East is the place that's more than just a bunch of tradition. This is where a majority of our youth is spent. Here , we foster memories of friends and anticipate the times to come. We learn to live, laugh, and love here. This yearbook is a snapshot of all those connections that bind us.
1. During classes , the North Hall seems spacious.2. But it becomes quite crowded as sophomore Courtney Plucknett pushes through to get to class. 3. These doors open up to the auditorium, which will undergo a transformation next year. 4. The long lines at lunch in the cafeteria test students' patiences.
5. The lunchroom stands ready for hungry students.
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natalietaylor
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layout by:
kinseygrove
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6. A group of freshmen crowd around a table in the cafeteria to eat their lunch.
7. The empty cafeteria.
In 1967, the $5 million Lincoln East Educational Complex first opened its doors to over 1400 students. Described as "a sparkling building without windows," almost 40 years of students have started to take a toll on the building. That is why, starting soon, East will be undergoing some well-deserved improvements.
"I am very excited East High will be
getting renovations to fit the schools needs," said Principal Mary Beth Lehmanowsk.y.
This is all thanks to the 4LPS School Bond that Lincolnites approved last February. A large portion of East's funds will be focused on indoor air quality. Remaining funds will be used to expand the cafeteria and kitchen and the North Hall as well. East also will be getting two
new computer labs. Theater and music students will see exciting changes as well.
"We also will be receiving auditorium restoration and improvements, as well as modifications for the performing arts and music programs , " said Lehmanowsk.y. "And we are pleased to be making East more handicap accessible."
The project will be underway by this summer and will last about two years.
"Of course this will be an inconvience for all of us here, staff and students alike, but my hope is for the outcome to be better in the long run, and for us to be able to benefit the most from it," said Lehmanowsk.y.
"I am really excited. It will be really fun to go down the ramps."
"I am so excited! Maybe now they can get new non spiderinfested band lockers!"
"Hopefully the lunch line will run more smoothly and the cafeteria will be less crowded."
Sophomore Heather Boone
Freshman Harry Smith
:Qhoto by: susannawebb
Junior Brittany Bukovac
When you "classic," a certa · come to mind: so pearls, little blackUINl8Ste8.J flattering a-line S -lW',lr:•r•~~.1.black -and-white c or preppy plaid . ......-.......1 year's hottest des fm\mt1t ~1a-t~ taken classic vint 4 A,l!!ll, ,~- i a;; and reinvented th iilllirh Jwaflji ,s }1
innovative cuts a Some of East's m students have als by these vintage 1 "I love Fre Catherine Malan mixes silhouettes from the past wit and embodies ne
similar concepts i wardrobe. "I like and gray with ne own stamp on white and red."
Junior Ca likes vintage clot is feminine and 0·-41111'~1Ja l clothing is more c sophisticated. It f° body well," she sa that more women
3 . Senior Ali Pete
4 Junior Sean
5 Junior Logan
their body type " Hip designer Marc Jacobs also adheres to this principle. He utilizes classic silhouettes that flatter the female body and makes them fresh by using \].Ilique textures and pairing them with quirky, offbeat accessories.
Other East students sew their own classic-inspired looks. "I am an artistic person, and I love creating new looks and setting eXiamples ," said junior Alice Ro t.
Whether hip designers, vintage stJ le icoms , or their own sewing machines inspire them, many of East's fashionistas look to the classics to embody the looks oft day.
and year out. S define ourselves. ophomore Aaron Bu.lo
s o his preppy style wi ed ~olos, hemp necklace
uni r Alexis Lawrenc ting the gothic fashion le chains, handc
e Dallas Tucker en o rtable, baggy clothes, s with a long chain to ao his style.
6 Senior Brittany S hulenberg.
7 Junior Mela l\Taco.
8 Freshman Lauren B
9 Senior Jamie Kort.
st ry by: katerosenba
p otos by: paigejuhnke
j anwortmann
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si ebar by: michaelaw d joanwortmann
.. . Girls
"The teachers are a lot nicer than I expected, but I really hate how I have to go up and down the stairs all day. Its very tiring."'
-
Alyssa Wunderlich
• freshmen
"Almost. I learned that this is an old school which explains no AC or heat. I thought it would be some great experience."
- Nate Dennis
•"It was scary at first but now that I'm used to it, it's just like everyday in school."
Re ember walking thro gh the hallways your freshman yea r , knowing here you were head d you woul encounter? Freshm n gives East newcomers a chance to together, meet their teachers an d about East High School in a w Some say that East's Freshman D best in th e city.
"It' s the best because it i s planned a nd we try to minimiz t amount o:f sitting-down time th s had, so tli ey're always up and o said counselor Karen Dress, w ho organize t he day.
Of t his year's freshmen, e percent a re either the oldest or o children in their families. That m that , for ost of them, they ha e brothers or sisters to guide the the year.
Council ng. g. like to
LINCOLN EAST M ED IA CE NTER
a ior
Senior year is the most memorable of all four at East. It's the year students come to realize that their high-school legacy is coming to an end as they prepare for life on their own. Seniors begin to cherish the last days spent in classrooms, getting to know their teachers, and, most importantly, hanging out with the friends they've come to love in the past four years. Some even grow fond of East's younger students.
"I'm going to miss getting to know the new underclassmen coming in every year," said Ashley Rathjen.
Not everything is viewed through nostalgic eyes, however. Senior year is also full of preparation for a life beyond rules, overbearing parents and supervisors. Seniors begin considering college and job options available and look forward to even the most mundane of future activities.
"I look forward to buying cups and dishes at garage sales," sai~ senior Max Gade. Garage sales, old furniture, and Ramen noodles end up finding their way into the lives of many East graduates. Life a~er high school is a far cry from the comforts their homes and families provided for them while still in school.
For now, though, the seniors will relish the moment while keeping their eyes on the future.
3.Meghan
4.
5.Mr. Rippe talks about the 19th Amendment in AP Government anci Politics.
6. Sarah McCallister reads in Children's Lit.
1. Senior Joan Wortmann serves chicken at The Legacy.
2. A gathering of seniors during passing time in Senior Hall.
Rihanek busts a move at the Homecoming Dance.
Ben Bogner, RH Hilzer, Vanessa Johnson, and Scout Richters enjoy their Runzas during lunch.
story by: caseyadams
photo 1 by: kelseyharris
photo 2 by: marysherrill
photo 3 by: christamasters
photo 4 by: paigegade
photo 5 by: scoutrichters
photo 6 by: paigejuhnke
layout by: scoutrichters
Homecoming royalty (from le~): Haley Carpenter, Taylor Stacy, Erik Cederdahl, Kelsey Nowka, Max Gade, Megan Masada, Danny Scheyer, Sierra Andersen, Jim Ebke, Laura Clouston, Mitchell Gerrard, and Rachel Dahlin.
midn.ight strikes early.
At this year's Homecoming Cinderella may have felt a little gypped when she was told to leave the dance at 11 : 15 and not midnight , but she probably made it home without getting wet. Then again, maybe not. With a clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning that lit up the sky like it was mid-afternoon, Homecoming goers were told it would be best if they le~ before the weather got worse. This, however, came after almost three hours of a very successful dance.
"It was the best dance I've been to at East," said junior Dane Finke. This year's Homecoming wasn't just different in the way it ended, though. For starters, this year's voting for Homecoming royalty was done online rather than on paper.
"We thought voting online would save a lot of money and instead of making everyone vote during one class, only the kids who wanted to vote would," said sponsor Matt Davis. The
voting came with mixed reviews from students , but apparently a large enough group responded to elect the standard twelve-person royalty. Out of the group seniors Kelsey Nowka and Taylor Stacy were crowned the Queen and King.
"I got ready for the dance just like any other year. I wasn't nervous because I didn't think I would win," said Nowka. A girl's idea of getting ready is a little different than a guy's. While Kelsey got her nails and hair done and got ready with her best friend, Finke had much less to do.
"I think it took me thirty minutes," said Finke. Whether it took the entire day or just a few minutes to get ready, the consensus was that homecoming was a hit. Cinderella may have not gotten the midnight dance this time around, but hopefully she still found her prince charming.
story by: shelbisvoboda photos by: shuqiaosong layout by: laurenmota
Walk through the halls of East arid everywhere you look, you see signs of its past and present. From alumni photos hung on the wall or the enclosed Spartan welcoming everyone into the building, to sitting down in your tattered desks and opening up a textbook, you don't realize what you're inside of. You are surrounded by bricks of experience and years of memories and hope that have survived for almost four decades.
Social Studies teacher Colleen Ogden has been in love with East since day one. Ogden attended East when it first opened in 1967.
"When I returned to teach at East in 1992, I was worried about how the school had changed since I left," said Ogden. "It didn't take long, though, and I felt at home. Teaching at East is not work. It is my passion."
English teacher Ken Flowerday has lots of experience with East and its chap.ges, too. Graduating in 1976, Flowerday described his high-school years as relaxed and looser than those in the 21 st century.
"Students are more serious now, with gifted classes to choose from They are somewhat pressured to achieve more," said Flowerday. "It's nice to see students progress but sometimes I feel they are over-tested."
Longtime FCS chair Marge Keep points to East's community spirit as a reason for its success as a school.
"There is no better place to be, where innovation and student learning are at the heart of what we do each and everyday," said Keep.
With nearly forty years of success stories, it looks like East will be able to enter its mid- life crisis with strength, and be able to hold its Spartan head up high and over the hill.
1. East girls swunmers do a backstroke start in 1987.
2. Two girls walk up from • the lot in 1967. •
3. A junior bassist concentrat,es on his music in 1977
4 Alysia Wittmaack and Jenny Petersen walk up • from the lot .
5. Senior Nathan Feather creates a story through the music of his bass
6 The 1967 football team wins another East victory
7. The first Homecoming Royalty of Lincoln East
8. East Homecoming Royalty 2006-2007.
engl1sh.
Children's Literature is the first high-school class of its kind in Nebraska. The class' creator, Julie Harder, decided to teach the class because she had a great love of reading as a child, and that lifelong passion has not left her . .Children's Literature may sound easy, but East's class was actually adapted from a college curriculum. Class members wrote and illustrated their own books and researched different versions of classic children's stories this year.
"This class will help students connect where they are today and their love/hate relationship with reading," said Harder.
Seniors Kacey Shane and Elizabeth Thomas read letters that Pyrtle 1st graders wrote for Children's Literature students.
When East's Shakespeare teacher Anne Cognard found a 17th Century bed carved with the names Will S. and Anne H., it was serendipity. Cognard borrowed money to buy the bed , and began researching its origins. She found that during this period, regions of England had certain carvers , and this bed was made with many carving styles specific to the area where Shakespeare lived. A table known to have belonged to Shakespeare and furnishings owned by his wife , Anne Hathaway, were also made with similar carving elements. Cognard theorizes that the bed is indeed Shakespeare's, and that he bought it for Hathaway's 50 th birthday. Now it has found its way into the life of another woman who has a lifelong love of Shakespeare.
story by: katerosenbaum
photos by: paigejuhnke
layout by: scoutrichters
16 english
"If you are creative and don't mind embarrassing yourself, you should take Advanced Studies in Shakespeare," said senior Lindsay Graef. "You have all these crazy ~ssignments, anci you act more than you write papers." Students in the advanced course work hard but enjoy some freedom with their added responsibility. "We are more like student teachers, and we help interact with the class," said Graef. "I would recommend Advanced Shakespeare to people who looked forward to Shakespeare every day."
Junior ElizabethO Earhart flips through her notes for Dr. Cognard's AP Language and Composition class.
Seniors Phil Wi e be and Ali Peterson work on their poems for Poetry Unplugged.
The new math course Problem Solving had no textbooks, no set curriculum, and no traditional problems.
"Life comes packaged in problems, and there. is no specific formula for solving problems in life," said Leona Penner, who teaches the course. Problem Solving's unorthodox structure reflected this theory. Penner began planning the class during her first year of teaching, but this was the first year that it was taught at East. The unique math class included strategies for thinking outside the box, as well as math history, recreational mathematics and, of course, solving a lot of problems .
Senior
Students wondering when they
are going to use math in real life probably shouldn't drop their math classes. According to the 1999 "The Jobs Rated Almanac," mathematician is the 5 th best job in America, and also has ·the best working environment. Many of the other top 10 jobs w~re also math related because they are low stress, have short work weeks and offer plenty of room for advancement and growth.
Paying money to study math for an extra three hours a week may not be something that interests many East students. For juniors Alex Churchill
and George Miller, though, hiring a tutor to teach them pre-calculus their sophomore year was a logical decision. Both Churchill and Miller took AP Calculus D this year.
"I think it was worth it because now I can take advanced math at UNL my senior year," said Miller. Churchill wanted to advance in math because he feels that it can lead him into a variety of different careers. Junior Tina Zheng also took AP Calculus D this year, and was drawn to certain parts of math. "I like logarithms. They remind me of trees," she said.
Micah Bratt looks over his math notes after taking his first Geometry test of the year
Senior Rachel Dahlin receives help from a Calculus teacher Mr. Hovorka on limits as senior Joe Baker finishes his assignment.
Junior M egan Allemang starts work on her math assignment during a Nova Net class.
science •
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue or how two chemicals react the way they do? Science is all around us.
" I actually wanted to be a scientist when I was a little kid," said senior Tyler Markey. It's amazing how so many people are ignorant about science's impact on their everyday lives. Sophomore John Thuman can't seem to ignore science's influence. "I see it every minute," he said.
Mr. Bare lectures his class on the many aspects of science.
East science teacher Ed Lyons has been at East for as long as many people can remember. He has always loved science.
"Everyone else had a rattle. My parents gave me a test tube," said Lyons. One of his first in-class labs of the year focused on melting and boiling points of some flammable gases and solids. "At first it was confusing but once I got in there and was actually doing it myself it was a lot easier to understand," said junior Jesslyn Denton.
Connie Arends helps senior Salome Viljoen dissect a rat.
Sophomores Cou.rtey Russell , Morgan Bohl, and Dan Sellon make some detailed observations during their lab in Mr. Koehn's class.
Dig deep and find out what's inside of you-guts and blood! In Conni~ Arends' Anatomy class, they did just that, only with rats. About 5 minutes before class began,Arends put the rats to sleep.
"She used dry ice to displace the oxygen and they fell asleep and died. They didn't feel a thing," said junior Trevor Johns. Many students were squeamish, including junior Lindsey Mota, whose dad is a doctor.
"I'm pretty sure that was the most disgusting thing ever," said Mota , whose dad would like her to be a doctor, too. Students looked at the digestive system to learn more about the functions of the rat's body, because it is similar to the human's system.
"It's just a better way to see what organs look like, instead oflooking in a book at a diagram," said Mota.
story by: jam.ieminchow
photos by: kelseyharris
layout by: laurenbeitel
• science
Sophomores Heather Boone, Hannah Potter, Liz Needles , and Hali Jacobs work on their World History project in Mr. Bayne's AP class.
Many students wonder why they have to learn history. "You're learning history for a reason," said U.S. History teacher Kevin Rippe. "There's always a lesson to be learned." These days Rippe thinks history may be repeating itself.
"There are certain patterns and trends that have come back throughout the years, linking to certain events taking place today," he said. A good knowledge of.history can help us today. "There's so much you can learn and take in from history. It is really amazing what you can know."
Freshmen Logan. Pohlmann and Frank Pratt war k on their social studies proj ect1?.
Social Studies teacher Colleen Ogden is the only woman in the Social Studies department. "~tis what it is. Yes , I miss the women I have worked with in the past , but I enjoy the male colleagues in the department," she said. "They are hard-working, and care about teaching social studies at East, "Ogden's Spartan roots run deep. She graduated from East i n 1972 and has been teaching here since 1 ~92. Clearly, she's passionate about the school.
"I truly believe in the Mission of East 'to empower each student to become a responsible member of society by providing a supportive and comprehensive education' .... just like the one I received," she said. "East High students are so lucky!!"
Violence as a means of solving problems is never the right way. It will always create more, usually bigger problems.
Just ask Social Studies teacher Michael Baker, who taught Peace Studies this year.
" I am excited about teaching the class because I deeply believe that non-violence is the only solution to solving global problems," he said.
Mr. Baker has experience in the fields of war and peace. He is a Vietnam veteran who wonders "what might have happened if a leadership that was truly committed to peace attempted to try non-violent solutions". He was looking forward to teaching students that peace is the best way to go.
"I hope that students will work toward the goal in a proactive way by helping others realize that violence is not a solution." he said.
Mr. Baker ponders the teaching philosophy of today's educators.
music •
East's Music Department expanded its offerings this year. Second semester, an electronic music composition class was taught by Lance Nielsen.
"It's more about composition and not so much about playing." Nielsen said. The class used GarageBand as a way of keeping students up to date with new technology. The class was open to all students , regardless of experience.
"It's a very universal class. I am very anxious and thrilled about seeing what's in store," said Nielsen.
Walking up from the lot, you always hear it in the distance. It's the steady beat of the drums and the clashing of the symbols. Every morning, they're right outside the school working hard to improve. It's the elite force of the drumline, a section of the marching band. For the first time, East's band members marched to a different tune--their voices. For junior drumliner Grant Vaney, this year was hitting the high note.
"It's the feeling you get and the vibrations you feel when hitting a well-stricken note. And singing? Oh, man," Varney said. Putting on a good show for the fans was a highlight for the drumline.
"I love drum.line and I love the feeling when we play at the games. The only thing better than drum.line is peanut · butter and jelly," Varney said.
Freshman year is different than middle school and most of this year's freshman have seen the difference. There is more responsibility and more important decisions to make, like what music class to take. For freshman Mick Steiner, it is a decision he savors.
"I've decided to take 9 th grade mixed choir. I've always liked choir and I love singing in the shower, so I thought I'd give it a try," Steiner said.
For Steiner and others, music classes offered both variety and the chance to excel.
"Our music selection and the daily routine is what I really like. I am working for a letter in music and hopefully one day I can get one." Steiner said.
Freshman girls prepare to break into song during their freshman choir class.
Hans Madsen strums his guitar during Jazz - Band.
The Marching Band saxophones make their way across the field during the Homecoming halftime performance.
Donna Wilson has been "developing" East photographers for years. One of her favorite parts of the job is hearing from past students.
"The best feeling in the whole world is when a student comes back, years down the road and says, 'I still have my photography notebook.' Words can't even describe that feeling," Wilson said. She loves teaching photography and everything that c01nes with it, especially the students.
"If it weren't for these little squirrels, I wouldn't be here," she said. "I love it."
This year you may have noticed a not-so-familiar face in the Art Department. Jessica Reichling is East's new pottery teacher.
"I can actually say 'I love my job!' Coming to , school everyday and interacting with the kids is great," Reichling said.
With pottery students learned everything from techniques to styles. Reichling had a hectic and exciting year planned
With their work proudly displayed throughout the hallways, the Art Portfolio students were always working.
"Portfolio is a great class. It has helped me grow as an artist and opened me up to new things," said senior portfolio student Jamie Kort. First semester, the students sat in on everything from Beginning Painting to Drawing Techniques, and worked on their own. That freelance feel was a reality for this group.
"Portfolio is challenging because there isn't any set guidelines. You come up with your own projects and set your own goals. But it's the freedom that I want," said Kort.
story by: natalietaylor
photos by: joanwortmann
layout by: michaelawagner
Kelsey Oliverius carefully finishes her painting.
Sophomores Eric Trautman and Mike Poe work during Beginning Pottery.
Photography teacher Ms. Wilson helps freshman Zach Erickson with his project during 2D/3D Design class.
phys ed.
Located behind multiple doors and brick walls, East's pool isn't something likely to pop out at you quite as well as our football field or baseball diamond.
"I think it's on the opposite side of the building, across from the classrooms," said Chelsie Mattern, a junior new to East this year. Sent on a quest to find East's secretive pool, the task took her five and a half minutes. P.E. teachers who teach the swimming classes, such as Water Sports or Dollfins, say it's a good thing freshman tours are starting to incorporate the pool as a stop. Even Fitness for Life students found it for the occasional swim. As the word gets out, the pool really is making waves.
A Fitness for Life class does push-ups with a guest teacher from the Marines
Fitness for Life is a class for anyone looking to get into shape during the school year. This class works \/\Tith building muscle througli weights, cardiovascular games , and fitness
days using aerobic activities. P.E. teacher Pam Hovorka sees the wisdom in such a class.
"Any age can benefit because the class is designed to enable students to set up their own fitness plan,'' she said. •
The class is an enjoyable one because it · juggles between a classroom setting and the gym, giving students a chance to understand both halves of the healthy lifestyle spectrum.
Sophomore Andrew Shaw works out in the weight room.
Relaxation days have always been something students look forward to in their Health class. It allows them an hour out of their hectic Fridays to sleep and rejuvenate their bodies.
"I enjoy it because you get time to relax if you have a long day," said sophomore Taylor Clark. She often listens to her iPod, letting the soft melodies of Dave Matthews to put her in the right kind of a mood to nod off to.
Junior Chelsie Mattern finally finds the pool afte an intense pursuit.
Senior Jamie Hirschman enjoys the payoff of her hard work.
What's a class full of babies and toddlers doing in a high school? Teaching high schoolers a thing or two about life. In the Infants and Toddlers class taught by Jan Beeson, infants and toddlers are brought to class to interact with the students. Jllll?-or Aubrielle Gingery was even able to bring her three-year-old sister , Lena, to class.
"I love children," says Chelsea Ehrlich, who looks forward to parenthood. She wants to have four children, so this class is providing useful information, as she learns about caring for babies and small children.
If you want to learn about foods from all around the world, Cultural Foods provides just that. In the class, students study the ethnic foods of six different cultures and make these foods for themselves. Junior Madison Graulty sees lifelong benefits to the class. • "~en I'm on my own I'll have a plethora of dishes to prepare for myself and others around me," she said. She loves dishes from countries such as China, Italy, and Mexico, so taking this class gave her ample opportunity to enjoy that kind of food.
With all the shows on television dealing with Interior Design, it's no surprise East students want to take it as a class.
"I joined Interior Design because I plan to one day be a designer like they have on 'Trading Spaces.' I really like the way they mesh their colors and fabrics ," said sophomore Angela Streeter. In the class , students are taught ways to coordinate rooms and learn how to design different houses throughout history. Studying these styles gives these pupils the ability to take past ideas and tweak them to create their own style.
Freshman Pete Meginnis and senior Andrew Mason wash dishes after class.
story by: caseyadams
photos by: kinseygrove
layout by: haleycarpenter
Junior Aubrielle Gingery holds a phone conversation with little sister Lena during Infants and Toddlers.
world languages.
When many students think of French, fries and toast pop into their minds. But there are other things that draw students to take French, like Stephanie Lefler, the only French teacher at East.
"She keeps it rad" said sophomore Kaitlyn Hopkins. Hopkins has been taking Fr~nch for the past two years. East's French classes are unique because they are taught by a native speaker.
Madame Lefler truly can relate to the subject, her passion, in part because she was born in France.
German 1 students freshmen Petrea Whittier, Timothy Menter, and Emmy Loos sing the verb song with teacher Karen Wegner.
High school is often seen as a setting for teenage angst, the roots of which often comes from parents. How would life be if your parent worked at your school? Junior Sebastian Cantarero knows because his mom is a Spanish teacher at East.
"It was kind of funny seeing her in the halls but it has become fairly normal now," Cantarero said. Some would assume that Sebastian also speaks perfect Spanish, too. "We do speak Spanish at my house but it's because my parents are from Nicaragua, not because she's a teacher," he said.
This past summer senior Adam Brown spent two weeks in Mexico teaching English and absorbto.g th~ Spanish language with East grads Seth and Luke . Flowerday. He also skipped from second year Spanish straight to fourth year.
"Simply put, Sr. Pierce is an amazing teacher and is the reason why I speak Spanish so well," Brown said.
First-Year Spanish students work hard to check homework.
Senior Alysa Taylor writes French notes in class
Long hours and challenging pay can create a revolving door of para-educators at schools. However, one of them, in her own words , is "absolutely devoted to my job, the staff, and the kids at East." That is Do nna Swoboda. She too has faced disabilities and challenges like many of the Special Education students she helps everyday. She's had diabetes for 41 years ~ , heart surgery twice , is a kidney patient and has a son who was born with cerebral palsy. "I have a sense of awareness of what these students are going through," said Swoboda.
Zach Marlof working on essays.
For three years , every Thursday, a~d sometimes on the weekends. That's how long the ,. Lunch Bunch has been getting together. The idea . first came from Special Education teacher Laurie Witters-Churchill.
"Anyone and everyone is welcome," she said. Kids from all grades and all cliques come together to eat lunch and have a good time. "It's a very social activity where good people make an effort to meet new people."
Since last summer , Special Education teacher Jane Munstermann has been battling tongue cancer, and in her place is substitute teacher Gloria Hrbek. She started working at East at the beginning of the school year, and has quickly found a place here.
"I enjoy the vocational part of my job. We're able to visit places like The American Cancer Society," said Hrbek. Her students are her main priority. "I love all my students. They're all unique."
story by: joereuter
_spacial
Students in Ms . Witters-Churchill class listening carefully to directions to their next ass i gnment
Ang ela Gill and
Lunch -bunch membe r s get to know one another before taking a bite to e~. •
photos by : marysherrill
layout by: laurenmota
business
Junior Jacques Tallichet has a true interest in marketing and business. This year, he was active in DECA and enrolled in three business classes including International Business, Marketing, and Sports Entertainment Marketing. His passion for marketing began with a business class he took as a freshman. Since then, he's been hooked.
"The classes are a lot of fun with Fraser. She takes business and makes it interesting to learn," he said. Tallichet wants to major in business and marketing and hopes to own a business some day.
At the beginning of each school year , DECA organizes a Worlds of Fun trip, open to all students at Lincolr, East. It gives those who attend an opportunity to meet new people and get involved in the DEC.A environment.
"DECA tricks you into learning. You take in so much more than you expect, and it's a lot of fun," said junior DECA Activities Vice President B r e ann a Phillip s .
Internet/Multimedia is a different way to explore business. It can be used for everything from promotional ideas to applying for future college courses. Senior Stephanie Heupel and juniors Andrew Hansen and Tara Greiser have each taken at least one or two multimedia classes each year since their freshman years.
"Taking these classes promotes creativity and helps motivate my other interests in technology," said Hansen. They all hope to pursue some type of major in technology or computer science.
story by: jenapalmer photos by: paigejuhnke layout by : lizperry
Sierra Andersen completes her daily checklist for the school store.
Susan Cook and Tyl e r Randazzo look through the classified ads in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Ali Bunde works on her flash animation for Internet Multimedia
Most students first experience Industrial Technology in a 6 th grade workshop class , in which they carve their names out of wood. Junior Alex Chmielewski though, has been building since age three. ,
"I pretty much invented Legos ," he said. He started out with plastic blocks , moved on to wooden skate ramps, and now is making it possible for vehicles to run.
"My parents have always been really supportive with helping out with supplies I've needed. I appreciate all they've done for me over the years, ~ ' he said.
A lot of the time you see men building houses, working on cars, and designing buildings. Over the past decade, though, women have stepped up and decided to get involved as we~.
Senior Maggie Schuster has found a passion for design , which is why she took Applied Architecture/Engineering.
"It's sort of intimidating be i ng in a class full of guys but I think women have a more creative approach to designing .in the class," she said.
East seniors Jeremy Kendle, Scott Vasey, and Andy Steck gave up the last few days of their summer to enter a furniture-making contest in Atlanta . It was time well spent, since the East team placed 3 rd in the nation Their ready-toassemble table even caught the eye of a national furniture retailer.
"It was a really wonderful experience ," said their teacher Jeff McCabe. "The students got to see top-of-the line equipment in the world and they grew up a lot as well."
Nick Hornung, Richard Weers and Ryan Sutton chill in their Engines Class.
Andy Steck, Mr. McCabe, Scott Vasey and Jeremy Kendle pose with their table that gained national attention.
From teachers and custodians , to counselors and students , we all are part of East High. No matter the clique , stereotype or label all of us are still connected through this school. But it's more than the school itself that bonds people.
Emily Ackerman
Cameron Adams
Casey Adams
Dawson Adams
Angela Albers
Kayla Alexander
Megan Allemang
Lisa Amen
Megan Ander sen
Sarah Anthony
Nate Armstrong
Zipporah Ausbrook
Sam Bach
Ryan Bailey
Michaela Baker
Shane Baker
Elizabeth Baquet
Jake Barrett
Adam Bassett
Brent Bath
Lauren Bavitz
Aden Beck
Paige Beckler
Lauren Becwar
Nikki Beecher
Russell Bergholz
Brian Berry
Erin Blackwood
Ryan Blohn
Lindsey Bohac
Brandon Bomberger
Elizabeth Bouma
Emily Brackhan
Rachel Branker
Rachel Brenning
William Brinton
Mike Briones
Chris Brostrom
Daniel Brown
Kay Brown
Nicholas -Brown
Shimiah Brown
Todd Brown
Bryce Buchmann
Brittany Bukpvac
Jake Burling
Justin Burns
Ethan Calhoun
Sebastian Cantarero
Ryan Carlson
Emily Carnes
Mark Carraher
Shaye Cates
Eric Chauche
Alexander Chmielewski
Brian Christensen
Reid Christensen
Anna Christenson
Laura Christy
Josh Chudomelka
Alex Churchill
Carly Claussen
Chris Connor
Ashley Creglow
Whitney Cruickshank
Aubrey Cummings
Dan Dahl
Kelly Danahy
Molly Darlington
Garett Daugherty
Kristin Daugherty
Brent David
J aida Delaney
Liam Dempsey
J esslyn Denton
Sean Dickerson
Mickey Dickinson
Luke Dirks
Kelli Dornbos
Adrian Draney
EmikaDu
Grant Duffy
Matthew Dunlap
Sean Dwyer
Elizabeth Earhart
Benjamin Eden
Nolan Ediger
Chelsea Ehrlich
Vail Erickson
Drew Etherton
Shannon Fast
KelseyFawl
Callie Feingold
Dain Finke
Michelle Fluitt
Sarah Ford
Amanda Forgey
Braden Forst
Breanna Fosdick
Skylar Fossberg
Cassie Frohberg
Samantha Gans King
Randy Gerdes
Mahir Gharzai
Simone Giessen
Brady Gilg
Angela Gill
Taylor Gillette
Aubrielle Gingery
Madison Graulty
Lauren Grefe
Tara Grieser
Kinsey Grove
Braden Hadfield
Erica Hamilton Garth Hamilton
Laura Hanneman
Andrew Hansen
James Hao
Eric Harmon
Cathy Harris
Kelsey Harris
James Harrison
Lauren Harrison
Eric Hartwell
Joshua Hartwig
Mitchell Haszard
Maggie Hedlund
Jordan Heiliger
Joshua Heiliger
Leonie Heine
Addison Higley
Wade Hilligoss
Stephen Hohbach
Adam Holloway
Kelsey Hoppes
Kylie Hubbell
Ashley Ireland
Justin Jackson
Joshua Janovec
Tara Jarvis
James Jenkins
Trevor Johnson
HaleyJuma
Susan Kachm.an
Sarah Karthauser
Monica Keep
J aci Kehling
Sam Kiddoo
Hannah Kinberg
Mike Knott
Ginny Koch
Alexis Korn
Cody Kosmicki
Miranda Kriha
Maxwell Krueger
Katelyn Kuehn
Terra Kurtz
Behnam Laderian
Cole Lane
Jeff Lantz
Kalie Larson
Michael Lau
Matt Lavalleur
Alexis Lawrence
William Leddy
Stephanie Lee
Alexis Lehman
Mikhala Lenzen
Amanda Lewis
Lauren Ley
Kelsey Liddy
Makayla Lo~us
Kimber Lubben
Sadie Lubeck
Vinny Lucchino
Taylor Maahs
Danny Macgowan
Jonathan Maguire
Matt Makovicka
Camille ¥arr
Amanda Martz
Thomas Matczyszyn
Chelsie Mattern
Harrison Mauseth
Nixie McGhee
Ashton McDonald
Zachary McDonald
Kelli McGarvie
Jim McManis
David Meagher
Harry Meginnis
Sam Meginnis
Aubrie Menghini
Jon Messbarger
Abby Meyer
Kevin Meyer
Jaime Michelsen
Christine Miller
George Miller
Jamie Minchow
Matthew Moore
Ashley Morgan
Mckenzie Mortensen
Lindsey Mota
Lyndsey Muehling
Tim Mueller
Alex Munger
Matt Munger
Nick Munger
Craig Murman
Mela Naco
Jenna Nels on Mallory Netz
Alex Neuhaus
Taylor Neuhaus
Van Nguyen
DrewNiebur
Amanda Nightingale
David Northey
Brian O ' dell
Brian Obermeier
Tyler Ohlman
Brian Olson
Danielle Olson
Leisha Osterberg
Cooper Overcash
James Pace-Cornsilk
Alexander Pages Matt Palm
Jena Palmer
Josh Palmer
Faezeh Parsa
Sneha Patel
Danielle Patzel
Sean Pauley
Carly Persell
Nikki Peterson
Breanna Phillips
Rachael Pickerel
Ryan Pickerill
Adam Pillard
Austin Pohlmann
Sarah Preston
Jake Rath
Andy Reckmeyer
Mary Reid
Stevie Renken
Joseph Reuter
Erin Reynoldson
James Ristow
Sam Robb
Baileigh Rodgers
Alice Root
Alex Ross Caisa Royer
Julia Rusch
Larry Russell
Adam Russnogle
Jon Rye
Lee Saenz
Asawar Sajid
Logan Samuelson
Courtney Sanderfer
Tausha Sanders
Rex Sandquist
Benjamin Sattler
Tausha Saunders
Spencer Schacher
Jason Schall
Michael Schinstock
Shawn Schmalken
Deanne Schmidt
Hayley Schmidt
Klye Schulz
Kristin Schumacher
Andrew Seachord
Jade Selvy
Joseph Shandrew
Cassie Shemek
Mary Sherrill
Bridger Shipp
Julia Simpson
Megan Sindelar
Allison Smith
Gregory Smith
Zachary Smith
Shawnee Snider
Jordan Stacy
Stan Stamps
Laura Stanley
Katherine Steinberger
Taylor Stelk
Daniel Stephens
Taylor Stewart
Lyndsay Stoupa
Jin Wen Sui
Daniel Sveen
Cathy Sypal
Jacques Tallichet
Natalie Taylor
Curtis Tebo
Lucas Thomas
Katie Thomsen
Pyae Thu
Graham Thurber
Karlene Tipton
Eric Todd
Nathan Tucker
Brice Tyrrell
Chris Urbanec
Lisa Vance
Grant Varney
Jeremy Vercellono
Jessica Vermaas
Mark Vestecka
Brandon Videtich
Hugh Von Minden
Lauren Vuchetich
Haley Waggoner
Anna Wagner
Jonathan Walklin
Jason Walls
April Wander
Tyler Wenzl
Nyaruot Wie
Shannon Winkler
Samantha Wismer
Sam Witherby
Weston Woldt
Elektra Wrenholt
Allison Wright
Molly Wright
Zachary Wright
Adam Yankech
Michael Yardley
Alex Zappala
Tina Zheng
Adam Zillig
Taylor Zillig
Andres Zimmerman
Lydia Zweerink
Clockwise from left : Simone Giessen, Julia Rusch, Van Nguyen, Leonie Heine, Chiara Rizzi, Andreas Zimmerman , Tim Mueller, and Taro Inoue hang out and eat pizza.
story by: joereuter photos by: marysherrill layout by: laurenbeitel
forai
Left: Argentinean second-semester student Flor Sciutto takes a break during Beginning Photography.
Right: Simone Giessen, Leonie Heine, Julia Rusch, Chiara Rizzi, Van Nguyen get all dressed up for homecoming.
Bottom: Van Nguyen and Tim Mueller enjoy the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Far Left: Julia Rusch enjoyed her time at East Left : Second-semester German exchange student Jorn Peters works on homework in the library
a students
a new country. a new school.
Considered by many to be the best and worst time of life , high school means many things to everyone. It's a time for new schools , new friends and, for some , a new country. East is home to a handful of exchange students every year. Nationalities ranging from Japanese to German are represented by the students who chose to come , live in, and learn about America.
"I wanted to be independent and meet new people," said junior Julia Rusch. Rusch, from Germany, was in her sixth year of English and hoped to improve her fluency in the United States. Each exchange student saw their time here as an opportunity.
"I had an opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do," said senior Chiara Rizzi, who is from Italy and stayed with the family of sophomore Devin Schultze.
Along with the new school environment , the exchange students also were introduced to a new culture.
"In Italy, sports were done outside of school and were more private. Here, everyone does some sport," said Rizzi. "Everything is also a lot bigger compared to things in Italy."
Rusch , along with sampling normal Nebraska traditions like going to Husker games and the state fair, also traveled to California over Christmas with her host family.
"My host family are in their 60s and we're going to visit their children," said Rusch.
Through all their opportunities and experiences, the exchange students were able to walk away with more than just a year of learning but a year of living in another culture, as well.
Michael Agnew
Melissa Ahrens
Kathryn Akins
Trent Albers
J ash Aldridge
David Allendorfer
Austin Amen
Drew Anderson
Matthew Anderson
Taylor Anderson
Thomas Andrysik
Jessica Arney
Tara Asgarpoor
Brandi Atkinson
N eema Bahramzad
Audree Bailey
Elizabeth Bailey
Hannah Bashford
Kelsey Bassett
Winston Beans
Adam Beaver
Dan Bell
Robert Bellinger
Joseph Beran
Kaisha Berks
Taylor Biggs
Brandon Black
Shon Blackstock
Scott Bogner
Mallory Bohl
Morgan Bohl
Heather Boone
Natalie Bopp
Andrea Bornman
Garett Bowmaster
John Brandt
Trevor Brass
Renee Bricker
Taylor Brown
Grainger Browne
Courtney Bulin
Aaron Bulow
•Lindsey Burnann
Cole Bundy
Erin Buri
Rebecca Burson
Brent Byington
D J. Carlson
Ty Carney
Shannon Cary
Aubrey Cass
Jack Christie
Joel Clark
Taylor Clark
Tyson Clark
Richard Claussen
Michael Cloud
Zachary Cole
Susan Cook
Skylar Crego
Taylor Cruse
Jake Danielson
Jennifer Deboer
Cara Delp
Jeremy Delzell
Katie Domzalski
Ryan Donahue
Natasha Doty
Nick Doty
John Drozda
Jay Dupont
Natalie Ebke
Kendall Eirich
Jason Elliott
Samantha Elliott Garrett Elting
Rachel Erickson
Sam Erickson
Kelly Ernst
Kenvon Erving
Skylar Falter
Melanie Fichthorn
Holley Field
Isaiah Fischer
Katlyn Fortune
Mattea Fasbender
Rebecca Fox
Sandra Franz
Brittany Freeman
Shelby Frerichs
Jared Froehlich
Adam Fuson
Alyssa Garcia
James Gardner
Jonathan Geier
Jared Gentry
·ne Germein Duhamel
Rachel Gibson
Nicole Gingery
Benji Gordon
Nicholas Graef
Kyle Gran
Nathan Gran
Sarah Gray
Abby Grieser
Alyce Grubbe
Andrew Gulbranson
Clair Hall
Derek Hall
Sarah Halverson
Mitch Ham
Chris Hamer
•Scott Hamilton
Jonathon Hanus
Katherine m~.rper
Jordan Harris
Rachel Hartley
Benjamin Hartwell
Steward Haszard
Kiersten Haugen
Troy Haugh
Matthew Haydu
Ashley Heckman
Taylor Herbert
Jocelyn Her stein
N aifieh Hesso
Taylor Himmelberg
Logan Hinds
Parker Hoffman
Brenden Hogan
Lisa Hollister
Kaitlyn Hopkins
Melissa Hopkins
Philip Horn
Nick Hornung
Dylan Horrocks
Kelly Howe
Morgan Huenink
Tamara Hunt
Austin Irons
Lawrence Jablonski
Hali Jacobs
Rachel Johnson
Renni Johnson
Sydney Johnson
Austin Jones
Emili Jones
Johanna Kennedy
Saul Ketelhut
Nathan Key
Samar Khidir
Eric Kielian
Jay Kilpatrick
Kaley Kirkland
Kaila Koerner
Karlie Kohl
Ryan Kortus
Zachary Krueger
Stuart Kujath
Zach Kunc
Ashley Lafferty
Sean Lamer
Taylor Lander
Dylon Larsen
Kate Lavalleur
Kelsey Lee
Lindsey Lehms
Luke Linder
Natalie Lindner
Brennen Lipson
Toni Longoria
William Lonn
Hector Lopez Robles
Jens Lorensen
Erik Luebke
Alexander Lux
Madi Maclean
Matthew Macoubrie
Ashton Makovicka
Andres Mantilla Pinto
Nicholas Mantzios
Kaleb Mar
'Candace Marolf
Lauren Marr
Katie Massey
Kylie Masters
Luke Matzke
Sean McClure
Katie McGarvie
Cory McKee
Kaitlin McKeighan
Allie McManus
Jesse McManus
John Menter
Cameron Meter
Sam Metzger
Megan Meyerson
CJ Miller
Tiffany Minear
Shane Montague
Steven Montgomery
Ashley Moore
Jeff Morrison
Arny Morton
Rosalie Mueller
Amanda Nabity
Elizabeth Needels
Whitney Newell
Kelsey Newman
Harris Niazi
J ordanne Nichols
Tim Oehring
Kelsey Oliverius
John Olson
Dakota Orthengren
Taylor Ott
Alice Ouyang
Calvin Pappas
Ethan Parks
Elizabeth Perry
Austin Peterson
Ben Peterson
Kylie Peterson
Matt Plies
Courtney Plucknett
Michael Poe
Kendra Pope
Hannah Potter
Alex Pribil
Zach Quade
Maya Ragsdale
Tyler Randazzo
Mark Reichenbach
Kelsey Reifert
Jacob Reimers
Karen Rempe
Abigail Rice
John Ridgley
Jonathan Rife
Karen Robb
Nate Rocke
Nicole Roehrs
Danica Roesler
Elizabeth Rose
Cory Rosenbach
Joey Rosenbach
Alexa Ross
Jared Ross
Courtney Russell
Sarah Sain
Torrey Samland
Brian Sanderman
Drew Sankey
Kara Scheel
Will Scheideler
Sara Schimenti
Jordan Schindlbeck
Christian Schmohr
Hannah Schroff
Ross Schulenberg
Devin Schultze
Kelly Schulz
Whitney Schumacher
Jamison Schuster
Hannah Schwartz
Reece Schwartz
Tyler Scully
Caitlin Self
Dan Sellon
Andrew Shaw
Monica Shaw
Rachelle Sheets
Elizabeth Shipman
Mary Kate Sievers
McKenna Slack
Peter Slawinski
Cassie Smith
Chelsey Smith
Sam Sneed
Max Sparks
Michaela Stander
Hilary Stauffer
Ashley Stevens
Sharissa Stewart
Cally Stoki
Benjamin Stollar
Angie Streeter
Michelle Strick
Donovan Stripling
Deanna Stromberg
Trey Summerlin
Mong-kuen Sun
Brian Sunderman
Scott Sunderman
Katelynn Synhorst
Hannah Tehee
Elizabeth Tenney
Jacob Thompson
Brandon Thomson
Jonathan Thuman
Aaron Titus
Scott Todd
hristopher Tomlinson
Kristen Tonniges
Eric Trautman
Alyssa Tupper
Paige Ulozas
Ashley Unzicker
Shelby Uribe
Corbin Vachal
Heather Van Cleave
Megan Videtich
Dayton Wagner
Trevor Walklin
Barb Walkowiak
Emry Watson
Sarah Weber
Tyler Weihe
Michael Weitz
Sara Werner
Katie White
Tyler White
Jordan Wiebe
Dustin Winchester
Alison Wolff
Kristin Wood
Wuow Wuowrut
Teresa Yao
Zachary Zmiewski
Jennifer Zumwalt
Jacob Albert
Caroline Allen
Seth Alnwick
ShaiAlnwick
Luis Alvarez
Jaclyn Andersen
Marae Andersen
Kristin Anderson
Sorina Anderson
Josue Argueta Torres
Maggie Austin
Shayle Bade
Allyson Barnes
Mercedes Barry
Emily Bartels
Lauren Bejot
Shane Bernt
Cody Biondo
Clayton Boden
Lindsay Bogart
Tom Bolin
Lexus Bolinger
Allyssa Bonebright
Preston Bradley
Josh Brende
N atlie Brening
Jenna Brester
Kevin Brodersen
Cody Brown
Elly Brown
Kristine Brown
Noah Brummett
Dalton Bryan
Ryan Bubb
Gabby Buethe
Cassie Carlson
Kyle Carlson
Rebecca Carr
Jackson Carter
Nick Caruso
Marley Christian
Jillian Christy
•M:aesen Churchill
Jahan Claes
Shane Clark Carissa Clifford
Jess Cole
Cortney Collier
Kurtis Conkel
William Conner
Austin Cooley
Catherine Dahl
Sarah Daugherty
N avina DeLight
Nathaniel Dennis
Kelsey Dewitt
Geralyn Dominguez
Tim Dornbos
David Downey
Heather Downs
Richard Durand
Kate Dwyer
Lauren Eastman
Mitchell Ediger
Samuel Eisenmann
Zachary Eisenmann
Brandon Ell
Shea-ann Erickson
Zachary Erickson
William Ernst
Bailey Feilineier
Chloe Finke
Mike Foley
Logan Foote
Jessica Francis
Ryan Fries
Melissa Frohberg
Daniel Ga:ffner
Ian Gaines
Gabi Garrison
Breeann Gasseling
Sydney Gaylord
Graham Geist
Taylor Geist
Chris Genrich
Sam GentFy
Nathan Germer T Gibbons
Artemis Gogos
Sarah Goodman
Briana Gould
Nick Grabowski
Aaron Grantham
Jessica Graves
Kristy Griffin
Justin Grummert
Tonda Gusman
Matthew Haake
Sadia Haleem
Carli Halstead
Samantha Hankins
Sarah Hansen
Andrew Hanus
Brianna Harder
Jonathan Hart
Nicholas Hart
Joshua Hastreiter
Kaitlyn Hayes
Cody Helzer
Bradley Hensley
Tami Herman
Tyler Hermsmeyer
Jordan Her stein
William Hertzler
Emily Heyl
Sam Hicks
Justin Hill
Brad Hilligoss
Ashley Hoffman
Steffie Ingram
Jessica Ireland
Michela Iwanski
Sim Jacobson
Isha Jain
Hanna Jenkins
Hillary Jensen
Kecia Johnson
Nick Johnson
Raeanne Johnson
Valerie Johnson
Carter Jons
Ross Jurgens
Brandon Kaiser
Rachel Kapeller
Adam Karavas
Chelsea Kasmiskie
Kaitlin Kelly
Jesse Kempkes
Caitlin Kennedy
Julia Kerrigan
Aaron Kilgore
Cole Kilgore
Aaron King
Taylor Kingsley
Tyler Kingsley
Cody Klein
Lindsey Kliewer
Monica Knapp
Vicki Koch
Nick Kohler
Tim Kantor
Hannah Koop
Ray Kotschwar
Ross Kotschwar
Brian Koziol
Jordan Krause
Hayley Krofta
Emily Lamberty
Hannah Lane
Jason Lau
Megan Leazer
Meredith Lee
Joshua Leffert
Jonathan Lehman
Colby Lewis
Brooke Lockenour
Sam Loeck
Rachel Long
Rob Loaf
Sara Louch
Maria Luedtke
AshleyLugn
Dal Lyewski
Brianna Lyons
Dylan Maag
Ian Maasch
Nicholas Masada
Samuel Maynez
T McDonnell
Grady McGuire
Hillary McN eal
Andrew Medina
Peter Meginnis
Timothy Menter
Anne Merchant
Peggy Merrill
John Miller
Laura Miller
Kitra Monnier
Josie Moore
Cole Moreland
Cody Moreno
Alli Morton
Evan Mountford
Ellen Muehling
Devon Nash
Emily Neal
Cassie Nels on
Michael Nguyen
Audrey Nicholson
Nick Nigro
Samuel Nobbe
Maggie Novak
Rachel O'hanlon
Kyosuke Oda
Michael Odell
Jacob Olsen
Amanda Olson
Dustin Olson
Inna Orlov
Greyson Ostrander
Spehcer Otto
Mary Overcash
Karis Overton
Marshall Ozaki
Hannah Pahre
Alex Paine
Megan Parchman
David Peaslee
Cam Penner
Devin Peregoy
Erik Petersen
Jacob Peterson
Jessica Peterson
Katelyn Peterson
Zachary Peterson
Tyler Petitt
Dillon Philipps
Bradley Pickerill
Helen Pitts
Tiana Poe
Logan Pohlmann
Vincent Policky
Ryan Pramberg
Frank Pratt
Roman Price
Skylin Priester
Trey Pringle
Emily Ptacek
Preston Racicky
Laura Rasmussen
Karlie Rawlings
James Reece
Stephanie Remmenga
Eric Rice
Chad Ring
Steven Robb
Jessica Rodriguez
Allison Roper
Becca Ross
Remi Rotthaus
Nate Rouse
Laura Rudeen
Alex Rudolph
Anna Runge
Kate Russell
Marybeth Rye
Demetri Sanders
Brandon Sapp
Alex Scheideler
Kristy Schmidt
Mike Schneider
Kaylie Schnittker
Claire Schoening
Dylan Schott
Lillie Schrock
Alyssa Schroeder
Artie Schukar
Jessica Schuster
Madison Schwartz
Thomas Seewald
Zach Shannon
Hannah Sher
Erik Shinker
Madeline Shomos
Samantha Skov
Adam Smith
Crystal Smith
Ellie Smith
Harrison Smith
Nathan Smith
Traci Snook
Mitchell Snyder
Logan Soderling
Connor Southwick
Chelsie Speedlin
Mikayla Spencer
Patrick Stehlik
Miok Stem.er
Ryan Stephens
Ryan Stewart
Monique Stokebrand
Tony Suarez
Ethan Suhr
Caitlin Summerlin
Nate Svoboda
Joy Sweazy
Elham Taheri
Austin Tebo
Morgan Thompson
Sam Tipton
Nicos Todd
Hannah Truitt
Amy Tucker
Dillon Tyrrell
Lauren Valente
Kristin Vance
Troy Vasek
Abigail Vestecka
Melissa Vifquain
Amanda Vlasnik
Lindsey Von Seggern
Britni Waller
Jordane Warkentin
Grant Weber
Benjamin Welter
Elizabeth Westendorf
Chelsea Widhalm
Hannah Wiebe
Aaron Wiemer
Jacob Wilderman
La Shica Williams
Spencer Williamson
Lauren Witt
Dylan Woldt
Mckynze Works
Bryce Wright
Melissa Wright
Nelson Wright
Alyssa Wunderlich
Rylie Wyman
Allison Yardley
Kyle Yeramyshev
Michael Yoder
Aubrey Yost
Trevor Young
Jordan Yurth
Sara Zajicek
Shawn Zajicek
Jamie Zillig
Drew Zobel
Scott Alexander
Connie Arends
Kendra Barkdoll
Nancy Bartz
Tim Bayne
Janette Beeson
Carol Boehler
Karen Bonkiewicz
Lois Brown
Jane Buntemeyer
Mary Butler
Marcela Cantarero
Jim Crew
Carol Cruickshank
Roxanne Dahlin
Matt Davis
Jane Dougherty
Robin Douglas -Lundy
Karen Dress
Jennifer Dugdale
James Dymacek
Larry Eisenmann
Jim Elsener
Scout Elsener
John Farrand
Travis Fentress
Greg Fleming
Kenneth Flowerday
Laurie Fraser
Kathy Froscheiser
Galen Gaddie
Terri Geier- Brindell
G'N ell Graham
Julie Harder
Dena Hare
Jon Heithold
Wendy Henrichs
Phil Herman
Lynne Hershey
Kebbie Himmelberg
JeffHoham
Jane Holt
Joe Hovorka
Pam Hovorka
Kevin Hubbell
Angie Jaeger
Leo Jelinek
Mike J anesch
Kris Jarnagin
Andrea Kabourek
Brian Kabourek
Susan Kangas-Packett
Marge Keep
Sabrina Knuth
Linda Kahler
Ted Koehn
Bret Koenig
Erin Koesters
Linda Kroon
Judy Larson
Karl Lautenschlager
Etienne Lefler
Brenda Leggiadro
Mary Beth Lehmanowsky
Ed Lyons
Dennis Mann
Cindy Martins
Tracey Maul
Jeff McCabe
Marty Mccurdy
Dan McEntarffer
Ed McPherren
Phyllis Meister
Rhonda Meyer
Kim Miller
Chuck Morgan
Jane Munsterman
Marilyn Meyer
Anne Nichols
Diane Nicholson
Lance Nielsen
Colleen Ogden
Gretchen Oltman
Theresa Ourada
Sue Palmer
Leona Penner
Robert Perales
Steve Pierce
Dennis Prichard
Susan Ptacek
Jessica Reichling
Kevin Rippe
Dennis Roberts
Guy Rosenberg
Cecilia Ruley
Laura Runge
Amy Satathite
Roxann Sattler
Joe Schlegelmilch
Marcus Schmidt
Kirk Skiles
Carla Skov
Dottie Smith
Rozanne Snoberger
Cathy Sphon
Grayson Spomer
John Strain
Lynette Streeter
Steve Swinehart
Donna Swoboda
Linda Texley
Sarah Thomas
Gene Thompson
Jim Tonniges
Peg Trumble
Jan Tucker
Karen Wegner
Del Whitman
Brenda Wiemer
Gary Williams
Donna Wilson
Laurie Witters-Churchill
Lorraine Woodward
Gretchen Wrenholt
Brenda Zingler
East has a place for everyone and their individual aspirations. East offers groups for everything from music and art to cheerleading to languages and math. East students have also initiated new groups and organizations which are thriving this year.
The band gets down and funky during their halftime performance of "Rent."
story by: joereuter photos by : kelseyharris and christamasters layout by: lizperry
marchin
band
Right: Sophomore John Brandt and freshman Dustin Olson stand at attention before the half-time show performance.
Bottom left.: Freshman Mitchell Snyder practices warm-up during an indoor rehersal.
Middle right: Junior Brent David plays a the fight song during a game.
Far right: Senior Ben Welch jams out during the game.
measuring the year.
East's marching band adcfed a new twist to their performance this year. Along with the standard marching routine, they added elements from bigger show bands, including singing. The new feel was thanks to the music chosen this year from the musical "RENT."
"The music in particular was easier this year but fun to play," said junior trumpeter Lauren Bavitz. She was a rank leader this year and liked the idea of a show band. "I think that the purpose of the marching band is to have a visual musical performance and to continually evolve into more of a show."
The East band also strived to be the best they could be by playing in as many contests and for as many different groups as possible. The group had a common theme of unity backing them, which helped them to work together even better. "The band members are understanding the impqrtance
of a group effort. We have moved from the 'Me/I' attitude to 'We/Us,' " said band director Lance Nielsen.
Following the longstanding tradition of superior ratings, the East band earned "superior" ratings at three of their four competitions. One of the highlights of this year was the Blue Springs contest in Missouri.
"Finding out that we had made finals at Blue Springs was a great moment," said sophomore saxophone player Ashley Stevens. It seemed even better to the band knowing that they made it into the finals the first year East had ever participated in this contest.
Beyond the superior ratings and high achievements for the East band, Mr. Nielsen considered his crowning accomplishment as keeping students out of his parking spot.
• Above: The drum.line practices after school.
Right: Freshman Josh Hastreiter belts out a tune on the tuba during rehersal.
musical
•Bottom
Right: Junior Dan Brown , senior Adam Brown, and sophomore Joe Beran sing their hearts out.
story by: katerosenbaum and shelbisvoboda photos by: ju.liewertz layout by: scoutrichters
Far left: The cast and crew relax before a performance. Bottom left: Chorus members rehearse song.
right: Junior Callie Fiengold drinks some t E1 to soothe her vocal chords
Left: Seniors Adam Brown and Brittani Matson sing a duet.
Left: Junior Dan Brown applies stage makeup before a performance.
Top: Senior tech member Max Gade prepares for a run through of the show.
Bottom: Members of the chorus perform "The Great American Melting Pot."
musical rocked
AB the music started to fill this schoolhouse, the audience was captivated with the images and songs of their youth. East's fall musical, "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" brought the songs from the popular educational cartoon to our stage.
"Schoolhouse Rock" was created by David McCall in the 1970's. McCall realized that his son knew the lyrics to every Beatles and Rolling Stones song, but he could not remember his multiplication tables. McCall's solution was to bring math and contemporary music together. This developed into a series of animated shorts , and 41 "Schoolhouse Rock" episodes were created, teaching everything from science to politics to grammar.
"Schoolhouse Rock Live!" is centered on Tom (played by junior Dan Brown) , a teacher nervous about his first day of school. Tom tries to relax by watching TV, and is pleasantly surprised when characters emerge from the television set and show him how to inspire his students using music and
our
schoolhouse.
imagination. Other cast members were also inspired to participate.
"Since it's my senior year, I felt that it was really important to be in the musical," said senior Allison Schorr. Schorr played Dina in the production. "'Schoolhouse Rock' was an interesting musical to perform because there was not very much character development. Instead, it was a series of short skits."
The nontraditional musical, led by first-year director Brooks Stetler, drew rave reviews from the audience.
"The musical had so much energy. The cast members were having fun, and it was really exciting," said senior Laura Clouston.
"My favorite part was when they took a break and we got to play," said Kelvin Wertz, a first-grader at Pyrtle Elementary. Young or old, the audience in East's schoolhouse was surely rockin'.
Right: The 'Naires shout "We love our squad" before taking the field
story by: natalietaylor photos by: marysherrill layout by: laurenbeitel
Above: The squad pumps up the crowd after their dance.
Upper right: Senior Kelsey Lambley and junior Sarah Preston strike a pose while practicing at Seacrest.
Right: The dancers perform their routine, "Hey Hey" at a game.
Left: Sponsor Galen Gaddie gives the girls a few suggestions after at practice.
Top: Juniors Stevie Renken, Hayley Schmidt, and seniors Haley Carpenter and Rachel Dahlin strike the end pose of their Home Routine.
Right: The ' Naires take the field at halftime.
"We love our squad, do." oh, yes
Practice , "intensity, and dedication are what it takes to be an Apollonaire. The The Apollonaires are East's official dance team and the squad is open to only juniors and seniors. This year's squad practiced every day and the outcome of their effort was obvious if you attended any Varsity footballor basketball game.
"If you go to the games, we'll be there, always. I love to perform in front of people and I love the half-time show," said junior Mallory Netz.
Not only were there performances, but Apollonaires also took part in competitions and attended a summer dance camp. All the time the dancers spent together helped
wecreate a unique bond between the girls .
"Twelve girls, one hour a day, and practice gives us a lot of time to bond. We become really good friends and we stick together. That is why I love Apollonaires ," said senior Rachel Dahlin.
Most of the dancers not only attended school and danced for Apollonaires , but they also danced on studio teams and took dance classes. The girls ere always busy and there as never a dull moment.
"This is my first year on Apollonaires, and it has opened a lot of doors for me already. I can't wait to keep doing this. It's what I love," said Netz.
story by: jennapalmer photos by: kelseyharris layout by: laurenmota
Above: Freshmen cheerleaders show their style.
Left: Sophomore Elizabeth Perry practices her Spartan spirit with the Reserve Cheers.
Top right: Freshmen Hilary McNeal and Hannah Sher get ready for a freshman basketball game.
Bottom right : Reserve Cheers stay warm by cheering at a football game
.
With a new year, a new squad, a new cheer, and-for some-a new school, the Freshmen and Reserve Cheerleaders were pumping it up and anxious to raise Spartan school spirit.
While being a cheerleader may seem like all fun and games, it isn't as easygoing and peppy as it looks. Most girls struggle to balance homework, sporting events , dance rehearsal, family, and friends. It can become very overwhelming.
Being new to high school can be difficult for freshmen, but Caitlin Summerlin said becoming a cheerleader made the transition easier.
"I was at East all summer learning routines , so I got to know the school pretty well," said Summerlin. Aside from all the stress and hard work, there were
many rewards to cheerleading as well. Sophomore Toni Longoria described the summer cheer camp as a bonding experience for the squad.
"At the camp you stay with the girls for about five days, so it brings you a lot closer together as a group," said Longoria.
Despite tough auditions, rigorous practices , fundraisers , and stress , being a cheerleader builds character and confidence, which proves how much strength a person needs to be part of the squad.
"I like the way being a cheerleader has made me grow," said Longoria. "I'm a lot more outgoing and I feel my personality is encouraging to be around."
Left: Freshmen Cheerleaders cheer at a football game. Right: Freshmen Emily Neal and Anna Runge and the rest of the freshman cheerleaders pose for a picture .
Varsity cheerleaders get pumped before the football game.
story by: caseyadams photos by: joanwortmann and christamasters layout by: lizperry
VRight: Junior Jamie Michelsen practices the halftime performance for basketball.
Far Right: Senior captain Becky Boehler teaches senior Caitlin Hoffman the new rountine.
Bottom Right: Varsity squad members cheer during a football game.
cheers
let's get _ . fired
Being an East Cheerleader is an honor and a thrill. These girls love to cheer at games and pep rallies , announcing their love for East High and the Spartans who represent the school.
Senior Varsity Cheerleader Caitlin Hoffman has been a part of the East squad all four years. She knows first-hand all of the work that goes into cheering for the Spartans.
"It's been stressful having to handle cheering at events and dance five days out of each week, but with the friendships I've developed with my squad it's been worth it," said Hoffman.
Varsity Captain Becky Boehler had plenty to balance as well. Designing dances and cheers and running an entire squad can produce a lot of stress.
"It's a lot of responsibility but can be a lot of fun too," said Boehler.
Junior Haley Ju.ma joined the JV squad
Far Left: Junior Breanna Phillips cheers at a basketball game.
Left: JV squad at cheerleading camp in Okoboji this summer.
Bottom : The squad puts up their spirit fingers for a free throw.
Below: Junior Megan Allemang kicks as high as the sky
up.
this year in part to form new friendships.
"I've wanted to be a cheerleader for awhile. It's been so much fun growing close to the girls and attending the sporting events I wouldn't normally go to," said Ju.ma.
Cheering at games lets the cheer leaders have a connection with the athletes as well as the people in the crowd.
"It's a way that you get to meet underclassmen and peers from different schools. Just by talking to cheerleaders from other schools, I have begun close friendships that I wouldn't have expected," said senior Varsity Cheerleader Kayla Bremer. "I'm going to miss all of the memories from squad nights and every year of cheering."
Even though the senior cheerleaders aren't coming back for another round next year, these girls know they're leaving East's spirit in great hands.
UN.COLN EAST MEDIA. CENTER
Right: Mrs. Smith directs first and second sopranos.
story by: caseyadams photos by: kinseygrove layout by: haleycarpenter
Left: Megan Sindelar, Carrie Wence!, and Alyssa Gubser practice their intonation.
Right: The tenors and basses warm up.
hitting -- the
For years , Singers has been a class filled with talented East voices. Every day the students warm up their vocal chords as they ake a break from their stressful math and English classes and fill the room with music. I But the class isn't just a fun break from ,academics. It's a highly skilled class for those who have been singing for years, or are just breaking into their powerful singing voices.
"It's a junior and senior group full of upper level students who enjoy singing and want to be there," said senior Singer Allison Schorr. "We blend and sing in different parts, learn to match tones of voices to other people around you, sing in different languages , and become a better overall perfarmer. "
As the largest choir group at East, it's no surprise that so many people in the class look forward to it every day. For generations now, it has been a well-recognized class, fun for
high
Far le~: Singer girls practice their scales
L:eft: Dan Brown, Andy Beckmeyer, and Thomas Matczyszyn hold a note while practicing a song .
note.
both members and audiences.
"Singers is pretty well known," said junior Michaela Baker. "My uncle went to East and remembers really enjoying it, so he influenced me to join."
Singers is known for its wide array of styles and music. The class gets to work with the orchestra, sing in the fall musical, perform in competitions , and put on the everpopular Expressions.
This year was the first time that Singers joined all East bands and singing groups for the "Night at the Acropolis," a musical event combining the diverse talents of all groups for one memorable night. The night brought together hundreds of students, their parents, and many supporters.
From community events to musical exploration , East's Singers made sure their voices were always heard.
Mike Foley, Peggy Merrill, Audrey Nicholson, Kaylie Schnittlet, and Jillian Christy practice in Freshmen
story by: caseyadams photos by: paigejuhnke and shawnshmalken layout by: elenashomos
Right: Monique Stokebrand and Brianna Lyons practice in 9 Mixed Choir. Far Right: Ben Welter, Sam Eisenmann, John Miller, and Mike Foley practice in Mixed Choir.
Right:
Choir.
Far Left ,: Kristy Schmidt , Anna Runge, Hillary McNeal and Melissa Vifquain in 9 Mixed Choir. Left : Freshmen Audrey Nicholson and Ashley Lugn concentrate in Concert Choir
growing voices.
East's younger music groups combine the discipline of developing voices with a fun and unique musical experience.
"We are trying to set the right habits so that the students will be stronger musically and achieve a higher level of excellence," said vocal music teacher Dottie Smith.
smaller group composed of several grades.
"The students receive more individual atte n tion and can do things like choreography," said Smith of the mixed group comprised of 10th through 12t h graders.
Images of Blue, an all-girl group, performs a variety of choral numbers such as Broadway tunes , movie themes , The freshman group, Mixed 9, includes female and male singers and focuses on music theory, techniques and etiquette.
"The class is very open and fun. We respect and support each other," said freshman singer Mike Foley. Each musical group has its unique qualities. Concert Choir is a unique and different experience because it is a much
- classical music, and gospel.
"Singing in an all-girls choir allows them to improve their harmonies before moving to a mixed choir," said Smith. While these groups are all different, they have the common goal of improving students' discipline and vocal quality so they can move forward in the vocal department.
Singing their hearts out, East's Show Choir brought more than ever to their competitions this year. That is, more singing voices than ever.
Once known as Swing Choir, this group added to its numbers this year, including sophomores. Members joined for a number of reasons.
"I joined the class because I love to perform. Singing and dancing are fun, plus we get to do our own choreography," said senior Kaitlin Schuurmans.
Combining the talents of so many people created a choir full of ambient sounds and suave dance moves , but that's not all the class had to offer. Show choir takes pride in being the only singing class that was hired for
Right: Senior Brett Slaby and sophomore Jon Geier try to win Sophomore Audree Bailey's heart _during show choir.
Far Right: The show choir girls sing their hearts and dance it up.
Right: Show Choir. Bottom 1 tor: First: Cassie Smith, Sadie Lubeck. Second: Brittany Bydalek, Jessa Steinheider, Emily Carnes, Kylie Peterson, Jonathan Rife. Third: Elizabeth Thomas, Madison Graulty, Ross Whiston, David Wadhams . Fourth: Elizabeth Tenney, Allison Schorr, Aaron Bulow, Hayley s ·chmidt, Amanda Kennedy. Fifth: Audrea Bailey, Rachelle Sheets, Hannah Bates, Dustin Andersen. Sixth:Shimiah Brown, Brett Slaby, Winston Beans, Jared Erickson, Jon Geier, Brandon Thomson. Seventh: Kelli Dornbos, Brittani Matson, Matt Didier.
functions outside of school.
"We take tons of time out of class after school to work on songs and choreography," said senior Brett Slaby.
Putting in time outside of class teaches the students a thing or two about setting goals and keeping a high sense of determination.
"You learn to build up endurance," said sophomore Cassie Smith. "With practice you get stronger as you go , both voc~lly and physically when singing and dancing at the same time."
A lot goes into being a member of show choir, but it all paid off when they pull together and put on their spectacular shows for eager audiences.
Above: Senior Ben Welch hits the high note in jazz band.
Right: Senior Max Gade lays down a phat beat.
Left: Junior Jim Hao plays a tune on the • piano .
East's Jazz Band is about the art a big concert at school. Throughout the and experimentation of music. year they played smaller concerts at places
"Jazz Band is very social. We like nursing homes and schools. They also have random jam sessions," said junior played in competitions at the end of the trumpet player Lauren Bavitz. During year. class, the band plays through their music
In their concerts, the band and works on scales and improvisation. highlighted different styles of music, Usually, the band learns the basic outline including sambas and upbeat jazz of a song, and then members improvise numbers. Improvisational solos occurred and experiment with it. in several of their songs.
Senior drummer Max Gade
"Our songs have huge solo enjoyed the open environment of Jazz selections," said Bavitz, who played Band. multiple solos this year.
"I like Jazz Band. We get to hang
"I get nervous when I have to do a out and play," said Gade. "I've gotten solo, but the more I do, the better I get," much better at reading music." The size of said Bavitz. this select group gave it an intimate feel. From the wide musical selection to "Jazz Band is entertaining and the personal class setting where students fun. It is a smaller class, so it is very got to improvise and experiment with personal," said Bavitz. their music, Jazz Band was a place where Jazz Band held many concerts students could grow musically all year. throughout the school year , opening with
Whether it's a love of music or the family environment it provides , members of the East Orchestra shared more than just a common interest in music.
"I've always enjoyed playing bass," said junior Matt Dunlap. "I've been playing electric and stand-up · bass since the 4 th grade and also some piano."
Many of the students in orchestra play more than one instrument, including senior Meghan Rihanek.
"I play cello for orchestra and then flute in Marching Band and Wind Ensemble," said Rihanek, who considered the Orchestra more like family than a class. "It's a smaller group, so you know everyone in the class."
The East Orchestra played a variety of music from classical, like Bach and Beethoven, to show tunes and movie themes like music from "Star Wars" and "Schindler's List."
In mid November all of East's instrumental groups met for "The Night At The Acropolis." With the hope of making a new musical tradition, they preformed for a huge crowd of friends, family, and faculty. •
"Night !11-t The Acropolis was a great fundraiser for the music department and it was great to have everyone there performing," said Rihanek. The event gave the musicians a chance to entertain a gy-m full of audience members ,
"The teachers had prepared us well and people enjoyed listening to all the different music," said Dunlap.
Far Left: Seniors
Meghan Rihanek a 1 Lauren Thompson intensly strum thei r cellos.
Left : Sophomore Ma ;1 Anderson plays his bass.
Wind Ensemble unites the instrumental elite at East High. These musicians agreed to work hard and with great discipline for teacher Lance Nielsen. Obviously, a ~ertain passion is required to try out for Nielsen's rigorous group.
"I wanted to be in Wind Ensemble, because the best musicians join together and it's just a higher level than most of the other music classes here at East," said junior Baileigh Rodgers, who is a first-year Wind Ensemble clarinet player. -"There is a lot of discipline."
Above: Sophomore Alex Pribil plays his French Horn during warm-ups.
Far Left: Seniors Jenny Kaser, Trina Davison and sophomore Ben Hartwell play a tune during class.
Left: Junior Brian Olsen and sophomore Sara Werner belt out low notes on their saxaphones ..
Junior Adam Bassett has played the trumpet since 5 th grade and is glad to be part of this group. "I am really proud to be in the Wind Ensemble. Not everybody makes the group," he said. "It's much smaller than Marching Band so you really need to know what you're doing. You can't hide."
If you think Wind Ensemble is all work, though, then you're wrong.
"We have a lot of fun, but we know when it's time for us to work. We don't lose our focus," said Rodgers.
"There are important concerts and shows this semester. We want to keep our good ranking from last year."
They dance around in the autumn breeze, twirling their flags with all the Spartan Spirit in their souls. East's Color Guard team has enough beauty and spirit for everyone. It's not all fun and games for the team, though. They p1:1t a ton of time and effort into their routines.
"The coaches make up the routine , but we usually alter it throughout the year," said junior Rachel Branker, who has been on the team for three years.
This year, the Color Guard worked with music from "Rent," a Broadway musical with a powerful
Clockwise from top: Freshman Melissa Wright twirls her flag during an early morning band practice
Sophomore Katlyn Fortune stands at attention with Junior Rachael Branker during practice.
Senior Brandais Rose
story to tell.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Fortune was one among many people inspired by the musical.
"It was really moving. I liked it a lot," said Fortune.
AB for inspiration, Branker took a lot of inspiration from watching past Color Guard teams and wanted to be a member, too.
"I've always admired the girls. It takes a lot more skill than people think. It's like cheerleading and Appolonaires, except with a flag," said Branker.
0 H 0 '1 •
Wouldn't it be nice if a~er a long day you could jump in the pool for an hour with friends and swim your troubles away? For the East Dollfins , they get to end their day wet and content.
Dollfins members worked hard to make sure their routines were as perfect as possible by practicing every day for an hour, both in and out of water.
"We really try to swim our hearts out with pride and joy. I like being able to practice our routines every day because it helps us learn the moves quicker," said new Dollfin sophomore Katlyn Fortune.
"When we first started off we only practiced the routines with our arms, instead of in the pool with our legs to get a feel for the choreography before putting it into action," she said.
Dollfins is a close group of girls who strive to help each other out when learning new
2.
3. Junior Julia Simpson
4. Freshman Vicki Koch and sophomores Tamara Hunt and Jennifer Zumwalt stretch during class to work on their technique. choreographed moves in the pool. They work together to make sure .everyone keeps up with the rh~hm of the music and maintaining an enthusiastic attitude while performing.
"We're really a close-knit family," said junior Dollfins Treasurer Kay Brown. "I really enjoy getting to know the girls, old and new members."
Dollfins isn't just a school activity; the girls spend their entire year preparing for their performances. During the summer they get together to organize fund raisers , such as car washes or selling pizza that help to raise money for their class. Throughout the school year, they keep up the fund-raising spirit by selling scented candles.
The work pays off. When the bleachers fill up, fans are anxious to see the Dollfins strut their stuff in the pool.
1. Juniors Jaci Kehling and Laura Christy lift, each other.
Senior Ali Bunde and junior Kay Brown practice their duet.
"sail boats."
F r ont : Rachel Gibson , Sindu Vellanki, BJ Valente , Aubrey Cummings , Alice Root , Sean Dwyer. Second row: Susanna Webb, Kari Tietjen, Paige Juhnke, Rachel Branker , Caisa Royer, Tina Zheng , Callie Feingold , Kiersten Haugen , Meghan Rihanek . Third Row: Salome Viljoen, Carrie Chen, Danny Jablonski , Mark Carraher, Sebastian Cantarero , Kelli Blacketer , Bark Walkowiak, Elizabeth Baquet . story by : katerosenbaum photos by : paigejuhnke layout by: michaelawagner
Above: Oracle editors seniors Sammy Wang and Kari Tietjen give a celebratory high -five.
Right: Senior B.J. Valente and junio r Darja Dobermann make last minute edits to an Oracle cover photo . Far right: Sports Editor senior Danny Jablonski gets passionate about his work
Far Left: Sophomore Elizabeth Baquet writes passes with Mrs. Holt.
Left: Senior editor Kari Tietjen helps senior Meghan Rihanek with her story Bot tom middle: Sophomore Barb Walkowiak conducts an overthe-phone interview
Bottom left: Junior Sean Dwyer and senior Paige Juhnke make last- minute changes to their stories
read . all -about
The Oracle, East's newspaper, gives a voice to all Spartans.
"Students at East have such little voice , and the Oracle is a great way to speak out about our problems and triumphs," said junior staff writer Rachel Branker. "I like making people think with my writing. I try to make my editorials controversial and provocative," said Branker. This year Branker wrote stories on • topics ranging from Spain's skinny model ban to the band Godsmack.
Senior photo editor Susana Webb also lent a student voice to the Oracle.
"Photos visually add something to the story by showing what the writing cannot convey. You can read about something happening but you cannot imagine its extent Without photos ," said Webb.
Being a photo editor can be demanding,
but Webb enjoyed the experience. "It's very interesting. You get to go places and do things that you wouldn't normally do," said Webb.
This year, Webb was in the KZUM studio during history teacher Michael Baker's radio show.
Self-proclaimed sports guru and Oracle sports editor Danny Jablonski also found that being an Oracle editor was an entertaining job.
"I like the unexpectedness and year-toyear progression of the Oracle," said Jablonski. Jablonski's favorite sport to write about was football.
"I wrote some killer articles," said Jablonski .
Whether writers, editors, photographers, or readers, the Oracle staff provided an important creative voice for East's students this year.
First row: Kelsey Harris , Mary Sherrill , Paige Juhnke, Scout Richters, Elizabeth Perry, Natalie Taylor , Lauren Beitel
Second row: Kinsey Grove , Christa Masters, Lauren Mota , Tra "Nt.y Hoang , Haley Carpenter , Casey Adams , Michaela Wagner , Joe Reuter, Julia Rusch , Lauren Vuchetich
Third row: Shawn Schmau.lken , Kate Rosenbaum,Elena Shomos , Julie Wertz. Not pictured: Jena Palmer
story by: caseyadams photos by: paigejhunke layout by: scoutrichters
aarbook
•Right: Editor-in-Chief senior
makes announcements about upcoming deadlines.
Far Right: Jane Holt advises photographers.
Bottom Right : Layout Editor Julie Wertz works on the senior pages.
Elena Shomos
Far Left,: Business Editor Lauren Vuchetich checks senior pictures.
Top: Senior Kate Rosenbaum tries on advisor Jane Holt's glasses.
• Left,: Christa Masters and Kinsey Grove fix photos.
a class
o.f . epic
Someone needs to put together this book you're reading, right? Luckily, you can leave that up to the talented East Yearbook staff.
Yearbook is a year-long class in which students create a published work of Spartans and their experiences throughout the year. History is captured for future generations to look back upon, often gawking at our outlandish styles and habits.
The classroom environment is different in Yearbook, since students basically run the class. It's divided into five main sections: photographers, writers, layout, business and editors. Students learn to rely upon each other in order to get things accomplished. Deadlines replace due dates, students replace teachers, and classmates become co-war kers.
"It's a good way for students to actually learn responsibility and gain a lot of perspective on writing and looking through new angles," said junior writer Jena Palmer.
proportions.
AE a staff member, Yearbook students are able to connect with their peers throughout the school. They get to know people from various clubs, sports, classes, and academic disciplines. The yearbook staff members also feel a sense of independence.
"The class is a lot more free. I can wear my hat in class," said junior writer Joe Reuter. "I get to walk around the school , get to talk to new people and talk up a storm with my compadres. My social skills are flying through the roof."
"I like being able to make a yearbook that's memorable for everyone," said junior photographer Kelsey Harris. "At the end, I'm able to look at it and say 'I did it.' "
Everything the class does is to produce an enjoyable book of memories each year. The staff puts their best effort into making sure everyone is accurately captured on the book's pages, so that everyone can look back and remember the good times they had at East High.
Juniors Breanna Fosdick, Rachael Pickerall, Danielle Olsen, and Cassie Shemek perfom a dance to "A Million Ways to Be Cool."
story by: katerosenbaurn photos by: christamasters and kinseygrove layout by: haleycarpenter
snatraps
•Right: Sophomore Sarah Weber performs her comedy act.
Top FarRight: Junior Austin Bower performs a Chris tian rap.
Bottom Far Right: Jamie Flegee performs with his band Paavo.
Far Left : J u nior 'Aubrielle • Gingery sings a song.
Middle: Senior Jaime Kort performs the song " Consequence of Sound" and senior Derek Outson accompanies her on the piano.
Left : Senior Jake Wolf plays guitar and sings.
showing our stuff.
SNATRAPSshowsoffthe unexpected talents of East's students.
"Walking around in the hallways, you wouldn't think that we have so much raw talent here. It's good to show off the talent that we don't normally see," said senior Jamie Kort. Kort sang "Consequence of Sounds" by Regina Spektor. She was accompanied by Derek Outson on the piano
"I sang 'Consequence of Sounds' because it conveys a strong message and is very original. I have sung a lot of lyrical and operatic songs , and I wanted to show off my voice in a different way," said Kort. "I was afraid to forget the words, because there is no way out if you forget , but I was really pleased with my performance."
Junior Alex Pages is the drummer for local band Paavo. This year Paavo was the closing act at SNATRAPS. They played three original songs.
"It's a lot of fun to play shows in front of your friends, and get your music out there," said Pages. "I love the feeling of being on stage. Your adrenaline pumps, and the lights shining on you make everything feel scarier. You can't see the crowd, but as soon as you start to play, everything is cool and you have a lot of fun."
This year's emcees Jim Hao and Richard Claussen kept SNATRAPS running smoothly.
"We introduced the different acts and tried to dance and sing between the performances," said Claussen. "I thought it was a lot of fun. We have a lot of musical talent, and really good voices."
Back Row: Grant Weber , Laura Clouston, Zach Smith, Tyler Weihe , Dylan Horrocks , Kyle Gran, Whitney Wells , Haley Carpenter, Nick Graef, Richard Claussen, Mattea Fosbender , Cole Weihe , Haley Jum.a , Brian Berry, Becca Ross , Hanna Jenkins , Alexa Ross, Emily Neal.
story by: natalietaylor photos by: joanwortmann layout by: haleycarpenter
student
Right: Junior Emily Neal works on a project.
Far Right: Freshman Becca Ross hangs up signs for the Boys' Varsity basketball game
Bottom right: Freshmen Hanna Jenkins and Becca Ross, and junior Emily Neal hang up a poster for the Mr. East Pageant.
Far left : Juniors
Nick Graef and Breanna Fosdick work in committees.
Left: Sophomore
Tyler Wiehe, senior Cole Wiehe and junior Brian Berry at a meeting.
Bottom left: Seniors Lauren Beitel and Haley Carpenter work in committees
Bottom right: Sophomore Dylan Horrocks, juniors Danielle Olson and Cassie Shemek play a game at a Stu-Co night of fun
• ma kers - -ot
"Hail to the Spartans. Blue and White." School spirit is what Spartan teams need to get through the tough games and it is what you can find throughout the halls of East. It's something the Student Council seeks to bring to school.
"Our main goal is to raise school spirit and also improve communication between the student body and the administration," said junior Haley Ju.ma, who is on Student Council for her third year.
Student Council is a very busy group. Not only did they work on school spirit, but they also put together the Read-A-Thon, Halloween Dance, Blue Out Days and many other activities ~nd
change.
events. The group also donated to the MakeA-Wish Foundation and helped Hurricane Katrina relief by selling bricks. With Student Council, there is always something to do.
"We split into different committees and there is always people to talk to and always work to be done," said junior Breanna Fosdick. Fosdick has been a part of Student Council since her freshman year.
Student Council has several different committees throughout the year based on the upcoming events and activities. In each, they use their leadership and organizational skills to get things done within these groups and in the school.
"I hope that what we have done and spent a lot of time on will be continued. student council
DECA officers take time out to pose at the 2006 holiday party.
Right: DECA officers il",~ w~~...iia:• Elizabeth Baquet and Jade Selvy collect books • for this year's Harvest of Books.
Top: (Left to right , back to front) Elizabeth Baquet, Jade Selvy, Taylor Stewart, Rachel Pickerel; Jessica Madsen, and Breanna Phillips find time for fun at the iPlay Conference in Minneapolis.
Bottom right: Even in Minnesota, DECA officers senior Kayla Kohl and junior Trevor Johnson support each other.
Bottom far right: Exchange Students Van Nguyen, Chiara Rizzi and Simone Geissen feast at DECA's Annual BBQ.
p l~ying 1 t _ big.
Twenty six students roadtripped to Minneapolis on Nov. 30 to attend the Central Region Leadership Conference. Students attended sessions hosted by corporate leaders working for companies such as The Finish Line, Best Buy, Target and Red Bull. In addition to attending sessions students shopped till they dropped at the Mall of America , got their groove on at the DECA Dance, had a blast at the iPlayit! Party sponsored by Target and best of all .... were recognized for outstanding achievement as DECA chapter of the month.
"I learned about all aspects of business and marketing while meeting kids from all over," said junior member Elizabeth Baquet. Senior Todd Strauss was recognized as the DECA student of the month making him elegible for a scholarship at the State Conference in March.
Far Left: DECA Members showing off at the ·iPlay Conference in Minneapolis. .
Left: A visit to Worlds of Fun was another treat for DECA members this year .
Bottom left: Senior Kacey Shane shares stories with elementary kids during the read-a-than.
Bottom center: Freshman Courtney Collier tie-dyes her DECA-9 t-shirt.
Bottom right: Freshman Audrey Nicholson shows off her Spartan Blue tye-dyed hands before heading to clean off.
Below: Senior Todd Strauss displays the award he won at the Central Regional Conference.
Script reading, learning lines by heart, rehearsing on stage, adding sounds and light , and finally they don their costumes and put the make-up on. Let the show begin: time for the One Act Play.
The story this year dealt with a mother returning from the dead to see her son's marriage. David Downey, a One Act Play freshman, played the son's stepdad. "I become one with rriy role. I usually talk to my colleagues with their role names," said Downey. "I do the best I can." Teachers agree; he's a talented actor and they encouraged him to stay on stage the next couple of years.
"You go up there and people laugh about simple jokes," said Downey. "You just feel so great!"
Above Right: The cast of the play takes ·a last bow. Left: Freshman Maggie Austin and junior Dan Brown share a moment. Far Right: Juniors Danielle Patzel and Dan Brown have a conversation. Below: Sophomore Austin Irons, freshman John Miller junior Dan Brown.
"The Good Doctor" seemed like a safe play, with everything set in stone right from the beginning--no confusion, pressure, or changes. This doctor, though, ended up to be a bit bumbling. The play consisted of a series of humorous sketches all tied together by a main character who was the writer and narrator. With little plot or direction , it presented a challenge to the actors. The actors and tech crew had to be on top of every detail, knowing which scene was which and how to keep it from falling apart. Sophomore actor Austin Irons said there was nothing he didn't like about it.
"There aren't long enough periods in the scenes to find something you don't like about it. I really like all of it. It's a great production," said Irons. Irons played General in the scene "The Sneeze." Irons has been involved in every play he could since his freshman year. This was his third production acting. He was part of the tech crew for this year's musical.
Left: Junior Jaci Kehling threatens juniors Andy Seacord and Jeff Lantz.
Above: Junior Dan Brown jumps and raves after having his tooth pulled in "The Good Doctor."
"I want to get involved with the Community Playhouse, too. I love theatre in general. It's what I want to do with my life," said Irons.
Freshman actress Maggie Austin has been involved with theatre since fifth grade when her class had to write a play and she was the main character.
"I realized I love the feeling of being up on stage and started taking classes right away," said Austin. Junior tech member Emily Carnes has been in theatre since sixth grade. This play was her fifth play being part of tech and she has acted in four plays.
"I like being behind the scenes with our bigger plays , and with one-acts the techs and actors get really close and all work together. By the end of each play I'm part of, there's satisfaction with everything I look at," said Carnes.
To these thespians , theatre is everything. They strive to succeed in every way they are able to and look forward to the next theatrical movement they can make.
freshman
Above left: Freshmen line up to get the low down about after school activity groups to join
Above right: Todd Strauss gives the freshmen a little insight to what DECA is all about.
Right: Freshmen take notes on the clubs at East.
story by: jam.ieminchow
photos by: shawnschmalken
layout by: lizperry
1. One freshman signs up for a new club at East.
2. A group of guys tours the table during freshman day.
3. Two freshmen boys listen intently to one of • the club speakers.
4. Mrs.Wrenholt helps advice the students "',t about health.
5. A group ofupperclamen Dec students a wait their next freshmen victim
•st arting -·fresh.
The move from being top dog in middle school to being the youngest class in high school can be a difficult one. East's staff tried their best to make all the freshmen feel welcome. Their efforts pay off when Freshmen Day comes each year.
"We do a fabulous job. We work very hard for them to feel welcome ," said Councelor Karen Dress , who co-chairs the day with Associate Principal Sissy Ruley . Everyone on staff is included in one way or another, even if they don't teach freshmen. Dress and Ruley worked hard to make the day both fun and informative.
On Freshmen Day, the students had a Wide range of opportunity. They could sign up for clubs, talk with coaches, tour the school, attend a pep rally, and an ice cream social. They got a real feel for what to expect in high school.
Even the community got involved in East's Freshmen Day. East clubs gave prizes, the Booster Club donated activity tickets for games, and Yearbook donates a free yearbook. This year U.S. Bank donated a $100 savings bond. The day's activities paid off for the freshmen.
"I think that Freshmen Day really helped me. It made me feel comfortable and I knew what to expect," said freshman Trey Pringle. The day included ten minute class periods, which helped the freshmen put a face with a name. They also became familiar with the cafeteria and the media center. The purpose of the day was to make these high school students feel welcomed to help them benefit from East.
"I enjoyed Freshmen Day. We work hard and for one day, it's all about them," said Dress.
forensics
story by: joereuter
photos by: kelseyharri and ld.nseygrove layout by: juliewertz
Senior Derek Out
holds a pose dur 2 g practice in Mr. Fi e h·
thorn's
chew ·wax . . chew
With 23 state championships under their belt, the East Forensics team had something to work to hold on to every day this year. The time and effort of both the team and the coaches paid off during the competitions.
The speech team understood the hard work and pressure of keeping up tradition and creativity that goes into a winning season. All agreed that coaches Matt Davis and Dutch Ficthorn pushed them to do their best every year. This year was also coached by first-year debate coach Kate Maatalla . .
"I have a lot of faith in the team despite all the pressure," said senior Shuqiao Song. "I know there's a lot of talent on the team."
Junior Mark Carraher, with three
wax.
years of experience to his name , has done both speech and debate for East.
"I like being able to work with a piece and act for speech and then be in more direct competition for debate," said Carraher. "Debate is less academic and more of a skill of how well you 're able to think on your feet."
Not many students choose to • do both speech and debate. Many specialize in one event. Junior Kelly Christensen works solely in debate.
"With debate, I think it's more about what you say than how you say and deliver it," she said.
What was true for both teams though, is that East continued to deliver wins throughout the season.
Far Left: Coaches Matt Davis and Dutch Fichthorn lead the Monday meeting.
Middle Left: A collection of trophies earned by the Forensics team on display in Mr. Davis' room.
Left: Senior Shelbi Svoboda practices her event in the hallway.
East's National Honor Society members share a passion for serving the community. This year's president, senior Sam.myWang,joined NHS because she was involved with community service throughout school. As president , Wang acts as a link between the NHS committees. The committees independently organized different community service projects. This year's committees sponsored a food drive , a blood drive , Roots and Shoots, and tutoring.
Senior Sindu Vellanki, one of the tutoring committee heads, enjoyed giving back to the community that has nurtured her. Her committee tutored about 20 students each Tuesday in a variety of subjects
Top: Sophomore Mark Agnew gets tutored in biology by senior Shuqiao Song.
Bottom: Senior Kylie Von Seggern tutors sopomore Hilary Stauffer in geometry.
including Spanish and Algebra.
"Tutoring reinforces what you know and allows you to interact with people you normally wouldn't. I hope that the program continues to grow and that we have left our mark," said Vellanki.
AB the leader of all the NHS committees , Wang tried to be a resource for people within NHS rather than a delegator.
"It is about interconnecting, not being a figurehead. I try to lead by . example," said Wang. "Being involved is my most important duty."
National Honor Society members made a difference this year by improving their community and relationships between students.
Opportunity is everywhere.
• Most of the time it's underneath your nose. At East many students look for the opportunity to be known throughout the school as well as the world.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an organization for students who are interested in careers in business. It is the largest business student organization in the world. It all started in 1942 in Johnson City, Tennessee and was brought to East in the fall of 2004.
FBLA members attend conferences , tour businesses , have fundraisers, run projects, and compete in business and technology events such as the members study for State Leadership competitions.
•
"I enjoy the variety of events that you can compete in," said junior member Tina Zheng. "I also like the activities that we do for the community."
Students in FBLA raise money for the March of Dimes which is an organization helping premature babies, as well as Nebraska Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). FBLA is known for selling Ozark Delight Lollipops in all sorts of flavors. They also sell East High Magnets for charity.
FBLA is a way to get together with other students that are also interested in business and they always have fun working with the other students and their experiences through FBLA will positively influence their futures.
Above: FBLA members sell suckers for an annual fund.raiser.
Left: Junior Brian Obermier counts his cash made from sucker sales
Far Left: FBLA members pose for a quick picture on their trip to Cabella's in LaVista.
Every Wednesday after school, a group of true Ambassadors met in the cafeteria. The group included a variety of people , from exchange students, ELL students, and SpEd students to the average student. All of them share the motivation to niake people comfortable with being themselves.
At these meetings the students decided on activities to bring people together.
"We held a Thanksgiving party for the Special Education students and for Christmas and a New Years event we are buying presents for the Giving Tree," said senior President Kay Tomlinson.
Members got the chance to meet and get to know people they wouldn't
Top left: President senior Kay Tomlinson addresses fellow Ambassadors. Top right: Senior Chiara Rizzi, junior Julia Rusch, and senior Kari Tietjen pick out the best toys. Below: Back Row: Paige Juhnke, Brittany Blackwood, Katie Thomsen, Emily Blackwood, Julia Rusch, Brenda Leggiadro . Front Row: Chiara Rizzi, Nikki Beecher, Alice Root, Kay Tomlinson, Chris Tomlinson. Not Pictured: Kari Tietjen and Tina Zheng.
normally get to meet. Ambassadors sent out a warming sense of welcome that made every student feel at home. Junior member Tina Zheng joined Ambassadors after passing by a meeting. She found it interesting, sat down, and got involved.
"I didn't realize there was such a diverse population at East," s aid Zheng. "The group really makes you reach out to_ other students." It's a group whose influence stretches far _ beyond its membership.
"Everyone in the group has good ideas , strong opinions , and bring each other closer together as a whole" said Tomlinson. "I'm really impressed with what Ambassadors has accomplished and is going to become for our school. "
inn tr!,:n
Above
Left: A sign promotes candy cane sales.
Above right: Senior Nate Feather buys a candy cane.
Abovet: Club members discuss upcoming events.
When "Invisible Children: Rough Cut" was shown .to East students last year, it made a huge impact. Junior Shawn Schmalken, president of the Project: Invisible Children group decided that if one movie can make a difference , so can one school. Setting a goal of raising $10,000, the club held several fund.raisers once a
month, earning about $500 or more from each one. "Hopefully we can partner up with a school in Uganda with Invisible Children's schools for schools program," said Schmalken. "Whether we partner with a U gandari school or donate the money to Inyisible Children Inc. as a whole, then rm satisfied."
story by: jenapalmer
photos by: christamasters
layout by: scoutrichters
Top: Lincoln East cl ub members participate in The Global Night Commute .
left: Junior Alison Smith sells candy canes during lunch.
Three years, every Thursday, and sometimes on the weekends. That's how long the Lunch Burich has been together. The idea first came from Special Education teacher Laurie Witters-Churchill.
"Anyone and everyone is welcome," she said. Kids from all grades and all cliques come together to eat lunch and have a good time. "It's a very social activity where good people make an effort to meet new people."
Long hours and challenging pay can create a revolving door of paraeducators at schools. However, one of them, in her own words, is "absolutely devoted to her job , the staff, and the kids at East." That is Donna Swobada. She too has faced disabilities and challenges like many of the Special Education
Left: Freshman Rebecca Carr enjoys Lunch Bunch.
Right: Andrew Bursen and Zach Ma~olf enjoy lunch together.
Below: The Lunch Bunch club members.
students she helps everyday. She's had diabetes for 41 years , heart surgery twice , is a kidney patient and has a son who was born with cerebral palsy. "I have a sense of awareness of what these students are going through," said Swobada.
Since last summer, Special Education teacher Jane Munstermann has been battling tongue cancer ; and in her place is substitute teacher Gloria Hrbek. She .started working at East at the beginning of the school year , and has quickly found a place here.
"I enjoy the vocational part of my job. We're able to visit places like The American Cancer Society," said Hrbek. Her students are her main priority. "I love all my students. They're all unique."
al q,4 0 (I) Pt
For the first time in recent Spartan history East has put together a Special Olympics team. With the help of teacher Laurie Churchill, the team made a smashing impression in its first year.
"The students are really talented players and this gives those who have never had the chance to be on a team for the first time," said Witters-Churchill. "They all work really well with -each other and everyone's a team player."
Practicing weekly, these athletes get together to work on their game skills. This year the Spartans competed in basketball and track, each giving the students an exciting after-school activity.
"I was drafted for my height," said senior Myles Grefe. Grefe is a key
Far Left.: Junior Angela Gill , junior Haley Waggoner, and sophomore Heather Vancleeve play defense
Left.: Senior Trevor Howe shoots as senior Andrew Burson and fre s hman Sorina Anderson attempt to b l o ck his shot.
player for the Spartan basketball team. "I like playing. It's an exciting sport." Getting everything together for the team proved to be a difficult task. The students with support of their teachers and peers organized fund-raisers including the "Wednesday Night Bite," where they served meals in exchange for some hard-earned money. The profits from these fund-raisers allowed East's Special Olympic team to enjoy even the simplest necessities such as uniforms.
The students involved are those who are looking to have a good time with their friends The team even had its own cheerleaders, comprised of the Lunch Bunch crew.
Between the teammates and their supporters, the Spartan Special Olympics Team is off to a good start, and looking forward to continuing for years to come.
Top Right: Members of German Club
Daniel Menter , Susan Kachman, Timothy Menter ) Karen Rempe, Shawn Schmalken,Robert Kachman, Electra Wrenholt, Andy Seacord , John Menter.
Right: Junior Andy Seachord celebrates candy sales.
Right: Junior Laura Stanely, sophomore Hector LopezRobles, juior Alexis Corn, and senior Chiara Rizzi at a Spanish Club fiesta
Far Right: Junior Harrison Mauseth, Steve Pierce, and Ken Flowerday sample coffee and food. clubs
Each year the German Club sells chocolate and gum.my treats . Some members sell up to $100 worth of candy. The profits go to a trip held for German students at the end of the school year. Sophomore Dan Burnett loves selling candy and the German culture.
"I've been interested in Germany for 12 years , mainly because I've lived there three times," said Burnett. "Also Frau Wegner makes learning the German language a lot more fun and inter~sting than what it seems."
german club spanish ·club.
This is the first of several years that the club has been well established. Junior club President Alexis Korn was a driving force behind this year's Spanish Club.
"The whole club is run by students. Senor Pierce is here but less as a teacher and more for conversation," said Korn, who ha f been studying Spanish since she was five years old.
The club had fiestas and watched Spanish movies along wit] practicing conversations between members.
"The club is made up of som E higher-level speakers but there ar e some first-year students also. They listen and pick up on conversatio n and we help them say what they'r e trying to say," said Korn.
Math Club members enjoyed a "number" of unique activities, including solving unusual math problems, preparing for math competitions, listening to speakers, and attending math movie nights. Although some joined the club for extra credit in their math classes , others joined because they love math. Freshman Maesen Churchill was a first-year UNL Math Day participant. Churchill placed in Probe 2, which includes the top 50 students out of 1400 , and took a six-question, hourlong test. "I really liked Math Day. It was good practice, and there were cool presentations and math displays," said Churchill. Churchill's brother, junior Alex Churchill, also enjoyed success at Math Day when he won the overall competition. For its members, Math Club is a logical group to join.
math olub.
soienoe.
Science Olympiad and Science Bowl provided intense competition for East's science lovers. Science Olympiad is similar to a traditional science fair. Participants create projects on topics ranging from Experimental Design to Robot Ramble. Science Bowl is a science trivia game similar to Jeopardy. Participants compete in teams of five people and answer question on subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, the history of science, math and anatomy.
"It's best when each team member has specific knowledge," said junior Science Bowl competitor Jim Hao. He has been participating in the Science Bowl since middle school. Science Olympiad and Science Bowl are both fierce competitions.
"Nothing beats the heat of going head-to-head with buzzers," said Hao.
Above:Junior
Tina Zheng shows Senior Lauren Beitel a cool math problem on her calculator.
Below: Seniors
Srisindu Vellanki and Sammy Wang discuss a difficult math problem .
Above: Sophomore
Rachel Johnson measures out water for an experiment in Science Olympiad.
Left: Sponsor Mr. Schmidt ponders the Science Olympiad's goals and assignments.
Right: Freshman Peggy Miller writes her thoughts while a poem is being read.
Far Right: Sophomore RenniJohnson, president of Penned Club, reads a poem.
Above Right: Sophomore Zipporah A~sbrook and senior Jade Hepburn practice for an upcoming performance.
Below Right: Junior Kelsey Reifert, sophomore JoeyRosenbach, and junior Sneha Patel prepare for a performance.
Libraries often seem like qui et places where people sit alone to • study and read. The opposite was true every Tuesday after school in the East library. The writing and reading club Penned met there under the guidance of librarian Roxanne Sattler. The club was a success , despite only being two yea r E old.
"We mainly do a lot of creative writing," Sattler said. "What's unique is that almost everything is student generated." Examples included poetry, stories, and anything else imaginable. The club drew students who have a love of words.
"The club is very academic in • nature. Everything we do is readin ~ and writing, .something you do everyday at school," said Sattler.
penned. royalz. •
During East sporting events, fans usually look forward to the Cheer leaders, Apollonaires , or Marching Band perfarming at half time. This year , though, there was a new group to watch: The Royalz. Senior Jade Hepburn is the student founder of this new-age hip-hop dance team and was excited for them to show off what they've got.
"I didn't think that there was going to be so much talent trying out and I was pretty amazed with the turn out of the group," said Hepburn. Last summer, The Royalz held three car washes and during the school year sold cookie dough for funds to support the group. With practices three times a week, this talented group had the motivation to succeed, and East sports' fans had even more to ·enjoy at halftimes.
Tri-M meets once a month and draws from a variety of musical students. Some have been active in Tri-M for years, including Senior Meghan Rihanek, the president of Tri-M.
"I choose Tri- M because it really emphasizes helping the community through music," said Rihanek.
For others, it was a new experience and a great one at that. Junior Eric Hartwell's first year was a most rewarding one.
"Being able to express ourselves through music is great. That's why I am a part ofTriM ," said Hartwell.
Lance Nielsen is the sponsor of the group and had big plans for it this year. Those plans included a music-making festival open to all schools, with performing acts, music, and fun. They also held a music petting zoo. The "zoo" was focused for younger kids and they let them look at, feel, and play the instruments. The event was a big hit and another way for Tri-M to reach out.
Back: Mr. Nielsen, Hans Madsen, Ross Whiston, Hannah Bates, Abby Meyer, Larissa Wagner, Jennifer Hopkins. Front: Lauren Thompson, Madeline Ripa, Allison Schorr, Jenny Kaser, and Brent David.
Spartan athletes place the team before the individual and devote hours to conditioning and practice. This has been a great year for East athletics. It has been a year full of rebuilding, improvement, and success.
Top : Varsity players raise their helmets in hope of a touchdown.
Below: "Victory is ours tonight!"
a c~omeback.
onto the field to find your favorite player's number and your eyes
.. . - overhead lights shining erseys. Huddled together, ers are poised to defeat
Over the past few years East hasn't had the best record in football Winnings, ut 2006 was a comeback year.
JV player Zach Smith said that his team had a great year.
"We al work together to get done what needs to be done," said Smith. Brian Berry, a swinger from JV to Varsity was proud to represent both teams.
"It's a good experience and builds character to play two games in one week," said Berry.
Several team members have been playing together for a long time , some even since grade school. That time of commitment to the game can form strong bonds of friendships and trust to bring the wins home.
"Friendships and teamwork have been the best part of the season this year," said senior Varsity quarterback Jim Ebke, the Gatorade Player of the Year.
For the fans, the team's success on the field has once again made East football a great spectator sport.
"It's rewarding to be a part of Varsity football because a lot of people come to support the game," said Ebke. "It's good to give them something to cheer about."
story by: jenapt:j,lmer
photos by: joanwortmann layout by: michaelawagner
1. The East Varsity football team piles up
Harry Meginnis run a drill during their varsity practice.
A member of the Reserve football team tackles a Southeast player.
Reserve football team members line up for a kickoff.
2.
3.
4.
tball
four quarters,
Every year it's the same story but w twist. New freshmen phomores make up the Reserve teams. With each omes a unique story.
This ear the Freshman team that they wanted hat included getting heir contribution to the school.
"What I like about being on a highschool team is that you represent a group of people inside and out of school. It's harder but the feeling is great." said freshman Pete Meginnis.
This year, both the Freshmen and Reserve teams went 5 for 4. Win or lose, though, these teams kept everything in
•win or lose.
perspective.
"I learned a lot about myself this year. I've always been a football player, you could say it's in my blood." said Meginnis.
For the Reserves , there came a time when the players used what they have learned in the past.
"This year was even better than last. We won more games, the coaches helped us to improve, and we worked even harder as a team," said sophomore l\Tate Gran.
As the season passed, the players all took valuable and important skills with them along with memories to help pave their way for the years to come.
"Taco Tuesdays. I will never forget. Taco Tuesdays," said Gran.
story by: natali6taylor photos by: marysherrill layout by: haleycarpenter
football player intensely watches his team from the sideline.
The Freshman offensive line protects its quarterback.
The Reserve football team huddles together before next play.
Reserve football players make a play.
Below: The Junior Varsity does a team cheer led by coach Mike
to get pumped up before a game.
Right: Sophomore Nikki Roehrs digs a ball in warm-ups before a JV game.
Wiese
e o r
kl.-da gets ready to e the ball before a • ame. :Anna ndjunior Winkle
warmup to get a better advantage
3. Sophomore Clair Hall and freshman Maggie Novak watch their teammates play hard.
4 . Sophomore Kelsey Newman practices her hitting skills in
se rving tip · wins.
Being part of the JV volleyball team means practicing hard , working toward consistency, and keeping up team spirit. This year, the team fo cused on communication on the court. This included jumping , hitting techniques, and making sure the ball never hit the floor on East's side ofthe court.
"You have to go for everything and try not to let the ball hit the ground no matter what," said junior JV player Kelsey Fawl. Everything the team did went into making sure that the ball landed in the opponent's court.
The JV team was greatly influenced by the Varsity players. They looked to them as an example of what they would like to become as a team. That example raised their level of skill by the end of the year.
"Varsity is what JV wants to be. We all want to be on it next year and be able to play at
that level," said junior Nikki Peterson.
The Varsity team was a tight group of young women who strived to seize any opportunity they had to beat out their opponents. That desire led to success on the court.
"We have a lot of quickness on the team, and that gives the other teams a chance to make an error," said Coach Myron Oehlerking. "Our main goal is to win city and the conference, or place the highest we possibly can."
When asked about the team's reason for success , junior Molly Darlington said, "We 're a diverse group of girls with many talents. We work together and help each other out in various circumstances."
Varsity's setting a high standard for those on the JV team this year, something East volleyball players are known for: reaching their full potential.
story by: caseyadams photos by: kelseyharris layout by : juliewertz
Reserve volleyball devises a strategy during a time out.
Morgan Thompson a r. i Kristy Schmidt warrr up during the beginin g of
serving it - up.
fa student's life they the future. This is to the academic strides ast make. Another t East, however, can g at the non-varsity his year's 9/10 e heard shouting out calls , seen diving hard to balls , and epitomizing what it means to try to improve. With practices every day and more than a match a week, the Freshman an Reserve volleyball teams made every second count.
"I play volleyball because I love to compete," said freshman Valerie Johnson, a member of the freshman volleyball team. "I've gotten a chance
to meet new people this season." The intimate number of people who make up the volleyball teams mean the girls get very close to each other. Although the girls didn't win all of their games this season , there as no shortage of fans out supporting the team.
"It's fun watching my sister. She's a great player , way better than I ever was," said senior Vanessa Johnson. "It's fun to watch her and the team improve at every game." With every dig made and each point scored, the girls who comprise the Freshman and Reserve volleyball worked hard toward the chance at one day representing their school at the varsity level. If these girls are East's future, it is sure to be bright.
1. Morgan Thompson works on her passing
Right: The Varsity Soft.ball Team switches from batting to field
Below: Junior Julia Simpson hits a line drive.
tball •
it's a hit. _
Nothing is better than a home run when it comes to softball. Some Spartan softball players say this season was a home run of its own.
"Our season has been really good. We won the Lincoln Invite, which means we beat all the other schools in Lincoln," said junior JV player Nikki Beecher. Beecher, a left fielder, has been playing softball since kindergarten.
"I like how softball is really diverse and every game is different and interesting," said Beecher. "Even playing for eleven years doesn't help in predicting how the season will go."
Sophomore reserve player Kelly Howe has played both years of high school and loves the competition in high-school softball.
"I really haven't played that long, but the competition in the high school sports is enough to get anyone to play," said Howe. "It's super crazy once everyone gets really into it."
The reserve team won 7 games out of the 13
1. Sophomore Kelly Howe sets up for a hit.
2. The Reserve Softball Team huddles for encouragement.
3. Senior Alysia Witmaack pitches a rise ball.
they played this season and Howe is looking forward to playing again next year.
This year the varsity team beat the top team in the state. Freshman Anna Runge was on the varsity team and was very confident heading into State.
" I'm excited but at the same time I'm really nervous for state but I'm sure we'll do fine," said Runge.
The Varsity team lost the opening game at State but came back and won the second twoincluding a game against the #1 team. That put the Spartans in the championship game against Papillion-La Vista. Their second-place finish at State is the highest ever for a Spartan softball team.
"It's always nice to play as a team, togetmer, and winning as a team," said Beecher. "You can't get much better than that."
story by: jam.ieminchow photos by: chri tamasters layout by: elenashomos
Right: Seniors Kirstie Geist and Katie Malone walk toward the next hole during Varsity Golf Practice.
Below ( from left): Freshman, senior Paige Gade, and junior Anna Christenson perfect their putting skills during a practice at Holmes Golf Course.
golf
did we just get
irts say it all. Did we just at started as a joke when Girls Golf Team won their ent of the season at Grand ead became the motto of the en the members of the team eir success.
d believe we'd won a tournament. We'd just gotten done stealing carts and sn • g up the fairway to watch Anna's playoff when we realized we won. She got first individually and we won as a team," said senior"Dani Haas. This was followed by many successful tournaments for the team, including their second consecutive city title where all five varsity member placed top fifteen.
"Everyone knows we're the team that doesn't really take anything too seriously.
•punked?
We go out, play our best, and if we win that's a bonus," said senior Kirstie Geist. Geist, a second year member of the varsity team, was one of four seniors that made up the five member team. This seemingly loaded team claimed most of their success came from how close they were.
The Varsity golf team placed second at their district tournament and made a third consecutive trip to the state tournament where junior Anna Christianson finished 3rd.
"It was hard because I knew it was my last tournament with the seniors who I've been with the last three years. This season was really the best way to end it though," said Christianson. With freezing rain and the wind of Grand Island that never stops , the girl's golf season finished on a high note.
story by: shelb svoboda photos by: paigejuhnke layout by: laurenmota
Senior. Varsit play-er. Shelbi Svoboda practices her hole-in-one skills at Holmes.
Junior Garth Hamilton serves during Varsity practice.
1. Varsity-players listen to Je. Hoham before practice.
2. Freshman R 1 serve player Tr Pringle volleyE during practice
3. Junior Brandon Videtich returns the ball during Varsity practice.
4. Sophomore Varsity player Ross Schulenberg receives his silver medal at the state tournament.
5 Junior Matt Dunlap battles during the quarterfinals of the state tournament.
6. Freshman JV player Preston Bradley practices his forehand .
7. Junior JV player DJ Northey smashes an over head.
annis •
story by: katerosenbaum layout by: scoutrichters photos by: kelseyharris, marysherrill, and champshots.com
boys · "love" tennis.
ason almost came to a halt for when he fell off his loft bed and
ning, we weren't sure when ITTI: come back. Luckily, I heal very fast. About a week later, I was playing again with a brace," said Dunlap. Dunlap learned a one-handed backhand swing that was easier on his elbow.
"At fi.rst, my game wasn't 100 percent. Now I ~ am close to that," said Dunlap.
"Matt's injury ended up a blip on his radar screen of success," said tennis coach Jeff Hoham. "He is playing his best tennis right now."
Hoham said the team was full of strong
players.
"This is the most enjoyable team that I've coached in almost 20 years. They are not the most talented, but talent does not always equal success. I couldn't be more proud of them," said Hoham . Their
success went beyond the court.
"They are also very talented off the field. Many of them have 4.0+ GPA's," said Hoham. The players were excited about their season of success
"We're even better than last year . That was hard to top because we lost a lot of good exchange students who played last year," said junior Brandon Videtich.
East's team won both their city and conference tournaments for the first time in years. "Winning conference was a really big achievement," said Dunlap.
The team achieved at State as well.
"We expected to get first , and ended up getting second," said sophomore Ross Schulenberg of his doubles team.
As a whole, the tennis team finished fourth.
"That's really high comparatively. We've had a great season," said Schulenberg.
Below: The
Right: Senior Carter Weitz passes by in a blur.
J. V. girls take off running.
4.
5.
untrI~ ·
story by: joereuter photos by: c~stamasters layout by: laurenbeitel
nothing r.uns like a spartan.
e end of summer while most s u en s s ep 1n and lazed about, members of East's cross-country team were hard g at 7a.m. , the team ran to 5 miles , showing their en out of season.
While many people consider crosscountrY- an individual sport, at East the team is always work· g for the greater goal.
"The team this year has a lot of depth and all the • ls are extremely good," said sophomore McKenna Slack. "They can all run varsity but there aren't enough spots." Slack herself is a proficient runner. Despite having asthma, she has lettered two years and plans on doing cross-country throughout high school.
Senior runner Aaron Erickson also
appreciated the team's talent.
"We have one of the best teams in state and is probably the best team I've been on since I started cross country here," he said. Erickson has been running since he was a freshman but doesn't plan on doing cross-country in college unless he receives a scholarship.
Leading this year's boys' cross-country team was senior Alex Heyl. Since last season, Heyl shaved 30 seconds off his time and set a new school record at districts.
Another team leader, junior Michelle Fluitt has high hopes to run long after high school.
"I want to run for a Division One school if I can and gain a scholarship for college," she said.
1. Junior Michelle Fluitt runs by.
2. e iJ.V. boys un hard at a ee
3. Senior Keenan Wiese runs toward the finish line.
Senior Alex Hyle leads a pack of Vars1ty. oys.
The Varsity girls in a huddle getting pumped up before a meet.
Below:
Right: Varsity player Kelsey Newman goes to make a basket.
Senior Megan Masada tries to steal a ball from an Omaha Central player.
v/jv girls' basketball
Far Left.: Junior Rachael Brenning gets ready to pass the ball.
Middle: Junior Kelsey Fawl watches sophomore Alexa Ross attempting a basket.
Left.: Senior Dana Durre attempts a basket .
story by: caseyadams
photos by: joanwortmann and christamasters layout by : haleycarpenter
hoo victory.
The JV and Varsity basketball teams have been working hand in hand throughout 8pe.rtan history • order to provide East with tee.ms worthy of 1 oking up to. Just what is it that drives the ;younger teams to model JV and Varsity?
"We're extremely dedicated and passionate about basketball," said senior Varsity player , Megan Masada. "I'm drawn to the team because I enjoy being competitive and being part of a team."
For these girls, basketball is more about simply getting the ball through the hoop. It's about coming together for the good of the team and doing their best to make East proud of their performance.
"There's a lot of chemistry this year with the t e am and the coach," said senior Varsity player Da na Durre. Having a team full of players
who care about each other is a key element in having a well- founded team, making it easy for the students to strengthen their weaknesses and build on their strengths together.
The teams also owe their successful season to the coaches , Dennis Prichard and John Strain, who puts in just as many hours as the students to prepare them for their competitions.
"Prichard loves what he does and you can tell that he knows what he's talking about," said Durre.
Senior Varsity player M o lly Poppe also appreciates the work put in by coaches. "Having the coach practice and play with the team has been a highlight this season."
With the team having such a close-knit group, it's no wonder that this season has proved to be a success.
Right: Sophomore Kelly Howe blocks sophomore Kara Scheel at practice.
Right: The Freshman Girls' team warms up before a game
150 9/10 girls' basketball
sophomore
Maggie
shoo~ing -ror victory.
Dedication , motivation, hard work, team player , strength, and power. What do all these words have in common? They're the qualities that can be found in every player on the East Girl's Freshmen and Reserve basketball teams.
The teams are made out of East students who strive to be the best players , both physically and mentally. The girls helped each other to meet this goal - as well as other team ambitions East's team is held with high regard in Lincoln. This year , the Reserve team opened by playing the number-one and -two ranked teams , and was able to end with a decent overall performance.
Many East players choose to play basketball because they've been practicing for years and have come to crave the thrill of the sport.
"I played with my brother Jim since I was really young," said sophomore Cati Dahl. "We'd shoot outside together and over the years I just stuck with it." Years of experience are just one of ma n y factors contributing to the success of the team.
The new coach, Dennis Prichard, provided a strong sense of direction for all four basketball teams this year.
"We're doing really good with the new coach," said freshman Nichole Gingery. "The team likes his style of coaching, and it's helpful that all levels of the basketball teams are running on the same structured system."
Considering everything that goes into making the team what it is, it's no surprise that East's Freshmen and Reserve teams are at the top of their game.
story by: caseyp, dams photos by: marysherrill layout by: juliewertz
Far Left: Freshman reserve player Madison Schwartz shoots a free throw.
Left: Reserve girls
Monica Shaw and reshman
Novak wait for a free throw.
The JV boys line up for a fr ee -throw.
v/jv boys
Left: Senior , il
more Varsit: player Drew Sankey thr c w the ball tow c c the net.
katball •
there. 1 t is.
.
closer to the top of high school athletics, the Boys Junior Varsity
m 'S I l had a great season. The lled through and showed great they are.
e war all the time. Especially at practice. We work hard to get better and to learn from o mistakes ," said junior Ben Bden.
_ ogethen, these athletes made quite a team. With the help of coaches, the players grew in experience and talent after every game.
"Playing for East this year has been a great experience. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us," said Eden.
The boys Varsity team kept their eyes on the future as well. For many of
the players , it was their last year to make every game count. For the past three years, this group have won games and celebrated, as well as lost games and reevaluated. Throughout everything, the boys made it another memorable season.
"This year something was different. I think we all knew we had to make it count and we did," said senior Andrew Tomasek.
The future is unknown for many of the varsity basketball players, but whatever they choose to do, they'll never forget their final season
"It's not how much you do. It's what you learn. I've learned a lot about myself, my team and what we can do," said Tomasek.
story by: nat etaylor photos by: christamasters
layout by: scoutrichters
Right: The Freshman boys team jumps off to a great start in their game ....-~~} !!. _~-...against Northeast.
Below le~: Freshman Jordan Herstein uses his high jump to block the Northeast shot.
Below right: The Freshman team huddles around Coach John Strain during a timeout talk.
a name.
s have made a name for ile many of the freshmen
• g most of their lives, high school basketball was a brand new experience ·or them.
" High sqhool basketball is different. It's harder to alance everything, but tlie outcome 1s more rewarding," said freshman Cole Kilgore.
Win .or lose, these players love the game and the chance to play it.
"It helps me to stay in shape, and
I get to do what I love , be a part of a team and play ball. I can't wait to see where it takes me ," said freshman Grady McGuire.
As for The Reserve Boys Basketball, players also found time to grow and form the essentials for a good team.
"We have grown a lot. The time we together has helped us as a team," said sophomore Winston Beans.
"We did pasta feeds, hung out and spent time together and had fun doing what we love," said Beans.
story by: natalietaylor
ore Jordan m es a run the court in the against hwest.
mRight:The oys Freshman team ark to reach their toes as they do their pre-game stretches.
photos by: caseyadams and christamasters layout by: michaelawagner
Right: Senior Aaron Erickson and Junior Josh Heiliger practice new practice wrestling tactics . Below:Senior Evan Bumann shows sophmore Josh Aldridge how to win a match.
by: kelseyharris and paigejuhnke
layout by: lizperry
en ~wear singlets.
minds , bodies , and motivation, ast s restling team had a lot of pressure to keep up its winning tradition. From Coach 's passionate leadership to nts on the mat , the Spartans g will to succeed and impress. res man Logan Pohlman said he liked the change in competition from his earlier years of wrestling.
"I've learned a larger variety of complex moves and I look forward to being as good as the upperelassme. , said Pohlman.
Senior Trevor Howe has been active in wrestling since his freshman year.
"I like wrestling because I'm really good at it and the girls come to cheer for me," said Howe. He said he's proud of the fact that there are talented new people on the team to help bring home the wins.
New or experienced, wrestlers have to be
disciplined to succeed in this sport. They need to keep their body toned and at a certain weight. While football players and swimmers can eat in bulk, wrestlers need to watch every piece of food that enters their mouth because if they gain even one pound, it can affect their weight group. Last year senior Jared Mar had to lose close to twenty pounds to be in the right weight group. Though the loss was significant, he tries to be a good example for the up and coming junior and senior wrestlers and to make sure they don't endanger their bodies.
"I want to teach them the right thing to do when the seniors leave," said Mar. "It's not all about winning in wrestling at East. It's about being a family that you can trust to do their best."
The Spartans finished 5th at State, with Mar and fellow senior wrestler Steve Gawrick taking home silver medals.
story by: jenap lmer
are alw-ay • ten e.
Bottom right: Junior Taylor Moss and Sophmore Garrett omaster--warm up before practice.
photos
Right: Sophomore Matttea Fosbender practices her breast stroke.
Below:
Seniors Sydney Unzicker and Lauren Mota perfect their strokes.
Top: Senior Jennifer Peterson swims
Left: Junior Lindsey Mota takes a breath
story by: kate osenbaum
photos by: paigejunke and kelseyharris layout by: laurenbeitel
makes
Members of East's Girls' Swimming and Diving team are dedicated to their sport. is a lot harder than everyone e only sport practices two times r swimmer Kylie Potter. East's o school at 5:45 a.m. to practice before school and practiced for two hours after school every day, as well. The team usually had two meets every week. Their practice paid off when the team was named City Champs.
Although swimming is a time-consuming sport, Potter enjoyed the frequent practices.
"It is an outlet, and you get to be with your friends," said Potter, who swam the freestyle. Others agreed that friendships made it all worthwhile.
"Swim.ming is a lot of fun, and it is not like any other sport. There is only a varsity team, so you get to know people from every grade," said
perfect.
freshman swimmer Mary Beth Rye. "We've had a good season , and we are really close." Rye has been swimming since she was six.
East's diving team was also very close this year.
"I like the team a lot. We get along really well," said senior diver Kati Poppert, who enjoyed her most successful diving season this year. Although diving is an individual sport, the diving team had a lot of team goals.
"Our scores help the entire swim team in meets," said Poppert. Poppert started diving when she had to quit gymnastics.
The concentration and commitment of all its members led to a successful year for East's Girls' Swimming and Diving team.
Potter and sophomore Mattea Fasbender led the Spartans at State with 5th and 6th-place finishes in the 100 Breastroke finals.
Cassie Nelson dives at practice.
down her lane.
Right: Juniors Sam Kiddoo and Sam Bach work on their kicking .
Below left: Junior Jon Rye does breaststroke during an IM set
Below right: Junior Kaleb Marr concentrates before performing a dive.
and the East swtrp. team
. Three mornings a week fter school, the swimmers Fleming worked hard to ake it an ex ellent season.
' edtcation, teamwork, and l ea dership are what makes a good team" said senior swimmer Rodney Mueller. Mue ller has been swimming for 12 year s including all 4 years of high school. "I love the people on the team and the co aches ," he said.
Something unique about the team this past year was that there was only one male diver, sophomore Kaleb Mar.
"I'm too lazy to be a swimmer," said Mar . "I'd rather do tricks over relays." Tricks he liked doing were two-and-a-
half flips and double gainers. "The only practice I do is jumping off the diving board over and over to work on my form and tricks ," he said.
This year's team got stronger as the season went on.
"This is the best team I've been on," said Mueller. "Every year the new freshmen get better and better, so we know the team will be strong year after year. " Their strength showed itself early in the season with a win over last year's state champion, Omaha Westside. The Spartans finished third at State. Senior Nie Genrich took the 50 Free while the 200 Medley Relay team brought home the gold as well.
story by: joerer ter
Far Left.: The boys' swim team listens attentively to Coach Fleming during an aft.ernoon practice. Left.: Junior Craig Murman stands in the pool between sets.
photos by: kelseyharris and paigejuhnke layout by: laurenmota
Being a student athletic trainer for East's sports teams is a full-time job.
"We're usually after school every day until six or seven, and sometimes we are here all day on Saturdays," said junior trainer Dain Finke. Despite the time commitment, Finke values the experience he got as a trainer for the football and girls' basketball and soccer teams.
"I've always wanted to be in the medical field, and this is the be.st way • to get in early and learn about the body and medicine," said Finke. The trainers' duties included attending games, caring for and wrapping injuries, and cleaning the whirlpools and other training equipment. The trainers attended a clinic which taught basic training information.
Right: Junior Leisha Osterberg wraps an athletes leg. Above Far Right: Junior Dain Finke cleans up after treating an injured athlete. Below: Sophomore Nicole Gingery gets bandages on her feet by Mac Mccuiston.
Senior Dana Bell became interested in training when she tore her ACL her freshman year. Bell could not play sports anymore , and was in the training room a lot.
"I loved being in the training room and I love how they helped people," said Bell.
Bell enjoyed the people she spent time with as a trainer.
"My favorite part is getting to know the athletes. They are really fantastic people. I love·the football team this year," said Bell.
Both Bell and Finke have developed a close-knit friendship with the other trainers.
"I've made some really good friends this year. We hang out on the weekends and we are really clos~," said Bell.
Thanks to intramurals and club sports, East athletes of every ability level and interest have a chance to compete. Offerings include basketball, hockey, and bowling, among others.
East intramurals five students a chance to play sports without requiring any special commitment or practices and lets them hang loose and have a good time.
In the past five years , bowling has gained its own following at East. A popular choice, it brings people together from different walks of life, providing them a chance to hang out with friends and meet new people.
"Bowling is my life,' said junior Lee Saenz. "I'm basically a champ at bowling. I've gotten a perfect score before and I owe it all to Mrs. Tucker."
Left: An East hockey player stands at the ready.
Mrs. Tucker runs the intramurals program.
From slamming pucks to busting heads on the ice, East's ice hockey team gives students time to know their more aggressive side.
Sophomore Lauren Marr was the only gir1 on this year's hockey team.
"It gets rough playing with guys but it's a fun, fast-paced game," said Marr "There are two or three other girls in the league, so I'm not alone."
The team did well this season , ending with a record of 15-4.
Theses sports offer a change from the regime of typical sports practices and games , letting students relax and have a good time doing what they love.
Above: Junior Liam Dempsey rolls a strike. Far Left: Junior Ben Eden receives a swift pass in intramural football.
Freshman Football
Front Row: Logan Pohlman, Pete Meginnis, Nick Masada, -----------------------------Jacob Wilderman, Marshall Ozaki, Eric Rice, Devon Nash, Jonathan Lehman, Troy Vasek, Nathan Dennis, Joshua Hastreiter, Dylan Schott Second Row: Trainer Leisha Osterberg, Preston Racicky, David Peaslee, Trevor Young, Tyson Gibbons, Samuel Nobbe, Nick Kohler, Zach Shannon, Grant Weber, Aaron Kilgore, Demetri Sanders, Nelson Wright. Third Row: Trainer Sammy Wang, Bandon Kaiser, Christopher Genrich, Brandon Ell, Shane Bernt, Cody Klein, Austin Cooley, Drew Zobel, Justin Hill,Adam Smith, Joshua Leffert, Coach Barry Newman. Back Row: Ryan Pramberg, Tyler Pettit, Aaron Wiemer, Michael Moss, Ethan Suhr, Colby Lewis, Nick Johnson, Logan Foote, Connor Southwick, Jordan Herstein, Nick Grabowski, Coach Joe Schlegelmilch.
Reserve Football
JV Football
Front Row: Zachary McDonald, Matt Palm, Just.in Burns, Vinny Lucchino, Zachary Smith, Anthony Moss, Brice Tyrell. Second Row: Nathan Tucker, Joshua Aldridge, Kevin Meyer, Adam Zillig, Shelby Lewis, Coach Guy Rosenberg. Third Row: James Ristow, Brian Olson, Graham Thurber, Michael Knott, Matt Makovicka, J osp. Palmer, Brian Berry. Back Row: Curtis Tebo, Thomas Matczyszyn, Taylor Maahs, Chris Connor, Tony Suarez, Michael Lau.
Front Row: Trainer Leisha Osterberg, Mike Agnew, Ric:b arc Claussen, Eric Kielian, Shane Montage, Richard Horrock , Sam Kon, Jason Elliot, Matthew Anderson, Zachary Qua c e , • Jeff Morrison. Second Row: Trainer Sammy Wang, Win t oi Beans, Stuart Kujath, Alexander Lux, Christian Schmohr John Black, Tyler Scully, Steven Montgomery, Dan Bur m t t, Garrett Bowmaster, Jake Thompson, Troy Haugh. Thir • Row: Coach Jared Johnson, Tyler Weihe, Nathan Gran , Nathan Key, Logan Hinds, Luke Linder, Kyle Gran, John Drozda, Jeremy Delzell, Sam Metzger, Austin Peterson. J a c Row: Sean McClure, Tyson Clark, Reece Schwartz, Lawr E c, Jablonski, Dylon Larsen, Tim Gehring, Jake Danielson, Mitchell Ham, Taylor Herbert, Scott Sunderman, Coach J m Squiers.
Front Row: Thomas Matczyszyn, Harry Meginnis, Curtis Tebo, Zachary McDonald, Justin Burns, Ravi Mahapatra, John Grabowski, Brice Tyrell, Jay Buettner, Jeff Williams, Anthony Moss. Second Row: Trainer Leisha Osterberg, Andrew Peterson, Levi Lash, Nick Rouse, Steven Gawrick, Matt Palm, Garek Petry, Vinny Lucchino, Zachary Smith, Jacob Swanson, Tony Suarez, manager Zach Marolf. Third Row: Trainer Sammy Wang, Dan Cramer, Nathan Tucker, Joshua Aldridge, Jim Ebke, Drew Sankey, Kevin Meyer,Adam Zillig, Samuel Witherby, Shelby Lewis, Michael Lau, Coach Jon Squier. Fourth Row: Coach Joe Schlegelmilch, Coach Bill Keckley, Chris Connor, Logan McClure, Sam Meginnis, Michael Yardley, Graha
photos contributed by: cynthiaweiland-falk layout by: laurenbeitel and haleycarpenter team photos
Varsity Football
Freshma n Volleyball
Fr ont Row: Cassie Carlson, Kate Russell, Artemis Gogos, Melissa Vifquain, Kristy Griffin. Back Row: Coach Shari Pittenger, Maria Luedtke, Claire Schoeming, Sydney Gaylord, Jessica Schuster.
Reserve Volleyball
Front R ow: Kaylie Schnittker, Katie , Massey,Kristin Wood, Valerie Johnson. Back Row: Coach Brittani Potadle, Morgan Thompson, Lindsey Von Seggern, Tausha Soucie, Candace Marloff.
• Varsity Volleyball
Front Row: Julia Lisee, Natalie Ebke, Jordan Stacy, Shannon Winkler, Karlene Tipton, Kelsey Newman. Back Row: Madison MacLean, Lauren Becwar, Nicole Gingery, Anna Wagner, Ashton McDonald, Molly Darlington, ~a Kokrda, Coach Myron Oehlerking.
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Front Row: Emily Ackerman, Maggie Novak, Madison Schwartz, Kristen Tonniges, Jordane Warkentin, Clair Hall. Back Row: Coach Mike Wiese, Megan Sindelar, Kelse Fawl, Nikki Peterson, Monica Shaw, Courtney Russell, Nikki Roehrs.
Reserve Tennis
Front Row: Jay Kilpatrick, Trey Pringle, Michael Yoder, D.J. Carlson.
Back Row: Ian Scott, Phil Horn, N eema Bahramzad, Jon Geier, Coach Greg Fleming.
Varsity Tennis
Front Row: Alex Neuhaus, Erik Cederdahl, Cole Mahlberg, Alex Churchill, Ross Schulenberg, Matt Dunlap. Back Row: Coach JeffHoham,Andreas Zimmermann, Tim Mueller, Garth Hamilton, Brandon Videtich, Mitch Gerrard.
Front Row: Matt Macoubrie, Sam Tipton, Mick Steiner, Bradley Preston. Back Row: Coach Marcus Schmidt, Tim Dornbos, DJ Northey, Jake Burling, Will Scheideler.
Junior Varsity Tennis
Reserve Softball
Front Row: Shon Blackstock, Kelly Howe, Becca Fox, Jessica Arney. Middle Row: Caitlin Kennedy, Jordan Schindlbeck, Rachel Kapeller, Carissa Clifford, Alison Morton. Back Row: Coach Ron Schinkel, Sarah Weber, Traci Snook, Emmy Loos, Sarah Hansen, Allyson Barnes.
Varsity Softball
Front Row: Cassie Srnith,Anna Runge, Megan Meyerson, Whitney Wells. Middle Row: Courtney Petersen, Alysia Wittmaack, Jenna Howell, Marley Christian, Jamie Zillig. Back Row: Coach Butch McLaren, Kelly Schulz, Kara Scheel, Katelyn Peterson, Catie Dahl, Aubrie Menghini, Amanda Forg~y, Coach Beth Singleton.
Junior Varsity Softball
Front Row: Lisa Aguire, Amanda Martz, Makayla Loftus , Jessica Arney. Middle Row: Alison Yardley, Sarah Weber, Jordan Schindlbeck, Becca Fox, Allyson Barnes. Back Row: Coach Kenny Cope, Courtney Bulin, Tausha Sanders, Nikki Beecher, Rosalie Mueller, Julia Simpson, Jessica Graves.
Girls Cross Country
Front Row: Britni Waller, Cassie Frohberg, McKenna Slack, La.ura Clouston, Devin Schultz e , Lauren Marr, Jade Hepburn, Sarah Gray. Second Row: Kay Tomlinson, Alexis Lehman , Becca Ross, McKynze Works, Rachel Brenning , Laura Hahn, Lillie Schrock, Ali Bunde, Kylie Hubbell. Third Row: Karen Robb, Maggie Hedlund, Elizabeth Earhart, Jordan Heiliger, Sydney Johnson, Olivia Lambdin, Cally Stoki, Michelle Fluitt. Back Row: Coach Brian Kabourek, Coach Kirk Skiles, Ashley Heckman Kate Dwyer, Shawn Zajicek, Melissa Frohberg , Emily Heyl, Coach Kevin Hubbell.
Boys Cross Country
Front Row: Jay Dupont, Sam Robb, Alex Heyl, Michael Schinstock, Grant Duffy, Dan Sveen, Adam Bassett. Second Row: Sam Sneed, Carter Weitz, Dan Sellon, John Rife, Jim Hao, Sam Ingram, Michael Weitz, Aaron Erickson. Third Row: Nathan Feather, Jon Messbarger, Chris Tomlinson, Peter Voigt, Keenan Weise, Michael Olson. Back Row: Coach Andrea Kabourek, Coach Brian Kabourek, Coach Kevin Hubbell, Coach Kirk Skiles.
Golf
Front Row: Kirstie Geist, Katie Malo Dani Haas ,"Shelbi Svoboda. Middle Row: Natalie Brening, Paige Gade, Anna Christenson, Elizabeth Baquet, Stephanie Remmenga. Back Row: Sar Louch, Carli Halstead, Megan Parchm a , Elizabeth Westendorf, Coach Jim Tonniges.
Athletic Training Staff
Head Student Trainer Sam.my Wang, Head Athletic Trainer Mac McCuistion
Wrestling
Front Row: T .J. McDonnell, Cody Moreno, Zak Eisenmann, N i ck Grabowski, Andrew Hanus, John Hanus, Sam Robb, Jim McMunis, Trevor Howe, Cody Helzer, Drew Etherton, Ben Peterson. Second Row: Timothy Marti, Jared Erickson, Bangi Manakdan , Mike Agnew, Shelby Lewis, Benjamin Hartwell, Garrett Bowmaster, Aaron Erickson, Mike Weitz, Vinny Lucchino, Jared Marr, Steve Gawrick, Zach Marolf. Third Row: Dylan Larsen, Kyle Fox, Christian Schmohr , Tyler Randazzo, Taylor Maahs, Logan Pohlman, Marshall Ozarki, Drew Koernor, Josh Aldridge, Josh Heiliger, Taylor Himmelberg. Back Row: Coach Marty McCurdy, Assistant Coach Sean Morgan, Assistant Coach Travis Fentress , Assistant Coach Kirk Skiles, Assistant Coach Jake Froscheiser, Aaron Titus, Kacey Shane, Evan Bumann, Scott Bogner, Mgr. Rozalyn Nelsen, Mgr. Ashley Ireland, Mgr. Jessica Ireland, Trainer Sam.my Wang
Boys Varsity Basketball
Front Row: Justin Burns, Andrew Dinham, Andrew Tomasek, Harry Meginnis. Middle Row: Mgr. Jaclyn Kehling, Mgr. Rachel Branker, Dan Dahl, Jim Ebke, Sam Meginnis, Mack Grantham, Mgr. Abby Meyer, Mgr. Kelsey Hoppes. Back Row: Coach Jeff Campbell, Coach Ed McPherren, Tyson Clark, Drew Sankey, Garth Hamilton, Michael Yardley, Coach Joe Hovorka, Coach John Strain
Boys Ninth Basketball
Front Row: Jordan Herstein, Mick Steiner, Nick Masada, Cole Kilgore, Trevor Young, Pete Meginnis , Cole Moreland. Back Row: Devon Nash, Robb Loo f J ash Hastreiter, Kevin Broderson, Dylan Schott, Grady MaG-µire, Coach John Strain
Boys Reserve Basketball
Front Row: Brad Hilligoss, Ashton Makovicka, Winston Beans, Tyler Weihe, Mike Moss, Manager Ryan Pramberg. Back Row: Coach Joe Hovorka, Brian Sunderman, Tim Oehring, Jon Thurman Aaron Grantham, Jake Danielson, Lawrence Jablonski, Jordan Yurth
Boys JV Basketball
Front Row: Mitch Ham, Sam Witherby, Anthony M o :i Zach Smith, Scott Sunderman, Adam Zillig. Back R e 1 : Coach Jeff Campbell, Reece Schwartz, Andrew Shaw , 3en Eden, Matt Palm, Luke Matzke, Lucas Shaw
Front Row: Kelsey Newman, Breanna Fosdick. Middle Row: Megan Masada, Dana Durre, Molly Poppe, Whitney Wells. Back Row: Coach Dennis Prichard, Natalie Ebke, Anna Wagner, Nicole Gingery, Erin Reynoldson, Coach Joe Schlegelmilch, Coach Ray Corona
Girls Reserve Basketball
Front Row: Kelly Howe, Kara Scheel, Mallory Bohl, Jamie Zillig, Morgan Bohl. Back Row: Katelyn Peterson, Maggie Novak, Madison Schwartz, Monica Shaw, Jocelyn Herstein, Coach Mark Siske
Boys SWimming
Front Row: Ty Carney, Jackson Carter, Chris Genrich, Nick Kohler, Ryan
Bubb, Alex Paine, Dylan Woldt, Kurtis Conkel, Mitchell Ediger, Nick Caruso, Erik Petersen. Middle Row: Peter Slawinski, Ty Carney, ·Grant Varney, Logan Samuelson, Westan Woldt, Kaleb Mar, Garrett Daugherty, Jon Geier, Jared. Froehlich, Logan Hinds, Zach Cole. Back Row: Coach Greg Fleming, Assistant Coach Ryan Rieker, Assistant Coach Dave Eppert, Josh Bennett, Rodney Mueller, Nie Genrich, Mike Olson, Sam Kiddoo, Sam Bach, Adam Bassett, Nolan Ediger, Craig Murman, Kelly Danahy, Jon Rye.
Girls SWimm.ing
Front Row: Ashley Rathjen, Kyrie Russell, Kati Poppert, Christina Masters, Lauren Mota, Sydney Unzicker, Kylie Potter, Ali Bunde, Jen Petersen. Middle Row: Cassie Nelson, Elizabeth Shipman, Stephanie Lee, Kylie Hubbell, Katherine Steinberger, Lindsey Mota, Devin Schultze, Mattea Fasbender, Mary Beth Rye, Arny Morton.
Back Row: Coach Greg Fleming, Assistant Coach Ryan Rieker, Assistant Coach Dave Eppert, Syd Johnson, Sarah Barnes, Jessica Francis, Shawn Zajicek, Laura Rudeen, Rachael O'Hanlon, Rosalie Mueller, Alyce Grubbe.
Varsity Cheerleading
Front Row: Kati Poppert, Jaime Michelson, Mikaela· Wagner, Krista Pope, Cassie Shemek. Middle Row: Alex Kohler, Kaitlin Schermanns, Paige Gade, Caitlin Hoffman, Halie Woll. Back Row: Maddie Ripa , Becky Boehler, Kate N ootz , Kayla Bremer, Alysa Taylor , Maggie Schuster.
Apollonaires
Front Row: Haley Carpenter, Stevie Reinken, Hayley Schmidt, Rachel Dahlin. Second Row: Lauren Beitel, Sierra Andersen, Sarah Preston, Kelsey Lambley, Angie Albers. Back Row: Mallory Netz, Danielle Olson, Ali Peterson.
Reserve Cheerleading
Front Row: Shelby Frechis, Liz Nedels, Katelynn Synhorst, Liz Perry, Hannah Schroft. Middle Row: Taylor Cruse, Ashley Lafferry, Taylor Clark, Kelsey Bassett. Back Row: Toni Longoria, Lindsey Lehms, Courtney Plucknett.
JV Cheerleading
Front Row: Lindsey Stoupa, Lauren Harrison, Erin Reynoldson, Courtney Sanderfer. Second Row: Megan Allemang , Kalie Larson, Stephanie Lee. Back Row: Haley Juma, Aubrey Cummings, Breanna Phillips, McKenzie Mortenson.
Freshman Cheerleading
Front Row: Emily Ptacek, Hillary, McN eal, Cassie Nelson, Emily Neal, Sarah Zaijiek. Back Row: Jess Cole, Hannah Sher, Kaitlin Summerlin, Hanna Jenkins.
Business at East is thriving. From the school store selling cookies and apparel, to the yearbook advertisements to the FBLA lolly pops. Also, many students have jobs which help them pay for everyday life fun. Business is essential to almost everyone in our school.
Youth Fellowship
St. Mark's United Methodist Church - 8550 Pioneers Blvd. - Lincoln, NE 68520 - 489-8885
Schedule Worship
Saturday - 5:00pm
Sunday-8:00, 9:00, 10:15, 11 :1 5 am
Sunday Church School
Confirmation ................. 9:00am
7th-12 th grade 9:00, 10 :1 5am
United Methodist Fellowship (UMYF)
Middle School (6 th -8 th ).... Sun. , evenings
Sr High (9 th -12 th ).......... Sun ~ , evenings
House of God Worship Service (6th_ 12th) .4 th Sun . 7:00pm
Christian Outreach Program .... 1st Wed. 7:00pm
Youth Servant Team ............... Mon., 6:30pm
Youth Connections Choir & Band Wed. 7:00pm
Youth Bible Study .................. .Wed ., 8:00pm
Youth Leadership Team ............... ...... Wed., 6:00pm
Sr. High Bible Study ............... Tues. , 7:00-7:30am
5th Quarter-Fridays, September-October (football) and January-March (basketball) ....... 9:30pm-midnig ht
St. Mark's.... Athletics-Mon ., Tues ., Thurs.
Softball, Fall Volleyball, Summer and Winter Basketball , Sand Volleyball , Flag Football (depending on the season)
St. Mark's Youth group's Goals:
* growing closer to God
* growing closer to others
* growing closer to our group
Work Camps 2007: Mt. Vernon , WA. , Minneapolis, MN., Denver, CO , Lincoln, NE.
Phone numbers
Church office 489-8885; Youth hot line .... .489-2 ~32
Youth Minister Don Stewart .489-2738
Good Luck, Spartans!
Forty years of activities , forty years of learning, forty years of great friendships, Lincoln East High School has grown over forty years from an architectural drawing, to a multilevel educational institution. The school has become well known for its academics , talented students , and excellence in athletics.
From the packed hallways to the many classrooms and the cheering crowds at the homecoming football game , East students really do enjoy coming to a place where they are safe, spirited, and well educated. As seniors prepare for graduation, underclassmen prepare to move up a grade, and the 8 th graders prepare to enter the doors for the first time, East students and staff will always be ready for new challenges and new people.
