowing the team to function together as a unit. This team has thrived when they have

successful. The team has developed a theme all year of controlling their side of the floor and they can be expected to perform well as long as they keep this focus and mentality throughout the State tournament.

“All year we’ve emphasized controlling our side of the floor,” said Tirrel. “We’re working on fundamental skills, but we don’t do anything terribly different now that we’re nearing the end of the year, we just have to finish strong.”

Focusing on the little things is another objective the coaches have created for their team. This not only includes improving skill wise, but it also means the team must stay strong mentally.

The mental side of the game always tends to become an increasing factor toward the end of the season for each player. The coaches are focusing on keeping the team mentally strong throughout the final stretch of the state tournament.

They are aware of the physical capacity of their team, but they know the mental side may hinder their ability to perform in the post-season.

“We have to really break down physical skill, so we don’t let our minds get in the way,” said Tirrel.

DESIGN BY

34

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

LUCAS HIATT KATE TOLLINGER

BY

RAINA MARTY

Are you ever running to the beat of your favorite song, pushing your body while the whole world is shut out all because of the music in you ear? You are so distracted by what you are listening to that you can not feel the stabbing pain in your muscles as you go the extra mile. So when is listening to music beneficial to runners? LHS XC, or cross country, has a different take when it comes to listening to music while running.

Listening to music while running is not necessarily bad.

Individual runners are more likely to know what helps them most when it comes to the sport. Athletes have different preferences, likes and dislikes when training for big races and events.

“Personally, I do not think that listening to music is a huge factor in how one performs during a race, but it is rather a preference for LHS XC athletes when they train individually,” said LHS senior XC runner Cole Capaldo.

All athletes have different outlooks on music and whether they feel it benefits them or not. Some may find it a bad distraction as it makes them less aware of their surroundings. This could lead to accidents, while other athletes tend to find it a good distraction.

“There can be a benefit to listening to music. It can help you focus on something else, like a song or a podcast, than the intensity of the workout and make the workout feel shorter. Not listening to music can be more of the preference of not carrying your phone with you while you’re running outside since it is just extra weight,” said LHS senior XC runner Jonathon Falconer.

Since music is not a huge factor when it comes to running, XC athletes find a different ongoing stimulus to power them through training, which later helps in races.

“In my opinion listening to music does not help me. A lot of us prefer not to listen to music. Instead, most of us enjoy interacting with each other to get to know the team better,” said LHS freshman XC runner Miles Lectenburg.

Athletes are never told they are not allowed to train with

music. The inclination to have conversations with their teammates overrides the desire to receiving that music while running. Not only is talking to a teammate while running a good distraction, but it helps the athlete keep a good pace and breathing pattern, no different from hearing music.

“I have never heard my coach say ‘no music’ but we do not bring our phones out. We usually have our teammates to invoke conversation to distract us on a long run or workout,” said Falconer.

The conversations that the team has with one another seems to bond them as they train. The connections between the athletes show how those around them are more important than music in their ears.

“By engaging with others it allows us to build a greater team bond and better relationships throughout the season which I believe makes the team as a whole a more fun and enjoyable environment,” said Capaldo.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY

DESIGN BY

RAINA MARTY LHS CROSS COUNTRY

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY

NOVEMBER ISSUE

35

BY

ZOE LARSON

One of LHS’s very own athletes is making history this year by having the highest number of blocks in the entire state of South Dakota.

Standing at 6’, Jazmen Kutey, nicknamed Jazz, is a middle hitter for the LHS varsity volleyball team. Kutey is currently a junior, but her interest in volleyball started at a far younger age.

“I started playing volleyball in third grade. I played [for] EmBe and I have done it every year since,” said Kutey.

EmBe is a common starting ground for kids to get acquainted with volleyball and for Kutey, it was the first place that started her love for the sport. As time went on, Kutey started improving in her skills, and by the time she was a junior, she had earned herself a spot on the varsity team. One of those skills is the ability to block the ball before it lands on LHS’s side of the court, and that skill has led her to the top of the statistics list for South Dakota.

According to MaxPreps, Kutey has 132 blocks so far this season, which puts her in first place throughout the state, along with having a .4 hitting percentage, putting her in second place for that category.

Kutey, along with some others on the varsity team, are on top of the stats list, a level of competitiveness which warrants a large audience. At LHS’s volleyball games, dozens of spectators come to watch the team play, and with so many people watching, it is unsurprising that the players get nervous. For Kutey, being in the spotlight has made her play better.

“It has made me more confident because when I first started, I was not really outgoing,” said Kutey. “But being in front of a big crowd has improved my confidence because everyone is watching me.”

Kutey is grateful for the opportunities she has been given, and is glad to be spending them with her teammates.

The team has won 17 games this year out of the 27 total so far, and within these three short months that they have played together, the team has grown closer.

“We are doing overall really good; in the beginning of

36

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

BY

ZOE

LARSON

of LHS’s ve the season we did not really know each other, but One y by having the throughout this year, we have had a lot ear of time to sta te of South Dak connect and spend time together,” said Kutey. “Our Standing at 6’, J relationship [as a team] has gotten stronger and we middle hitter for th have connected more.” cur rently a junior , Team dinners, long practices and lengthy bus rides far younger age. are just some of the things that bring these athletes star ted playin closer together. The volleyball program as a whole “I [for] EmBe and I h has been made stronger through the connections and Kutey . the admirable friendships the team has formed with EmBe is a comm each other. Despite being so close with her teammates, with vo Kutey still has her strugglesacquainted and is not always the place that star ted h easygoing person she appears to be.

Kutey star ted impr “I would say just being there mentally [is the a junior , she ha most difficult], because it is was hard when you are not One of those doing your best,” said Kutey.team. “[One of the hardest before it lands on L things about being on the varsity team is losing] led her to the top o sleep because we go According to Ma to different states and season, which puts towns and we always along with having get back late.” second place for th The life of a student Kutey , along wit athlete can appear on top of the stats to be glamorous war r ants a large au and thrilling on the dozens of spectato outside, but in reality, with so many peop that is not always true. pla y er s get ner vou Regardless of the made her pla y bett challenges that being a “It has made me student athlete entails, star ted, I was not r it has made Kutey a in front of a big cr better person. because ever yone i Kutey is undeniably Kutey is g r atefu an athlete to be given, and is glad t watched this next year, The team has won and it will be exciting so far , and within t to see how far her hard pla y ed together , th work takes her.

“W e are doing o ZOE LARSON

36 ARTWORK BY ZOE LARSON DESIGN BY

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY

GABE SCHMIT

LHSSTATES NOVEMBER ISSUE 37

by

Reese Duncan

Every generation has been affected by their longing for the “good ol’ days.” Whether it be the 40-year-olds who continue their “Friends” obsession, baby boomers who reminisce about the days before computers or teenagers who reflect on the world before COVID-19.

But what even is this feeling that is so universal to the human experience? How does it affect daily life?

Nostalgia is commonly defined as an emotional longing for the past, which could entail feelings of happiness, sadness or anything in between. It forms at a crossroads between the sadness of loss and the happiness that the memory or time holds, making nostalgia a uniquely complex emotional phenomenon.

The concept of nostalgia itself has been around for generations; however, the definitions and opinions surrounding it have not always been the same.

In 1688, Swiss physician Johannes Hofer proposed the term and concept of nostalgia. Hofer was merely a 19-year-old medical student, yet his proposition affected the views of many other doctors for centuries. According to the National Institutes of Health, this original idea of nostalgia “referred to a state of moral pain associated with the forced separation from family and social environment.”

While Hofer is credited with naming the phenomenon, nostalgia existed for many years before his proposal. Julie Beck from The Atlantic states that “during the Thirty Years’ War…the disease came 38

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

to be associated with soldiers, particularly Swiss soldiers, who were reportedly so susceptible to nostalgia when they heard a particular Swiss milking song, Khue-Reyen, that its playing was punishable by death.” Because of strong effects like these, nostalgia was actually considered to be a psychological disorder, and this definition persisted for many years into the 20th century.

There were even proposed cures to nostalgia, none of which proved to help anyone. Beck also states that some of the treatments included “leeches, purging the stomach and ‘warm hypnotic emulsions,’ whatever that unspeakable horror might be.”

As time progressed and medical practices modernized, nostalgia slowly escaped its negative connotations. As Laine Kaplan-Levenson from NPR puts it, “after about 100 years of searching for a literal nostalgia bone in the body, doctors started to slowly give up on the idea that nostalgia was a physical illness.” In other words, many doctors realized that it was not an ailment, but rather an aspect of the human experience. The concept that Hofer formed eventually lost its credibility. KaplanLevenson also discusses how people realized that “nostalgia wasn’t a disease, and it wasn’t straight-up homesickness. It wasn’t an incurable illness, but an incurable, modern condition in reaction to modernity itself.”

Nowadays, nostalgia has become a topic of daily

conversation and media. It can be triggered by almost anything, from music or TV to even the most random of objects. As modernization rages on, new trends flood the world and people rapidly move from place to place, nostalgia is more common than ever. It goes further than just an emotion; nostalgia serves multiple purposes for the human psyche throughout every stage of life. Psychologist and professor Dr. Krystine Batcho explains that “nostalgia, by motivating us to remember the past in our own life, helps to unite us to that authentic self and remind us of who we have been and then compare that to who we feel we are today.” In the ever-changing modern world, it has become so easy to lose sight of a true sense of self, demonstrating a need for nostalgia.

Yet, our minds continue to trick us into believing that the past was a perfect paradise that is no longer attainable. Dr. Batcho also adds that scientists “have decades of cognitive research that show that the general default is that memories are not accurate, and that’s true for all kinds of memories.” A baby boomer may be nostalgic for the days of “flower power” and Woodstock, but they could forget to think about the violence and widespread racism that occurred during that time. In this way, nostalgia acts as a doubleedged sword. People can gain comfort through romanticizing the past, but they can also distort the true reality of life, causing them to reach for a past and present that simply does not exist.

As Dr. Valentina Stoycheva from Psychology Today states, “reflecting on the past…can undoubtedly offer significant benefits for well-being. However, when taken to an extreme, nostalgia can…lead to unhelpful behaviors and negative consequences, and…prevent us from utilizing more helpful coping strategies.”

Hence, there can always be too much of a good thing.

When experienced in moderation, nostalgia can be a needed comfort in reaction to a rapidly changing society. Too much reliance on it, however, can lead to an extreme contortion of the past to fit an unrealistic mold that could damage a person’s psychological outlook for years to come.

Both the history and modern understanding of nostalgia show that the present is the best place to be, well, present. By taking one day at a time, people may realize that the “good ol’ days” have been here all along.

Design by Reese Duncan aRtwoRk by JaDa sanDvall

NOVEMBER ISSUE 39

Finding meaning in

BY

FISHER MEYERINK

I don’t believe that I am going to die. I know that I will, but I don’t believe it. I doubt that any of us have truly come to terms with the fact that they will reach an end to our existence as we know it, and transition into a much more ambiguous, scarier state of consciousness. Being dead is one of the few things that we simply cannot imagine, like trying to think of a new color or taste. Yet, despite not truly having processed that we will die, the concept continues to influence every aspect of our lives.

No matter whether you believe in life after death, a lack of it or anything in between, death itself is still inevitable. As we grow older, death becomes more and more real, as people we know reach the end and as we slowly run out of new experiences. Our reactions to this vary wildly, but the main question that festers in our minds, becoming louder and louder with the passing of each day, is whether any of it matters. If any of the joy and suffering that have shaped our lives, if any of the good and evil we have done or if any of what we have created and destroyed in our approximately 73 years on this planet will matter in the end. I don’t think it will, at least, not on a cosmic scale.

According to the most recent estimates,, our planet has existed for around 4.53 billion years. Of 40

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

those, humans have only existed for 300,000; only 0.007% of the Earth’s age. In seven to eight billion years, our Sun will die, likely killing all life on our planet and with it, everything that our species has accomplished. We already know how our story will end, and it’s not happily ever after. But what does matter is that we’re alive at all. Though it’s been said a million times, our existence in itself is a biological miracle. The probability that we even exist at all is so astronomically low that it has led people to believe that it must have meaning, and it does. Beyond just being alive, we’ve been granted the ability to think, a trait few other species possess. Beyond thinking, what defines us as humans is primarily our understanding of our own death, something that we know will happen but haven’t accepted.

As a society, we try to best death in countless ways. We create religions, we follow strict dieting routines, we have as many children as possible. We create art, we wage wars, we try to make positive change. Despite the inevitability and totality of death, we still try to find some sort of loophole; something that would absolve us from the plane of existence that 109 billion of our ancestors are now trapped in. Even though we likely won’t admit it, every second since we were brought into this

world, we have been fighting for our lives.

Despite not accepting death, we regularly use it as justification for our choices. People who ultimately decide to exist in the moment and seek nothing but pure happiness say that because nothing matters, neither does the nothing they’ve ultimately accomplished. People who do all they can to accumulate the most material value or respect possible do what they do to build something that is able to outlive them. The thing about the absolutism of death is that it means every possible interpretation of it is valid.

When I’m at my lowest, I know whatever I’m dealing with at the time will eventually be past me, and it helps me get through it.

When I’m at my highest, I know it will end, and it helps me savor the moment. What makes the highs of life so enjoyable is the knowledge that they are never a guarantee.

What I know is that for me at least, death has been an empowering thing.

Though I say that none of us have a way to envision death, I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

A way I like to think about death is by trying to remember my seventhgrade year of school because I can’t. I have vague feelings and memories of the time, but ultimately I fail to remember who I was, what I did with my free time and if I was happy. And yet, I know that year in some way contributed to who I am. Perhaps that is what it means to be alive. Maybe our lives, likely to be forgotten in just a couple of generations, are valuable in that they are a tiny moment in the history of humanity; a small explanation of who we are today, and what we will be tomorrow.

FISHER MEYERINK ARTWORK BY FISHER MEYERINK

DESIGN BY

11

4.0

*a*asatire* satire*

TAKE TAKEPLENTY PLENTYOF OFNAPS NAPS

InInorder ordertotonot notget gettired tiredononthe thedays daysyou you actually actuallygogototoschool, school,naps napsare area go-to. a go-to.Whether Whether it itbebeforforonly only1515minutes minutesororthree threehours, hours,any anytime time frame framehelps helpsyou youbebesuccessful. successful.Personally, Personally,I really I really love lovenaps, naps,and andI look I lookforward forwardtotostaying stayinghome home simply simplyforforthat thatreason. reason.Sometimes Sometimesthat thateight eight hours hoursofofsleep sleepis isjust justnot notenough, enough,extend extendit ittoto1212 oror1515and andyou youare aregolden. golden.

MAKE MAKESCHOOL SCHOOLAA FASHION FASHIONSHOW SHOW

Now Nowthis thismight mightjust justbebethe the fashionista fashionistaininme mebut buta dress a dressoror skirt skirtnever neverhurt hurtanybody. anybody.When When you youare areatathome, home,it itis issuper supereasy easy totowant wanttotolounge loungearound aroundinina a sweatshirt sweatshirtand andsweatpants sweatpantsbut but when whenyou youare areactually actuallyatatschool school why whynot notspruce spruceit itupupa bit? a bit?My My go-to go-tooutfit outfithas hastotobebea pair a pairofof corduroy corduroypants, pants,a cute a cutetop topand anda a pair pairofofConverse.

Converse.InInmy myopinion, opinion, being beingattentive attentiveininschool schoolis isa lot a lot easier easiertotododowhen whenyou youlook lookcute. cute.

33 DESIGN DESIGN

BY J BY ADA JADA SANDVALL SANDVALL

PHOTOS PHOTOS

BY J BY ADA JADA SANDVALL SANDVALL

BYBY JADA JADASANDVALL SANDVALL , E, DITOR EDITOR -IN-IN -C-C HIEF HIEF

All Allthroughout throughoutmy mylife, life,I have I havebeen beenscolded scolded forforgetting gettingtotoschool schoolonontime timeand andstaying stayingforfor the thewhole wholeday; day;I even I eventhink thinkI received I receiveda perfect a perfect attendance attendanceaward awardininfourth fourthgrade. grade.However, However, last lastyear, year,I missed I missedalmost almost350 350periods periodsofof school… school…only onlyininthe thesecond secondsemester semesterand and somehow somehowI still I stillmanaged managedtotocome comeout outonontop. top.

If IfI am I ambeing beinghonest, honest,I am I ampretty prettysure sureI have I have been beenlied liedtotoforforallall1313years yearsofofmy myeducational educational career careerabout aboutthe theimportance importanceofofattendance. attendance.

Here Hereare aremy mytop topfour fourtips tipstotomaintaining maintaininga 4.0 a 4.0 without withoutcoming comingtotoschool. school.

22

PUT PUTYOUR YOURWORK WORKOFF OFF There Thereis isa chance a chancethis thisone onemight might bebecontroversial controversialbut butYES, YES,totoget geta a 4.0 4.0you youare arestill stillgoing goingtotohave havetotododo your yourwork workbut butthat thatdoes doesnot notmean mean that thatit itneeds needstotobebedone doneright rightaway. away.

Remember Rememberthe thefirst firstweek weekofofschool school when whenyour yourteachers teacherstalked talkedabout about their their“late “latepolicies,” policies,”yeah yeahwell wellthis thisis is the thetime timetotopay payattention attentiontotothose thoseand and use useand andabuse abusethem. them.This Thisstep stepmay may entail entailtaking takinga Precalculus a Precalculusand andAP AP Chemistry Chemistrytest testononthe thesame sameday daybut butI I swear swearit itis isworth worthit.it.

This Thisone onehas hastotobebeone oneofofthe themost most important importantbecause becausethey theyare aregoing goingtoto become becomeyour yourbest bestfriends. friends.Due Duetotothe the amount amountofoftime timespent spentdaily dailyininthe theoffice, office, they theywill willdefinitely definitelyknow knowyou youbybyname. name.

However, However,that thatjust justspeeds speedsupupthe theprocess process totoensure ensurethat thatyou youcan canget gethome homeasassoon soon asaspossible. possible.There Thereis iseven evena a chance chancethey theywill willsubmit submityour your name nameforfora Patriot a PatriotPride Pridecard card which whichcan canscore scoreyou youa $5 a $5 gift giftcard, card,a huge a hugeperk perkininmy my opinion. opinion.

44

GET GETTO TOKNOW KNOW THE THEOFFICE OFFICE

NOVEMBER NOVEMBERISSUE ISSUE

4141

so

chemicals used in plastics, of which more than 2,400 are of potential concern,” said Scott Coffin, a research scientist at the California State Water Resource Control Board.

While the “cure” to this colossal problem is not an easy fix, there are always ways to reduce the amount of plastic entering our waterways.

Possible solutions include, reducing the amount of single use plastics, recycling properly and being cognizant of the resources used in daily life.

As global industries continue to rely heavily on plastic, producing over 300 million tons of it yearly, the problem will only continue to worsen.

This plastic problem is a cause worth fighting for; the health of our planet and its organisms depend on it.

BY ARIAHNA WELLS s no ant There are eight billion people in over the safety of seafood and the the world and 24 trillion microplastics amount of microplastics humans were in the ocean. These statistics show consuming. there is about 3,000 times more According to National Geographic, microplastics in our world than “In 2017, Belgian scientists humans. or s announced that seafood lovers While the word “micro” seems could consume up to 11,000 ou. harmless, that is far from the truth. plastic particles a year by eating ges mussels, a favorite dish in that o These millimeter-sized particles have been found as deep as the floor of the country.” ted Mariana Trench to the summit of Scientists have found that the e, Mount Everest according to National consumption of these harmful Geographic. Many microplastics start microplastics, whether they out their life cycle as a water bottle are inhaled through daily life cap, a plastic bag or food packaging or consumed through seafood and over the course of hundreds or other organisms, can have a of years, they will break down negative effect on the endocrine into miniscule particles of plastics system, which can cause e called microplastics. Plastics never developmental, neurological, s fully decompose so they are left as reproductive and immune ion microplastics which many animals disorders. unintentionally consume. These These harmful particles particles can go unnoticed to the are not only in the seafood we animal and cause no immediate health consume, but also in the salt risks or it can have the opposite we season our food with, the outcome of sickness or death. If fresh fruit and vegetables we too much plastic is consumed by an pair with our meals and the animal, it can trick their stomachs water we consume on a daily r into thinking they are full when in basis. While the plastic itself ps reality they are slowly starving as the is foreign and harmful to living plastic is not able to be digested. As organisms’ systems, so are the ip the microplastics work their way up chemicals used to make them. the food chain, they will eventually Furthermore, many of these reach humans. chemicals found in common e y our In recent years, the prevalence of plastic items are prohibited for n to microplastics in fish and other sea the use of food packaging in ugh life has become apparent to scientists. some countries.

This discovery led to much concern “More than 10,000 unique

42 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 43

e g e l l c o s e g e l o a ccolllege cch s h o a o s h o a c by

1 2 3

DESIGN BY

ARIAHNA WELLS deSign by

Morgan SandneSS

Morgan SandneSS, editor-in-Chief

After 18 years, fret and nerves reach upon high school students as they look for the next place they will call home. As freshmen, students come into school thinking that senior year is so far away, but with constant questions from teachers and parents to strangers they meet about where they will be attending in less than a year, stress approaches more with each day there is no decision. As time continues to crunch down and many have little knowledge of where they want to go, here is a guide to help organize the many chaotic thoughts going on in your brain.

The first step to going to college is deciding what colleges you are interested in. Some factors to consider are price, scholarship options, campus life and anything else that is important to you.

Think about applying at the early action deadlines. Many deadlines are Nov. 1 but some colleges are in December. According to CollegeBoard, early action can reduce stress, gain more time to consider housing and to prepare and gives plenty of time to pick another college if not accepted into the college of their choice. Be aware: early action decisions may be binding; in which case, once accepted into that school, you must attend that school.

Going to college is expensive, and unless wanting to go to an in-state school, most will have to pay for a majority of their college tuition due to higher prices at out-of-state schools versus out-of-state. Apply for the FAFSA; you may not be granted any free money, but this organization provides you with scholarship opportunities and student loans.

After deciding what college you are going to, start finding every scholarship you qualify for and apply for it. Every dollar you can save in college is important. There are many scholarships students qualify for that they are unaware of. Consider talking to your counselor, church and other organizations you may be in, as they are helpful resources to provide ideas for scholarship opportunities.

Now, all that is left is sending in the final transcript and deciding how you want to decorate your dorm room. Try not to stress too much about the future, just talk to as many adults as you can to make sure you have everything prepared. College is the first step of being an adult, and although that may be the scariest thought to ever occur, everyone does it at some point, everyone gets through it.

NOVEMBER ISSUE 43

BY

CLARE HEUPEL

It is common knowledge that from the start of school, everything that we learn prepares us for a future career.

But then how do we escape from a life that revolves around school or a job?

At the start of kindergarten, we are all asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” From then on, the idea that our career is the most important part of our lives ingrains itself into our brains. Every year of school, our goals become more and more centered around the purpose of setting ourselves up to get into a good college so that we can have a successful career one day. The motivation provided by the idea of having a successful and exciting career is not necessarily a bad thing, but trouble is created when a job or prospective career becomes the main focus of one’s life.

It is probably easy to guess that the kind of employees who choose to stay in the workplace longer are not lowpaid employees but are most often those with the highest salaries, and are most commonly men. According to an article published by The Atlantic, the wealthiest 10% of married men in America work the largest number of hours in a week on average, and college-educated men are more likely to reduce their time off work than any other employee demographic. This trend can be attributed to the fact that wealthy men are most likely to tie their careers to their identities. Men with successful careers feel most themselves when they are in the office, so much so that they equate working to a form of leisurely activity. While seemingly harmless to most, this actually contributes to the skewed wealth distribution of the U.S. It puts more money into the hands of the already wealthy, instead of letting it go towards those who could find more benefits from it.

44

LHSSTATESMAN.COM

The problem of overworked, high-salaried employees can also be brought back to large companies. As pointed out by The Guardian, certain industries such as tech or finance have embedded overworking into their culture due to increased competition to create impressive innovation.

These companies will give their employees certain benefits that ensure they will work as much as possible. Ultimately, it is also cheaper for a company to pay employees for overtime than it is to hire new employees to complete the jobs.

The most obvious cause for the overgrown presence of work in the lives of Americans is likely the work of national policies and government. Healthcare is expensive and most Americans receive insurance through work. In most other countries, new parents are given paid leave, but that is not guaranteed here. There are little to no policies in the U.S. which aid with the cost of parenthood, increasing the need to work longer hours for more money, and making it easier for a job to fill in the gaps of a person’s life that are not dedicated to raising children. The way the U.S. government chooses to help its citizens with the cost of living, or more specifically, doesn’t choose to help, makes it nearly impossible for those with an average salary to live without the thought of their next paycheck consuming their attention.

Humanity has reached an age where innovation has made it seem like anything is possible, so why not take advantage of that? It’s okay to have a dream job or make goals for yourself, but the importance of having a life outside of work should not be forgotten. The government also must ensure that its citizens can have a chance to live free from the constant burden of work, especially in a country built on the principle of freedom. In the end, no one has promised years. So, it is best to use the life you know you have and live it to the fullest that you can.

DESIGN BY

CLARE HEUPEL CLARE HEUPEL

ARTWORK BY

DELANEY GRAMLICK juries ssault in a r o f s t rtmen cy depa n e g r e n em BY

di e treate r a s n e e t 360 t ay abou d y r e v E About half (44%) of teens have experienced at least one type of violence Homici de is th e 3rd le consequences for those who ading c ause of use it maliciously. This process death a mong te of approval for the weapon ens

Violence is an abundant and influential factor of life today, and having ways to protect yourself is important: It is time to consider the approval of pepper spray in schools.

This violence is especially prominent in and disproportionately affects teenagers and high school aged students. Young adults are more likely than any other age group to be victims of violent crime, according to the Office for National Statistics. That knowledge in mind, it is reasonable for high school students to feel the need for protection, even at school. Many practices and rehearsals at school run well into post-sunset hours, with long walks left to cars parked as far as multiple blocks away.

DESIGN BY

DELANEY GRAMLICK DELANEY GRAMLICK

ARTWORK BY

As a response, many teenagers carry pepper spray with them. Pepper spray is, however, barred on school grounds; being caught with the weapon can lead to serious consequences.

This limits students’ ability to protect themselves, and leaves them quite vulnerable when alone. In an age of violent crime and attacks against teenagers, it seems only smart to allow them some sort of self-defense; most high schoolers would stand no chance unprepared against an armed attacker.

If a singular weapon could be allowed at school, it should be pepper spray; it acts as an effective self-defense mechanism, providing both range and incapacitation, lending time for an escape. On the flip side, being sprayed most likely will not leave any lasting damage, regarding concern about it being used on students or teachers in

a manner other than self defense. According to the National Capital Poison Center, “These chemicals cause intense irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs and can temporarily incapacitate an individual. The most common lacrimator is pepper spray. Its effects are generally mild and resolve fairly quickly.” Other weapons, like knives or tasers, will be less effective in self-defense due to the need for proximity and strength, but could be much more harmful to unsuspecting students.

Even still, it would be naive to insinuate that the school district could easily allow all of its students to carry pepper spray.

Liability and the well-being of students is a serious factor in what students are allowed to bring in and out of schools, and pepper spray is unfortunately not something that would be easily approved. In an ideal world, pepper spray would be allowed for students to carry purely in the case of self-defense, with clear restrictions and

would be complicated, and the logistics would likely take time and effort to sort out. The safety and ability of students to defend themselves is an important matter and this issue should be considered all the same.

For the time being, we need to utilize the resources we do have. Take a selfdefense course, if you’re able to; always be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts; try to walk with a teammate or friend to your car after late night practices; make sure someone knows when you should be home and where to find you.

Teenagers attending high school are at high risk of attacks, both due to their average physical size and age patterns of violent crimes.

In a building so densely populated with teenagers, it is easy for that high concentration to be turned into a weapon by people with bad intentions. Pepper spray maximizes effectiveness in self defense situations while remaining a relatively safe option that has little to no lasting effects. Give students a chance to defend themselves.

NOVEMBER ISSUE

45

g

e

m,

d

, r

r ed

46 LHSSTATESMAN.COM 47

BY

SARAH BOMHOFF, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Separate the art from the artist,” is a phrase which has unfortunately become far too normalized as of recent years.

On Oct. 10, 2022, disappointing news broke that English musician Alexander O’Connor, more popularly known as Rex Orange County, had been accused of six counts of sexual assault in London court.

The allegations not only broke the internet, but also the hearts of O’Connor’s entire fanbase.

Immediately after this news was released to the public, listeners became extremely upset, leaving them wrestling with the question whether or not to still listen to O’Connor’s music while not being in support of him and his decisions.

Although O’Connor has not spoken personally on the subject, a representative of his reports that “Alex is shocked by the allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court,:’’ according to National World. But in situations such as these, it is always important to believe the victim until the perpetrator is proven to be innocent. In July, O’Connor called off his tour for the album “WHO CARES” due to “unforeseen personal issues” which are now obviously very unforeseen and very personal issues.

O’Connor is not the only artist who has been outed for their poor choices, in fact, there is a whole laundry list of problematic creators whose platforms have been practically taken out from under them due DESIGN BY

SARAH BOMHOFF SARAH BOMHOFF

ARTWORK BY

to bad character. It can be tough to know how to react when ugly truths come out about our favorite creators. Where do we draw the line? How far is “too far,” where the artist and art are no longer able to be hypothetically “separated” and the said art still holds remnants of the artist’s cruel actions? The underlying issue is not the songs “Loving Is Easy,” “Pluto Projector” or other forms of art, as problematic art is an entirely different conversation, but instead the problematic background of the creator, yet obviously these two components have an invisible link to one another. Art can be how one expresses themselves. Considering that art is an extension of an artist and their true self projected onto a larger scale that they choose to share with the world, there would be no separation of the art and artist. With this perspective, it is not possible to put the two in separate categories and continue to consume the art when it has been tainted by the creator’s actions.

Another common argument that arises in this conversation is that listening to music created by problematic artists is still supporting them financially. Paying to see an artist in concert or purchasing their merchandise brings in a significant amount of money, further supporting their image, yet streaming an artist’s music automatically puts money in their pockets but it is less direct through a streaming service. As for problematic authors, purchasing their book is still supporting their image, but checking out the book from a library where it was previously purchased is a way to still

consume the art without supporting the author. The two are both still supporting the creator in a way, but one is more drastic than the other.

It is up to one’s personal morals as to what degree they feel comfortable consuming the art.

Of course, it is crucial to be informed of who the creators we consume content from are, and it is even more important to hold them accountable for their wrongful actions. Taking into account the perspective that the art and artist can not be separated would require everyone to gather background information on every single person that they ever consumed media from, which is extremely impractical and borderline impossible. Because of this argument, there must be some sort of in-between. So, how can we enjoy art made by a questionable artist without showing them support? The answer is to simply be informed. There is no clear-cut way of responding to problematic artists when you previously enjoyed their art, but when we know better, we do better. If we are informed of bad behavior coming from an artist, holding them accountable is another layer of the ongoing argument of what is morally right when dealing with problematic creators.

Ultimately, the decision to separate an artist and their behavior with their art can only be determined by each individual in consideration with their personal morals. It is all about perspective.

NOVEMBER ISSUE

47

S LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

Statesman ISSUE NO. 2 NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE