Cardinal Columns December 2024

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Features

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Culture

December Events

Mama Mia

Night of Silence

Shoe Fashion

Winter Break Plans

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Addy Benzinger

ART DIRECTOR

Lily Yang

NEWS EDITOR

Caleb Calliari

SPORTS EDITOR

Katie Vang

CULTURE EDITOR

Lily Yang

STAFF REPORTERS

Logan Clark

Chase Collien

Brady Doyle

Layne Fester

Gretchen Gilhaus

Henry Hurley

Zachary Laidler

Collin Lutze

Aylin Dzelil

Thati Rodriguez Maradiaga

Amijah Revels

Carley Schmitz

Nora Torres

ADVISER

Matthew Smith

INFOGRAPHIC BY COLLIN LUTZE (CARDINAL COLUMNS)

A GLOBAL FURNACE

HOW GLOBAL WARMING HAS AFFECTED THE WINTER WEATHER IN WISCONSIN

by COLLIN LUTZE

Global warming is a subject that most people have heard about at least once. It’s the change in temperature and weather patterns over time and causes hotter temperatures during the summer, and colder temperatures in the winter.

The reason that global warming causes those colder temperatures during the winter is because it disrupts polar vortexes, which is an area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the poles. This redistributes colder air to places it typically wouldn’t be.

In Wisconsin, there has been a significant decrease over the years in snowfall numbers. This could potentially be attributed to global warming.

“I’ve noticed that the winters have gotten much more mild,” AP Environmental Science teacher Kayla Steger said. “Spring is different than it used to be.”

“Weather patterns will always have a little bit of variation,” she said. “But I think we’re seeing a trend where they are constantly changing, and we haven’t seen them really retreat back to their normal conditions.”

But weather patterns aren’t just changing out of nowhere. It’s been in a state

of constant acceleration for years because of the gases that factories, cars and cows as well as most things in everyday life.

“[Global warming] is something that’s been accelerated by the introduction of greenhouse gases, but it’s not something that does not happen,” Physical Science teacher Forrest Adams said.

Greenhouse gases are a combination of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor that trap infrared radiation in Earth’s atmosphere. Infrared radiation is supposed to exit the atmosphere, but because of these gases, they are unable to do so.

“It [greenhouse gases] has accelerated global warming because our earth goes through periods of cooling and warming,” Adams said. “Right now we’re in a period of warming and we’ve accelerated it more rapidly than normal.”

Humans produce greenhouse gases daily throughout their daily lives. No matter what is done, there will always be more emissions because of the population, as well as daily needs.

When one part of a system is af-

fected, so too is another. This is the reason that in Wisconsin there are warmer summers year after year, but also colder winters. With winters being colder the ice won’t melt. This causes snowfall to decrease year after year as well.

“The trend of the past 50 years, I would say we’ve been seeing a decline in the amount of snow we get each winter,” Steger said. UW-Madison would agree with this statement.

UW-Madison’s climatology page shows that over the past few years the snow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been on a steady decline. It fluctuates yearly, but it has been declining since 1901.

If this trend continues, snowfall numbers are likely to keep declining, with colder winters following this trend, as well as warmer summers.

“With the radiation and the heat being trapped we have hotter and hotter days, and heat waves,” Adams said. “These are affecting our summers more, and adversely if you affect one part of a system the other part of the system is also affected. So hotter summers, colder winters.”

CHANGES IN BLACK FRIDAY

TECHNOLOGY AND CONVIENCE ARE RESHAPING THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRADITION

by Layne Fester

For decades, Black Friday has been the busiest shopping day of the year. People wake up excited, hoping to score major discounts at their favorite stores. But as technology has evolved, the Black Friday experience has too. The day of deals has transformed into a multi-week shopping season with a focus on convenience just as much as it is about deals.

"It used to be that people would line up early in the morning, camping outside the store just to get a deal," Beth Jubiak, manager at the Fond Du Lac Menards, said. "But now, with so many deals available online and starting earlier, we don’t see those massive crowds like we used to."

One of the biggest changes of Black Friday is the shift to online shopping. With the rise of online stores like Amazon and the introduction of Cyber Monday, many shoppers choose to shop online from the comfort of their own homes. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2022, nearly half of all Black Friday purchases were made online rather than in stores.

This shift was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, many retailers focused on their online shopping experience. “People realized they could get the same discounts without having to go out,” Jubiak said. “And for a lot of customers, that convenience is now a huge factor.”

Another significant change is the length of Black Friday sales. Many retailers start holiday discounts weeks before, advertising Black Friday promotions throughout November. "I remember when you only had one shot on Black Friday," UW-Oshkosh college senior Jonah Habeck said. "Now with deals coming out so early, I can pace myself and not feel pressured to buy everything at once."

Despite the switch to online, a lot of customers still prefer the in-store experience, especially for expensive or larger items that may be hard to ship. Some shoppers feel the excitement of Black Friday can’t be replicated by online shopping. "There’s something about seeing the deals in person, getting to touch what you’re buying," Habeck said.

As Black Friday continues to evolve, convenience seems to be the larger concern for shoppers. People no longer have to wait for a single day to score deals, whether they want to shop from the couch or make a trip to the store is up to them. Although long lines starting at the crack of dawn are becoming a thing of the past, Black Friday is still alive and well, just in a different form.

WALMART ON BLACK FRIDAY (LAYNE FESTER/CARDINAL COLUMNS)

LOOKING BACK

A RECAP OF PAST EVENTS ON WHAT HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 2024

January

Aliens in Miami Bayside marketplace - January 1

On the night of New Year’s Day, there was a large police presence in the Miami Bayside Marketplace due to a fight and loud fireworks, which caused citizens to report an active shooter. Rumors of an 8-10 feet tall shadow alien being caught on video outside Miami Bayside Marketplace soon became popular. Police stated that there were no aliens, UFOS, or ETs. No airports were closed, and no power outage.

Mickey’s Mouse Trap trailer release - January 2

Mickey’s Mouse Trap trailer was released on January 2. It is set to be released on Aug. 6. It is about a girl named Alex who is stuck in the amusement arcade on a late shift so her friends decide to surprise her. However, a masked killer dressed as Mickey Mouse decides to play a game of his own with them, which she must survive.

Amelia

Earheart in the Sea - January 27

On Jan. 27, Tony Romeo, founder of the Deep Sea Vision, captured a sonar image that is almost certain to be Earhart’s plane.

February

Grammy Awards - February 5

Best Album - Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” Best record - Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” Best Song - Billie Elish’s “What I Was Made For”

King Charles III - February 6

King Charles III was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which led Queen Camilla to take on his public duties while he received treatment.

No Chick-fil-A sauce - February 23

An Employee Gina Lynn who is an actress, artist and student went viral goofing around behind the Chick-fil-A counter.

March

LeBron First to 40,000 - March 2

LeBron became the first player in NBA history to eclipse 40,000 regular-season points.

Bridge hit by boat - March 26

In the Port of Baltimore, a ship lost power and crashed into one of the bridge-supporting columns, killing five construction workers

Bus crash 45 Easter pilgrim from Botswana in South America- March 28

A bus carrying worshippers on a long-distance trip from Botswana to a mountain Easter weekend church burst into flames as it hit the rocky ground below. Forty-five people died, and an 8-year-old survivor is receiving medical attention for serious injuries. Bodies were burned beyond recognition and trapped inside vehicles while others were thrown from the bus. The crash happened near the town of Mokopane, 125 miles north of South Africa’s capital, Pretoria.

April

Top 3 most popular states in the US - April 1

Florida became the third most popular state in the United States, with a population of 23 million people, due to residents moving from other states. The first state with the largest population is California, 39.5 million; the second is Texas with 30.5 million.

by LiLy yang

PHOTO BY LILY YANG ON CANVA

NYC Earthquake - April 5

New York City experienced a 4.8-magnitude earthquake coming from New Jersey. There were no reports of structural damage or injuries.

May

Madonna’s largest Concert - May 4

Madonna ended her celebration world tour with a free concert in front of 1.6 million at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Eurovision - May 11

Eurovision is a performing contest that has often provided artists with local career boosts in some cases long-lasting international success. Nemo from Switzerland is the winner with the song “The Code,” “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” by Baby Lasagna came in second place and “Teresa & Maria” by Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil came in third place.

Not Like Us - May 13

Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” becomes his 4th #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

June

Simone Biles Gymnast - June 2

Simone Biles wins her record ninth US Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.

Pat Sajak final spin - June 7

After 43 years, Pat Sajak made a final appearance on “Wheel of Fortune,” announcing that he would be retiring.

Willie Mays - June 18

Willie Mays, one of the American Baseball Hall of Fame, died of heart failure at the age of 93.

July

Trump assassination attempt- July 13

A shooter attempted to kill presidential candidate Donald Trump while he was speaking at an open-air campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania

Bob Newhart - July 18

Bob Newhart, an American Grammy award-winning comedian and actor, died at age 94.

Joe Biden abandons his campaign for reelection - July 21

Vice President Kamala Harris became his replacement.

Inside Out 2 - July 24

Inside Out 2 has surpassed Frozen II to become the highest-grossing animated film in history, making $1.46 billion worldwide.

August

Demure - August 2

Content creator Joold Lebron posted a video “How to be demure at work,” which became viral.

Mpox Outbreaks - August 7

The World Health Organization confirmed Mpox virus spread to four neighboring countries of the democratic republic of Congo: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya.

Susan Wojcicki - August 9

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube, died from lung cancer at age 56.

September

“Two steps ahead”- September 6

Nikocado Avocado reveals he pulled off a year-long prank. All of his videos were pre-recorded as he worked to lose 250 pounds.

Sean Combs - September 16

Sean Combs was arrested on serious charges.

Lunchly - September 16

MrBeast, Logan Paul and KSI collaborated on introducing a made-product meal, comparing them with Lunchable.

October

Liam Payne’s death - October 16

At age 31, Liam Pane fell from the balcony of his hotel room, causing his death.

Working at McDonald’s - October 20

During a campaign event in Pennsylvania, Trump worked as a fry cooker and drive-through at McDonald’s.

Dangers of AI - October 30

In Florida, a 14-year-old Sewell Setzer took his own life in February by building a relationship connection with an AI bot. His mother filed a lawsuit against the company.

November

2024 US Election - November 6

Donald Trump won the election with 277 electoral votes for Trump and 224 for Vice President Harris.

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul - November 15

The event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was streamed globally on Netflix, and millions of viewers watched it. Mike Tyson, an American former professional boxer, went head-to-head against Jake Paul, an American professional boxer and a YouTuber with over 20 million subscribers. After the round, Jake Paul defeated Tyson.

Wicked - November 22

Wicked is set in the Land of Oz, where a young green-skinned woman named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is misunderstood but soon forms a friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), a student who desires popularity. As their friendship comes to a crossroads, they decide to take different paths.

LOCKING DOWN THE HALLS

HOW HAS THE NEW EPASS SYSTEM WORKED SO FAR THIS YEAR?

by CALEB CALLIARI

Beginning this year, Fond du Lac High School introduced the Elastic Pass (or ePass) system, which aims to reduce the amount of students wandering the hallways during class time.

The new system requires students to use a new app on their computer, where they will create a pass online that will get sent to the student’s teacher. From there, the teacher has the option to either accept or reject the pass to the destination stated in the pass.

Math teacher Heather Pagel has mixed opinions on the new system. “On one hand, it’s definitely reduced the number of stu dents lingering in the halls, which helps keep the classroom more focused,” she said. “But on the other hand, the process of granting passes through the app can be time-consuming.”

Students can use their computers to submit a request to leave class using the ePass system, and the teacher will review and ac cept it. The approval procedure itself frequently needs teachers to pause what they’re doing, check the app, and give or deny the pass, which can disrupt the flow of lessons, even though it has reduced unmonitored hall roaming.

While acknowledging the difficulties teachers face, Steven Rosencranz, the school administrator in charge of the ePass system, also recognizes the system’s accomplishments. “We’ve seen a significant decrease in students roaming the halls without a pass,” Rosencranz said. “There is always room for improvement, of course, and we are thinking of making some adjustments.”

quickly to the new system. Senior Garrick Xiong, for example, feels unaffected by the changes. “Honestly, I think the ePass is fine,” Xiong said. “It just takes a second to submit a request if you need to go somewhere. It’s not like it’s a big deal for me or my friends.”

As Fond du Lac High School continues to evaluate the ePass system, teachers and administrators remain committed to keeping the halls as empty as possible while not taking away from

FanPASStic

A FONDY ALUMNI’S EIGHT-YEAR BUSINESS JOURNEY

by Brady doyle

The typical high schooler spends their day worrying about homework, drama with friends and how many likes their Instagram post is receiving. For Isaiah Zupke, he was worrying about whether or not the server would work for the software company he started. Eight years after he launched it as a high schooler, Rebentify is a full-fledged company providing scheduling services for thousands of students—but how did it all start?

Since third grade, Zupke has shown an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen understanding of technology. “Back in third grade, I used to make pocket protectors, and I was hustling them,” Zupke said. In middle school, he “made [his teacher] a portable phone charger that would hook up to [...] lantern batteries,” showing an advanced understanding of technology. Dave Michalkiewicz, the current Fond du Lac Principal and then athletic director, said “[Zupke] had a huge interest in different computer programming.” Zupke even ran a middle school candy business. “I ordered

[candy] directly from the manufacturer for like 70 cents a bag, and then I’d sell them for $2 a bag,” he said.

In 2017, Zupke brought his en trepreneurial spirit to high school when he proposed a new scheduling system to administration. When they agreed, Zupke and his colleague legally started Rebentify, but it was not their first coding job. Be fore their official launch with Rebentify’s scheduling software, Michalkiewicz asked Zupke to code an app that would track who goes to sporting events to reward students for attending them. The coding process for his first job was difficult, but Michalkiewicz said “he did a great job creating that program.”

“I’m a pretty mid software engineer [...] I surround myself with people that are smarter than me,” Zupke said, referring mainly to his past colleague that “did most of the coding” for the first product. The success with the sports app inspired them to continue their coding journey, which led to Rebentify.

Since then, Zupke has become the sole owner of Rebentify, which has been rebranded to ElasticPass, and it has been taking a significant amount of his time. The toughest part, according to him, was relaunching the product. He had to balance a full-time job with coding an entire software program.

“I’d work my full-time job from eight till about four, while sleeping during lunch break,” Zupke said. “Without support from my parents, it wouldn’t have been feasible.”

With his history of solely managing a software company that controls the scheduling for over 10,000 students, it’s fair to say that Zupke has ethos. His advice to aspiring business owners is this: “Get the customer first and then come up with the idea for them in the solution, and just make sure you’re going to make money before you invest your time.”

As Zupke looks to the future of Rebentify, he hopes that his advertising campaign pays off. He values his education greatly, and hopes that his company can hold more kids accountable, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Zupke remains positive about the future. “I am really hoping that we’re able to hit ourselves at a growth trajectory where I’m able to relinquish myself of a full-time job [...] I hope that we’re at least in like 20, 30 states.”

FORGED IN FONDY

HOW A SMALL-TOWN STAR BECAME A GRIDION GIANT

By HENRY HURLEY

From the moment Braelon Allen set foot in the Fond du Lac High School gym, it was clear he was no ordinary athlete. Towering over his peers and setting records that rivaled college athletes, Allen wasn’t just a local star—he was a phenomenon in the making.

Braelon was the kind of player coaches dream of working with, as his former junior football coach Troy Bonlander remembers. “Braelon was what coaches call a coachable kid,” Bonlander said.” He’d maintain eye contact while his coaches were explaining drills, plays, or techniques. He was early to practice and usually one of the last players to leave.”

Braelon’s freshman season marked the start of his rapid ascent. He played freshman football all year, but when the playoffs began, coaches promoted him to varsity, recognizing his rare talent. They put Braelon, a freshman quarterback and safety, in one-on-one coverage against a senior Division I receiver headed to Wisconsin. He held the star receiver to just two catches for 12 yards, forced an interception and broke up several passes. “That’s when you knew he was special,” Strength and Conditioning Coach Hermes said.

By his sophomore year, Braelon’s strength in the gym was becoming just as impressive as his performance on the field. With a 405-pound hang clean, 350-pound bench press, 555-pound squat and a 500-pound deadlift, Braelon’s raw power stood out. These numbers were beyond typical for a high school athlete.

But it wasn’t just his strength that set Braelon apart—it was his relentless work ethic. “He was always pushing himself to be better,” coach Hermes said. “Whether it was lifting more in the gym or putting in extra hours on the field, Braelon was always looking for ways to improve.” His physical attributes were matched by his mental toughness and dedication.

Braelon Allen’s journey from a standout athlete at Fond du Lac High School to the youngest player in the NFL is a testament to his unmatched work ethic, discipline and raw talent. His success is not just about the accolades and records, but the countless hours of hard work and determination that he put in, both on and off the field.

FLAG FEATURE

THE 2024 WINTER GUARD SEASON IS IN FULL SWING

by KATIE VANG

If you’ve seen the Fondy Marching Band perform at any of the football games, chances are that you’ve noticed the few students on the field in colorful outfits spinning and tossing different flags. Students who are part of the color guard also get the opportunity to participate in winter guard, which takes place after marching season and features only the guard.

“Winter guard is our indoor competitive season,” junior Annika Kreis said. “It’s different because it’s indoor, it’s prerecorded music, versus color guard is live with the marching band. Winter guard is just guard members, so there’s no instruments, and the age limits are much broader.”

This year, the Fondy guard team has 12 members, with only three of them attending Fond du Lac High School. The other members are either in college, the workforce or, in Jocelyn Kreis’ case, Waters Elementary School. Jocelyn is currently the youngest competing member of the team at 10 years old.

Practices for the season began Oct. 27 for the Fond du Lac winter guard team. They rehearse every Sunday from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at Riverside Elementary School. Apart from team rehearsals, members are also expected to practice on their own time and hold themselves accountable for learning the skills. “You do actually have to practice,” Annika said. “It’s not something where you can just show up to the rehearsals and be like, ‘I haven’t practiced at all.’”

The team competes about five to six times in a season. “A lot of our competitions happen in Illinois,” Annika said. “Within Wisconsin, I feel like there just hasn’t been much. I think it’s just that there hasn’t been much interest in it. There was the Kenosha one, though, they had their first one in quite some time last year and that was a huge landmark for them.” Members who compete at the required amount of performances in a season are qualified to compete at the state performance.

In winter guard, various props are used. “Flag, rifle and saber are what we’re planning on using for equipment this year,” Annika said. “I know JoAnn wants to have more props on the floor, I

just don’t know if they’re going to be props we can manipulate.”

JoAnn Hall is the guard’s director coach who makes most of the executive decisions. She pitches ideas for shows, outfits and props to team members, but the final decision is ultimately up to her, according to Annika.

Recruiting has started for color guard’s fall season next year. “Fall is kind of our ‘have fun’ season, just because we’re so much smaller compared to guards in the other schools,” Annika said. “But it’s also a very good team environment, like the people are fun, we have fun.” Being in guard offers many social opportunities and chances for team bonding that the members enjoy.

“My friend persuaded me to join, and like, it was kind of fun,” sophomore Heather Zheng said. “Also the people, they’re fun. And it’s just nice to do something new, you know. To have a new experience, a good experience.”

GAME TIME

FONDY STUDENTS DECISIONS AND THEIR PATHS TO COLLEGE ATHLETICS

by AYLIN DZELIL

As many students continue their junior and senior years, the topic of college becomes even more recurring. Many students want to commit to a particular college and find out what they’re going to be majoring in. A specific concern also among high school students is college athletics. Many kids want to continue playing their sport in college, and some are even committed to colleges because of their sport. This commitment process can vary in a few ways.

Amaria Kejo

Fond du Lac High School senior Amaria Kejo plays basketball and track and field. However, she is planning on committing to a particular college, UW-Eau Claire, and doing only track and field. Originally, Kejo didn’t have a lot of interest in continuing sports after high school. However, her junior year success in track and field changed her mind.

Kejo didn’t reach out to UW-Eau Claire for recruitment. Instead, they found her. “I didn’t really prepare at

Jack Brenner

One junior, Jack Brenner, has also already committed to playing baseball at Kent State University post graduation. Brenner’s recruitment was a result of his playing for a travel team in Madison. The coaches there helped him get recruited by the university. Brenner’s coach allowed him to play varsity baseball as a freshman, which helped him advance as a player and expand his view on the competition.

Brenner’s family is extremely

all; the coaches from colleges just reached out to me, and I had a conversation with them,” she said. If a specific college showed interest in her, she’d exchange information with them and would begin receiving emails from them explaining their different programs to her.

Kejo is currently at the stage of recruitment where she has to accept their offer and tell the program she is planning on attending Eau Claire. She plans on letting them know her final decision in the next few months.

Rhett Hlavacka

Another senior, Rhett Hlavacka, has recently committed to the University of Minnesota for football. “I honestly didn’t really know I was going to go D1 until probably the end of my junior year,” he said. “I went to a Minnesota camp and they offered me a position on the spot.” Not only was Hlavacka given this offer, he was also getting offers from about six to seven D1 schools and a number of smaller colleges.

Hlavacka didn’t have a hard

supportive of his decision and has done a lot to help him in this journey. However, his recruitment process has been a bit of a difficult one. Rule changes have made the process longer and tougher to get through. He would expect things to happen by specific dates just for them to get postponed. Despite this, Brenner has been able to have a positive outlook and remain patient. His best advice that he can give to those looking to be recruited is “Just keep working and if it’s meant to be, your opportunity will come.”

time choosing Minnesota as it is a Big Ten school and was the college he was most excited to have gotten an offer from. Hlavacka’s coach, Sam Plucker, helped a lot through this recruitment process by reaching out to a bunch of coaches for him and helping get his name out there. Hlavacka is in regular contact with his reccruitment coaches and plans to graduate at semester to attend the University of Minnesota right away. He encouragaes other high school athletes to stay committed and never give up on their dreams.

BALANCING SPORTS, SCHOOL, AND SUCCESS

HOW REGHAN ZIEGLER

JUGGLES A BUSY SCHEDULE FULL OF SPORTS AND ACADEMICS

by Logan CLark

When it comes to sports, Fond Du Lac High School senior Reghan Ziegler is everywhere. You can find her wres tling in the state tournament, playing softball on a field or working on her gymnastic skills.

Yet Reghan’s story isn’t just about medals and matches, it’s about an athlete with dedication, a hectic schedule and a love for the game she carries through every challenge. Reghan has tried almost every sport imaginable. “I play softball, gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling,” she said. “Softball’s my favorite, even if it’s not the one I’m best at. I’m actually best at wrestling.”

Her commitment to softball, in particular, has deep roots. Reghan started playing when she was eight, with her mom as her coach, meaning the coaching often continued in the car ride home. “I got yelled at on the field and in the car,” she said. “But it was nice, too, because my mom was there for it all.”

Softball might be her first love, but wrestling has given Reghan her biggest athletic accomplishments. She remembers the feeling of being the first girl from Fond Du Lac High School to attend the state wrestling tournament as a sophomore. “State was scary, there’s so much yelling,” she said. Though she didn’t place, it was an incredible feat, especially considering she only wrestled nine matches that season.

As for her daily life, Reghan’s packed schedule leaves little time for anything else. Her day begins at 6 a.m. with strength training and continues with AP and college-level classes, all sandwiched between practices for multiple sports. “On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I have gymnastics from six to nine,” she said, with her other evenings filled with wrestling and softball practices. “I don’t think I’ve gotten more than five hours of sleep in a weeknight, but I crash on the weekends.”

It’s not just her athletics, Reghan is also in clubs and even plays the violin in Symphonic Orchestra. “I don’t have enough time to practice, so I kind of just go in and wing it,” she said. Even with a crazy schedule, Reghan spends most of her time on academics, shooting for a double major in neurobiology and biomedical engineering. Despite offers from Division III schools, Reghan’s focus is on academics first. “If I got a Division I offer, it would depend on the school and if they’d work with my double major,” she said. “If they offered a full ride, maybe I’d reconsider.”

Through all of the work she does, Reghan never loses her lighthearted, joking nature, even on the field. She recalled the time she was mic’d up at a softball game for a local radio station, “I was talking to myself at first base and a fly flew into my mouth.” She said, “I freaked out and asked the tech guy, ‘Can I get rabies from a fly?’ His response: ‘No, Reghan, you can’t get rabies from a fly.’”

Deck the Halls

With New Teachers

Ms. Maki

Kby CALEB CALLIARI

rystal Maki, a new English teacher at Fondy, is entering her fourth year of teaching, where she previously taught at West Bend High School for three years. Her desire for being a teacher comes from her traumatic past and her second nature of wanting to help others.

Like most people, Maki had dreams of being a star when she was younger. “I wanted to be the next Britney Spears, I wanted to be a singer,” Maki said. However, as her life began to change, so did her dreams, as she saw herself always wanting to help others in school.

“I was one of those kids that really liked to, like, when I was done with what I was doing, [ask] ‘can I help other people?’” Maki said. Ever since the third grade, she has shown an interest in teaching, and the reasons she wanted to be a teacher kept piling up.

In her high school years, Maki never had it easy, facing homelessness for many of her high school years. “When I was in eighth grade, ninth grade, tenth grade, we were homeless,” Maki said. Not only was her dad losing his job and facing the homelessness that came with it a struggle, but the lack of support from her father when she was younger also added to her situation.

“My dad was always an alcoholic,” Maki said. Maki

Mr. Munoz

by KATIE VANG

To most, coaching a sports team for the first time and starting a new job simultaneously would be overly ambitious.

Not to new U.S. History and Government teacher Michael Muñoz, who said he’s been enjoying his first year at Fondy so far.

“[My] favorite part of teaching at Fondy has definitely been the kids,” he said. “We’ve got some fun kids, we’re teaching a fun subject, and I think it’s going really well as of right now.” He enjoys working with the students and the variety of “characters” that populate the halls of Fondy.

Along with teaching, Muñoz is also a coach for the Fondy varsity football team. “I’m one of the wide receivers coaches, I played offensive line at UW-Oshkosh, but I’m a wide receiver ’s coach now, so I’m learning that and it’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

\ Though it’s his first time coaching, Muñoz loves working with the student athletes and his fellow coaches and is glad he got the opportunity to coach. “It’s a really close knit group and really fun to be a part of,” he said. Having a team to fall back on

wasn’t able to find much support in her home, so she found it in her teachers when she was in high school.

The support that her teachers provided gave her yet another reason for becoming a teacher. “And so then I would go to school, my teachers would be like that for me, like my support and that.” Maki said, ”So then I was like, wow, I really want to do that for other people.” Pairing with want ing to help others in elementary school, being a teacher went be yond teaching students a curriculum.

“I went into it for more, like, the impact of it,” Maki said. She understands the impact that teachers can have on a student’s life, and now she hopes to show others that early struggles don’t define who and what a person can be.

“I’m an open book.” Maki said, “Maybe a student who has an alcoholic parent will be, like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not alone, I can still be successful.’”

for support is very important to many high schoolers.

“I think that when it comes to extracurriculars, some kids use it as an outlet, and I think it’s good to have that sort of structure and to have that opportunity for them,” he said. He enjoys being able to support the student-athletes on the team and takes every opportunity to help them grow. Just as it’s important for students to have role models, Muñoz also has people in his own life he looks up to.

“My biggest role model football wise would probably be my high school offensive line coach, he really helped me out there,” he said. “I had some really good mentors when I was in high school, and then in college, the whole way through, I knew if I was going into education, I’d want to coach as well. It’s one of the extra ways you can make an impact.”

Mr. Wolfe

by AYLIN DZELIL

Kase Wolfe first attended college in order to get an engineering degree at UW Platteville. However, he decided that it wasn’t for him and chose to try teaching instead. Wolfe is a brand new teacher at Fond du Lac High School this year. He teaches math, specifically algebra one. He is also a new girl’s basketball coach and powerlifts in his free time. Wolfe is originally from Wausau and went to school to become a teacher. He used to work at a school called Durand Arkansas, which is located around 30 minutes south of Eau Claire. He then moved to Fond du Lac in around July of 2024.

Wolfe went to UW Platteville for the first two and a half years of college and then transferred to UW Eau Claire. He’s always been specifically interested in teaching in the math field, since it was one of the subjects he excelled at in school. At Durand Arkansas, Wolfe also coached boy’s basketball. Now that he’s moved here, he’s taken on coaching the girl’s basketball team.

“It’s better than where I was before,” he said. “It’s definitely a big change from what I was used to.” Wolfe lived in a city with only around 2,000 people, so Fondy is very different from what he’s used to. Nevertheless, he likes it even more than where he used to work.

Mrs. Gamble

SHis favorite part of Fond du Lac is the close access to the lake. He enjoys being just a five minute drive from the water. Wolfe’s favorite part of Fondy High specifically is the availability of the principals and everybody else in the office. “It’s more like they’re trying to work with you rather than have you work for them,” he said.

Outside of the classroom, Wolfe has many different hobbies. One of his hobbies he is even training to do competitively. This hobby is powerlifting. Competitive powerlifting is training in order to achieve the highest bench, squat and deadlift. Wolfe began lifting in college in order to lose weight and has since turned it into a major hobby of his.

“I realized that I was stronger than the average person, so I thought that would be an interesting thing to try making money with,” Wolfe said. Wolfe hasn’t competed yet, but plans to in the upcoming years.

by CHASE COLLIEN

tarting at a new build can be rough. For Reba Gamble not only is she starting at a new school she just moved from Two Rivers. In Reba Gambles free time she likes to do puzzles, outdoor games and all outdoor activities.

¨I didn’t do anything teacher related.” Gamble said, “I actually went in total for probably three years for paramedic and firefighting.¨ Reba said. Reba went to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Lakeshore college.

Outside of school she doesn’t have a lot of free time because of her kids. Her son Collin plays hockey for Fond Du Lac High School. ¨I have a very boring life.” Gamble said, ¨Just be-

Mrs. Steiner

by CARLEY SCHMITZ

Amy Steiner is a new teacher this year at Fond du Lac High School who comes with lots of experience with different levels of education.

“ I went and got a teacher’s degree for one through eight,” Steiner said “Then after that, I got a master’s for alternative education. And now I’m working on my secondary mathematics masters.” Before this she taught middle school math at a private school in Oshkosh where she discovered her interest in mathematics. She also did some elementary school teaching.

Outside of school, Steiner enjoys spending time with her family and going up north. She also loves to read.

cause like we’re so busy with our kids that it’s just sports nonstop.¨ Reba said. With trying to move and her kids her summer was very packed with little to no time to relax.

Steiner decided to come to Fondy High because it’s closer to her home in Lomira and offered work teaching algebra. “ I was into teaching algebra, more than any of the other math,” she said. So far she’s been enjoying her time at Fondy High. “It’s great,” she said, “It’s good to teach algebra all day long. It’s wonderful.”

Mr.Behrens

by ZACHARY LAIDLER

As the clock ticks down to German class, students sit quietly, ready to learn from our new world language teacher, Benedict Behrens. He is a passionate educator whose good attitude and charm transform the classroom into an experience. Starting at our school this year, with three years of teaching experience in Wisconsin and years of experience in Germany, he knows how to ignite the spark in his students.

Mr. Behrens emphasizes not just the basics of the language, but the rich history of the culture it represents. “Learning a new language is like unlocking a treasure chest,” he said. “Each word is a key that opens up understanding and connection with people from different backgrounds.” This philosophy resonates with his students, who are eager to explore both the language and the culture behind it.

When asked why students choose to learn German, Behrens highlights a few key reasons. “Some are just interested in the culture, while others might have family ties that inspire them,” he said. “Wisconsinites often have German roots, so many students come in with a personal connection.” This familial heritage often leads students to engage more deeply with the language, as they seek to understand their family’s stories and traditions.

Mr. Behrens also recognizes the importance of language in a globalized world. He shares with his students that learning German not only enriches their understanding but also opens

Ms. Frazier

Mdoors to future opportunities. “The German government supports language learning abroad heavily,” he said, highlighting the availability of scholarships and exchange programs. This practical aspect often motivates students, who see the language as a stepping stone to exciting new adventures and careers.

Mr. Behrens also touched on the evolution of language itself. “Language shifts in little increments, and sometimes even grandparents struggle to communicate with their grandchildren,” he explains, his insights encourage students to appreciate the nu ances and complexities of language learning, making it a topic of intrigue rather than a mere requirement.

Ultimately, Mr. Behrens’ infectious enthusiasm and fun new spark make German class not just educational but also an experience. “Mistakes are part of the learning process,” he reminds his students. “Every error is just a step toward mastery.” In this supportive environment, students feel empowered to take risks, deepening their connection to the language and each other.

by LAYNE FESTER

s. Frazier is passionate about her love for literature. As an English teacher, she is rarely seen without a book in her hand. Mrs. Frazier, who previously taught at smaller schools, has found the transition to Fond du Lac exciting yet challenging.

“I like it. It has been going well, and I enjoy the community feel of it,” Ms. Frazier said. “As far as it being different, it is much larger than any school I have taught at thus far. I’m continually surprised by the size of the building and just how many students there are.”

Starting a new school year can be scary, especially for educators new to the district, “It’s always very, very busy,” Ms. Frazier said. “There’s always a lot going on, especially when you’re new to a school district. There’s a steep learning curve.” But despite the challenge, she feels welcomed by her colleagues and knows she can rely on their support whenever she needs help.

“I’m always happy to spend my time reading. I want to share that love with my students,” She said. In her classroom, Ms. Frazier focuses on more than just lessons, she believes that

students should discover stories that speak to them and relate to their experiences.

Traveling plays an important role in Ms. Frazier ’s life. During college she studied abroad, opening her eyes to the world of different cultures.

“Traveling has been amazing. I strongly recommend it anyone who has the chance,” Ms. Frazier said.

Whether it’s a weekend trip or a longer adventure, she loves the opportunity to explore new things. “I love to explore new places and see new things. It’s all about broadening horizons,” Ms. Frazier said, “ These experiences enhance her personal growth and perspective on teaching.“I try to incorporate my travel experiences into lessons to show students how diverse the world is,” she said.

Mr. Hanson

by HENRY HURLEY

Once a guitar-slinging rock star commanding the stage,

Reed Allen Hanson is now guiding young minds in a special education classroom—proving that the most unexpected paths can lead to the greatest impact.

Hanson, newest special education teacher, has taken a unique journey to the classroom. Originally a philosophy major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, his path led him from a life in music performing in Los Angeles and Nashville—to a latenight realization that teaching could be his calling.

Teaching found Hanson almost by accident during a late-night walk in Nashville. “I was asking the universe how I could serve,” he said. That moment led him to special education, where he has discovered a way to combine his patience, creativ-

Mr. Janz

Zity, and love for learning.

Even outside of teaching, Hanson remains true to his musical roots. He continues to write and perform music, releasing acoustic tracks on Spotify under his own name. For him, music is more than a past career—it’s an ongoing passion and an outlet for selfexpression.

by COLLIN LUTZE

achary Janz didn’t choose to teach English at first.

Although he enjoyed it when he was in school, he got his license to be a social studies teacher. But because of competition, he chose to teach English instead.

Janz is a new English teacher at Fond du Lac High School. This is his fourth year teaching, and his third year with his own classroom.

“It was a challenging discipline to get into and not many openings for social studies with a ton of applicants,” he said. “It was a lot easier to find a position, but then I realized that I just enjoyed teaching it.”

Janz attended two universities: UW Oshkosh for his bachelor ’s and Grand Canyon University for his Master’s. But he hardly ever attended school on campus.

“Both my programs were entirely online, so I rarely visited the campus in Oshkosh, and I never went to Arizona for

Ms. Kelly

For Miss Trinity Kelly, art has always been more than a subject, it’s her lifelong passion. She is now taking Roy Ramirez’s spot as an art teacher this year, and she feels that she is handling her role well.

“Art was my hobby growing up, but I loved science too,” Kelly said. “Still, something about art always pulled me in.” This early interest evolved over time, leading her to Concordia College near Milwaukee, where she double-majored in art and education.

Kelly’s favorite mediums to use are oil-based paints and oil pastels. She enjoys creating still lifes and portraits, preferring to capture scenes from observation rather than imagination.

“Oil pastels are great for on-the-go sketching. It gives me that painterly feel without the need for a canvas,”Kelly said, adding that although she doesn’t paint as much anymore due to her teaching schedule, she keeps up with daily sketches.

As a new teacher, Kelly admits it’s a learning curve balancing both instruction with emotional and physical needs of students. “It’s challenging,” Kelly said, “but I truly love working

Grand Canyon [to visit campus],” Janz said. At Janz’s previous school, he taught with a block schedule. “They had 85 minute class periods for four periods a day,” he said. “That was just far too long for me to be teaching. So I like having the variety of eight class periods a day.”

“Even after all these years, I’m still growing,” Hanson said. He has been playing guitar for 53 years and continues to pursue it. “You’re never done with music,” he said, highlighting

So far, Janz has taken a lik Lac School District, as well as his new coworkers. “All of the English teachers are great to work with,” he said. “The admin’s been really supportive of everything we’ve been doing, which is a really nice change from previous districts.”

by LOGAN CLARK

with high school students and seeing them grow.” She tries to bring a personal approach to her class, adapting her teaching to individual needs.

“Some students need more support, while others thrive when given independence,” Kelly said. “I adjust based on what each student needs.”

Kelly is especially excited about her painting classes, where she watches as her students’ skills evolve. “It’s amazing when students apply techniques they learned in watercolor to acrylics. You can really see them developing confidence.” Kelly said.

When Kelly reflects on her career choice, she feels certain she’s where she belongs.“I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Teaching is where I’m meant to be.” Kelly said. For her, it’s more than art. It’s about being a supportive presence in her students’ lives.

Ms.Harrington

by LILY YANG

At the age of five, Caitlin Harrington, the new social studies teacher, had her first big trip to Hawaii on her father’s side of the family. Now, she has traveled more either by car in a drivable distance or by plane to explore and enjoy the moment.

“The places that have more connection, like family or friends, are the ones that are more memorable and important,” Harrington said.

She mostly travels with her parents and siblings but hopes to travel more with her friends in the future for a better traveling experience when traveling with her family. Out of all the places she travels to, her favorite place to visit is Ireland. Seeing all the history, views and culture is different than in the U.S.

“In Ireland, it was the cliffs of Moher,” Harrington said. “It was just a drop off into the ocean and stretches for quite a ways. That was really cool.”

When traveling, she faces some challenges along the way making sure to be prepared and having the things she might need when traveling. With a new environment she is unfamil-

New English 9 teacher Ryan Yuds has joined the Fondy staff this year after teaching at Beaver Dam Middle School over the past four years. Though teaching and grading consume the majority of his “free-time,” Yuds is an avid music enthusiast, specifically interested in playing the trumpet.

“I was the prototypical band dork,” Yuds said. He started playing the trumpet at 11 years old.

“For the first couple of years, I was awful, hated it… then halfway through seventh grade I decided to actually try, found out that I did really well when I tried,” Yuds said. Since then he became involved in everything band related all through-

Taking photos and having a moment to enjoy the view and remembering those feelings are the best way when she is traveling. She implants those memories of her travels so she won’t forget the experience and fun she had when traveling.

“One of my aunts passed away a couple of years ago and one of her quotes was, there’s such a lot of world to see,” she said. “There’s so much out there. And take the time off work, spend the money, because you only get this one life on Earth, and why not go see as much of it as you can?”

Mr.Yuds

by ADDY BENZINGER

out high school, and even began college majoring in music education.

“After a number of years in school, just kind of decided that didn’t feel as viable, with arts programs shrinking,” Yuds said. “So I made a change…decided that I needed something a little more fulfilling.” Yuds first tried business, and eventually settled into teaching.

Teaching keeps Yuds incredibly busy. “Realistically, a hobby of mine is probably grading papers, right?” Yuds said. However, he appreciates time playing his trumpet still as a form of release/calming effect.

“Finding something that really just represents you know that creative side of yourself is really crucial,” Yuds said, “Being able to step away from your career, in some small way just helps keep you balanced.” He truly believes that the exposure to different activities such as playing an instrument and a sport is important for kids.

AMrs.Bakri

by CARLEY SCHMITZ

fter earning a graduate degree in school counseling and an undergraduate in criminal justice and psychology, Fondy’s new student counselor, Marvel Bakri, enjoys using her free time to head to the gym and exer-

“I really like to be active,” Bakri said. “I really enjoy going to my gym. I like to do anything outdoors. You know, it’s definitely a stress reliever. But, the group of people that I work out with is kind of like a second family.”

Marvel Bakri is in her first year in the Fond Du Lac

School District after 20 years of being a counselor, including 11 years in elementary and nine in middle school.

Travel is also an interest of the new counselor. “I like hiking, kayaking, I love boating, staying active,” Bakri said. “I love traveling. I spent about nine months in Gulf Shores Alabama. And I like staying in shape and being healthy.”

Bakri loves the activities at Fond Du Lac High School and is looking forward to the upcoming winter basketball games.

“I played sports all through high school and did intramurals in college,” she said. “I’ve always been pretty active. I grew up being pretty active.”

Bakri says that working hard is important in highschool.

“The years go by really, really quickly school opens up so many doors,” Bakri said, “So you know I really want to help encourage kids to just be successful and do their best.”

Mr.DeVriendt

by LILY YANG

From controlling the characters with a press of a button, Killian DeVriendt, the new English teacher, became interested in playing video games when he was young by watching his father and brother playing video games on the screen.

“Not sure what the first one we’ve ever played, but one of the big ones I played when I was young was the first Halo,” DeVriendt said.

The games DeVriendt is playing now are shooters and RPGs. His favorite games so far are Kotor 2 and Disco Elysium. These two games are unique from the others because they are both philosophical.

“Kotor Two is a Star Wars game as basically a breakdown on what Star Wars is from the point of view. One of the main things is the force is not necessarily good,” he said. “Then Disco Elysium is very much the most RPG of any RPG you’ve ever played where you really get to make your character be whoever you want them to be.”

As a teacher, DeVriendt man ages to get his work done dur ing school hours, so when he gets home, we have time to play video games with his friends on weekends.

“So usually we’re able to all meet and do it and then if people don’t show up to play video games, then we play a video game that we can play with those of us who are there that day,” he said.

As new games are coming up, DeVriendt is looking forward to Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new Dragon Age game once it goes on sale, Bloodlines 2, Monster Hunter Wilds and more. Games can teach many things, they can teach people who they are and how to deal with other people. Being a teacher at Fond du Lac High School has taught him many things even from his students.

FMr.Adams

rom disrupting the play to dominating the field as a defensive player in football for four years, and controlling the game as a center in basketball for three years, Forrest Adams has been an athlete throughout his high school years.

Adams, the new science teacher at Fond du Lac High School, was inspired by his father to become an athlete in high school and has enjoyed it ever since. His favorite teams are the Packers for football and the Lakers for basketball.

“My dad was kind of the local legend for basketball, so I didn’t have a choice not to play basketball,” Adams said.

Playing basketball and football has taught him perception and self-discipline. The physicality of the two sports has become an outlet for Adams throughout time, making him enjoy playing.

Although he didn’t go to college right after high school to play in the upper leagues, if he were to go back to when he was

by LILY YANG

younger, he would have taken the chance to go to college. Now, he is certified in history and science and chose science be cause that is what he enjoys.

“Science gets through a lot of things that other curriculum, other classes, don’t get to do, like with our labs and our experiments that we do,” he said.

Adams taught in the army for three years, then taught sci ence at a high school in Green Bay for a year and is now teaching at Fond du Lac High School for the first time.

“I took the job down here in Fond du Lac because I was just looking for a community that is supportive of its school,” Adams said “Fond du Lac seems to be that place.”

Mr.Olszewski

f you spend some time in the athletic department this year, you might spot a familiar face. Physical education teacher

Samuel Olszewsi has returned to Fond du Lac High School after a brief stint last year teaching health at Woodworth Middle School. Before that, he worked at Fondy

“I built a lot of good relationships here,” he said, “A lot of my friends are people I work with. So that’s the biggest thing.”

Olszewski went to UW Oshkosh for college and studied Physical Education, Health and Adaptive PE. This will be his seventh year as a full time PE teacher. Two of his grandparents were also PE teachers, but they weren’t his only inspiration.

Mrs.Bochat

Mrs. Bochat always knew she liked working with children but she didn’t always want that for her future ? At first she went to college for a psychology major. But, with the programs she took at UW La Crosse they were not gonna take her where she needed to go.

But she wanted to do teaching Because she used to volunteer at the library for these programs for kids that she really liked.She would volunteer to go read to kids at elementary schools when she was younger as well. The reason why she likes teaching is because she likes

“ And I just like to see when students kind of get something that’s very hard for them, and they finally have that click in their head and they’re like Oh My God, you got it”

She likes seeing her kids successful in her classes and

by GRETCHEN GILHAUS

“Well, personally, I was always very excited when I had gym class,” he said. “I mean, I took every opportunity I could to take that when I was in high school, so a lot of the adults that I was around during school that really influenced me were my PE teachers. So when it came to that, the decision was, you know, who do I look up to.”

Outside of school, Olszewski helps coach football for the high school. He also really enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family outside, whether that means hiking, hunting or fishing.

At the moment, Olszewski teaches Strength and Conditioning and Freshman PE, and it seems he will stick around for a while. “I’m really comfortable with the people I’m around, and I know I like the job,” he said.

by AMIJAH REVELS

seeing them get things that they don’t get or is hard for them to get

The reason why she chose fondy is because it is closer to La Crosse and with the people that are at the high school they were very welcoming and respect ful and she felt like that it would be really good for her to be here.

One of the administrators showed her a tour of the school and even showed her around the town so she could get used to it which she thought was very nice and she really respected that.

“It felt like a very welcoming environment that would be very supported for my first year.”

OMs.Courtney

livia Courtney, Fondy’s new English teacher, is in her second year of teaching and is happy to be at Fondy year. For Courtney, teaching isn’t just a career; calling. Her passion for English began as a young girl, her mother always read to her and instilled a love for English in her

Courtney is teaching English 9 and Creative Writing this year, as a gen z member, she finds that it’s easier to relate to her students. She believes that growing up in the digital age as well as going through the COVID-19 pandemic has helped her understand her students.

“That heartache of going through school through the pandemic was very difficult, and I try and pull that in, and I try to use that as a way to sympathize and empathize with the students,” she said.

Along with understanding the impact the pandemic had on this generation of students, Courtney finds that it’s helpful that she understands their slang.

Ms.Steger

Kayla Steger loves the outdoors. Coming to Fondy from Neenah, Ms. Steger, a science teacher, has enjoyed her new environment.

Inside the classroom, Ms. Steger prefers Fondy. “I like teaching in Fondy because I live in Fondy, so it’s easier to relate,” Steger said. Comparing it to Neenah, she said “they would talk about local stuff, and I wasn’t a local so I didn’t really know

Outside the classroom, Ms. Steger is a busy woman. She spends her time ice fishing, hiking, hunting, four-wheeling and

She also likes to cook. “I grew up in an Italian

by NORA TORRES

“When they say weird things in class, I can determine if it’s funny or if it’s something that I need to address,” Courtney said.

Courtney looks forward to staying involved with her students. She had fun chaperoning at the homecoming dance and hopes to continue chaperoning in future dances.

Since Courtney has a musical background, playing multiple instruments, she is also able to relate to her students. Her students invite her to their choir concerts and musicals. Courtney looks forward to attending school events.

Despite her enthusiasm for teaching, Courtney’s daily teaching life comes with challenges.

“I drive about 45 minutes each way, which can be exhausting, but it’s worth it to be here with my students,” she said. “Teaching is a demanding job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

Courtney’s strong passion and commitment to her students are apparent from her lesson plans to her connections with her students.

by BRADY DOYLE

family,” she said. “Manicotti, a dish with noodles filled with, like, ricotta, is my specialty.”

She loves the U.P., explain ing that it’s her home away from home, and that is where her upcoming wedding will be. Ms. Steger also advises people not to walk around in a Bigfoot costume, “They think Bigfoot lives up there.” In the future Mrs. Steger may pursue a position in administration, but she isn’t sure. In the present, however, she is happy as a teacher at Fondy. “I’m glad I chose Fondy over anywhere else.”

Mrs.Johnson

he said “My hobbies are cooking and teaching, I love watching the Packers, I also like football and playing it with my children who are two boys ages six and nine, I like to do DIY things at home with my family, do creative things, I like anything that is outdoors like high king, I like going to Door County, I like to travel but not too much, I like to take trips like going to Colorado or Montana with

Johnson Morgen is a new teacher at Fond du Lac High School this year but has been teaching since 2012. She started teaching adult classes for just a few years, then she thought she should go back to working in a health center again for just a few years and finally that’s when she thought she should look for something she liked more that would give her more time to adapt

by THATI RODRIGUEZ MARADIAGA

to her position and that’s when she decided to teach at FDL and now she teaches family consumption science, introduction to family consumption science and together with Ms. Schwantes culinary courses.

“Being a teacher...” she said. “It’s something I really like, but there’s something that really disappoints me, it’s like seeing that sometimes I try to help my students improve every day, because sometimes there’s potential in them”.

She graduated from three universities, which were Marquette University with a communication degree and also she took a public relations course , Bellin College with a nursing degree and Grace Elvert University with a Masters degree in nursing.

She has had many different positions in health care in inpatient care and outpatient care like in hospitals clinics. Morguen also worked at a nursing clinic for a few years but felt it was best to go back to teaching as a teacher.

MERRY MELODIES FONDY MUSIC EVENTS

HAPPENING THIS DECEMBER

by GRETCHEN GILHAUS

When you think of the Fondy High music department during the holidays, Night of Silence is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, a number of smaller events involving student and adult groups are also taking place throughout December. This gives students a chance to show off their skills while bringing some holiday cheer to the school and the rest of the community.

On Dec. 7, the band will be marching in the Fond du Lac Christmas Parade. Sophomore percussionist Vicki Dietenberger is especially excited for this event. “The most fun part about that parade is decorating our drums,” she said. “Last year I put like five things of garland on my tenors, and I wrapped up all my sticks and stuff in candy cane patterns.”

Also on Dec. 7, the South Shore Chorale will be performing with a full orchestra and Wempners’ School of Dance at the Fond du Lac High School PAC.

On Dec. 8, Tuba Christmas will return to the PAC. This is a nationwide event, so Christmas concerts specifically for tubas and euphoniums will be held across the country. “It’s a really cool opportunity where just a bunch of tubas and euphonium players go on stage and play Christmas music,” band teacher Opperman said, “They all dress up their instruments and wear crazy sweaters and hats and have a good time.”

More low-key events will also be taking place. The Fondy String Quartet will be performing throughout December at Woodlands Senior Park, while the choir group Cardinal Singers will be caroling throughout the community, including at the different elementary and middle schools.

Theater Director Steve Wilson works behind the scenes on many of these events, including Tuba Christmas. He is well aware of the whirlwind this season will be. “We’re right into set building starting Dec. 28 and then woohoo,” he said. “Off we go in January, and then I get to take a little bit of a well deserved break.”

PHOTO BY GRETCHEN GILHAUS

PHOTO BY FHS BAND FACEBOOK

SLIPPING THROUGH THE CURTAIN

STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING PREFORMANCE OF “MaMM

By CARLEY SCHMITZ

Casting is the backbone of a musical: without the cast, you have no show. At Fond Du Lac High School, auditions for the upcoming musical Mamma Mia took place on Oct. 2930. Theater Director Steve Wilson shares his view on casting.

“ How can we take our cluster of talent commodities and plug them into the proper places that’s going to give us the best cast?”

Auditions

before. “Kids had to be a little bit more independent,” “Schneider created a Google Classroom. It has all the materials, everything the parents need to sign, along with the script, rehearsal calendar. Everybody knows exactly what they’re getting into, and that means there are no walk ons.” The cast list was posted on Sun day, Nov. 3, and includes familiar faces to the theater department.

“Macey Scoresby

Mase said. “I’m really excited about that. She was a supporting character in Seussical that was done last year. Also, Gigi Martin and Vivian Lucas have also been in other musicals and got named roles, so I’m excited about that for them.”

But this musical has also interested theater, including seniors Miranda Mase and Najely Cortes.

“Well, I’ve always loved Mamma Mia,” Najely said. “Even watching it, the musical has always been something I’ve been wanting to do.”

“I would encourage anybody who is reading this article, don’t just audition for one,” Wilson said. “Freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are going to be around for another two, three musicals, audition, because we may do a show that isn’t your favorite, but it will still be really, really fun.”

PHOTO BY BIANCA MCEATHRON

PHOTO BY CARLEY SCHMITZ

NIGHT OF SILENCE

AN OVERVIEW AND THE PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT OF SILENCE CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND HOW IT IMPACTS FONDY

by Addy benzinger

The Fondy music program has been running their annual Night of Silence concert since 2003, and this performance has become so much more than just a cluster of high school students singing and playing Christmas songs. “It’s hard to think about the holiday season without music, and I think that the concert, in and of itself, is just a celebration of the season,” band director Christopher Barnes said.

Night of Silence features the highest choir, orchestra, band and small ensemble groups from the music department. Some rehearse during the school day as a class, while others are extracurricular.

Cory Schneider, choral director at Fondy since 2001, has been involved in the planning of this concert since he suggested the idea in 2001. “I pitched the idea to Mr. Estes who was teaching here at the time, just, ‘I want to try this Christmas concert with no applause and kind of move around the PAC,’ and he’s like ‘sure, lets try it’,” Schneider said.

The behind the scenes preparation for this show typically begins the year prior. “It’s what? Nov. 5? And we’ve already probably put in I’m gonna say 40-50 hours of discussion planning between all of our meetings last year and this year,” Schneider said.

Aside from picking the music for each ensemble, the directors must also coordinate the logistics and movement of the concert while worrying about the students in several groups.

“I think we all understand it’s not going to be perfect for anyone, and we have to make compromises--when it comes to sharing students it usually comes down to instrumentation for us,”

Barnes said. “For example, I have a flute section of three and two of them are in choir, and for pretty much any given song there’s two or three different flute parts. So that was a discussion I had to have with Schneider, like, ‘I need one of them’.”

Planning is centralized on picking the repertoire, finalizing the program, getting it printed, working out transitions, sticking to a 90 minute time-frame and setting up trees and poinsettias. This is all while keeping in mind that each student needs to be aware of their routine for the night. “Going through… what does the concert look like for pretty much every single student,” orchestra and Jazz Ensemble director Jake Opperman said.

All of the planning will come to a head on this year’s opening night, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Families of the student musicians aren’t the only audience members, accompanied by alumni families of the Fondy music program, as well as community members who have made this holiday concert into a tradition. “There’s a grandma and grandpa of a former student, they drive back three and a half hours every year just to see Night of Silence, that’s really powerful,” Schneider said.

“It’s rare that a community rallies behind something that a high school does so uniformly and with such enthusiasm,” Opperman said. Tickets for the concert are currently on sale at hometowntickets.com for $10 and are all reserved seating. With memorization being worked on and rehearsals long underway, the music program is working hard to bring their vision for this year’s Night of Silence to life for the community. “It’s the legacy of our program,” Schneider said.

DRUMROLL, PLEASE!

THE SWaP PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE IS PREPARING FOR NIGHT OF SILENCE

by KATIE VANG

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Night of Silence was held Dec. 13-15, and the FHS music department had spent the previous months preparing. Night of Silence is an annual concert that features Symphonic Winds and Percussion (SWaP), Concert Choir, Bel Canto, Symphonic Orchestra and various smaller groups like the clarinet choir and percussion ensemble.

The percussion ensemble is made up of the seven percussionists from SWaP and performs all three nights that the concert is held. The group received their music piece, Caliente Christmas, on Nov. 5. “I really like it because I get solos, I get the vibraphone part,” sophomore Vicki Dietenberger said.

The piece is chosen by the percussion ensemble members themselves and Scott Elford, a percussion instructor that works with students in the Fond du Lac School District. “For our ensemble specifically, Scott comes in with a bunch of songs, and then we listen to them, then we’ll vote on them,” junior Eleanor Fischer said. “He also picks the parts that we play.”

and is responsible for learning their part in order for the piece to come together as a whole. “They’re all very dedicated musicians, they practice hard, so I think this year will be really cool- they always are really cool, but I’m excited for this year’s piece,” band director Jacob Opperman said.

“They’re all very dedicated musicians, they practice hard, so I think this year will be really cool.” - Jake Opperman

The percussion ensemble was established about 20 years ago, and has been performing at Night of Silence ever since. The group brings a unique air to the concert that other instruments are not able to capture, according to Opperman. “There’s so much diversity, so you really never know what to expect with the percussion ensemble piece, and I think that’s a really cool thing,” he said.

There are many enjoyable aspects of Night of Silence for performers, directors and audience members alike. “I like the vibes, like, the community that we’ve grown,” Dietenberger said. “I think we all like performing as a group.”

The group rehearses once a week to build their skills and understanding of the piece. Their first rehearsal was Wednesday, Nov. 6. “We only had the music for less than a day and no one got a chance to look at it, so we were sight reading it,” Fischer said. “It wasn’t the best, but we got the timings down, and we know what’s going on, we know the plan.”

Each musician in the ensemble has a role unique to them

“I love watching how everybody starts to figure out their role,” Opperman said. “They figure out where they need to be, when and how they need to get there. Then of course the music they have to play, they need to be prepared. So everybody involved in the concert becomes very independent and they take ownership of their performance and their art, and that’s a really cool thing to see all the students mature and grow and put in this hard work together to make this really cool concert happen.”

SYMPHONIC WINDS AND PERCUSSION FINISHES UP REHEARSAL IN THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (KATIE VANG/ CARDINAL COLUMNS)

Culture

SHOE FASHION

WHAT’S THE TOP SHOE THAT WILL BE ON EVERYONES

CHRISTMAS LIST

by AMIJAH REVELS

Shoes will always be the glue for some people’s outfits. There are a lot of shoes that go in and out of fashion. At the end of 2023, Panda Dunks and the Ugg Neumel were the most wanted on everyone’s Christmas lists. There are a lot of different shoes with different styles that have been popular this year that come from many different brands and a range of different prices.

The top three brands of 2024 were Nike, Adida, and Jordans. Their most popular shoes were:

Nike - Air Force 1 ($125)

Adidas - Sambas ($100)

Jordan - Jordan 4s ($100-$300)

Vans also made a popular shoe called the Knu Skool. They are most popular because they have a big tongue. The shoes themselves are not too expensive compared to other shoes; they’re only $75. With social media you always see the next top shoe that people want. The one shoe that is going to be on so many peoples Christmas list is the Ugg Lowmel.

A lot of people like to collect shoes, they go for the hottest shoes at the moment and get them. Some people may go for more of the older pairs, but most try to go for the next top shoe.

Speaking of older shoes, Mr. Herr, an art teacher at Fondy, has 40 pairs of shoes. He said he likes the older shoes better. His favorite pair he said is the Chicago Jordan 1s. He started collecting during high school. The reason why he started collecting was, he said that when he was younger he only would get like 1 pair a year.

At that time he said that his brother was in middle school, and he was in elementary school in the ‘90s, and he remembered that his older brother had some Nike Tiempos, which were like Scottie Pippen shoes, and then he got them passed down to him. Mr. Herr said he likes collecting because he grew up watching Micheal Jordan

“So being a basketball fan and then just liking rap music is part of the culture,” he said.

His most expensive pair was about $400, but now they are around $800. However, he said the most he will spend would be $450.

UGG

NIKE

NIKE

FROSTY GETAWAYS

FONDY STUDENTS PLANS FOR WINTER BREAK

by Chase Collien

With the holiday season coming up, Fondy students have a variety of plans this winter break, from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Most people are just excited to get off school and relax for the week.

Over Christmas break, a lot of people have a variety of plans. Most people like to go hang out with friends and family. “Playing with my band, going to my great grandmother’s house, and finally having some time for my hobbies,” freshman Charlotte Rabe said.

“Hang out with family and open presents,” freshman Jurista Rosenthal said. As for these people, family is what they’re looking forward to.

Some people on the other hand get to go on vacations to places all over the world. “My family and I are going out of the country for a week to ski,” sophomore Lola Edmondson said. “We will most likely be traveling to Switzerland or another country that has lots of skiing opportunities.”

“My plans for winter break are to spend time with my family during the holidays,” senior Lily Yang said. “I also plan on setting goals for myself on what I would want to accomplish for next year.”

Overall a lot of people use the holidays to see their family that they don’t always get to visit.

PHOTO TAKEN BY CHASE COLLIEN

NOT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

UNDERRATED ARTIST NOT KNOWN

ENOUGH TO BE HEARD

yang

Madilyn Mei - “Never the Muse”

Kaden Mackay - “Your Stupid Face”

“It shows through the song a hate to love relationship perfectly and doesn’t show if it’s a straight or gay relationship, which shows the equality in the song.” - Freshman Violet Wondra

Janelle Monae - “Float”

“I love this song; it’s uplifting and powerful and catchy. Perfect for my school playlist for when I even struggle to keep going through my day-to-day activities.” - Senior Rhiane De Groot

Any Current Joys song

“Experimental sound makes it sound original and just the personal connection that I have to their music.” - Freshman Bartleby Will

BoyWithUke - “Gaslight”

“This artist has such a different style of music, where it can’t be described by just one genre. His music is very different from others, whereas he can rap in one song and have the next song be a sad somber song.” - Freshman Emma Kamp

MercyMe - “Even If”

“I like the message behind this artist’s songs and the fact that it’s relatable. I think this artist stands out to me because although it is Christian music, anyone can enjoy it and apply the message to whatever they need at that moment.” - Junior Carissa Bell

Will Wood - “Against the Kitchen Floor”

“This song is just so beautiful and emotional, not to mention catchy. It’s like jazzy and depressing at the same time.” - Junior Kai Abler

Limp Bizkit - “Hold On”

“I like it because it’s on the slower side, and Limp Bizkit’s slower stuff is so very good. I like the beat too.” - Senior McKenna Thome

Wire - “Mr Suit”

“Pink Flag is the best album of all time, even the significance of the title accurately represents the statements made in each individual song.” - Junior Addi Reifsnider

“Madilyn released a song called “Never the Muse” and oh my God I love it so much. It’s like every emotion of wanting, love and admiration put into one song. It’s so good, it’s the want/need of having the person you admire/your muse view you the same way as you view them. My brain is mush when I listen to this cause it’s so good. It’s just wanting to be seen and admired how you see and admire the other. Like, I get everything she’s singing about and it’s a feeling that’s just unexplainable” - Freshman Elizabeth Hinson

Panic! At the Disco - “House of Memories”

“The beat is cool, the song in general is great and fun to sing.” - Sophomore Amorah Brown

Sofia Isella - “The Dll People”

“I personally like the entire album (I Can Be Your Mother) by the same artist. This song is on the album... when I listened to the album I enjoyed that song the most. The main reason why I enjoy the song so much is because of the message and lyrics. The lyrics in the song go so well together... the ambiance makes the song light up with such a powerful message.”- Senior Chloe Peterson by LiLy

The Pharcyde - “Passin’ Me By”

“I like the group because of their lyrical talent. I love the way they flow together so well. If you listened to them the first thing you’d think of would be ‘90s hip hop.” - Sophomore Jalen Jones

Kehlani - “When He´s Not There”

“The beat is really smooth, and Kehlani shows how versatile her voice is.” - Senior Carley Schmitz

Middle Kids - “Mistake”

“The soft instruments make the song feel very nostalgic even though it’s not literally nostalgic.” - Senior Emily Atkinson

Dominic Fike and Kenny - “Phone Numbers”

“It’s calm and Dominic like, all of his music is super chill and a lot of music today isn’t.”- Senior Cole Ramirez

Panic! At the Disco - “House of Memories”

“The beat is cool, the song in general is great and fun to sing.” - Sophomore Amorah Brown

PHOTO BY LILY YANG ON CANVA