September 2019 Issue

THE S E PTE M B ER IS S UE

STATESMAN

Slater Dixon Summer Serenades

SSal a r at eCr r D o igx hoan n

I am fed up.

Summer Serenades

by Chloe Hartje

Rolled ice cream has become a popular trend in recent years and has now been brought to Sioux Falls. Also known as stir-fried ice cream, this sweet dessert originating from Thailand is made by pouring a milk base on an extremely cold steel surface and scraping it into rolls. The ice cream is topped with add-ons like whipped cream, chocolate sauce and fresh fruit to make an aesthetic dish of deliciousness.

This new hotspot came to Sioux Falls this past summer and offers a variety of rolled ice cream flavors and shaved ice. The full menu has a list of signature creations ranging from “Minteo,” mint ice cream with a mint oreo and chocolate drizzle, to “Sticky Monkey”, which is vanilla ice cream with banana, honey, peanut butter and peanut butter drizzle. These unique combinations are bound to appeal to everyone, whether you like smores, cheesecake or fruity flavors. Although there is no indoor seating area, there are picnic tables outside where customers can enjoy their ice cream. When I decided to try out the dessert, I was greeted by friendly staff and ordered the “Brookie”. The dessert didn’t look as aesthetic as some others, but it tasted better than most ice cream options we have in Sioux Falls. The rich chocolate ice cream mixed with brownie bites, chocolate chip cookie and chocolate drizzle is well worth it.

This local boba tea and rolled ice cream business has been running in the city for two years now and has become a hit. While Sub Zero already has premade combinations, Tasteas offers a build your own option so you can create your own perfect dessert.

The first step is choosing your ice cream flavor, with options like “Miss Strawberry” and “Mango Sensations”.

Next, you can add a drizzle and three toppings. Tasteas offers indoor seating, but there are no tables, giving it more of a waiting room vibe. When I went to try it out, I ordered the “Cool Kids” flavor, which is Oreo, and I added chocolate syrup, mini M&M’s, Oreo cookie and chocolate chips. The toppings were all on top instead of mixed-in like at Sub Zero, making it more picture-worthy.

Although the dessert looked better here, it had a bit of a weird taste and definitely was not as good as Sub Zero.

PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HARTJE

SORRY I’M LATE,

MOM

Lilli Eppinga

2

1 3

by

4

Throughout high schools around the country, there are a variety of students with different goals, passions and motivations. But we are all familiar with the students who have a reputation to pursue greatness and take their potential to the max, those who keep themselves busy and involved in every aspect of high school in order to gain the full experience. These activities range from a number of choices like clubs, sports, student council, academic excellence, debate, band and many others.

There are four hardworking individuals that stand out amongst the rest of LHS who are not only involved in several activities, but are also thriving given the academic and extracurricular load they have taken on.

LILA BATCHELLER

1

Lila Batcheller is a sophomore who participates in cross country, track, Stem Circle and Spanish Immersion. All of these activities keep Batcheller more than busy, but she is thankful for all the opportunities she has received so far.

“Being involved has definitely taught me a lot of good skills like time management, knowing when I’m taking on too much and also just learning a language and getting experience interacting with people and doing out of the box activities,” said Batcheller.

RACHEL OVERSTREET

2

Rachel Overstreet is a senior who has set the bar high for all underclassmen. Overstreet participates in Girl Up, International Club, French Club, Young Progressive’s Club, DECA and she is co-captain of the debate team.

“The best part about being involved is that I know most people in my grade and probably in the grade below me as well, so we have lots of nice connections,” said Overstreet.

SAM ENGEBRETSON

3

As a senior, Sam Engebretson is the co-president of Math National Honor Society and co-founder of STEM Circle. He is involved in track, powerlifting, symphonic band, jazz 1 band and National Honor Society. Engebretson shocks everyone around him as he balances a variety of activities and obligations.

“Being more involved will help me seek out opportunities and not just wait for them to come to me. Because I’m already used to it in high school so it’ll help me later on,” said Engelbretson.

LUKE SMITH

4

Luke Smith is a junior who is involved in football, basketball, track and Student Council. Smith’s friendly personality and drive make him an excellent teammate and peer throughout each season of athletics.

“Getting involved sets you up with life long friends and is good for Lincoln as a whole,” said Smith.

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSEN

downtown hotspots

by Brita Quello & Nyah Thaemert

Sioux Falls is the home to an up-and-coming urban downtown setting. From boutiques to small restaurants and other fun venues, Downtown Sioux Falls continues to develop. Specifically, DTSF recently welcomed the Levitt at the Falls, The Source, Agua Fresh and the Candy Cloud Factory. These new hotspots embody the growing metropolitan environment that DTSF is starting to capture.

Levitt at the Falls is a new outdoor concert center that is located on Phillips Ave. This local non-profit organization offers at least 50 free concerts each summer to the general public performed by professional musicians, with the hope of bringing the community together. This exciting new venue is purposefully free of charge due to the generous donations from leaders in our community, in the forms of time and money. With a large variety of music that is performed, there’s bound to be at least one concert that is a fit for you.

Also located on Phillips Ave., The Source is a new locallyowned coffee shop and roastery that is home to many amazing specialty coffee drinks. Not only does The Source serve specialty drinks, but they develop their own roast profiles and sell their coffee around the world. This hotspot adds to the uprising DTSF area by providing delicious beverages, occasional live music and a beautiful facility.

Agua Fresh is a fit friendly restaurant located on Phillips Ave. The setting appears to be very modern and welcoming.

Not only does Agua Fresh provide healthy sandwich options, but they also offer various types of smoothies and acai bowls. Customers can customize their acai bowls with specific fruits or toppings that they enjoy. This restaurant is a perfect choice for residents who are looking for a more refreshing meal option.

The Candy Cloud Factory is a cotton candy shop located near the Falls. The shop has everything from the original cotton candy flavors like strawberry and blue raspberry to some uncommon flavors. The shop also offers other menu options such as caramel popcorn and the magical burrito.

The magical burrito includes three flavors of cotton candy, vanilla ice cream and additional toppings like sprinkles or fruity pebbles. The environment of the shop is very kidfriendly with a huge chalkboard,welcoming citizens to make their mark. This hotspot is a unique addition that knows how to appeal to everyone’s sweet tooth.

PHOTOS BY BRITA QUELLO & NYAH THAEMERT

ACCEPTING As part of an assignment in one of my classes, I was recently asked to think of a negative characteristic that describes me. One thing in particular immediately popped into my head: I am a worrier. While I don’t usually like to cut straight to the point and say that I have anxiety, I will most certainly admit I worry about too many things, too often. But, it got me thinking: Why was my anxiety the first “negative” defining trait that came to mind that day in class? My nervous nature is rooted deep within me; it always has been and, whether I like to acknowledge it or not, probably always will be. Instead of trying to deny the inevitable worries in an act of shame, shouldn’t I be taking steps to accept them?

ARTWORK BY CARLY WHEELER

by Carly Wheeler According to an article written by Child Mind Institute President, Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, and Anxiety and Depression of America (ADAA) board president, Dr. Beth Salcedo, 30 percent of children and adolescents meet criteria for a diagnosable anxiety disorder at some point during their childhood. Let’s put that into perspective.

In a class of 20 students at LHS, it’s likely that about six are managing some sort of anxiety disorder. In the hallway on any given day, you could bump shoulders with more kids than you may think who are struggling or have struggled with a form of clinical anxiety.

But here’s the catch: According to the same article by Dr. Koplewicz and Dr. Salcedo, of the 30 percent of children and adolescents stricken with anxiety, 80 percent never receive any professional treatment regarding their mental health—that would mean that about five out of the six students struggling with anxiety in that same LHS classroom will never get any help. Some in that 80 percent are embarrassed, some are confused. But most dangerous of all, some of those riddled with anxiety

think that the best option is to ignore their symptoms and simply hope they go away. For decades, mental illness has been associated with being “weak” or “impaired”, and this has staggering effects on the frighteningly large number of teens that choose to sweep their anxious tendencies under the rug. “[...] we often live a reclusive lifestyle while being ashamed of our symptoms and not wanting to share,” said Ryan “China” McCarney, retired MLB player and founder of Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression (AAAD). “There is a massive societal stigma attached to mental health issues and sharing what we are going through is not always accepted with open arms. Regardless of whatever the ‘right’ answer is, there is no reason that we can’t continue to pursue life while also dealing with a daily mental health battle.”

The reality is that it’s not hard for untreated anxiety to drag a person down. In fact, it’s probable and dangerous; Doctors Koplewicz and Salcedo point out that untreated anxiety can often develop into more serious mental health illnesses and coincide with dangerous coping methods, such as drug and alcohol

abuse. But there are ways to manage clinical anxiety on a daily basis. The first step is realizing that having an anxiety disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, no matter your gender or age. Be proactive and welcome your worries. Don’t take the symptoms of your anxiety to war, because I promise, you’ll exhaust yourself in battle.

“Give yourself permission to believe in yourself. Give yourself permission to accept help and to seek resources that can help you,” said McCarney. “I encourage everyone to embrace all of who they are.

I encourage everyone to pursue their passions while simultaneously battling whatever they’re battling.”

I’m here to say this: You CAN live a happy and productive life with anxiety.

Take the leap and embrace your true self, anxiety and all. Accepting anxiety isn’t a synonym for accepting defeat, it’s having the strength to advocate for your emotional and physical wellbeing.

So, I’d like to change my answer: I have come to the conclusion that I shouldn’t see my worrying as a negative characteristic.

Instead, I should feel empowered by my ability to accept and gracefully manage my anxiety on a daily basis.

How to get rich quick: Helland around 240,000 years to become a billionaire Many people aspire to assuming he never had be wealthy beyond their to pay for anything for imagination, but no one the rest of his life. Again, knows where to begin on this option would take an their quest to riches. This unmatchable dedication and guide will answer all of your an unreasonable amount of questions and more.

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Evidently, working for an is to develop a technologyemployer is not the most oriented skill, perfect the efficient way to make your skill and use the skill to earn fortunes. Maybe the fastest revenue. Whether it is an way to become a billionaire invention that you patent is to start your own business and sell, an E-commerce and truly accomplish the company that allows people American dream. And what to run errands from home better way to do this than or an app that you use to utilizing the multi-level gather people’s information marketing strategy? which you then sell to the If you want to make money government or advertisers, immediately, the best way there are limitless ways is to start a multi-level to make money with a marketing scheme. A multiprofession in technology. level marketing scheme is a While this route reaps the system in which each new most guaranteed results, recruit to the system recruits it takes time. Look at Jeff Bezos, it took him 35 years to two or three new people who then recruit two or three become a billionaire.

Another way to become rich more people each and so on.

Every person in the system is to become an employee. would sell the product and LHS freshman Marcus their recruiter would get a cut Helland is an employee of their profits. The earlier at Culver’s, and he works you start, the more money eight hours a week. At that you will make, and if this rate, it would only take

by Hunter Hauck

Hunter Hauck’s guide to becoming a billionaire

marketing approach reaches a high enough level, you may have a shot at becoming a billionaire overnight.

“I wouldn’t join a multilevel marketing scheme because it sounds like a scam,” said Helland.

Clearly, Helland has never heard of Bernard Madoff who made $65 billion off a “scam” (and was subsequently sentenced to 150 years in prison). Despite Madoff ruining his life, he taught all of us a valuable lesson: as long as you don’t get caught, Ponzi schemes and Pyramid schemes are both viable options to make billions. Yes, it may be high risk, but the reward is higher. You know what they say, go big or go home… or maybe prison. *Disclaimer: The above story is satirical; none of this advice is meant to be taken literally.

CRAZIE D AY Z

AT A GLANCE...

by Chloe Houwman

day one: Yee Yee Tuesday: This Tuesday let’s take a trip out West.

Pull out your boots and chaps because the students of LHS will be channeling their inner cowboys and cowgirls. I am sure that we will see lots of jeans and button-ups, but personally, I am looking forward to the occasional bolo tie.

If you are looking for any last minute ideas, you can always throw on a flannel and a pair of simple pants. Just make sure your “yee” has a “haw.”

day two: Wacky Wednesday: It’s time to get Funky!

To you it may be zany, quirky, outlandish or freakish - but that doesn’t matter.

Whether it is different socks and shoes, or afros with piggy tales WE WANT IT. Ladies, if you are struggling with some ideas, simple yoga pants and your grandpa’s Hawaiian shirt would work exceptionally. I want to see all of you Crazies go wacky.

Tradition is something most LHS students take very seriously. Homecoming is a tradition which allows us to show all of our LHS pride and love.

Our student council has deliberated and decided on our themes. This weeks theme is Crazie Dayz, and I couldn’t be more excited. The seniors’ final homecoming showdown is almost here and the faculty has given us Monday off to prepare for the festivities of the week. I do not want to hear the excuse of, “I was too tired.” Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, we have four days to show what our school means to us. So let’s go BIG, BOLD and most importantly, let’s go CRAZIE.

day three: Throwback Thursday: The day is finally here: It’s #throwbackthursday.

I’m planning on several hippies and disco dancers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see some boomboxes on your shoulders #sayanything.

Gentleman, you could plan on throwing on some jeans (rolled on the bottom of course) with a white tee shirt.

In other words, if your grampy wore it, it is perfect for Thursday’s theme.

day four: Spirit Day Friday: Okay Crazies - plan on seeing the halls of LHS filled with red, white and blue. This is our day. This is the day we get to show all of our love and support to our fellow students. Wear red.

Wear blue. Be Crazie.

ARTWORK BY RYANNA WASHEGESIC

F LL TRE D

by Izzy Peterson

Cold winds, sunset colored leaves, pumpkin spice lattes and fuzzy sweaters are all our notes to describe the song of fall.

The waning warmth from summer invites the chilly breeze that comes with fall. There are many enjoyable aspects about fall such as the beginning of football season, Halloween and being able to comfortably wear sweatshirts (because we all know people will wear them anyways).

Fashion is changing from the desperate attempt to stay in summer to the I-can-wear-sweaters, coats and boots again.

There are trends from previous decades as well as new trends coming to light.

As the years go on, what is in style and what is considered trendy continues to change. Current trends are trends from late last century, which would explain why we are seeing a repeat in patterns and certain articles of clothing. For example, in the 1980s, plaid was in style and worn a lot as knee length skirts, sweaters, pants and overcoats.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WILL HAWKINS

As the weather gets colder, the cooler weather style reappears once more. Oversized hoodies, t-shirts and coats have been a steady trend throughout 2019 and long sleeves and basic layering are common for both genders. Denim is always a favorite, whether it is ripped jeans or a jean jacket, denim is a staple of fall. With that being said, many people breakout the sweatpants instead.

Comfy sweaters are a must have when it comes to fall. In the past sweaters have definitely been a huge trend; however, this year the styling has changed the overall look and sweaters in general are straying from the repeat of old trends.

The colorful and sometimes itchy sweaters from the past have evolved into more shades of cool greys, blacks, whites and pastel blues and pinks.

Either worn oversized with jeans, leggings or cropped with sweatpants, sweaters are changing for the better.

With the falling of leaves, cold winds and fuzzy sweaters brings a new start. Not only does fall bring fun fashion, but also the start of a new school year and a new beginning.

I lost my "common sense"

by Abbie Dekramer

The term “common sense” seems to get thrown around like confetti. All my life I’ve heard this phrase, but the motivation and reasoning behind it has never been clear to me.

Common sense is defined

by The Phrase Finder as “good practical sense, the natural intelligence that is believed to be available to all rational people.”

Words such as “practical” and “rational” are also subjective.

This means that the word or phrase can have multiple interpretations that are different amongst people due to emotion and opinion. If common sense is not objective but rather subjective, it contradicts itself.

There is no need for this phrase in future language.

The origin of this phrase can date back to 1776 when Thomas Paine, a political activist and revolutionary, published a pamphlet entitled “Common sense.” This pamphlet included a demand for America to become free from Britain. Because it is

one of the fundamental factors for the country we live in and thrive in today, the phrase has become a philosophy and has been embedded into the American psyche. Although Paine didn’t necessarily “create” the phrase, it was not nearly as widespread as it was prior to the pamphlet being published.

Even before Paine, there was other talk of the phrase common

sense. In the 14th century, common sense was given the same title as any other of our five senses; it was deemed an internal and warranted feeling.

Once reaching the 16th century, the term evolved to be what we now recognize it as, that there is a basic knowledge that everyone possesses. With the help of Paine, the phrase was cemented into American culture. “[Common sense is] an unwritten judgment that we all have, but it’s not directly stated,” said junior Henry Johnson.” It’s dependent on one’s values and what you deem as right and wrong.”

Johnson makes a similar claim to what other sources identify as multiple interpretations. These unwritten judgments influence our subconscious being in our day to day interactions with others.

“Common sense is developed when we go through experiences around certain

contexts,” said senior Trey Runge. “If you see a car accident you’re going to think, I should put my seatbelt on.”

As we grow as people and intellectuals over time so does what common sense means to us as individuals. This difference between these experiences adds to the misconceptions surrounding this phrase.

In an article from Psychology Today written by Jim Taylor, the majority of arguments encourage objective thinking and accurate conclusions. If the world revolved around common sense, people wouldn’t make the negative choices they do. They’d stop eating past midnight, stop cheating on their tests and stop cutting people off on the interstate. Taylor also brings the argument that common sense is not a sense at all, as earlier times would debate. Due to common sense being based on experience, it is not accurate to rely solely

on experiences because every person has multiple interpretations and conclusions from those moments. Common sense by definition suggests a large number of people are under the same belief of what this phrase means. Realistically, the term contradicts itself in this area because the majority of people interpret this phrase completely differently. To add to the reasons as to why this phrase is incorrect, Taylor also discusses the idea that common sense is a phenomenon that has been forced upon us by our culture and ideology. This ideology is said to lead us to be misinformed and to make poor choices rather than strong.

Common sense is subjective and arguably flawed.

Thinking in an objective and methodological way allows us to reach our greatest intellectual potential. Let’s abandon this contradictory phrase and move forward as objective thinkers.

Homecoming Booth

Equality? I do not want to hear it.

It is fake! There is no such thing as equality in this so-called egalitarian and reforming society.

If such antics were true, why are my precious seconds swindled from the grasp of my feeble hands as I sit in thick suspension in the left-hand turn lane? I am haunted; I glare down that haughty red arrow as straight-goers whoosh by me under that dazzling green circle of hope.

Three millenniums, five glasses of lemonade and two sandwiches later, by some glitch in the system, that cursed little arrow flashes green just scarcely long enough for one car to hasten through. God forbid that I am the third or even second car in line, or behind a phone user. In that situation, I may as well resign myself to a fate of waiting with not as much as a breeze hinting at an escape. Leftturners deserve equal treatment too!

Or, perhaps equality is but a fallacy; stoplights certainly do not convince me otherwise.

The worst—the absolute most excruciating—is the light at 41st Street and Louise Avenue. Shudders rack me just thinking of the days that have wastefully accumulated while waiting to turn left at that dreaded time vacuum. The lights turn as

ART BY CARLY WHEELER

by Sara Croghan

fast as a rock moves. Perhaps I should not complain. I do recall one lucky morning, while on my way to the mall, when the arrow turned green by sunset!

What is worse than inequality?

A society in disarray? Perhaps, just maybe, society cannot treat two different things, like left-turners and straight-goers, equally and expect each individual and society to excel.

If these drivers were treated equally, a trip north up Cliff Avenue in the morning would take the better half of a century. Perhaps the function is in the difference, the divide, the distinction and the separation. Efforts to equalize two fundamentally different things appear to be nothing but futile. Such energy is much better spent advocating for things that actually matter, like giving sidewalk walkers more time to cross at stoplights. The physical and emotional stress such people endure is inhumane!

The word unequal is not synonymous with bad, nor unfair. When taken to extremes it certainly wreaks havoc, but it is a part of daily life that cannot and should not be eliminated. While on the outside it is often seen as immoral, inequality is a deep-rooted part of societal structure that cannot be taken out with one swift move and no ramifications. If inequality was abolished, a fractured society would inevitably result. It comes down to a subjective judgement: is a fractured or an unequal society better? There is no such thing as “the right” choice in such matters, there never has been and never will be. One cannot claim moral superiority by favoring one society over another, and doing so is only the ultimate display of hubris.

I, however, am still fed up. I give no one, no thing, permission to waste my time. I do not care if it is fair or not, or if it is for the greater good of society; I do not like it. I am a victim of time theft. Hear that? Victim! Such a coveted position! As a victim, I say things are going to have to change. If they do not, I will move to England. At least they have it figured out there.

ADDITIONS

to the math department

by Kathryn Sweeter & Nicole Schmitz

As the school year is getting into the full swing of things, there are teachers at LHS that are still navigating their way through teaching at a high school level. The math department has welcomed three new math teachers that aim to introduce a new and exciting way of teaching.

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSEN

Paige Hanisch is a first-year teacher in the math department at LHS. Previously, she gained experience through student teaching and mentoring her peers.

“This is my first year of teaching,” said Hanisch. “I student taught for a year in Tea before this.”

Hanisch’s decision to become a math teacher was clear to her after exposure to it earlier in her life.

“I knew I wanted to be a math teacher from tutoring in high school. I really enjoyed it,” said Hanisch.

This year, Hanisch will be teaching investigative algebra and geometry. As she continues to teach at LHS, she hopes to one day receive the opportunity to teach different math topics.

“Out of the classes I teach, my favorite subject is geometry,” said Hanisch. “My dream would be to teach calculus.”

As she discovers the ways of LHS, Hanisch has hopes of creating a comfortable atmosphere for her students while they learn new math skills. “[My hope is] to do the best I can and hopefully all my students have a good experience and maybe like math a little more,” said Hanisch.

Although Tricia Zikmund is a first-year geometry and investigative algebra teacher at LHS, she has experience in college that has helped her transition to teach her own classroom.

“When I was in college I taught a math class at NDSU, where I graduated from. It was basically like a college algebra class,” said Zikmund.

Zikmund’s itch for math and teaching developed when she was young, as she was influenced by her mother and has always had a special place for math in her studies.

“I have always known that I wanted to be a math teacher or a teacher in general I guess,” said Zikmund.

“There was a time where I thought about maybe English or chemistry, but I have always loved math and I am pretty good at it. I really like the feeling after getting a really hard problem right and my mom is also a high school math teacher.”

As a math teacher, she strives to encourage her students to do their best and to create a new, positive outlook on math.

“I think the biggest thing is always that lightbulb moment. People don’t really like math a lot so helping them to see that you can like math or parts of math, and it may be challenging, but you can learn it,” said Zikmund.

As Zikmund maneuvers her way through the school year, she has set goals for herself with the relationships she will build with everyone throughout the school.

“My hopes for this school year are to survive my first year of teaching and make some meaningful relationships with the other staff and my students,” said Zikmund.

One of the three new math teachers at LHS this year was previously a teacher at LHS over 10 years ago.

When comparing her experiences at LHS and RHS, Tara Christensen noticed very few differences.

“I taught at Roosevelt for 10 years and then I was at Lincoln for five years before,” said Christensen. “The schools are pretty similar. A few things are different, but I like Lincoln more.”

As the new year starts, Christensen has several hopes and expectations for the rest of the school year. She hopes to make an impact on her students and their interest in math.

“I just hope that I learn all my student’s names,” joked Christensen. “I want to form relationships with my students and hope that they appreciate math a little bit more at the end of the year than they did at the beginning.”

Christensen’s love for math started when she was young, and she was confident she wanted to pursue a career as a math teacher at a very young age. After 15 years of being a math teacher, Christensen is convinced she chose the right subject.

“I knew since about 4th grade [that I wanted to be a math teacher],” said Christensen. “The [subject] I’ve taught the longest is probably geometry, but I love all of them.”

This school year, Christensen will be teaching AP calculus and college algebra throughout five class periods.

I H S ’ W T A E A AM IN S N AT’ HA H W W ME ’S IN T A A N What’s in a name?

What do you know about Ben Reifel and Thomas Jefferson?

by Timothy Stolp, Editor-In-Chief

It is a question as old as time; Shakespeare doted on it in one of his most famous lines, from Romeo and Juliet, and here’s the secret: The power of a name depends on how much you give it.

Last year, the frenzy of two new schools, from voting to approve the $190 million bond to build them to the announcement of the names, was the talk of Sioux Falls. Thomas Jefferson High School and Ben Reifel Middle School will be the newest additions to the ever-expanding school district.

The naming for both schools was a collaborative decision made by committees of administrators, teachers, parents and community members, who reviewed online submissions. The decision was ultimately made by the public, rather than the school board or the school district itself.

“Schools are a community,” said LHS principal Dr. Laura Raedar. “Schools’ names are so community-driven, too.”

Yet, the significance of these names may be lost on this generation of students, which can seem so removed from these figures. The question then becomes: What can be done to teach why these names matter so much as to memorialize them with a school?

“I’m always a proponent of more education,” said Raeder. “I think perhaps Ben Reifel might be the one we need to help people with more, but I think that is an easy thing to fix.”

Raeder sees this period of beginnings for the schools less as a challenge than an opportunity. “[Those schools will] come to their own identity,” said Raeder. “At George McGovern, they have this mural with an airplane outside the lunchroom; the kids [there] obviously learn and talk about who this person is and their values.”

“I believe the same will happen [at the new schools],” continued Raeder.

“Just like we, the Patriots, understand Abraham Lincoln and some of the dealings of his time.”

Clearly, our community has reverence for these influential people and what they symbolize. They represent values that we collectively want to instill in the next generation.

As a school community, it will give students a greater opportunity to feel connected with these people. And, as a community of schools, we have the same opportunity to learn from the past to help our present.

Shakespeare’s Romeo considers the question “What’s in a name?” uttering, “That which we call a rose by any other name would be just as sweet.”

If any other name were just as sweet, ask yourself why then these names were chosen. Be curious, dig deeper, learn. Then, share it with the rest of us.

Freshman year, no fear Dear class of 2023, You made it! The bright red letters of LHS now hang above you as you walk through the double doors each morning. You are finally able to experience the greatest “expectations vs. reality” article of all time. So, I guess let’s just get right into it. Everyone will tell you that high school is an important stepping stone in the frightening process known as your future, but what you may not know is that everything is an important step. Every new transition that we as people go through makes up a part of who we are. To make it less scary, I like to refer to high school as mile 413 on the 2,000 mile destination of life.

Now that we’ve removed some of the “all or nothing” attitude from this transition, I would like to clarify that this letter is for both ends of the student spectrum: From the overachievers, to the kids who got out of bed this morning simply because their mom forced them to. I took the liberty of breaking it down into what I believe are the three most important aspects of navigating high school.

Getting involved: Just try. Go to the games, go to any club meeting that interests you. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep going. You also don’t have to go to every game to be a true fan. If you have too much homework or decide to go do something else—even if it’s simply going home to take a nap—it’s okay. For goodness sake, this school has 65 different clubs and activities; there will always be another event to go to.

Academics: Talk to your teachers. Their job is to teach you. If you’re struggling with something and your teacher doesn’t give you a sufficient amount of help, don’t give up. Simply go talk to another teacher; it truly doesn’t matter if they know you or not. I’ve done that three times for three different subjects, and not one of the teachers I received help from minded that I wasn’t in their class. The important thing is that you understand the material, not who helped you improve.

Social/friends: Don’t worry about getting in with the “right” crowd. Sure, if you’re hanging around with drug dealers and bank robbers, that’s probably a red flag. However, if you hang out with people who make you feel happy and who truly care about your well-being, it doesn’t matter what other people think. Try not to focus on numbers, making and keeping quality friends is so much more important in the long run.

Now that the core three have been established, let’s move on to one last piece of advice: When all else fails, just do what you have to do to get through the day. Sometimes it may seem like we have it all figured out, but, you know how life can be; it changes overnight. One thing I’ve learned is that maintaining a positive attitude is essential to surviving here. Smile, shake it off and try again tomorrow.

These four years go by fast, but they don’t have to be “High School Musical” or bust.

Not every day is fabulous, but you have to keep going back so you can experience the good days.

Make sure you care about your friends, love and respect yourself and try to make teachers’ lives easier by having you in class. Take a deep breath and embrace every mistake and every minuscule victory, because each one is important.

Good luck and remember to have fun,

by Morgan McDonnel and Chloe Robinson

A group of Patriot standouts have gone through their four years of high school taking the many photography classes offered at LHS. Their passion and talent have led them to national recognition and their work will soon be displayed in downtown Sioux Falls at the Washington Pavilion.

Sarah Winterscheidt, as well as the other art teachers at LHS are inspiring and dedicated adults that instruct and guide these young artists. They have played a large role in the accomplishments that LHS has made over the years in the school’s art department, including being the first Sioux Falls high school to be recognized at the Washington Pavilion for this years art gallery.

“It’s a big deal for LHS to be featured as the first school to have an exhibit at this art gallery, so it’s definitely an honor,” said Winterscheidt. “A part of the reason we were selected was because of our success not only in the program but also in the scholastic art.”

Jada Carlson, 12

Y A O r U t N Gi s t s

LHS senior, Jada Carlson, has excelled immensely in photography her last three years of high school, taking every art class LHS offers, including AP Photography. Carlson had never taken photography seriously until she learned what it had to offer her sophomore year.

Carlson’s piece is also on display at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, DC. “I think it just allows me to have a creative space during the school day,” said Carlson. “Art is what motivates me to keep coming back.”

Carlson has received many awards nationally and locally including the Gold Key Winner at The Scholastic Art Awards, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to recognize students with exceptional artistic talent, along with having her art displayed at the upcoming Young Artists Gallery at the Washington Pavilion.

Focusing solely on self-portraits, Carlson tries to capture whatever she is feeling at the moment by playing around with lighting and poses. Carlson’s favorite image is the self-portrait that brought her to New York for Scholastic Art and won her best photograph in the Midwest.

“It’s important to me because it is symbolizing a moment of reminiscing and thinking,” said Carlson. “Although there is a lot going on in your head, you’re just sitting there quietly.”

Heather Eller, 12

Another prominent photographer in the LHS art department is Heather Eller. Eller has been doing photography for around three years and is constantly being inspired by the world around her.

“I like seeing art and things around me that might not be seen as artistic and finding a different type of art in something such as a concert,” said Eller.

Eller’s portfolio is based on the inspirations around her including events such as concerts and art performances. Finding a new kind of art in already artistic objects, like music is what Eller is most passionate about.

“I love to just take pictures of things and concerts and hope they just work together and create a whole new meaning,” said Eller.

Eller’s art being displayed at the Washington Pavilion is an amazing way to show off her favorite piece called “In This Moment”.

In this picture, Eller captured that in a moment of panic and chaos, everything can turn out focused and ultimately amazing.

“I’m excited my art is being displayed at the Pavilion because I feel like not a lot of my stuff ever gets displayed like this,” said Eller.

“It is just cool to be like ‘wow my stuff is in an actual museum.’”

G a l lery Jemal Berzati, 12

A skilled senior, Jemal Berzati, has completed all but one photography class throughout his time at LHS. He found his love for photography in the sixth grade and has continued to pursue and produce more images as he learns.

“I enjoy photography because it shows that every photo has a message behind it, so it’s what is behind the photo that really matters rather than just getting the photo itself,” said Berzati.

Berzati’s portfolio is filled with numerous photographs, each of which contains a different story and inspiration. His photographs capture people and places with various aesthetics and vibes.

“My favorite picture would be this picture I took for the AP concentration portfolio,” said Berzati. “It was a picture of waves crashing and it was really impactful in my portfolio because it symbolizes everything coming together [... ] it was supposed to resemble a message that everything was there because it was crashing.”

Libros Españ

PHOTO BY SLATER DIXON

ñoles en LHS positive reactions from Immersion students throughout LHS because they, too, recognize the LHS is gradually shifting to importance of reading in one’s a Spanish-inclusive education educational journey. as a result of the new Spanish “Ever since kindergarten I Immersion program that was implemented into the school two have been reading little books [in Spanish] but in fifth grade, we years ago and the LHS library is had to read a book and then write following suit. The librarians at LHS ordered around 100 Spanish a report on it,” said Ian Olivier, titles in order to satisfy the needs an LHS freshman and Spanish Immersion student. “I think that of all students and keep up with the forever changing environment it is beneficial to read books in Spanish because it helps you to that this school has to offer. learn new words that you didn’t Reading has been an aspect of know before.” education that has been strongly Reading also helps those who advocated for throughout the are learning or know a language Sioux Falls School District due to increase their vocabulary and to the countless benefits that it grammar skills in that particular has. Whether it be increasing a language because of the different student’s imagination or their forms of writing that it exposes ability to write, there is no one to. doubt that reading is incredibly “Reading books in Spanish important. This phenomenon definitely helps students to learn holds true for the Spanish Immersion students that are new Spanish because of the different to LHS and the Librarians at LHS tenses and vocabulary that you can learn,” said LHS Spanish are doing what they can to help teacher, Monica Conover. “I think the new students succeed. that a teacher’s role is to push “Since Lincoln is the Spanish their students to try to choose the Immersion High School, those books they want to read.” students need to have access to Although the Spanish more Spanish titles, as even the Immersion students benefit independent reading they are greatly from these new titles, they doing for class needs to be in are not the only students at LHS the Spanish Language,” said LHS that will be able to take advantage Librarian, Mary Peters. of the new additions. Native The implementation of these Spanish speakers who attend LHS Spanish books has resulted in

by Taylor Ericson, Editor-in-Chief

will now have access to books in their first and preferred language.

“It will also benefit students who come to Lincoln with Spanish being their main language for a way to still get reading materials until they are ready to transition into books written in English,” said Peters.

Peters is working to ensure that any student who desires to read a book in Spanish has access to a wide range of titles that will benefit their learning.

“I am attending the Spanish Book Fair this winter with two other district librarians to learn more about Spanish titles and to gain more knowledge on where to order the best titles and what will benefit our students,” said Peters.

Overall, the new Spanish books that have been added to the library give all students at LHS the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the language, which will give them the opportunity to connect with people of many different cultures throughout the community, nation and globe.

If you are a Spanish Immersion student, a native Spanish speaker or simply want to become more familiar with the language, be sure to stop by the LHS library and pick up a Spanish book of your choice.

Liberty, justice and Medicare for all

by Daniel Bethke

Every day, LHS students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, ending it with the phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” But the current American healthcare system does not live up to this promise.

How can we improve the system for the average American? The key to repairing our healthcare system is to increase coverage and healthcare quality rapidly.

Currently, we have a system that works sufficiently for wealthy individuals who can afford the highest degree of care regardless of its price. However, this is not true for all Americans. According to the Kaiser Foundation, 44 million Americans are completely uninsured. It is for this reason that, as a Harvard Study in the American Journal of Public Health found, “nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance.” Preventable deaths on that scale are shocking and go against basic American principles. In our own Declaration of Independence, it is stated that all people have the unalienable rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These ideas are very American. If everyone in the U.S. was

covered with basic healthcare free at the point of service, deaths on this scale would simply not occur.

Eliminating those deaths will require the government to provide healthcare as a basic human right, not a privilege. Every other developed nation on the planet has some form of single payer healthcare.

These nations perform empirically better than the U.S. in every category of healthcare outcomes. In 2017, the Commonwealth Fund studied healthcare quality in 11 developed countries, each of which, excluding the U.S., had some form of universal health care coverage. The study ranked the U.S. last. This issue is mostly due to the fact that we pay about twice what other countries pay in insurance costs and often get lower quality care.

There is no middle ground on this issue. No ‘compromise’ such as a voluntary public option would truly eliminate medical bankruptcies, deaths due to lack of health insurance or the rapacious greed of for-profit health insurance companies. A public option or Obamacare expansion would only continue to preserve the influence of price-gouging insurance

companies, which is the main reason for the medical bankruptcy crisis in the country. To fix these issues, corporate influence must be reduced while providing healthcare as a right. Opponents of Medicare For All often state that the policy removes one’s choice of healthcare provider. However, this is not true. Every Medicare For All bill in Congress allows for choice of hospital and doctor while also guaranteeing coverage for every major aspect of health.

Currently, enormous amounts of money are devoted to administrative overhead fees and advertisements, leaving less and less money available for actual care.

Under Medicare For All, the unnecessary insurance company middleman would be removed, eliminating copays, premiums and deductibles. Less resources would be devoted to billing and more money would be devoted to actual care.

How would such a system be paid for? Costs would all be prepaid. While taxes would nominally increase, the vast majority of people (especially the working class) would end up saving money due to the elimination of insurance premiums.

Duplicative insurance coverage would be banned, but supplemental insurance would be completely legal.

Price estimates for Medicare For All, such as $32 trillion over 10 years, might make its establishment seem impossible. However, as a study by the Political Economy Research Institute found, Medicare For All would save the American people “$5.1 trillion over 10 years.” $32 trillion over a decade is actually less than what Americans currently spend on insurance.

Even if such a system ended up being enormously expensive, the U.S. is the richest country in the history of the world in terms of GDP, according to the CIA. If less wealthy countries such as Uruguay and Malta (as well as most of the developed world) can provide universal healthcare to their citizens, then the U.S. can as well. Healthcare should not be profitable. The issue should be off the table and the solution should be clear.

Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. Our country was founded on these types of principles.

Thus, if we believe in liberty for all and justice for all, we must also support Medicare For All.

Summer Serenades Music released last summer by LHS students

by Slater Dixon

Multifarious Benji Beats Rap/hip-hop 7 tracks | 30:08 Benji Beats is the solo project of LHS senior Ben Snyder. Snyder’s debut album “Multifarious” features fast beats and lyrics that reference local Sioux Falls landmarks like Tut Hill park.

Snyder taught himself how to produce from YouTube tutorials, and he is not afraid to say that he has encountered some challenges with creating music.

“Lyrics are definitely a weakness for me,” said Snyder. “I’m not very good at writing them, but my process is to just figure out which lyrics fit the melody.”

“Multifarious” is a full-length album, but one song that stands out is “Saturn,” which features extensive vocal samples and Snyder singing in a low register.

In his quest to “change popular music from rap to some weird ‘ish’” Snyder takes inspiration from a few big-name alternative acts that have found success by pushing pop music into more experimental

territory, like Bon Iver and Tame Impala.

Since he released “Multifarious” in June, Snyder has created around 10 new songs. Overall, he is focusing on making music that he can enjoy.

“My only goal with my music is to please myself, so I don’t really care what anyone else thinks about it,” said Snyder.

Life is Bliss

Slowdown Lo-fi/Dream pop Single | 3:52

Although its creator, sophomore Isaac Shelton, is a snare in the LHS band, “Life is Bliss” does not rely on drums to drive the song forward. Instead, it begins with a simple three-note arpeggio that is blanketed by a warm synth pad, creating a steady trance that remains unbroken through the rest of the track. For the song’s creator, releasing the track has been a long process.

“I wrote that song three years ago as an idea for myself,” said Shelton. “I’m more a production guy, so I usually start out with some piano idea...then I go into the software that I use and change the sound, so it sounds more [stylized].”

Although he has a background in more traditional instruments like drums and guitar, Shelton found that producing allows for more options in creating a unique sound.

“I watched a lot of YouTube videos about producers…and I was fascinated with how they did things and the process of it, so I started

Holy Moses

Shoot the Moon Indie/Soul Single | 3:16 Seniors Johnathan Smith and Garrett Masters have been working on music together since their junior year, but “Holy Moses” is their first track as the band Shoot the Moon. The song centers around a catchy vocal line from Smith, who wrote the music and the lyrics. “[Johnathan] pretty much wrote the whole thing, and he sent me the video on Snapchat,” said Masters. “Then he came over and

using Garage Band because I wanted to do something different,” said Shelton.

Shelton’s production style is decisive. “Life is Bliss” feels relatively stripped-down, with new parts or instruments adding additional layers that build off of the loop in the introduction.

The sound is influenced by altpop projects like Zach Villere and Homeshake. Listening to and pulling from those artists allowed Shelton to give depth to his own recording.

“I wanted a lot of space,” said Shelton. “Those musical artists use a lot of guitars. There’s just subtle guitar in these songs because I was listening to those songs like ‘What am I missing?’”

Lyrically, the song was a challenge. Shelton had an idea of the image that he wanted to create, but he struggled with creating lyrics that helped him convey his message.

“I usually just take one idea and try to expand on it...so I just took the idea of the older version of someone looking at the younger version of themselves and seeing the differences between them,” said

Shelton. “I redid the lyrics maybe 10 times because I had no idea where I wanted to take the song.

All of the music was pretty much done, but the vocals took so much longer because I had no idea what to do with it.”

“Life is Bliss” was not especially complicated to make. In part, Shelton wants his own music to push other people towards pursuing their own projects. “[The song] slowly grew into something that I was trying to pursue and eventually release, and so when I eventually...got around to making the song I was just like ‘why not release it? It’s a stepping stone.’” said Shelton. “Anyone can really make music, it’s not too difficult...I have friends who have amazing [musical] ideas but never...put [them out]. If you want to make music in high school, just do it.”

we played the chords into Ableton, got the tempo in, and we just started going...We just went from there layering in drums and guitars and good stuff like that. It only took us like two or three hours.”

“Holy Moses” begins with a passionate vocal hook from Smith. While a drum loop moves the verse forward, the subtle hum of an organ gives the song a soulful feel as Smith sings about toxic romance. The thoughtful instrumentation and structure are a result of the fact that Smith and Masters have worked together before.

“Johnathan and I have been making music for a while,” said Masters. “The first time we actually recorded stuff was about a year ago...it [was] really bad because I didn’t know how to produce things at the time. Ever since then, we have been writing stuff, and I’ve gotten better at producing so it sounds [better].”

As their next step, Masters and Smith plan to release an EP. Although it will most likely not include “Holy Moses,” it will be a release to look out for.

Shelton plans to release a seven song EP titled “Sick Day” in October 2019.

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Are

Chunky Chancy? shoes

too

by Jazlyn White There is no doubt that chunky shoes are ubiquitous in the halls and classrooms of LHS, but many people are asking, “What’s the big deal?” On the other side, some shoe fanatics are saying “What’s not to love?”

Chunky shoes, from platform shoes to Jordans, have been relatively popular in some way or another for as long as anyone in the building can remember. The chunky shoes craze of today is centered around sneakers, with the most noteworthy brand being FILA. The shoes, reminiscent of Sketchers, have bulky fabric and large, accentuated soles. Simply a glance around the foyer during passing period is guaranteed to result in multiple sightings of these shoes. One sentiment that is easy to notice about chunky sneakers is that some people think they are, to keep it frank, ugly.

Most people are either absolutely head over chunky heels in love with them, or they hate the ground they step on. So, let’s settle the dispute: Are chunky shoes bad for you?

First, one must go to an example of FILA infatuation, a teenager with a pair. Haymi Yetbarek, an LHS sophomore, loves chunky footwear.

“I have big feet and [chunky sneakers] make them look smaller,” said Yetbarek. “My favorite brand is probably Tommy’s. I have no complaints.”

While Yetbarek has no complaints, many foot experts do, specifically with the excess padding.

“There are actually muscles in your foot that hold the arch up,” said Dr. Chloe Tillman on her website in September 2018. “[But] if you provide external (shoe) support to your feet most of the time, the muscles don’t have to be that strong...your arch may roll in since the muscles are weaker. When you start to use those muscles more,…you definitely feel it.”

The high arch of chunky shoes can make these issues in your feet worse, but that’s not the only reason doctors are concerned about the trend. Many more have issues with the weight of the shoe on your body.

“Thick-soled trainers are heavier. This can give rise to pain up the front of the lower leg, known as shin splints,” said William Joyce, a podiatrist, in an interview with The Guardian.

Taking all of this in may make it seem as if all chunky shoed teens have pain from strained shins and weak arches, but many don’t seem to notice.

“Why would they [hurt to wear]?” said Yetbarek.

In the end, the question of whether or not chunky shoes are good to wear is up to the informed wearer. It’s important to listen to one’s body when trying new trends and stop when they may become harmful.

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSON

TENNIS PLAYERS TRY OTHER FALL SPORTS

by Avery Blackman & Ree Baireddy

photos by sara croghan

that this was going to be a long week.

As fall commences, so do The next sport we tried was our favorite activities: sports. the exact opposite of football: As mere tennis players, we cross country. We went from wanted to stray from our quiet, training with the strongest boys protected courts and enter at LHS to the fastest. Walking the world of cutthroat varsity into practice, we did not think athletics at LHS. We decided it could be that hard; it is just to spend a day at three varsity practices: football, cross country running, there is not much to it.

Boy, were we wrong. and volleyball. It was the worst The normal, everyday mistake we ever made. warmup for a cross country When we walked onto the practice is two laps around the football field one Wednesday afternoon, we were immediately track. To an actual cross athlete, it was nothing, but to us, it was bombarded by 250-pound, 6-foot-3-inch defensive linemen. the end of the world. The first We borrowed a few helmets, and 100 meters were a breeze- we could keep up with the pack of with that became the newest varsity girls’ jogging pace by (temporary) members of the LHS football team. Although the sprinting ourselves. However, seemingly 50 lb helmets made it we quickly began to fall behind quite difficult to walk, somehow, and by the end of the 200-meter curve, we were running on our we stumbled our way into the own. With each step, our feet middle of the field to talk to a felt heavier and heavier, and few of the team captains. the side cramps got worse and The first drill that they made worse. It was extremely difficult us do was called “punt-return.” not to give up, but eventually, We had to work against each we crossed the 400-meter mark other in which one of us was and immediately collapsed in trying to kick the ball as far as a pool of sweat and tears. After we could and the other trying conversing with the XC kids, we to catch it. Neither of us could decided that it would be unwise figure out which part was harder. When setting up the ball to attempt to run with them for the rest of their practice. on the kicking tee, the football There was absolutely no way we players feared our feet as they could run the eight miles they came flying towards their faces had planned for the day, and when we tried to aim towards we would have immediately the football. Although kicking been dropped and running by was rather difficult, catching ourselves anyway. was a whole different story.

Our final practice was Watching the ball fly towards us, terror struck our eyes. When volleyball. Having heard a lot from our two close friends on the ball landed in our arms, the varsity team, we thought we we were propelled backward, were prepared for the afternoon falling right on our backs. After ahead of us. By 3:45 p.m., just just attending one-fourth of a 30 anxiety-filled minutes after football practice, we both knew

school had ended, the gym had turned into complete chaos.

We were forced to dodge balls faster than soldiers dodge bullets. Girls’ voices screaming “mine!” echoed off the gym walls, sounding like the pelicans in “Nemo”. After adjusting to these completely foreign surroundings, each of us paired up with a back-row player on the team. We started by passing with our partners across the net- a seemingly easy warmup drill. Our futile attempts to keep the ball from hurtling towards the ground quickly brought sweat to our faces and bruises to our arms. Centuries seemed to have passed within minutes, and soon we could feel the nerve endings in our arms smashed irreparably. However bad we thought this was, it soon got much worse when the hitters stepped on the court. Being 6-feet and above, they were tall enough as it was, but as they jumped an additional 20 inches, spiking the ball 100 mph straight at our faces, we were scared for our lives. We lasted about 10 seconds before we both got hit in the face, immediately getting bloody noses and decided to tap out.

This week of varsity practices was a whirlwind of blood, sweat and tears. How these athletes put themselves in lifethreatening situations, every day of the week, is beyond us. This week made us gain a great amount of respect for these sports, and we are proud to say that we are the biggest supporters of LHS’ fall sports.

by Spencer Wasmund

DEFINING UNDERRATED Every team, no matter what the sport, always has that one player, the one that is not necessarily the team’s star player that’s filling up the stat line, but one that no team could ever do without. They lift the team up when morale is down, they are the hype man when excitement is high and they are a “never going to quit” type of person when the rest of the team needs them to be.

CHARLIE MICKELSON, 10 Sport: Boys Golf

Teammate Comments: “Charlie is underrated because he comes from behind his brother George who was the same way for the first couple of years but then senior year, became good. So he’s just following the same path. He brings a lot of laughter and excitement to the team and on meet days he always makes sure to wish us good luck.”

- Spencer Wittstruck, 12

AZZY BRUNZ, 9 Sport: Cheer

Teammate Comments: “As a freshman, [Brunz] is not expected to be as good, especially because she’s never cheered before, but she has really put in a lot of work this season, and has become one of our best team members in a really short amount of time.”

- Ellie O’Connor, 12

ALEX OPPOLD, 12 Sport: Football

Teammate Comments: “[Oppold] is a really hard worker. He is a team player who cares about his teammate, who also doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. But in reality, he is a crucial part to our team because of his contributions both offensively and defensively.”

- Luke Smith, 11

RILEY JOHNSON, 12 Sport: Girls Tennis

Teammate Comments: “[Johnson] may not be the best on the team but she always brings a positive attitude no matter what the situation may be, and she never really gets down on herself or others even if she’s down a point or two.”

- Ellie Schuller, 12

PHOTOS BY JAIDA SORENSEN ARTWORK BY CARLY WHEELER

WORLD LANGUAGE STUDENTS TRAVEL THE WORLD

by Cathleen Weng From Greece to Germany, LHS world language students took to the skies over the summer to visit and learn about dialect and culture all over Europe.

Although LHS is no stranger to travel, each trip is a uniquely engaging experience for the students who go and the teachers who chaperone them. German teacher Saskia Edwards takes her students to Germany, Spanish teacher Kristi Oros takes her students to Spain, Latin teacher Lynn Thomason alternates between Greece and Italy for her trips and the previous French teacher Florence Thompson took her students to France.

The Germany trip featured a plethora of cities and sites, such as the Berlin Wall, Munich, Frankfurt, a concentration camp, castles and even a German school. Edwards, on her second trip with LHS students, enjoyed being able to immerse her students in the locations they’d learned about in class. “[My favorite part of the trip was] bonding with students, showing students what we talked about in class, eating German food [and] going to a lot of castles,” said Edwards.

The Spanish trip to Spain went to Madrid, Toledo, Granada; Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea, not to mention they saw places like Alhambra, the remains of Christopher Columbus in the Seville Cathedral, the oldest bullfighting ring and architecture from the 1992 Seville World Fair. They were also able to attend a bullfight and learn about the importance of the bullfight. Additionally, as Oros most appreciated, the holiday of Corpus Christi, or the Blood of Christi, a religious holiday observed by cathedrals in Spain, was being celebrated while they were there.

“It was Corpus Christie while we were there, so we were able to see a procession and just able to participate in an important cultural event, an important religious holiday for them,” said Oros. “I [also] enjoyed that our whole group had dinner together every night and we just sat and talked about everything we had seen and done.”

The Latin trip to Greece took students to Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Thessaloniki, not to mention a full day cruise on the Saronic Gulf, complete with island stops and the Mediterranean beach. There, they saw historical sites such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon. The standout location for Thomasson was Philip of Macedon’s tomb in Vergina, which was an unbelievable experience for her.

However, what made the trip truly special for her was student reactions to their surroundings.

“Watching the students’ faces is truly one of my favorite parts [of the trip],” said Thomason. “When we’ve talked about something for four years or seen pictures of something, to actually be there and to watch their faces as they experience that is really very special. Also I try to do something new on every itinerary and so everything we did north of Delphi this time was new to me and I was just enthralled with it.”

The trip to France included cities like Paris, Nice, Nimes and Monaco, not to mention St. Louis and other smaller destinations. The French students also visited sites like the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb and Pere Lachaise cemetery. The travelers were even able to have dinner at the houses of French locals, which helped them learn a lot about French culture. Senior Haley Leisenger not only thoroughly enjoyed the trip but also found that her fluency in French drastically improved. Despite the many places they visited, there were two standout cities.

“I really enjoyed going to Nice and Nimes because during that time they were having a festival thing going on,” said Leisenger. “So, at night we would walk through the festivities and there would be live concerts all down the streets and it was just a lot of fun.”

The world language classes take trips every two years, so if that sounds like an experience you want to have, make sure to sign up for a world language class.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LHS STUDENTS

ARTWORK BY CARLY WHEELER